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Thiol/Disulphide Homeostasis in the Relationship Between Body Condition Score and Oxidative Stress in Periparturient Period Holstein Heifers
(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2025) Kayar, Tamer; Özkurt, Güzin; Erzurum, Onur; Er, Kübra; Büyükgüngör, Beril; Geçgel, Beyza Nur; Karaburç, Muhammet Nureddin
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of body condition scores (BCSs) on oxidative stress and thiol/disulphide homeostasis (TDH) in Holstein pregnant heifers during the transition period. A total of 36 healthy primiparous heifers in the 7th month of pregnancy, all approaching their first calving, were included in the study. The animals were allocated into three equal groups based on their BCS. The BCS measurements were performed 21 days pre-calving and on the 21st day post-calving. Pre-calving and post-calving serum levels of total thiol (TTL), native thiol (NTL) and disulphide (DSF) were quantified using standard techniques. The study revealed significant differences in BCS, TTL and DSF values among groups both pre- and post-calving (p < 0.05), whereas the changes in NTL values were statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). Overall, a decrease in BCS and NTL levels was observed, accompanied by an increase in TTL and DSF levels. Correlation analysis within groups indicated low-level relationships between changes in BCS and TTL, NTL and DSF levels. Consequently, regression analysis did not yield any statistically significant predictive models. The results showed a differential response between the loss of BCS and the oxidative stress during the periparturient period. The increased DSF levels observed during late pregnancy and early lactation indicate a deficiency in antioxidant substances in the animals. Therefore, supplementing the ration with a premix containing antioxidant substances during the transition period may provide significant benefits in terms of maintaining the BCS balance, animal welfare and herd health.
Exploring the polygenic landscape of wool traits in Turkish Merinos through multi-locus GWAS approaches: middle Anatolian Merino
(Nature Research, 2025) Yaman, Yalçın; Önaldı, A. Taner; Doğan, Şükrü; Kırbaş, Mesut; Behrem, Sedat
This study investigates the genetic underpinnings of wool traits, specifically fibre diameter (FD) and staple length (SL), in Middle Anatolian Merino sheep using multi-locus genome-wide association study (GWAS) approaches. Representing the first attempt to examine these polygenic traits with multi-locus methods, the analysis employed four techniques: mrMLM, FASTmrMLM, FASTmrEMMA, and ISIS EM-BLASSO. A total of 18 Quantitative Trait Nucleotides (QTNs) were identified for FD, with 7 co-detected by multiple methods, and 14 QTNs were identified for SL, with 5 co-detected by multiple methods. Post-hoc power analysis revealed high statistical power for both traits (FD: 0.95, SL: 0.91). Notably, three candidate genes—PTPN3, TCF4, and ZBTB8A—were found to be consistent with prior studies. Gene enrichment and pathway analyses reaffirmed the complex and multifactorial molecular mechanisms governing wool traits. These findings enhance our understanding of the polygenic nature of wool traits, shedding light on the intricate genetic regulation and pinpointing genomic regions potentially influencing wool physiology. By identifying specific QTNs associated with FD and SL, this research provides a foundation for elucidating the genetic mechanisms underlying these economically significant traits. Upon validation in diverse populations, these findings hold substantial promise for the application of marker-assisted selection (MAS) to improve wool traits.
Genetic parameter estimation of preweaning growth traits in Akkaraman sheep
(Springer Science and Business Media B.V., 2024) Arzık, Yunus; Behrem, Sedat; Sakar, Çağrı Melikşah; Ünal, İlker
This study aimed to evaluate (co)variance components and heritability of pre-weaning body weight traits and the Kleiber ratio in Akkaraman sheep. Data collected between 2018 and 2023 from Çankırı province, Türkiye, formed the basis of this research. The considered traits were birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), average pre-weaning daily weight gain (ADWG), and Kleiber ratio (KR). Utilizing animal mixed models and the average information restricted maximum likelihood (AI-REML) procedure, genetic parameters were estimated. Direct heritability estimates were 0.30 ± 0.02, 0.23 ± 0.02, 0.23 ± 0.02, and 0.28 ± 0.03 for BW, WW, ADWG, and KR, respectively. Maternal genetic heritabilities were 0.03 for WW and 0.02 for WW, ADWG, and KR. Direct genetic correlations among pre-weaning growth traits were negative for BW-WW and BW-ADWG and positive for WW-ADWG at -0.05, -0.23, and 0.98, respectively. The moderate direct heritability estimate suggests the presence of genetic variability in the Akkaraman sheep breed, indicating potential genetic progress through selective breeding. Despite the low maternal permanent environmental effects, the significant impact of maternal care on lamb growth in this breed underscores the importance of considering both direct and maternal effects in the genetic evaluation of early growth traits. The observed negative genetic correlations among birth weight, weaning weight, and daily live weight gain until weaning emphasize the need for careful consideration in selection programs for the Akkaraman breed.
Moisture optimization and energy saving effects of combined organic acid and surfactant ınclusion in pelleted feed production
(Turkish Science and Technology Publishing (TURSTEP), 2024) Budak, Duygu; Bilgeçli, Kazım
Öz: The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of inclusion of an organic acid and surfactant (OS) combination on moisture optimization and energy sparing in the production of pelleted compound feeds for dairy and beef cattle. The trial was carried out in two independent private commercial feed factories (factories A and B) producing cattle feed in pellet form. Each factory produced 21 tons of commercial cattle feed (7 batches; 3 tons per batch); factory A, a dairy feed containing 2620 kcal/kg metabolizable energy (ME) with 18.90% crude protein (CP); and factory B, a fattening feed containing 2550 kcal/kg ME with 13.00% CP. Batches for the treatment groups were prepared by adding 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 kg/ton of OS (Fylax flow) respectively to these basal feeds in the mixer. The moisture retention capacity during pelleting process of all three OS supplemented feeds increased in comparison to the basal feed, whilst moisture content of the finished feeds and energy consumed for production decreased significantly. It was observed that increasing the OS supplementation to 1.5 kg could further increase the moisture retention capacity and moisture content in pellet production compared to the feeds supplemented with 0.5 and 1.0 kg OS, due to the lower power rating of the equipment. It has thus been concluded that adding 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 kg of OS to commercial compound feeds for dairy resulted in a profitable production with good moisture optimization and energy savings during pelleting.
Unravelling the genetic architecture of serum biochemical indicators in sheep
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2024) Kızılaslan, Mehmet; Arzık, Yunus; Behrem, Sedat; Yavuz, Esra; White, Stephen N.; Çınar, Mehmet Ulaş
Serum biochemical indicators serve as vital proxies that reflect the physiological state and functions of different organs. The genetic parameters and molecular mechanisms underlying serum biochemical indicators of sheep (Ovis aries) have not been well understood. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to identify the genetic architecture and genomic loci underlying ten serum biochemical indicators in sheep, including alanine transaminase, aspartate transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, cholesterol, glucose, phosphorus, calcium, creatinine, urea and total protein levels. We implemented genetic parameter estimations and GWASs for each trait in 422 Akkaraman lambs. Overall, low to moderate heritability estimates were found in the range of 0.14–0.55. Additionally, low to high genetic correlations were observed among traits. In total, 23 SNP loci were associated with serum biochemical indicators leading to 19 genes. These were SPTA1, MGST2, CACUL1, IGFBP7, PARD3, PHB1, SLC15A5, TRIM35, RGS6, NUP93, CNTNAP2, SLC7A11, B3GALT5, DPP10, HST2ST1, NRP1, LRP1B, MAP3K9 and ENSOARG00020040484.1, as well as LOC101103187, LOC101117162, LOC105611309 and LOC101118029. To our knowledge, these data provide the first associations between SPTA1 and serum cholesterol and between ENSOARG00020040484.1 and serum glucose. The current findings provide a comprehensive inventory of the relationships between serum biochemical parameters, genetic variants and disease-relevant characteristics. This information may facilitate the identification of therapeutic targets and fluid biomarkers and establish a strong framework for comprehending the pathobiology of complex diseases as well as providing targets for sheep genetic improvement programs.
Exploring the economically important growth traits and environmental influences on akkaraman lambs in Ankara
(Sezer ÖZ, 2024) Kızılaslan, Mehmet; Arzık, Yunus; Behrem, Sedat
This study focused on the Akkaraman sheep breed, specifically examining the pre-weaning growth characteristics and Kleiber ratio, within the framework of Türkiye’s National Community-Based Small Ruminant Breeding Program. The research involved Akkaraman lambs born between 2017 and 2021 across 20 farms in the Ankara province. The dataset comprised 19,119 observations, covering key attributes such as birth weight, weaning weight, average daily weight gain, and the Kleiber ratio. Statistical analyses were conducted to identify outliers, assess normality, and develop linear models to explore the impact of environmental factors on the traits. Birth weight was significantly influenced by sex, birth type, birth season, birth year, and flock size. Weaning weight exhibited significant variations based on the same factors, emphasizing the importance of gender, birth type, birth season, birth year, and flock size. Average daily weight gain was notably affected by gender, birth type, birth season, birth year, flock size, and environmental factors, emphasizing their impact on growth. The Kleiber ratio demonstrated significant variations influenced by gender, birth type, birth season, birth year, and flock size. The results highlighted the intricate interplay between environmental factors and pre-weaning growth traits in the Akkaraman sheep breed. The study contributes valuable insights to enhance productivity and underscores the potential of the Akkaraman breed in Türkiye's overall agricultural development, considering its adaptability to arid climates and challenging pasture conditions.
Evaluation of the relationship of some environmental factors and number of inseminations per pregnancy with milk yield in holstein cows
(Sezer ÖZ, 2024) Erzurum, Onur; Kayar, Tamer
In order to investigate the relationship between some environmental factors and the number of artificial inseminations per pregnancy with milk yield, data of 90 healthy Holstein breed dairy cows in a private dairy farm in Karapınar district of Konya province were taken. For the utilization of the data, age, number of artificial inseminations, lactation yield, calving season and sequence of lactation records were taken from the herd management program in the enterprise and analysed. As a result of the analysis, the number of artificial inseminations per pregnancy in 2016 was 1.79 and lactation milk yield was 10079,41 kg; the number of artificial inseminations per pregnancy in 2017 was 2.16 and lactation milk yield was 9767.94 kg. There was a statistically significant relationship between the number of artificial inseminations per pregnancy and milk yield during lactation period in both years. As a result, the increase in the number of artificial inseminations per pregnancy negatively affected the average milk yield of lactation period. Genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a major role in this effect.
The Effects of Pre-weaning and Post-weaning Feeding Periods on Biochemical Parameters in Terms of Metabolic Profile in Dorper and Lacaune Lambs
(Agricultural Research Communication Centre, 2024) Budak, Duygu
This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding on biochemical parameters in terms of metabolic profile in female and male lambs of Dorper and Lacaune breeds at the developmental stages from birth. Methods: A total of 32 singleton newborn Dorper and Lacaune breed lambs (n=8 for each group; male and female) were used. The trial was continued total of 5 nutritional periods each of 21-day after the first two weeks (0-14 days) suckling period. The biochemical parameters determined were paraoxonase 1 (PON1), ischemia modified albumin (IMA), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), aspartat amino transferase (AST), alanin amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Result: PON1 activity of all lambs was found to be low during the suckling period (P?0.001). The highest IMA value was reached in against to the decrease in TP and ALP levels during the weaning period (P?0.001). There was no difference between the groups in terms of PON1, TP, ALB and ALP. Increases were observed in the AST, ALT, IMA and MDA levels of male Dorpers. (P?0.05). It was concluded that adaptation periods to solid feeds may cause oxidative damage or variable metabolic activity in male Dorpers.
Genetic parameters for ewe lifetime productivity traits in Central Anatolian Merino sheep
(Elsevier B.V., 2024) Kızılaslan, Mehmet; Arzık, Yunus; Behrem, Sedat
Rapidly increasing population size, recent breaks in production and supply chains, due to pandemics, and those further expected because of climate change emphasize the compelling importance of animal productivity. Traits associated with the productivity of ewes have a direct impact on the overall productivity, profitability and efficiency of sheep farms. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to estimate the variance components, heritabilities as well as genetic and phenotypic correlations, for traits associated with the lifetime productivity of Central Anatolian Merino ewes. Birth and weaning records of lambs for each ewe as well as environmental factors such as sex and birth type were utilized for deriving ewe lifetime productivity traits. Genetic parameter estimations involved observations from 3101 Central Anatolian Merino ewes, encompassing mean and total lamb birth weight per ewe (MBW and TBW), mean and total lamb weaning weight per ewe (MWW and TWW), and the mean and total number of lambs weaned (MNLW and TNLW). This analysis utilized a pedigree comprising 13229 animals. Average Information Restricted Maximum Likelihood (AIREML) based Animal Linear Mixed Model estimations for the decomposition of (co)variance components were implemented based on pedigree-derived numerator relationship matrix by also accounting for the number of parities as a fixed factor. Low to moderate heritability estimates, ranging between 0.29 and 0.42, were observed for the lifetime productivity traits of the breed. A wide range of genetic and phenotypic correlations (between ?0.56 and 0.99) was observed among the traits of interest. The outcomes of the study are anticipated to significantly enhance the global sheep production systems by uncovering the essential parameters for incorporating ewe's lifetime reproductive performance and productivity into the selection indices. This will also benefit Central Anatolian Merino farmers, who form a large proportion of sheep producers in Turkey.
Effects of nano selenium on some metabolic and rumen parameters in dorper sheep
(Van Yuzuncu Yıl University, 2024) Budak, Duygu
The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of nano selenium (N-Se) supplementation on some metabolik parameters and rumen fermentation in sheep. In the study, twenty female Dorper sheep, average 60.1±0.44 kg of body weight were used and blood samples and rumen fluid were taken at the end of trial. The animals were randomly divided into two trial groups (n=10). The control animals received the basal ration without Se supplementation, containing a native Se content of 0.06 mg/kg DM. The other sheep were fed the same basal ration supplemented with 3 g/head/day N-Se. Trial were 66 days with 10 days of adaptation to feed and 56 days of feeding period. Serum total protein (p=0.514) and albumin (p=0.126) levels did not change by feeding N-Se. Serum T-cholesterol, triglycerides, AST (p=0.001) and ALT (p=0.030) levels were decreased in the N-Se-treated group when compared with the control. Supplementation of N-Se did not effect ruminal pH values (p=0.792), the molar concentration of acetic acid (p=0.133) and butyric acid (p=0.089), but the ammonia concentration (p=0.001) was decreased, and total VFA concentration (p=0.003) was increased. The ratio of acetate to propionate decreased due to the increasing of propionate concentration (p=0.034). The obtained results indicated that N-Se supplementation positively improved ruminal fermentation and metabolic status. It was concluded that N-Se can be used as an alternatively available selenium source in sheep.
The environmental impact on economically significant traits in central anatolian merino sheep
(Hasan ÖNDER, 2024) Arzık, Yunus; Behrem, Sedat; Kızılaslan, Mehmet; Tütenk, Simge; Yıldız, Çağatay
This research delves into the pre-weaning growth and fleece characteristics of the Central Anatolian Merino sheep breed, focusing on Türkiye's National Community-Based Small Ruminant Breeding Program. The study encompasses Central Anatolian Merino lambs born between 2016 and 2021 across 22 farms in Ankara province, amassing a dataset of around 35,344 observations. Economically important traits such as birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), average daily weight gain (ADWG), Kleiber ratio at weaning (KR), fibre diameter, and fibre length (measured in approximately 4,809 observations) were scrutinized. Rigorous statistical analyses, including outlier identification, normality assessment, and the development of linear mixed models, were employed to unravel the impact of environmental factors on these traits. Significant findings emerged, indicating that birth weight, weaning weight, and the Kleiber ratio were substantially influenced by variables such as sex, birth type, birth season, birth year, and flock size. Moreover, average daily weight gain exhibited noteworthy variations attributed to gender, birth type, birth season, birth year, flock size, and other environmental factors, underscoring their collective impact on growth. Fleece traits displayed considerable diversity influenced by gender, birth type, birth season, birth year, and flock size. This study sheds light on the intricate interplay between environmental factors and pre-weaning growth traits within the Central Anatolian Merino sheep breed. Beyond its scientific contributions, this research provides valuable insights aimed at bolstering productivity. The adaptability of the Central Anatolian Merino breed to arid climates and challenging pasture conditions positions it as a key player in Türkiye's broader agricultural development.
Investigation of Structural Characteristics of Central Anatolian Merino Sheep Farms and Effectiveness of the Breeding Project in Ankara Province
(Sezer ÖZ, 2023) Zengin, Yusuf; Behrem, Sedat; Tütenk, Simge; Gül, Sabri
The aim of this study is to determine the general characteristics and management and feeding practices of 33 Central Anatolian Merino sheep farms in Ankara within the scope of the "National Project for Community-based Small Ruminant Breeding" coordinated by General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies. Within the scope of this purpose, a survey consisting of a total of 78 questions was conducted with the farmers. The questionnaire consists of questions about general information about the farmers and farms, herd management, determination of the care and feeding methods of the animals and the effectiveness of the breeding project. At the end of the study, it was determined that 60% of the breeders were between the ages of 41-50, 90.91% of them were primary and secondary school graduates, and all of them kept regular records for herd management. Sheep breeders interviewed that they do supplemental feeding (approximately 34%) before mating and that they are milking by hand. Sheep breeders stated that they gained the habit of keeping records thanks to the breeding project, lamb rearing and breeding selection were made more effectively, so they benefited positively from the project. Furthermore, it was determined that the breeders wanted to stay in the project and wished for the project to continue.
The effects of long-chain fatty acids supplemented to rations during the transition and early lactation periods on reproductive performance in Simmental cattle with low estrus signs
(Elsevier, 2023) Budak, Duygu; Taşdemir, Umut; Avdatek, Fatih
This study is based on the hypothesis that adding rumen bypass unsaturated fatty acids to rations during the transition and early lactation periods will reduce metabolic stress, milk fat synthesis, and milk fat concentration, increase the prevalence of estrus signs and fertilization rates and facilitate the implantation of the embryo. Thus, it was aimed to reveal the effects of calcium soap of long-chain fatty acids (CSFA) added to rations during the transition and early lactation periods in Simmental cattle with low estrus signs. Primiparous and multiparous Simmental cattle were used in the study. The animals were divided into two groups by random sampling, including 62 animals in the CSFA diet group and 44 animals in the basal ration (control; C) group. The modified Ovsynch protocol was used as the synchronization protocol. Pre-ovulatory follicle and uterine tension values were not significantly different between the CSFA and C groups (p>0.05). The rates of both the standing reflex and cervical mucus were greater in the CSFA group than in C (p<0.05). Conception rates on the 30th-35th and 60th-65th days were greater in the CSFA diet group than in C (p<0.05). Consequently, in this study, a positive correlation was identified between the appearance of estrus signs at the time of TAI application and conception outcomes. It was determined that supplementing 800 g/day CSFA to the rations of Simmental cattle with low rates of estrus signs in the transition and early lactation periods increased estrus signs and conception rates.
Fattening Performance and Some Carcass Characteristics of Hereford and Angus Steers Fed a High Roughage
(Veteriner Fakultesi Dergisi, 2023) Kayar, Tamer; Budak, Duygu
This study was carried out to compare the fattening performances, some slaughter and carcass characteristics of 10-month-old Hereford (HER) and Angus (ANG) steers fed a high roughage with the same care and feeding conditions in Türkiye. A total of 40 steers, 20 HER and 20 ANG from the same herd, were selected as homogeneously and randomly divided into two groups. The average body weights of the breeds were determined as 276.85±9.70 and 288.10±9.86 kg, respectively, and the differences between the breeds were insignificant (P>0.050). All animals were fed ad-libitum with two different Total Mixed Rations (TMRs) prepared with a concentrate: roughage ratio of 34:66% during the fattening. In the experiment, fattening feed containing 14.12% crude protein (CP) and 2671 kcal/kg metabolic energy (ME) for the first 300 days and fattening finisher feed containing 14.11% CP and 2717 kcal/kg ME for the last 45 days were used. At the end of the study, which lasted for a total of 345 days, the 1 kg live weight costs of the animals were calculated. Differences were insignificant between the two breeds in terms of body weights, final weights (slaughter weights), total weight gains, daily live weight gains, daily dry matter consumption, feed conversion ratios, hot and cold carcass weights, head weight to carcass ratio and longissimus muscle area (LMA) during fattening (P>0.050). Head and skin weights (P=0.000 and P=0.003) and subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) (P=0.000) were higher in the HER breed. The profit ratio with the cost did not change. It was concluded that both breeds had similar characteristics.
Effects of nano zinc oxide supplementation on metabolic parameters during the transition period in Lacaune ewes
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2023) Budak, Duygu
This study was conducted to determine the influence of nano zinc oxide (N-ZnO) on metabolic parameters in transition periods of the Lacaune ewes. The animals were allocated into two equal groups: the control group (n = 10) and the experimental group (n = 10) supplemented with 20 mg/kg of N-ZnO. Blood samples were collected from all ewes on days ?30, ?15, 0 (parturition), + 15 and +30. A time effect was observed on aspartate aminotransferase which decreased in both groups from day ?30 to day 0 (P ? 0.05). All ewes on day 0 had lower alanine aminotransferase than on day ?30 (P ? 0.001) and day ?15 (P ? 0.05). In both groups, albumin and total protein levels on day ?30, blood urea nitrogen level on day +30 (P ? 0.001), ?-hydroxybutyric acid and non-esterified fatty acid levels on day +15 (P ? 0.05) were higher. Triglycerides on day +30, glucose on days ?15, 0, + 30 were lower (P ? 0.001). Blood calcium was lower (P ? 0.05) and zinc was higher on day +30 (P ? 0.001). In conclusion, there was no significant effect of N-ZnO/kg supplementation during the transition period, but changes in metabolic parameters due to a time effect were observed.
Comparative genomic characterization of indigenous fat-tailed Akkaraman sheep with local and transboundary sheep breeds
(Wiley, 2024) Kızılaslan, Mehmet; Arzık, Yunus; Behrem, Sedat; White, Stephen N.; Çınar, Mehmet Ulaş
The domestic sheep with over 1200 breeds descended from those early domesticated animals that are bred for a variety of resources such as meat, milk and wool. Akkaraman, a fat-tailed indigenous sheep breed of Turkiye, is widespread throughout Central Anatolia, with the largest indigenous sheep population. Assessing the genetic diversity and genomic structure of animal breeds is among the key contributors to deciphering adaptation to environmental extremes and constructing efficient genetic improvement strategies. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the genome of Akkaraman breed against various world-renowned transboundary sheep and indigenous sheep with fat and thin tails. Genetic similarities and differences between those breeds have been displayed by estimating and comparing various genetic diversity indices, linkage disequilibrium (LD) estimates and fixation index (FST), runs of homozygosity (ROH) as well as PCA and neighbour-joining tree analysis. Akkaraman sheep were observed to form a cluster alongside Moghani, Karakas, Tibetan and Cyprus Fat Tail sheep, which are primarily the sole representatives of fat-tailed sheep in the study. This clustering was evident in both the PCA and neighbour-joining tree analysis. The Akkaraman sheep was also observed to have the lowest genomic inbreeding and one of the lowest numbers of ROHs, which might also indicate that the breed has not been exposed to historical intensive selection pressure, inbred mating or a massive population bottleneck that might leave strong marks of genomic homozygosity. The results improve our understanding of the genetic diversity in Akkaraman sheep in comparison with certain mainstream sheep breeds as well as those indigenous breeds from around the world. Additionally, findings will also provide valuable insights to perform further GWAS effectively by considering population structure, diversity and LD patterns observed among the breeds while providing practical knowledge that will contribute to designing efficient and successful genome-based selection programmes for worldwide sheep production systems.
Genome-Wide Scan of Wool Production Traits in Akkaraman Sheep
(MDPI, 2023) Arzık, Yunus; Kızılaslan, Mehmet; Behrem, Sedat; White, Stephen N.; Piel, Lindsay M. W.; Çınar, Mehmet Ulaş
The objective of this study was to uncover the genetic background of wool quality, a production trait, by estimating genomic heritability and implementing GWAS in Akkaraman sheep. The wool characteristics measured included fibre diameter (FD) and staple length (SL) at the age of 8 months and yearling fibre diameter (YFD), yearling staple length (YSL) and yearling greasy fleece weight (YGFW) at 18 months of age. Animals were genotyped using the Axiom 50 K Ovine Genotyping Array. Maximum likelihood estimations of a linear mixed model (LMM) were used to estimate genomic heritability, where GWAS was conducted following a score test of each trait. Genomic heritability estimates for the traits ranged between 0.22 and 0.63, indicating that phenotypes have a moderate range of heritability. One genome- and six chromosome-wide significant SNPs were associated with the wool traits in Akkaraman lambs. Accordingly, TRIM2, MND1, TLR2, RNF175, CEP290, TMTC3, RERE, SLC45A1, SOX2, MORN1, SKI, FAAP20, PRKCZ, GABRD, CFAP74, CALML6 and TMEM52 genes as well as nine uncharacterized regions (LOC101118971, LOC105609137, LOC105603067, LOC101122892, LOC106991694, LOC106991467, LOC106991455, LOC105616534 and LOC105609719) were defined as plausible candidates. The findings of this study shed light on the genetics of wool quality and yield for the Akkaraman breed and suggests targets for breeders during systematic breeding programmes.
The impact of wheat straw and alfalfa additives on quality and in vitro digestibility of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) waste silage
(Elsevier B.V., 2023) Doğan Daş, Besime; Avcı, Mehmet; Denek, Nihat; Kırar, Nurcan; Budak, Duygu; Akar, Eyüp
Seed pumpkin waste is a significant portion of the vast quantities of vegetable waste generated annually, which has the potential to be used as feed for livestock. The disposal of pumpkin waste, which is unsuitable for human consumption, has the potential to reduce conflict between humans and cattle for agricultural land. This study examined the quality, aerobic stability, and in vitro organic matter digestion of silage generated by combining seed pumpkin waste with wheat straw and alfalfa in varying proportions. Methods: The consisted of seven different mixtures of pumpkin seed waste with wheat straw and alfalfa. The mixtures were, control (100% pumpkin), P85S15 (85% pumpkin, 15% wheat straw), P80S20 (80% pumpkin, 20% wheat straw), P75S25 (75% pumpkin, 25% wheat straw), P70S15A15 (70% pumpkin, 15% wheat straw, 15% alfalfa), P60S20A20 (60% pumpkin, 20% wheat straw, 20% alfalfa), and P50S25A25 (50% pumpkin, 25% wheat straw, 25% alfalfa). These mixtures were compressed into 1.5-liter glass jars and then ensiled. The silages were opened after a fermentation period of 60 days. The pH, ammonia nitrogen and volatile fatty acids were determined after the fermentation period. Result: The pH values of the silage mixtures varied between 3.57 and 4.19. Aerobic stability values (CO2 formation) increased with the addition of straw and alfalfa. Fleig score calculations were ranked as ‘good’ and ‘very good’. Conclusion: It is concluded that pumpkin waste, which has high moisture content, can be used as a source of roughage in animal feeding when the silage is made with the additives of wheat straw and alfalfa. The use of pumpkins as silage is of great significance in Turkey, as it serves to reduce environmental pollution and offers an alternative source of ruminant roughage. This may be achieved by making a silage mixture that incorporates pumpkins, wheat straw, and alfalfa.
Economic Evaluation of Mohair Production in Ankara Province
(Hasan ÖNDER, 2023) Arzık, Yunus; Behrem, Sedat; Kızılaslan, Mehmet
Angora goat is the most important goat breed that spread from Central Asia to Anatolia and became a part of Turkish culture. Angora goat, which is thought to have been brought to Anatolia in the 13th century, is intensively raised in the Central Anatolian region, especially in Ankara and its surroundings. In this study, it is aimed to give information about the distribution of the goat population according to Ankara province and its districts, the amount and price of mohair purchase by years, and the fiber quality of Angora goats raised in the region. According to the findings, it has been observed that there is an increase in the number of Angora goats in Ankara parallel with the total number of small ruminants in Türkiye. When the farms that are members of the Ankara Sheep and Goat Breeders' Association are examined, Ankara goat breeding is carried out in almost all districts of Ankara. The number of Ankara Goats, which was approximately 158 thousand in 2012, reached approximately 289 thousand in 2021. Between 2016 and 2021, a total of 48814.00 kg of mohair was obtained from Ankara Goats in Ankara. Furthermore, when mohair prices are analyzed in dollars, it is determined that the highest price was in 2019, and the amount of subsidy given by the State decreased over the years. In terms of literature, we can say that there are not enough new studies on Angora goats and that up-to-date studies are needed. The fact that Ankara is suitable for goat breeding due to its geography and that the importance of goat breeding for those living in rural areas in cultural terms has ensured the continuity of Ankara Goat production. Although the goat population seems to be increasing in the last 10 years, there has been a serious decrease compared to the beginning of the 1900s. Necessary studies should be done properly in order to increase the Angora goat population.
BVDV monitoring by pooling and real time RT-PCR as economical monitoring technique with low BVDV prevalence
(İlker ÇAMKERTEN, 2022) Ün, Hikmet; Gökçe, Mustafa Murat; Ayaz, Oğuz; Şimşek, Suna; Karabulut, Osman
The aim of this study was to determine whether the use of pooled blood samples and real-time RT-PCR are feasible for detecting BVDV in viremic or PI animals. For this purpose, blood samples obtained from 2701 cattle, brought from 62 different farms, were used to test for the presence of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) at the Veterinary Virology Department of Aksaray University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. The sampling was done from all geographical regions in Turkey. Blood samples were pooled in groups of eight, creating a total of 342 pools. Each pool was checked for BVDV with a real-time RT-PCR test. BVDV nucleic acid was detected in 18 (5.26%) of a total of 342 pools. BVDV was detected in 18 of 62 farms. The most important result obtained from this study is that BVDV monitoring by pooling and real time RT-PCR can be done very economically when the disease prevalence is low (<10%). A risk/benefit estimation can be done for breeders who want to start vaccination programs.

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