Effect of Farm Size on Sustainability of Beef Cattle Production

• Published in: Journal of sustainable agriculture 2007-11, Vol.31 (1), p.75-87
• Main Authors: Demircan, V, Koknaroglu, H
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: animal transport; beef cattle; carcass characteristics; cultural energy; Cultural energy analysis; energy content; energy intake; farm size; feed concentrates; feed intake; feedlot; feeds; food animals; input output analysis; livestock production; sustainability; sustainable agriculture
• ISSN: 1044-0046; 1540-7578
• DOI: 10.1300/J064v31n01_08

The purpose of this study was to conduct cultural energy analyses of different beef cattle farm sizes in Afyon province in Turkey. Data were obtained by conducting a questionnaire with 100 beef cattle farms selected by stratified random sampling method. Beef cattle farms were divided into three groups according to their sizes and were analyzed. Accordingly farms were assigned as Group I (5-10 cattle, 33 farms), Group II (11-25 cattle, 41 farms) and Group III (> 25 cattle, 26 farms). Cultural energy used for feed for treatments was derived from their corresponding lot feed consumption and their corresponding values from literature. Transportation energy was also included in the analysis. Since the objective of the study was to evaluate cultural energy analysis of the feeding systems, energy that the calves had deposited in their muscle and fat tissue when they were bought was deducted from carcass energy. Total cultural energy expended was highest for Group III and was lowest for Group I (P < 0.05) and Group II was intermediate thus not differing from other groups (P > 0.05). Feed energy constituted more than half of the total cultural energy and was highest for Group III and lowest for Group I (P < 0.05). Energy expended per kg liveweight did not differ among farm groups (P > 0.05). Cultural energy per Mcal protein energy was highest for Group I and was lowest for Group III (P < 0.05) and Group II was intermediate thus not differing from other groups (P > 0.05). The larger the farm size, the lower the energy output ratio defined as kcal input/kcal output (P < 0.05). Results show that to be more sustainable, performance of cattle should be improved and decreasing concentrate level without interfering cattle performance should be sought.