A Case Study for Production System Analysis of Turkish Angora Goat Farms

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine both the current economic situation and the major characteristics of Angora goat farms. For this study, 100 goat farms were surveyed in the Ankara province, specifically, the Polatli, Gudul, Ayas, Beypazari, and Nallihan district, to examine the role breeding plays in the rural economy. In addition to technical analyses of Angora goat production, some outstanding traits of Angora goats were determined. There were no significant differences among the Polatli, Nallihan, Ayas and Gudul provinces, except for the Beypazari province in terms of goat population (P < 0.05). Over the last twenty years, the number of angora goats has decreased by almost 89%. Total mohair, milk and meat production has slumped because of the decrease in goat numbers. The main income of these farms is obtained from mohair, meat and the sale of live animals. Most of the milk produced from the goats is consumed by the families of the farmers. Concentrated feed is used by the majority of farms when the goats are housed in pens, especially in wintertime. Among farmers, 91% declared the use of concentrated feed throughout the entire year, whereas 9% of them use it only in wintertime.