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Copyright of Journal of Veterinary Case Reports is the property of Ataturk University Coordinatorship of Scientific Journals and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study was designed to investigate associations between transfer of passive immunity, selected illnesses (diarrhoea, pneumonia, and fatigue anorexia syndrome-FAS) and growth performance [body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG)] in preweaned lambs. A total of 347 lambs were blood sampled at 24±1 h of age after birth and the serum IgG concentration for each lamb was measured after colostrum intake using a commercial ELISA kit. Lambs were weighed on a scale immediately after birth (before colostrum intake) and reweighed on day 28 (end of neonatal period) and day 84 (age of weaning). Lambs ADG was calculated from 0 to 28 d of life, from 29 to 84d of life, and from 0 to 84 d of life. Growth performance (BW and ADG) of lambs with diarrhoea and FAS in the neonatal period and with pneumonia in the postneonatal period was significantly lower than that of healthy lambs of the same period (P<0.05). BW of lambs with serum IgG concentration at 24th hour after the birth (SIgGC-24)<600 mg/dL and <1000 mg/ml was significantly lower on days 28 and 84 than that of lambs with SIgGC-24 >600 mg/dL and >1000 mg/ml (P<0.001). Similarly, the ADG of lambs with SIgGC-24 <600 mg/dL and <1000 mg/ml was significantly lower on days from 0-28, 29-84 and 0-84 of age than those of lambs with SIgGC-24 >600 mg/dL and >1000 mg/ml (P<0.001). In conclusion, our findings show that low serum IgG concentration in lambs, as well as the presence of pneumonia, diarrhea and FAS, reduces growth performance in pre-weaning lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of Peste des Petits Ruminant (PPR) in sheep herds in different areas in the Iraq - Kirkuk region by using the ELISA test technique. According to clinical findings, the presence of seropositive samples by PPR test kit and ELISA method was revealed in the sera obtained from blood samples of lambs suspected of PPR disease. According to the obtained the test results, 47% of the antibodies against the PPR virus of all lambs used in the study were positive. Presence of PPR antibody was detected as 41.5% in 2-6 month old lambs. The disease was detected at the highest level in April with a rate of 56.50%. As a result, it was revealed that PPR is endemic in the Kirkuk-Iraq region. In conclusion; In the fight against Peste des Petits Ruminant (PPR) disease; It was concluded that in addition to preventive vaccine studies, disinfection systems, quarantine, training of sheep breeders and development of a plan for global disease prevention are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Veterinary Journal is the property of Sivas Cumhuriyet University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this study, it was aimed to compare the neonatal lives of lambs born with induced parturition and lambs born spontaneously. In the comparisons between the two groups, some body development characteristics of the lambs and neonatal follow-up of blood parameters were taken into account. In addition, the prophylactic availability of intraperitoneal glucose supplementation in neonatal lambs and the effect of environmental temperature were another target of the study. The study animal population consisted of 30 ewe (Morkaraman and its cross) and 50 lambs born from these ewes. Five groups were formed as 4 experimentals and 1 control group with 10 lambs in each. Parturitions were induced with corticosteroid injections in experimental groups. Two groups of the experimental groups were also housed in a separate section in which temperature was kept stable between 20 - 24 °C and intraperitoneal glucose administration was performed to those lambs. In the control group, the parturitions were spontaneous. Body temperatures and weight, blood gas and glucose values of all lambs were monitored and recorded on a regular basis. Among the variables that were compared between the groups, only body temperature and blood pO2 pressure were found to be significant (p<0.05). However, this significant difference did not provide an advantage in terms of quality of life compared to lambs in the other groups. All other variables were insignificant between the groups. As a result; it was concluded that induction of parturition with corticosteroid injections on 141 and 145. days did not create a risk for Morkaraman and its cross. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Kocatepe Veterinary Journal / Kocatepe Veteriner Dergisi is the property of Afyon Kocatepe University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Firat Universitesi Saglik Bilimleri Veteriner Dergisi is the property of Firat Universitesiu, Saglik Bilimleri Enstitusu and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Animal Production / Hayvansal Üretim is the property of Hayvansal Uretim (Journal of Animal Production) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Agriculture & Nature / Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi Tarım & Doğa Dergisi is the property of Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam Universitesi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study investigates the modelling of the individual growth curves of Romanov lambs using different equations and the data on the increase in live weight and selects the best model. For this purpose, the live weights of Romanov lambs that were brought to Gürçeşme Village, Niksar, Turkey, from Nikopol, Russia, were recorded from birth to day 180. In the study, the Cubic Spline, Logistic, Gompertz and Richard models were used. For the study, individual growth curves of a total of 278 (178 females, 100 males) lambs were modeled. For the selection of the best model, adjusted determination coefficient (R²adj.), mean square error (MSE), Akaike information criteria (AIC) and Durbin-Watson (DW) values were used. In addition, attention was paid to the parameters and standard errors of the models. The results showed that the mean square error for the male lambs varied from 0.295 to 0.995, while it varied from 0.995 to 2.659 for the female lambs; theR²adj. values were between 0.971 and 0.997 for the male lambs and 0.969 and 0.993 for the female lambs. The AIC values were between -37.12 and 0.094 for the male lambs and -0.196 and 122.12 for the female lambs. The DW values ranged from 1.86 to 2.44 for the female lambs and from 1.02 to 2.79 for the male lambs. Considering the MSE, R²adj., AIC and DW values of the female lambs (0.295±1.195, 0.997±0.002, -37.12±0.001, 2.23±0.49, respectively) and male lambs (0.995±1.021, 0.993±0.001, -122.12±0.05, 2.31±0.19, respectively), the Cubic Spline model was determined to be the best model, while the Richard model was determined to be the worst fitting model both for the female (0.95±5.143, 0.971±0.002, 0.094±0.31, 2.41±0.01) and male (1.85±2.569, 0.969±0.011, -0.196±0.04, 2.79±0.05) lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of sodium bentonite supplementation on fattening performance and some blood parameters in Tuj lambs. In the study, 18 male lambs were divided into 3 groups. While the control group was fed with basal ration, the experimental groups were fed with sodium bentonite supplementation 1% and 2% dose in addition to the basal ration. On the 0th, 15th, and 30th days of the study, there was no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of mean live weights, live weight gain, daily live weight gain, daily feed consumption and feed conversion ratio (P>0.05). On the 45th day of the study, the difference between the groups in terms of live weight gain, daily live weight gain and feed conversion ratio were statistically found significant (P<0.05). The difference between glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH), ceruloplasmin, albumin, total protein and globulin values of Tuj breed lambs were not statistically significant (P>0.05).The use of sodium bentonite in Tuj breed lambs was statistically found significant in terms of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase enzyme activities (CAT) (P <0.05). In conclusion, the use of sodium bentonite in Tuj lambs positively affected fattening performance. When the blood antioxidant parameters were examined, increase in SOD and CAT values was protective against oxidative damage in lambs used sodium bentonite. However, the increase in MDA value has doubted the safety sodium bentonite use in lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of oregano oil (Origanum vulgare) at on fattening performance and blood oxidantantioxidant balance such as glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) catalase (CAT) enzyme activities, malondialdehyde, ceruloplasmin, nitric oxide, albumin, total protein and globulin in post-weaned Tuj breed lambs. The lambs were average 155 days old, and were divided into 3 groups regardless of gender, and in total 18 lambs were used. In the study the control group (C) was fed with basal ration; while the experimental groups were orally fed with oregano oil supplementation as a commercial product in daily doses of 1 mL/lamb/day (T1) and 2 mL/lamb/day (T2), respectively, in addition to the basal ration, via sterile injections. The experiment was maintained for a total of 52 days of which 10 days were adaptation period. In the study, it has been seen in post-weaned Tuj breed lambs that using different doses of oregano oil had no effect on live weight gain, daily live weight gain, daily feed consumption, and feed conversion ratio (P>0.05). In the study, it was determined that the addition of oregano oil to the ration made no significant difference on fattening performance and MDA, GSH, CAT, ceruloplasmin, nitric oxide, albumin, total protein and globulin values of blood oxidant-antioxidant parameters. SOD and GPx values were significantly affected by the addition of oregano oil to the lamb rations at the point of examining the effect on blood oxidant-antioxidant balance (P<0.05). As a result, it has been determined that oregano oil did not affect the performance parameters, it significantly affected the oxidant-antioxidant balance in lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to determine the relationships between some body measurements and fat deposits in the Herik lamb, reared in the central Black Sea Region of Turkey. In this study, data on 20 single-born male Herik lambs, namely 10 with short, round, fat tail, and 10 with long, semi-fat tails, were used. They were finished for an average of 105 days under intensive management after weaning and slaughtered at an average body weight of 40 kg. Several body measurements were taken before slaughter. Carcasses were cut into sections which were separated into meat, bone and fat. Weights of tail, carcass and non-carcass fat were recorded and used in the calculation of the total body fat weight. The highest correlation coefficient was between tail fat weight and the upper tail circumference (r= 0.937, P<0.01), and the lowest was between the fat tail weight and tail length (r=0.059). The upper and lower tail circumferences explained 88% of total variation in the tail weight, and 71% of total variation in total body fat, respectively. In conclusion, lower and upper tail circumference can be used to predict fat tail weight, as well as total body fat, in Herik lambs. More detailed studies are needed for the determination of the relationship between body measurements and fat deposits and to improve the carcass characteristics of Herik lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine bacterial, parasitological and viral agents of diarrhea in lamb and goat kid in Marmara Region of Turkey. The material of this study was consisted of 88 lambs and 26 kids which were younger than 6 months old. A total of 26 Escherchia coli (22.8%), 27 Eimeria spp. (23.7%), 11 Cryptosporidium spp. (9.6%) and 6 Clostridium perfringens (5.3%) were identified from samples. In addition Rotavirus and Pestivirus were detected in 3, 4 of 114 of samples respectively. It was concluded that determining the most common agents that cause diarrhea in young small ruminants in Marmara Region may contribute to therapeutic approaches and prophylactic medicine procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research has been carried out to determine the survival rates of lambs, greasy fleece weight and live weight at parturition of fat-tailed 125 Hamdani ewes under extensive village conditions in Çığlı village of Çukurca province in Hakkari, Turkey. The survival rates (SRs) for lambs were found to be 98.5%, 96.2%, 96.2%, 94.6%, 93.9%, 93.9%, 93.9%, 99.2% and 99.2% for from birth (SR1), from birth to 1th (SR2), from birth to 2th (SR3), from birth to 3th (at weaning) (SR4), from birth to 4th (SR5), from birth to 5th (SR6), from birth to 6th (SR7), from 3th to 5th month (SR8) and from 3th to 6th month (SR9), respectively. The adjusted values related to average greasy fleece weight (GFW) and average live weights at parturition (LWP) of Hamdani ewes were found to be 2.29 ± 0.13 kg and 71.57 ± 1.28 kg, respectively. Significant effect of age and birth type on LWP of ewes were found (P<0.05). As a result, it was determined that SRs of lambs, average GFW and average LWP of Hamdani ewes with this study. Hamdani sheep had a better performance for mentioned traits compared with Turkish native sheep breeds and some certain cross breeds developed recently known in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this report, a four days old lamb was referred to Erciyes University, Pathology Department of Veterinary Medicine with a request of necropsy and reported with died from respiratory distress. At necropsy, it was seen that a portion of the stomach pass into the chest cavity from the 13 cm in length slit of diaphragm and found to compressing the left lobe of the lung. When the herniation brought to the normal position, the side in cleft part of diaphragm muscle was noticed that it was thinner. The left lobe of the lung was collapsed and also the presence of 8-12 cm sizes gray white discoloration was observed on liver. Microscopically, the rupture edges of the diaphragm muscle were composed of fibrous tissue. Atelectasis areas were seen in the lungs due from the stomach pressure and also fatty degeneration of the hepatocytes was observed in liver. This report was defined with results of necropsy and histopathological findings as a congenital diaphragmatic hernia which was the first case report in Turkey because of its rarity in lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to investigate the effect of risk factors such as gender, birth type, parity, dam's health and lambing season associated with passive immunity and birth weight and to also determine interrelationship between passive immunity and birth weight. This study included 301 ewes and 347 lambs born to them on two local Akkaraman crossbred flocks in Kars. Lambs were blood sampled for serum IgG concentration at 24 hours after birth (SlgGC-24) and epidemiological parameters were recorded at birth. Parity, type of birth and gender were significantly associated with birth weight (R²=0.339, P<0.001) on multivariate stepwise regression analysis as single born lambs (PcO.OOl), male (P<0.001) and lambs born to dams previously lambed (P<0.001) were significantly heavier. There was a significant (P<0.001) and positive (R²=0.136) linear relationship between birth weight and passive immunity, but only in ill lambs during the neonatal period. In General Linear Model (GLM), lambs born with low birth weight (<3 kg) had significantly lower SlgGC-24 than those born with medium (>3 to < 4) (P<0.01) or high (>4 kg) (P<0.001) birth weight. Similarly lambs born as a twin and born to unhealthy dams had significantly lower SlgGC-24 (P<0.05). In conclusion, some farm management practices and animal characteristics were associated with birth weight and passive immunity and also birth weight had affect on passive immunity. For a productive and profitable farming, producers should take these variables into account and develop appropriate management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between passive immunity and growth performance in lambs in neonatal and post-neonatal periods. The study also evaluated the effect of gender, type of birth, birth weight and health of lambs, lambing season and dam's age on growth performance. This study included two crossbred Akkaraman flocks (n=301) in Kars, Turkey. The results disclosed that serum IgG concentration determined at 24th of birth (SlgG-24) was significantly associated with growth performance in both periods (P<0.001) but this relationship was poor (R2=0.148 to 0.198). Neonatal growth performance was influenced only by birth weight, health status, SlgG-24 and type of birth (P<0.001, R2=0.527 to 0.721) on multiple stepwise regression analyses. The study also disclosed that post-neonatal growth performance was affected by all variables (P<0.001, R2=0.471 to 0.472).Thisstudy suggested that passive transfer cause a significant amount of variation in growth performance for lambs from birth to 12 weeks of life, a conclusion that has not previously been identified. It also disclosed positive association among growth performance, birth weight, type of birth, gender, health status of lambs, dam's age and lambing season.The growth performance was rendered by dam's age (⩽2 years old), twin lambs, female lambs, winter lambing, illness, and birth weight of ⩽3 kg. These factors should be taken into consideration and dealt with in order to increase growth performance so that which farm productivity and profitability is maintained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out in order to examine the effect of vegetation period on the qualilty of pasture and fattening performance of grazing (May 22 to October 9) Tujhin sheep and lambs reared in Kars region. Animals were weighed and forage samples were taken from pasture fortnightly and analysed for dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF) and ether extract (EE). Chemical composition of pasture samples for DM, OM, CP, CF and EE were determined as 28.31%, 91.14%, 19.35%, 28.92% and 3.20% at the beginning of the study and 74.96%, 92.08%, 3.86%, 43.91% and 1.83% of the end of study, respectively. Daily and total live weight gains through the pasture season were determined for male and female lambs as 181.6 g/day, 164.9 g/day and 25.47, 23.10 kg respectively (P>0.05). Ewes gained 35 g/day daily live weight on average and 4.9 kg total live weight. In conclusion, it was determined that the pasture may meet greatly the nutritional requirements of the sheep and lambs when its green seasons (May 22 to July 31) and the CP content decreased and the DM and CF contents of forage by increasing maturity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effect of grazing and concentrate supplementation on fattening performance, rumen pH, total volatile fatty acids and ammonia nitrogen concentration in lambs were investigated. The effect of vegetation period on nutrient content of the pasture were also determined. Eighteen Tushin lambs, 2-3 months age and weaned were used in experiment. Lambs were divided into three groups with their weight and each group consists of 6 lambs. Concentrate with 18.5% CP and 2.650 kcal/kg ME was fed to lambs in addition to pasture. Six lambs were only grazed (Pasture Group). Six lambs were supplemented 200 g concentrate with the pasture (Pasture + Suppl. I Group) and six lambs were supplemented 400 g concentrate with the pasture (Pasture + Suppl. II Group). Lambs were grazing on the pasture 8 h in a day. Supplementated feeds were given after the grazing and water was supplied two times in a day. The lamb body weight gains were determined monthly. The experiment was lasted three month.s There were no significant effect of grazing and supplementation on body weight of lambs (P>0.05). Daily weight gain of grazing and supplementation groups were determined 153, 161, 183 g respectively. There were no significant differences in rumen fluid pH, TVFA and NH3-N between the grazing or supplementation groups (P>0.05). Dry matter and CF contents of pasture were increased with respect to the vegetation period (31.33-74.89%, 29.08-34.68%), but CP was decreased from 11.01% to 6.25% (P<0.05). As a result, supplementation of concentrate feed to grazing lambs on the pasture were no effect on performance and rumen parameters in lambs. On the other hand there were differences nutrient contents of pasture with vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White muscle disease (WMD) or Nutritional myodegeneration disease (NMD) is a degenerative disease of the cardiac and skeletal muscles. The level of serum activity of Plasma homocysteine (Hcy), cardiac troponin I (cTn I), Nitric oxide (NO) were investigated in lambs with subclinical NMD in this study. Ten healthy lambs and twenty lambs with subclinical NMD were used in this study. The blood samples were firstly taken at the onset of the disease and then 3 and 10 days after treatment in NMD, and taken once control group. The values of serum activity of creatin kinase (CK), aspartate aminotranferase (AST), alanine aminotranferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured with autoanalyzer. Plasma concentration of Hcy, serum cTn I, and levels of NO were determined with ELISA method and value of activity erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) was measured with spectrophotometer. Before treatment, values of plasma Hcy, serum NO, cTn I, AST, ALT, ALP, CK, and LDH in lambs with NMD were higher than those of healthy ones (P<0.001), while GSH-Px activity of lambs with NMD are lower than those of healthy (P<0.001). After ten days of treatment, there were no significant differences between treated lambs with NMD and healthy lambs. Nutritional myodegeneration in lambs is associated with increased levels of Hcy, cTn I, and NO. Increased levels of Hcy, cTn I, and NO may be a result of selenium deficiency causing myocardial disorder in NMD lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine clinical, haematological, biochemical and pathological findings in Sakiz crossbred lambs with Peste des Petits Ruminants, using a competitive enzyme linked immunosorbet assay (c-ELISA). In the study, 12 lambs infected with PPR 4 to 6 months age and different sexes were used. Furthermore, 6 clinically healthy lambs were also used as control group. High fever, anorexia, salivation, pneumonia, diarrhea, erosive or necrotic stomatitis on the mucosae of lips, cheek and tongue, purulent ocular and nasal discharges were observed in infected lambs. In the haematological examination, White blood cell (WBCs), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) parameters were significantly increased, but haemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBCs), peak cell volume (PCV) and platelets (PLT) parameters were decreased in infected group. According to the biochemical examination, serum gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanin aminotransferaz (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) concentrations were significantly higher in infected group compared to those of control group. In the histopathological examinations, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and syncytial cell formation in the lumen of alveoles, in lung and also erosive stomatitis with syncytial cells were seen. Furthermore, nuclear or cytoplasmic virus-associated inclusions were detected both epithelial and syncytial cells. In immunohistochemical examination, virus-associated antigens were found most frequently in the cytoplasm and rarely in the nucleus. Results of the present study indicated that infection with PPR in lambs provide valuable datas about clinical, haematological, biochemical and histopathological findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of bacterial inoculants containing homofermentative lactic acid bacteria (HM LAB) alone or in combination with Lactobacillus buchneri on conservation characteristics of baled triticale-Hungarian vetch silage and performance of Konya merino female lambs were investigated. The herbage was mowed at milk stage of maturity of triticale. Field wilted herbage was treated with LAB additives at 1.0x106 cfu/g and baled. Bales were wrapped with six layers of plastic white stretch-film. At the end of 3 m ensiling, silages made with or without LAB preserved well. Inoculation with HM LAB had little effect on fermentation characteristics of silages. However, silage treated with the HM LAB in combination with Lactobacillus buchneri resulted in silage with a higher (P<0.05) concentration of acetic and propionic acid. These silages did not heat throughout 500 h of monitoring. There were no (P>0.05) treatment effects on any variables measured on the lamb performance. Overall effects of additives on rumen fl uids were relatively small. It is concluded that the use of HM LAB in combination with Lactobacillus buchneri is preferable because the combination of these bacteria could improve aerobic stability of silages via accumulation of acetic and propionic acid without reduced concentration of lactic acid. It is also concluded that elevated acetic and propionic acid in well fermented silages do not depress the dry matter intake of ruminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A female, dystocic, two-headed dead lamb from a 3-year old Sakiz sheep is described. The two faces of the foetus fused at occipital, partly parietal and temporal bones on a single trunk. On each face there were two eyes, one ear and one normally developed oral cavity with only one laryngopharynx and oesophagus. A fl accid, hyperemic, membrane-like tissue protruded from the defective frontal and parietal bones. There were no other skeletal abnormalities but incomplete costal articulation. Microscopic examination of the membranous tissue revealed mostly autolytic neurons. Since diprosopus cases with defective skull development and meningoencephalocele are rare events, this case was evaluated for presentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of fresh, ensiled and dried alfalfa on performance, carcass and organoleptic characteristics of lamb were investigated in this study. For this purpose, a total of 40 Akkaraman lambs at the age of 4 months and averaging 21 kg of body weight were used. All diets were prepared as isonitrogenous and isoenergetic. The alfalfa form using in rations were composed the experimental group. The experimental groups were fed with wheat straw as roughage was Control group (K-Group) or fed with fresh alfalfa as roughage was YT group, ensiled alfalfa was YS group and dried alfalfa was YK group. The highest dry matter intake (P<0.001) and daily weight gain (P<0.01) were found in lambs fed with dried alfalfa (YK group). Feed efficiency ratios in K, YT, YS and YK groups were 5.85, 7.78, 6.21 and 5.91, respectively (P<0.01). The highest hot (P<0.001) and cold (P<0.05) carcass yields were detected in YK group. Smelling parameter was the unique parameter that was determined to be statistically important among all groups (P<0.05), and the other parameters of sensorial analysis were not found statistically important (P>0.05). In conclusion, consumption of dried alfalfa as roughage instead of straw in lambs were improved the dry matter intake, daily weight gain and carcass characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to investigate first age reproduction and growth characteristics of Bandırma-I and Bandırma-II crossbred lambs which have been keeping on Marmara Livestock Research Institute. Bandırma-I and Bandırma-II females were kept to gather in a single flock after 3 month of age. The oestrus detection was performed twice a day (per twelve hours) by using teaser rams. The materials of the study were used 21 head female for first age reproductive traits and for growth characteristics 99 head and 89 head Bandırma-I and Bandırma-II lamb. The results of live weight first oestrus for Bandırma-I and Bandırma-II lambs were 45.30 kg and 47.30 kg, age of first oestrus 317.73 day and 321.330 day, the duration of oestrus 19.42 hour and 21.23 hour the duration of the cycle 16.12 day and 17.07 day, the duration of gestation length 145.74 day and 145.87 day, birth weight (BW) 4.23 kg and 4.12 kg, weaning weight (WWLW) 35.45 kg and 34.27 kg, six mount live weight (SMLW) 46.03 kg and 44.17 kg, yearling live weight (YLW) 47.97 kg and 46.634 kg and average daily live weight gain (ADLG), 0.394 kg and 0.381 kg respectively. The effects of genotype on BW, WW, SMLW, YLW and DLWG were not significant statistically whereas the effects of age of dam, birth type, and sex on growth characteristic were significant (P<0.001). In conclusion, Bandırma-I and Bandırma-II crossbred lambs were similar first age reproduction and growth characteristic of lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to estimate (co) variance components for birth weights of Karacabey Merino lambs. The model fitted included direct genetic, maternal genetic, and direct-maternal genetic covariance and maternal permanent environmental effects. Data and pedigree information of the Karacabey Merino sheep used in this study were collected at the Marmara Animal Breeding Research Institute from 1998 to 2002. Variance components for birth weights were estimated by the MTDFREML. A direct heritability estimate of 0.08 and a maternal heritability estimate of 0.05 were obtained for birth weight. The maternal permanent environmental effect was significant. The estimate of the direct-maternal genetic correlation was found high and negative. In conclusion, maternal effects on birth weight of Karacabey Merino lambs were significant and need to be considered in any selection program undertaken in this breed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White muscle disease (WMD) is a world-wide nutritional disease of all animal species characterised by degeneration of skeletal and cardiac muscles. In the present study we determined the cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in hearts of the lambs with WMD (n = 15). Eight clinically healthy lambs served as control. Creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities were analysed for both groups. cTnI levels were measured by a commercially available ELISA kit. Mean cTnI (10.49 ± 0.25 ng/ml), CK (261.16 ± 38.61 U/l), CK-MB (214.16 ± 12.71 U/l), AST (125.83 ± 1.05), and LDH (228.77 ± 14.86 U/l) concentrations were higher in WMD cases. Immunohistochemistry revealed definitive loss of cTnI expression in all cases. None of the 8 controls showed loss of the cTnI expression. However, iNOS immunoreactivity was augmented in degenerated cardiac myocytes and macrophages infiltrating to the interstitium compared to controls. The results of the study suggested that cTnI antibody might successfully be used as a sensitive test in the diagnosis of myocardial injury. iNOS expression augments in cardiac myocytes in lambs with WMD, most likely through influencing the signalling pathways to iNOS induction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to compare the growth characteristics of Chios, Awassi, Akkaraman, and Dağlıç lambs in relation to milk yield of their dams under the same rearing conditions. Data were collected from 53 lactating ewes and their 77 lambs. Least squares weights of lambs at birth and on days 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, and 120 were found to be 3.1, 6.8, 8.7, 11.1, 13.4, 15.6, 17.2, 19.6, and 21.1 kg for Chios lambs; 4.2, 8.3, 10.9, 13.0, 15.4, 17.8, 22.3, 23.7, and 25.3 kg for Awassi lambs; 3.8, 7.5, 9.8, 12.7, 15.0, 17.2, 21.4, 23.1, and 24.8 kg for Akkaraman lambs; 2.8, 5.4, 7.4, 9.8, 11.5, 13.6, 15.9, 17.8, and 19.1 kg for Dağlıç lambs, respectively. Awassi and Akkaraman lambs were heavier than Chios and Dağlıç lambs in all ages; and differences among the breeds at all different growth periods were significant (P < 0.05). Lambs' sex and type of birth significantly affected the lambs' weights at different ages (P < 0.05). During the rearing period, Awassi and Chios breeds produced more milk (0.912 and 0.837 kg/day) than Akkaraman and Dağlıç (0.492 and 0.374 kg/day) breeds. However, high twin rates in Chios breed result in low lamb growth rates. Significant correlations were determined between dam milk yields and lamb growth rates as well as dam live weights and lamb growth rates (P < 0.05). Our results showed that Awassi and Akkaraman breeds performed better in terms of lamb growth rates. Therefore, they were found to be more suitable for lamb meat production in Central Anatolia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of different slaughter weights on the fattening performance, slaughter and carcass characteristics of male Karayaka lambs at approximately 4 months of age. Thirty-six lambs, the initial liveweights of which were around 26.5 kg, were divided into 3 groups according to slaughter weight [(Group 1: 35 kg, n = 12), (Group 2: 40 kg, n = 12) and (Group 3: 45 kg, n = 12)] at the beginning of the fattening period. The average daily gain was 203.1, 214.5 and 195.0 g/day, feed conversion efficiency was 7.3, 8.6 and 8.8 kg, and the fattening period was 42.00, 64.67 and 95.08 day in Groups 1-3, respectively. There were significant differences among the groups for average feed conversion efficiency, metabolizable energy, crude protein, and the weight of the head, skin, feet, lung, liver, kidney, internal fat, gastro-intestinal tract and testes (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The lean, bone and fat weight, backfat thickness and musculus longissumus dorsi area in the carcass increased with increasing slaughter weight. In conclusion, the optimal slaughter weight is 40 kg for male Karayaka lambs [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The correlations between the bacteriologic agent of lamb pneumonia and its pathologic characters were investigated in this study. Pneumonia was detected in 262 (35.41%) of 740 diseased or dead lambs. Pathogenic bacteria were isolated in 114 cases (14.96% of all lamb deaths and 43.51% of all pneumonias). Lung lesions were histopathologically described as acute-catarrhal (17.56%), catarrhal-purulent (14.50%), purulent-necrotic (9.54%), fibrinous (26.72%), fibrinous-necrotic (5.73%), interstitial (18.32%), or verminous pneumonia (7.63%). In bacteriological studies, Mannheimia haemolytica(56.14%), E. coli(24.56%), and Pasteurella multocida (10.52%) were detected as important bacterial agents that caused different pneumonic lesions in lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of defaunation, and the addition of urea and sulfur in the replacement of plant protein (PP) sources on concentrations of Na, K, Zn and Fe in the ruminal fluid, blood plasma and wool of lambs. Forty male Ramlic lambs, 2.70 ± 0.30 months of age, and weighing approximately 16.44 ± 0.41 kg, were used. Lambs were divided into 4 groups as follows: faunate + control diet (FC), defaunate + control diet (DC), faunate + experimental diet (FE), and defaunate + experimental diet (DE). The control diet contained plant protein as a N source, whereas the experimental diet was supplemented with urea and sulfur, both at 3% of BW per day. The forage portion of the diet was 350 g of alfalfa hay per lamb per day. Diets were fed twice daily in equal amounts. Defaunation, or feeding a diet supplemented with urea and sulfur in place of plant protein sources, had no effect on ruminal fluid Na concentrations but there was an interaction on Na concentration in the rumen fluid. Ruminal K concentration was lower (P < 0.021) in the experimental diet versus the control diet, while it was not affected by defaunation. There was an interaction effect on Zn concentration in rumen fluid. Plasma Na, K and Zn concentrations were not affected by treatments, whereas defaunation significantly decreased (P < 0.048) plasma Fe concentration. Defaunation or N source had no effect on Na, K, Zn and Fe concentrations in wool. We concluded that both defaunation and feeding a diet supplemented with urea and sulfur in place of plant protein sources did not affect blood plasma, except for Fe, and wool Na, K, Zn and Fe concentrations despite differences in their ruminal concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of the present study were to evaluate the growth characteristics of Kývýrcýk sheep and describe non-genetic factors influencing their expression. Data were collected from 6 flocks including a nucleus flock and 5 breeders’ flocks (2 in mountainous and 3 in lowland villages). Flocks raised in extensive conditions were kept in pastures throughout the year. The body weight of ewes at parturition and the birth and weaning weight of lambs were recorded during 2 lambing seasons (1999-2000 and 2000-2001). The least-squares mean of ewe body weight at parturition was 42.2 kg. Lambing season, flock and age of ewe were significant (P < 0.01) sources of variation for body weights of ewes at parturition. Mean birth weight of lambs was 3.56 kg. The means of flock, birth type and sex of lambs for birth weight were significantly different (P < 0.01); however, the effect of lambing season and age of dam on birth weight was not significant. Birth weight was also significantly (P < 0.01) influenced by dam body weight at parturition. Mean weaning weight of lambs weaned at an average age of 66.5 days was 18.5 kg. Weaning weight was influenced significantly by lambing season, flock, sex, birth weight and weaning age (P < 0.01) but not by birth type or age of dam. The results of this study indicated that Kývýrcýk lambs had a good growth rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the pathological findings of non-suppurative encephalomyelitis associated with a Sarcocystis-like protozoan in a 10-month-old ewe lamb showing neurological signs. The encephalomyelitis was characterized by mild to moderate multifocal perivascular mononuclear cell infiltrations, and randomly scattered glial foci, especially more severe in the thalamus, cerebellum, and pons. A few protozoan meronts were observed within the endothelium of small capillaries in the thalamus, and small numbers of mature tissue cysts, similar to muscle sarcocysts, in sections of the cerebrum and pons. All muscle samples of this lamb had also a severe mixed infection with sarcocysts of S. tenella and S. arieticanis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted between January and May 2003 in small-holder sheep farms in Konya. A total of 471 faecal specimens obtained from 1-60 - day-old lambs were examined for the oocysts and coproantigens of Cryptosporidium parvum by Modified Ziehl Neelsen (MZN) staining technique and ELISA. The oocysts and coproantigens of C. parvum were identified in 14 (2.97%) and 43 (9.13%) of the 471 lambs, respectively. The infected lambs examined in the study were asymptomatically infected with C. parvum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the behaviour responses of the crossbred lambs [F2 (German Black-Headed Mutton x Merino) x F1 (Chios x Kývýrcýk)] were compared with the Kývýrcýk lambs in intensive conditions and the effects of genotype, sex and observation period on the behaviours displayed were investigated. The data were collected from 10 (5 male + 5 female) Kývýrcýk and 10 (5 male + 5 female) crossbred lambs, which were weaned at the age of 2-2.5 months. The effect of genotype was found significant on the behaviours of feed consumption (P < 0.01), activities towards the bedding material (P < 0.05), rumination (P < 0.01), lying (P < 0.01), oral stereotypic behaviours (OSB) (P < 0.01) and behaviours towards animal (BTA) (P < 0.01). Behaviours towards other animals and oral stereotypic behaviours in the crossbred lambs were 50% and 27% more than the Kývýrcýk lambs, respectively. Significant differences in terms of the activities towards the bedding material (P < 0.05), rumination (P < 0.01) and lying (P < 0.01) behaviours were determined between the male and female lambs. It was seen that the male lambs were more active in the breeding area. The effects of observation period were found significant on feeding (P < 0.01), drinking (P < 0.01), rumination (P < 0.01), lying (P < 0.01), standing (P < 0.01), oral stereotypic behaviours (P < 0.01) and behaviours towards animals (P < 0.05). Although the crossbred lambs were more superior for fattening program in terms of live weight gains, they showed more abnormal behaviours (OSB and BTA), which are the signs of stress, in the limited breeding area, depend on the lessening of the area by the rise in their live weights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sero-prevalence of contagious ecthyma (orf) in lambs and humans was studied in the Kars region of Turkey. For this purpose, serum samples were collected from 320 lambs from 5 different districts of the Kars region. Serum samples were also collected from 100 humans at risk of infection. The serum samples were tested for the presence of antibodies to orf virus by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that 52.81% and 5% of the serum samples collected from lambs and humans, respectively, were seropositive for orf virus. These results indicate that contagious ecthyma is a prevalent infection in lambs and that humans who are in regular contact with sheep are at risk of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to identify Eimeria species in lambs in Antakya province. For this purpose, 248 samples were collected from 34 randomly selected lamb herds in 6 different towns. In the laboratory examination of samples, 10 different Eimeria species were identified in Antakya province. These species were E. ahsata(11.29%), E. bakuensis(38.70%), E. crandallis(64.91%), E. faurei(11.29%), E. intricata( 9.27%), E. marsica(16.93%), E. ovinoidalis (55.24%), E. pallida (3.62%), E. parva (13.30%), and E. weybridgensis (30.24%). Among these species, E. weybridgensis, E. marsica and the varieties of E. crandallis (small and blue varieties) are reported for the first time in Antakya province. E. gilruthi, E. gonzalezi, E. granulosa and E. punctata were not observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of some factors on litter size fertility and pregnancy period in Morkaraman sheep as well as birth weight and survival rate in Morkaraman, Dorset Down x Morkaraman (F1) crossbreed lambs. In the present study, 151 Morkaraman sheep of different ages, and 110 purebred and 46 crossbreed (Dorset Down x Morkaraman F1) lambs were used as the research material. The effect of the genotype and birth weight on pregnancy period were significant (P < 0.01). However, the effects of birth type, sex of the lamb and age of the sheep were not. The effects of birth type, genotype, sex of the lamb and age of the sheep on birth weight were significant (P < 0.01). The effects of genotype, sex of the lamb and age of the sheep on the number of lambs per gestation were not significant. The effects of birth type on the survival rate of the lambs were significant (P < 0.01); on the other hand, the effects of genotype, sex of the lamb and age of the sheep on survival rate were not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case of cranial duplication (Dicephalus) was described in a newborn lamb. The radiographic and macroscopic examination was performed after the cesarean section. The lamb's heads were not completely separated. A complete nasopharynx, oropharynx, laringopharynx, and normal tongue were present in each head. The lamb died shortly after birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated 30 lambs, 20 naturally infected with coccidia oocysts (infected group) and 10 healthy lambs (control group). Blood samples were collected from both groups for evaluation of ascorbic acid values in plasma and blood cells analysis. Mean plasma ascorbic acid values in the infected group were lower than those in the control group (0.76 ± 0.19 and 2.00 ± 0.58 mg/dl, respectively). A decrease in erythrocyte, haemoglobin and haematocrit values and an increase in leukocyte values were determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]