Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Assistant Professor of Animal nutrition (ruminants), Animal Science Research Department, Agriculture and Natural Resources Research and Education Center of Zanjan, Agriculture Research, Education, and Extension Organization (AREEO), Zanjan, Iran.
2
Associate Professor of Animal Nutrition (ruminants), Animal Production and Reprodution Management Department, Animal Science Research Institute of Iran (ASRI), Agriculture Research, Education, and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran.
3
Professor of Animal Science Depratment , Agriculture Faculty University of Zanjan,
4
َAssociate Professor of Animal Science Depratment , Agriculture Faculty University of Zanjan,
Abstract
Livestock breeders play a significant role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of livestock activities and improving the quantity and quality of livestock production.To improve their performance, providing up-to-date technical and managerial knowledge is essential to create optimal conditions for production. In this regard, conducting educational and extension programs,as one of the key tools for agricultural development and empowering livestock breeders, is of particular importance.The present study was designed and conducted to analyze the effectiveness of educational programs and technical nutritional recommendations for sheep in the development of rural livestock farming systems in Zanjan Province.For this purpose,18 smallholder herds were selected, and after an initial assessment of the existing conditions, technical training courses and workshops on livestock nutrition management were held. At the end of the study, a secondary evaluation of the sheep farming system was conducted.The results showed that the provided training in livestock nutrition had a significant impact. Specifically, fter the implementation of educational and extension programs.100% of the breeders followed nutritional guidelines, including ration formulation based on age, weight, pregnancy stage, and production level. Additionally100% of the breeders adhered to feeding frequency and colostrum consumption practices.Furthermore100% of the breeders positively evaluated the impact of feeding frequency on livestock performance.Statistical analysis of the data revealed that the implementation of these guidelines was statistically significant, with positive effects on livestock nutrition at a90% confidence level (p < 0.083).these results highlight the importance of continuing educational programs and formulating effective supportive policies for the sustainable development of rural livestock farming.
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