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Nutrient deficiency during lactation period negatively affects dams milk production and lamb growth performance. However, the effect of ewe nutrition level on growth rate of Karacabey Merino lambs raised with access to creep feeding is not clear. Therefore to study these effects, a total of 84 single lambed Karacabey Merino ewes (aged 3, 4, 5 years old, 68.05±0.96 kg of live weight (LW); 2.64±0.07 of body condition scores (BCS)), and their lambs (n=84) were divided into two feeding treatment groups: group with 32-35% (energy and protein) nutrient restriction (restricted feeding; RF) and control (control feeding; CF) group according to 100% of nutrient requirements. Lambs had free access to concentrate feed in creep feeding conditions until 96 days of weaning. Lactation milk yield was higher in CF group than RF group (P=0.01). Except for milk fat content (P=0.495), milking characteristics as daily milk yield, protein, lactose, and nonfat solids (NFS) contents of milk were found higher (P≤0.001) in CF group than RF group. Significant interaction was observed between feeding treatment groups (RF and CF) with lamb gender on the daily weight gain (P=0.01) and weaning weight (P=0.036) of the lambs. Male lambs in CF group were heavier than male lambs in RF group (P=0.01) while female lambs in both groups had similar weaning weight (P>0.05). Growth performance of male lambs was negatively affected by restricted nutrition of their dams, while no significant difference was observed in female lambs. Restricted ewe nutrition negatively affects the potential growth rate of suckling lambs in creep feeding condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The metabolic impacts of including soya meal, wheat gluten and corn gluten in the diet of male lambs could influence their reproductive performance. Objectives: An experiment was carried out to assess the effects of corn gluten, wheat gluten and soya meal on the reproductive system of male lambs. Methods: Twenty‐four male Morkaraman lambs, aged 9 months, were utilized in this study and were fed experimental diets for 56 days. The lambs were divided into a control group (soybean meal + safflower meal), a corn group (corn gluten) and a wheat group (wheat gluten). Results: The serum follicle‐stimulating hormone level of the control group was significantly higher and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) level was lower than the wheat and corn gluten groups (p < 0.05). The lowest malondialdehyde level in testicular tissue was observed in the control group, whereas the highest was in the wheat gluten group (p < 0.05). The glutathione level in the control group was significantly higher than in the other groups (p < 0.05). The corn gluten group showed the highest CHOP and IRE1 levels; the lowest Bcl‐2 levels and the highest IL‐1B and P2 × 7R levels were found in the wheat group; and the lowest TNF‐α levels were in the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the study revealed that diet had a significant impact on spermatological parameters of the testis such as diameter, volume and weight (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These results concluded that the inclusion of different protein sources in the diet of reproductive male lambs affects the metabolism of testicular tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.)

Problems such as global warming, climate change, water, and food availability have been some of the most important issues on the world agenda in recent years. For sustainable welfare, the concepts of equality, justice, and rights are indispensable for the ecosystem. At present, the adoption of legal regulations on water scarcity, the right to water, animal welfare, and animal rights as well as the awareness of conscientious responsibility for the individual and wider society has been an important development for the future. With this in mind, this article is aimed at contributing to the objective questioning of the concepts of rights and welfare with their emotional, legal, and scientific aspects by removing our presuppositions about life, and abandoning the distinction between living and non-living things. The study consists of two parts. In the first part, water scarcity and the right to water, and in the second part, evaluations are made in terms of animal welfare and rights. The general acceptance of water consumption as a need rather than a right has turned it into a commodity that can be bought and sold with the use of money. Although there is enough water in the world, the perception of scarcity consciousness arising from the possible inadequacy of the amount of consumable water needs to be re-questioned at the intellectual level by considering it from the perspective of a biological transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: It’s well known that quantity and quality of ruminant meat are affected by genetic and environmental factors. Although feeding strategies are known as the most effective environmental factor on alteration of fatty acid composition as well as meat quality attributes, however, the effect of direct-fed microbial on ruminant’s meat quality has not been investigated. On the other hand, there is no enough information about Markhoz goat meat quality, despite the fact that this breed is one of the main animal protein providers for the residents of the western regions of Iran. This research was conducted to evaluate carcass and meat quality attributes in Markhoz breed and the effects of feeding a commercial multi-strain bacterial probiotic on performance, diet digestibility, meat quality attributes and fatty acid composition of triceps brachii muscle and omental fat. Materials and Methods: Sixteen male Markhoz kids (13.2±1.6 kg live body weight, 3 months old) were used based on a completely randomized design with two treatments and eight replicates. The Primalak probiotic was fed daily in the amount of two grams to each kid in the respective treatment. During 119 days of feeding experimental diet, growth performance of kids were recorded individually. At the end of the experimental period, kids were transferred to metabolic cages and effect of probiotic intake on nutrients digestibility were investigated. Then, all kids were slaughtered and enough samples of triceps brachii muscle and omental fat were collected from the left side of each carcass, vacuum-packed and frozen at −20°C until subsequent determination of meat and fat quality attributes including pH24, proximate composition and fatty acids profile. Percentages of drip loss and water holding capacity were determined immediately on the day after slaughtering. Results and Discussion: Kids growth performance parameters, including average daily feed intake, average daily weight gain, and feed conversion ratio were not affected by feeding the bacterial probiotic. Diet’s chemical components (dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, neutral and acid detergent fibers, and nonfibrous carbohydrates) digestibility showed no significant difference between treatments. Similarly, the quality attributes of triceps brachii muscle, including pH24, drip loss, water holding capacity, and chemical composition showed similar values in both experimental treatments. All mentioned meat quality attributes in Markhoz kids had similar values to the ranges reported for other goat breeds. Kids with access to bacterial probiotic had significantly lower saturated fatty acids, higher monounsaturated fatty acids and greater unsaturated to saturated fatty acids ratio in examined muscle (P<0.05). However, with the exception of lower C15:0 concentration in kids receiving bacterial probiotic (P<0.05), fatty acids profile in omental fat tissue did not change in response to probiotic intake. Conclusion: Results showed that Primalak multi-strain probiotic with the dosage of 2g/d is not an effective additive to make significant changes in diets nutrients digestibility, Markhoz kid’s performance, meat quality attributes and fatty acids profile of different fat tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of the Institute of Science & Technology / Iğdır Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü Dergisi is the property of Igdir University, Institute of Science & Technology 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 COMU Journal of Agriculture Faculty / ÇOMÜ Ziraat Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of Canakkale Onsekiz Mart 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.)

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.)

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of harvesting age at 6, 8, 10, and 12 days and four barley varieties HB-1307, Debark-1, Tila, and local varieties on morphological characteristics, biomass yield, chemical composition, and economic benefits under hydroponics in the Fogera district at Fogera National Rice Research and Training Center of Amhara Region, Ethiopia. The interaction effects of harvesting age and barley variety significantly influenced growth parameters of plant height, shoot length, leaf length, and overall chemical composition (P < 0.05). All morphological characteristics were significantly different (P < 0.01) among harvesting ages, and the stem weight, leaf to stem ratio (LSR), and number of leaves per plant were not significantly influenced (P > 0.05) by the different barley varieties. The highest plant height (21.26 cm) and crude protein (CP) content (21.39%) were obtained from Debark-1 at 12 days of harvesting. The highest fresh fodder biomass yield, 203.50 t/ha, and dry matter (DM) yield, 36.21 t/ha, were obtained at 12 days of harvesting. In the case of harvesting age, all morphological parameters increased with the progress harvesting age, except for the LSR and DM content. The highest net return of 2,923,002.25 ETB/ha was obtained from Debark-1 at the 12 days harvesting age, and the lowest 941,201.13 ETB/ha was obtained for the Tila variety at the six days of harvesting age. From the study, it can be concluded that based on fresh fodder biomass yield, DM yield, CP, and economic benefits, Debark-1 was the recommended barley variety on the 12-day harvesting age, followed by HB-1307, local, and Tila barley varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents: This study investigated the effects of melatonin implants in the female and male animals before the breeding season on the reproductive performance of Tahirova sheep and Turkish Saanen goats. Seventy‐five sheep and 53 goats (including 6 rams and 4 bucks) were used in the research. Melatonin implants (18 mg) were applied to half of the female and male animals, one to female animals and three to male animals. The rate of oestrus was determined as 100% in the melatonin (M) and control (C) groups. The non‐return rate, conception rate and lambing rate were close in both groups of ewes and rams groups (p >.05). The rate of oestrus was 100% in the melatonin and control groups of does and bucks groups in Turkish Saanen goats. The non‐return rate in does was 75.0 ± 9.02% in M group and 92.0 ± 5.53% in C group (p =.0101), the non‐return rate was 83.3 ± 6.92% in group M and 84.2 ± 8.59% in group C for bucks (p =.5570). For ewes, the duration from ram introduction to first oestrus, conception and lambing was significantly lower in group M than in group C (p ≤.05). Litter size of M in ewe and ram groups were 1.70 ± 0.08 and 1.59 ± 0.09, respectively, whereas it was 1.62 ± 0.10 and 1.74 ± 0.10 in C group, respectively. Birth weight significantly differed between ewe groups (p =.0017). For goats, the duration from buck introduction to first oestrus, conception and lambing was similar in the groups of does and bucks (p >.05). Litter size of M in doe and buck groups were 1.57 ± 0.11 and 1.53 ± 0.12, respectively, and 1.46 ± 0.11and 1.50 ± 0.09 in C group, respectively (p >.05). While the live weight and body condition score (BCS) of ewes were significantly affected by melatonin implants (p ≤.05), the live weight and BCS of does were not affected. In conclusion, it might be said that melatonin implants obtained better results for reproduction in Tahirova sheep than Turkish Saanen goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pasture use and management are of importance to ensure the sustainability of pastures and to meet the need for food which increases in the spring in dairy goat husbandry. Some behavioral and performance traits of goats in the types of pasture with different grazing intensities were determined in this study. For this purpose, totally 24 Turkish Saanen goats were followed in 6 pasture plots consisting of natural and wheat pastures of 3 different sizes for 3 months. In the natural pasture where the rates of species of Poaceae, legumes and other families were 67%, 4% and 29%, respectively, the grass yield had values close to those of the wheat pasture in the period corresponding to early April, while it decreased as time passed. It was determined that all of the behavioral traits under consideration varied by type of pasture, plot size, date of observation, and observation period (P≤0.039). The goats in the wheat pasture group displayed 31% fewer grazing behaviors, 50% fewer walking behaviors and 20% fewer lying behaviors than the goats in the natural pasture plots, whereas they displayed 73% more ruminating behaviors and 49% more standing behaviors (P≤0.0001). The behavioral traits significantly varied by plot size, while it was determined that the variation did not display any linear tendency (P=0.0480). The levels of live body weight and milk yield were higher among the goats in the wheat pasture throughout the experiment. It is thought that the wheat pasture is a convenient pasture for the lactating goats which provide the required food by grazing and walking for a shorter period and that it might be useful to reduce the pressure on the natural pasture undergoing the early sprouting period. On the other hand, it turned out that the natural pasture was inadequate for the lactating goats and that natural pasture grazing management should be formed with detailed studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Terra Latinoamericana is the property of Sociedad Mexicana de la Ciencia del Suelo A.C. 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 Turkish Journal of Agricultural Research / Turkiye Tarimsal Arastirmalar Dergisi is the property of Siirt University, Faculty of Agriculture / Siirt Universitesi, Ziraat Fakultesi 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 COMU Journal of Agriculture Faculty / ÇOMÜ Ziraat Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of Canakkale Onsekiz Mart 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.)

Copyright of Yuzuncu Yil Universitesi Journal of Agricultural Sciences (YYU J Agr Sci) is the property of Yuzuncu Yil 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.)

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Agricultural Research / Turkiye Tarimsal Arastirmalar Dergisi is the property of Siirt University, Faculty of Agriculture / Siirt Universitesi, Ziraat Fakultesi 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 aimed to evaluate the performance and the blood biochemical and physiological parameters of Dorper × Santa Ines lambs receiving three levels of metabolizable energy (ME). A completely randomized design with three treatments (ME levels) and eight replicates (lambs) was used. Twenty-four non-castrated male lambs of four months of age and 21.07 ± 3.91 kg body weight (BW) received a diet composed of 40% Tifton 85 hay and 60% concentrate feed, on a dry matter basis. The amount of feed supplied was adjusted to meet 115, 201, and 288 kcal ME per kg of metabolic weight (MW = BW0.75) daily. Average daily gain and the intake of dry matter (g/day and % BW0.75/day), nutrients, and energy increased linearly (P < 0.001) with ME level. The dry matter intake relative to BW (% BW/day) and feed conversion ratio showed quadratic responses (P < 0.05) to ME level. Serum creatinine decreased linearly (P = 0.038), whereas plasma glucose increased linearly (P = 0.045) with ME level. Serum urea presented a high variation (standard error range = ±1.98–6.07 mg/dL) in response to 288 kcal/kg0.75/day of ME supply, and did not stabilize during the trial. Respiratory rate increased linearly (P < 0.001) with ME level at each time of day (morning/afternoon), but with higher intensity in the afternoon. Heart rate and rectal temperature increased linearly (P < 0.001) with ME level. Given that the range of ME level simulated a restricted-to-ad libitum ME intake, the best response in terms of feed efficiency can be obtained with 252 kcal/kg0.75/day of ME supply, which probably reflects the best balance of metabolic and physiological parameters. Thus, in order to achieve high productive performance in tropical environments, feedlot lambs should be fed with high-concentrate diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

THE AIM of this investigation is to evaluate the nutritional quality and productivity of green barley sprouts and spent sprouts (roots and basal medium) cultivated on rice straw rather than using a conventional hydroponic system. To optimize the resulting products, barley was cultivated under a range of CO2 concentrations and in the presence of up to three different microbial inoculants. Barley sprouts both treated with 800ppm CO2 and grown on rice straw in the presence of a consortium of Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus megaterium and Pseudomonas fluorescens showed significantly greatest shoot length (16.4 and 15.33cm), shoot fresh weight (1315.03 and 1217.95g/m2) and dry weight (185.11 and 171.45g/m2) than sprouts subjected to the other treatments when harvested at the first and second cuts, respectively, beside the highest significant protein (21.79%) and lipid (2.14%) levels than sprouts subjected to the other treatments when harvested at the first cut. Spent sprouts subjected to the same treatment showed significantly highest protein (8.95%), and lipid (1.98%) levels, significantly lowest crude fiber (21.93%) and a lowest C/N ratio (31.8). The highest significant spent sprout yield (3302.1 g/m2) was obtained when sprouts were grown in the absence of inoculants and under ambient air conditions. This study demonstrates the possibility of increasing the productivity and nutritive value of barley sprouts by cultivating sprouts on rice straw via different microbial inoculants in combination with elevated CO2. The sprouts produced using this unconventional cultivation method was termed dual bio-barley fodder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid growth of the world's population, limited natural resources and environmental challenges caused by climate change have had brought up global food security to the agenda. Scientific researches and new practices considering sustainable food production and efficient use of natural resources are getting more attention during last decades all around the world. Furthermore, advanced technological applications that enable new agricultural production systems such as vertical farm have been starting to emerge to provide a solution on this issue. Vertical farming which is the method of growing crops in vertically stacked layers under controlled environment is one of the promising techniques to protect environmental resources, provide continuous and sustainable plant production. Applications of vertical farming have already experienced in many countries such as Japan, Singapore, England, USA, Netherlands and the vertical agricultural market is expected to increase by 25% by 2024 to reach 11.4 billion Euro. Plant groups that are widely grown with vertical farming system are mostly; carrot, radish, potato, tomato, pepper, pea, cabbage, spinach, lettuce and strawberries. Although, cereal grain production in the vertical systems is not economically profitable today, considering remarkable increase in demands on forage crops, barley fodder production seems to have great potential for vertical farming systems. The benefits of the system such as less water use (about 90%), no herbicides, pesticides and fertilizer application relative to conventional production would be more pronounced for barley fodder in vertical system comparison to other conventional forage crops production systems. In this review, potential of barley fodder production in vertical farming system was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.)

This study was designed to investigate the effect of kefir consumption as a common dairy fermented product on keep the bodyweight balanced on high fat-fed streptozotocin-induced diabetic wistar rats which fed with a daily kefir gavage dose, also to examine any effects regards the abdominal circumference (AC) and body fat mass; observed results compared to normal male rats; Experiments were carried out on 60 albino male rats, with age 8 weeks, weighing about 220-250 g, after the adaptation period, male rats were divided randomly into two experiments by six groups: experiment included 3 non-diabetic ones and experiment included three STZ induced diabetes groups. The groups were fed as follows: group 1 received a standard diet and served as control. Group 2 was fed on a standard diet and kefir (0.7 ml/animal/day by gavage). Group 3 received a high-fat diet and kefir (0.7 ml/animal/day by gavage). The diabetic males of groups A, B and C were fed on a high-fat diet. Group B received in addition kefir (0.7 ml/animal/day by gavage), while group C was injected additionally with insulin (0.76 UI/200 mg BW/day); all the groups have the access to the drinking water all the time.; the bodyweight of normal and diabetic rat males was determined on 1st treatment day, and every week until the end the experiment plan (5 weeks) then all the groups were sacrificed with measuring the AC and weighting the fat mass; Summarizing it could be said; through all the work plan (5 weeks), all the six animal groups showed a significant increase in the mean body weight with a normal level in experiment unless in group 3 which fed on HFD and kefir, while in experiment II kefir helps the diabetic treated group to not losing weight compared to the untreated one; similarity kefir neither affect AC nor relative fat weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of productivity (high and low) and season (winter vs summer) on venous blood morphology and biochemical parameters was investigated in dairy Lacaune sheep. Thirty-two animals were included in the experiment, divided into 2 groups. It was found out that during the winter, white blood cell counts, red blood cell counts, thrombocytes, haemoglobin content, haematocrit and mean corpuscular haemoglobin increased both in high-productive and low-productive sheep (p < 0.05 -- p < 0.001). Blood liver enzymes (ASAT, gamma glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase) exhibited elevation during the winter (p < 0.05 -- p < 0.01). No seasonal infl uence has been observed with respect to the other assayed haematological (MCH, MCV, MCHC, RDW, MPV, PDW, PCT) and blood biochemical (glucose, creatinine, total cholesterol, triglycerides, Ca, P, total protein, albumins, globulins) parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 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.)

This study was conducted in order to determine the seasonal changes in the forage quality of Kermes Oak under Mediterranean region of Turkey in 2013-2014 years. Leaf samples were taken as 150 number in the middle of each month from the same geographical sides and altitude. The leaf width, leaf length, crude protein (CP) ratio, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), total digestible nutrient (TDN) and relative feed value (RFV) were determined in this research. According to results, the highest leaf width and leaf length were determined on samples taken in July and August. The highest ADF and NDF values were obtained from samples taken in October and November. The samples taken in February, March, April and May had the highest TDN and RFV values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Alinteri Journal of Agriculture Sciences is the property of Ataturk University, Faculty of Agriculture 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 Alinteri Journal of Agriculture Sciences is the property of Ataturk University, Faculty of Agriculture 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 Mediterranean Agricultural Sciences is the property of Akdeniz Universitesi Ziraat Fakultesi 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.)

Extensive sheep and goat farming is common in the rangelands of Gökçeada Island, NW Turkey. The aim of the current study was to investigate the behaviour of indigenous Gökçeada sheep over these rangelands and factors influencing their behavioural characteristics. Grubbing (with chisel ploughing to a depth of 20 cm), burning (the entire top part of plants) and cutting (10-15 cm stalk on the surface of the soil) were carried out on selected rangeland to reduce prickly burnet (Sarcopoterium spinosum (L.) Spach) from the vegetative covering, then forage crop seeds were sown to improve plant cover. Forty head of Gökçeada-bred sheep were placed in eight fenced plots (half seeded, half unseeded) on reclaimed and natural rangeland for 2 years. Sheep behaviour was observed for a period of 1 year. Each plot was arranged with a stocking rate of 2.67 sheep/ha and contained five sheep that grazed freely within each plot. Sheep behaviour was observed diurnally through direct observation by time sampling (10 min) and continuous sampling methods. During the period of 1 year, the observed sheep spent an average of 0.53 of their time grazing in daylight, 0.30 of their time in rangelands on other activities and 0.17 in the paddocks. Significant differences were observed in the time of grazing, resting, locomotion and rumination by season. The highest grazing ratio was noticed in spring while the lowest was in summer. Sheep exhibited walking behaviour 10·6 times/day. The sheep mostly (0·66) grazed on prickly burnet throughout the year although, when available, they tended to prefer herbaceous plants. The behaviour of sheep in the two natural (unreclaimed) plots was significantly different from those placed in other plots, mainly due to the mass of prickly burnet shrub found in the natural plots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous improvement of the genetic potential through breeding studies in poultry has led to an increase in the nutrient density of the feed rations given to these animals. In poultry farming, approximately 70% to 75% of the operating costs constitute feeding costs, of which about 15% are animal proteins. The protein requirement of poultry is provided by feed stuff rations and usually by soy bean meal or fish meal. Limited production opportunities and price increases have led to the need to use alternative feed additives that can be substituted for these products. Research conducted to date suggests that worms, rich in essential amino acids and a high digestible protein source can be used as substitutes. As a source of alternative protein, worms are consumed by their poultry in their natural habitat, while intensive and extensive studies are needed to be used as a sustainable feed additive. In this review, research on the usability of worms as an alternative protein source in poultry diets has been compiled and evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study planned to determine the differences among nutrient composition, in vitro digestibility, energy content, digestible dry matter and organic matter yields of barley forage harvested at three different stages of maturity. Each vegetation period (heading stage, seed formation stage and mature stage) was randomly assigned to 5 replication from 1 square meter area and fifteen samples were harvested in total. DM, ADF (p<0.001), and NDF (p<0.05) contents were different in each stages of barley forage. In vitro dry matter (IVDMD), organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), metabolizable energy (ME), and net energy for lactation (NEL) values of samples were determined to be lower than the other two stages at the mature stage (p<0.05). Yield parameters of barley were significantly affected by vegetation period (p<0.001). It can be concluded that all three vegetation period had significantly higher digestibility. Digestible DM, OM and energy yields were higher when harvested at the mature stage of vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the major uses of soybean crops [Glycine max (L.) Merril] is as silage. However, due to its unpleasant odour and relatively high butyric acid content, soybean silage is not readily preferred by animals. Because it does not have a regular fermentation, easily fermented forage resources are needed to obtain quality silage. To improve the quality of the silage, soybeans can be mixed with an appropriate amount of maize (Zea mays L.). In this study, we examined the quality and properties of maize (M) and soybean (S) silages of different mixtures (100% M, 100% S, 10% S + 90% M, 20% S + 80% M, 30% S + 70% M, 40% S + 60% M, 50% S + 50% M, 60% S + 40% M, 70% S + 30% M, 80% S + 20% M and 90% S + 10% M). For this purpose, each plant species was grown separately, and the maize was harvested when the plants reached the doughy stage. The harvest was performed using a single row maize harvester that chops the plants into 1.5-2 cm pieces. The fresh plant material from each species was then mixed in different proportions and squeezed before being transferred to 1.5 L anaerobic jars (Le Parfait, France). The jars were opened after a 60-day ensiling period. Then, the dry matter rate, pH, silage loss, fleig point, crude protein content, ADF content and NDF content of the silages were determined. The results showed that an increase in soybean rate in the mixture decreased the dry matter rate. Conversely, the silage pH, crude protein content and ADF content increased. Our results suggested that producing quality silage required the soybean material to be mixed with a minimum of 50% maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Agricultural Sciences / Tarim Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI 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 Agricultural Sciences / Tarim Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI 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 Alinteri Journal of Agriculture Sciences is the property of Ataturk University, Faculty of Agriculture 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.)

Silages or ensiled plant parts are important to feed materials for ruminal fermentation and contributed to the feeding of ruminant animals in large share. The current study was conducted to determine the nutritive value of ensiled Amaranthus powellii Wild. (AP) treated with salt and barley. Experimental silages were (1) no supplemented AP forage (control), (2) 1% salt-added AP, (3) 1% salt + 5% barley-added AP, (4) 5% barley-added AP, (5) 1% salt + 7.5% barley-added AP, and (6) 7.5% barley-added AP silages. Silages were analyzed to determine their nutritional contents, physical properties, and microbiota. The DM (g/kg), OM, CP, ADF, NDF, ADL, and ash contents (g/100 g DM) of AP silage were determined as 331.20, 29.84, 12.62, 37.22, 57.72, 42.23, and 3.28, respectively. DM and OM contents were increased by both salt and barley additions while CP and ADF values decreased by these additions (P < 0.01). DDM and RFV values were improved by both salt and barley additions with alone and together usage, reaching the highest levels by 7.5% barley addition (P < 0.01). While salt itself did not affect RFQ, 5%, 7.5% barley, and 1% salt with 5% barley additions decreased this value (P < 0.01), most likely, due to the nutritional content of added barley. The physical properties of AP silage were not affected by any treatment (P > 0.05), except a* and Fleig score (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Salt caused loss natural red coloring in AP silage compared with control silage, while the other additions saved the natural coloring (P < 0.01). Expectedly, all treatments increased lactic acid bacteria count compared with control (P < 0.01). To conclude, AP had the potential to be a good silage with respective to its nutritional contents, feed value, and physical properties with appropriate microbiological status. Salt and barley both can be used to improve the nutritional status of AP silages. Further studies are needed to determine its in vitro digestibility and preference by animals in vivo.

Effects of varied dietary energy densities on immune response and performance of Muzzafarnagari lambs were ascertained in a 180-d study. Animals (n = 24), in three groups, were fed diets providing 100% (100E), 80% (80E) or 70% (70E) of their metabolizable energy requirement. Mean nutrient digestibilities varied significantly among treatments. Nitrogen intake was lower (p< 0.01) in the 70E. Nitrogen retention, was reduced (p<0.001) in 80E and 70E vs 100E. The average daily gain (p<0.001) was 47.01± 4.23, 13.54±1.72 and -16.67±8.24 g for 100E, 80E and 70E, respectively. Hemoglobin concentration, haematocrit, total and differential leukocyte counts were lower (p<0.001) for 80E and 70E than for 100E with a similar trend (p<0.05) for serum glucose and total protein. Serum cortisol was reduced (p<0.001) with decreased energy availability. Antibody titre to Brucella abortus S19 showed an initial reduction in 80E and 70E vs 100E. Delayed-type hypersensitivity response was lower (p<0.001) in 80E and 70E vs 100E, accompanying a lower (p<0.001) nitric oxide production by the peripheral lymphocytes. It is concluded that the reduced dietary energy density significantly affects the growth performance and immune response of lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifty newborn Saanen kids were used to study the effects of inulin supplementation on faecal score, faecal pH, selected faecal bacterial population, BW, body temperature, haematological traits, selected health parameters and the incidence of diarrhoea. Kids were sorted by parity of their dams and multiple birth (twin or triplet) and assigned to one of the two groups (control: CG, and experimental: EG) at birth. Each group consisted of 25 kids. The groups were similar with regard to sex and birth weight. All kids were fed colostrum for the first 3 days after birth, and then the kids in EG were adapted to inulin supplementation by an increased dosage from day 4 to 7. Each kid in EG was supplemented with 0.2 g, 0.3 g, 0.4 g, 0.5 g and 0.6 g inulin on day 4, 5, 6, 7 and from day 8 to 28, respectively, whereas the kids in CG did not receive inulin. Faecal score and faecal bacterial population were not affected by inulin supplementation (P > 0.05). There were differences in faecal pH on day 14 (P = 0.01) and 28 (P<0.05), whereas no difference in faecal pH on day 21 (P > 0.05) was detected between groups. No differences (P > 0.05) in BW and haematological traits were found between groups. Body temperature did not differ on day 14 and 21 (P > 0.05), whereas there was a difference in body temperature on day 28 (P = 0.01) between groups. The numbers of kids with pneumonia and kids treated for pneumonia and diarrhoea were similar for CG and EG. Kid losses during the study were the same for CG and EG. The incidence of diarrhoea was not affected by inulin supplementation (P > 0.05). Inulin supplemented to kids did not adversely affect faecal score. The effect of inulin on faecal pH was not consistent. The results of our study suggested that daily dose (0.6 g) of inulin might not be enough to observe effects of it. Our data will be useful to determine the dose and timing of inulin supplementation in future studies investigating the effects of inulin on the parameters associated with performance and health status in kids and other young ruminants. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Copyright of Journal of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine / Veteriner Fakultesi Dergisi is the property of Uludag Universitesi Veteriner Fakultesi 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.)

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the relationship among the level of feed intake, chewing pattern, and diet digestibility in sheep fed a moderate-concentrate diet. The first experiment was conducted using six male lambs at a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design to evaluate diet digestibility and microbial N synthesis according to the level of intake: ad libitum, or restricted to either 70 or 55% of the ad libitum intake. In the second experiment, fifteen male lambs were housed in individual stalls, in a completely randomized design, and fed one of the three levels of dry matter intake (DMI). Chewing patterns were then evaluated for 24 h using a regular 5-min interval observation technique, two times during the experimental period. Decreasing level of feed intake resulted in increased apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fibre, as well as of the true digestibility of organic matter. Total time spent eating and ruminating decreased with feed restriction. However, lambs fed at restricted levels of intake presented a higher rate of eating (g DMI/min) than those fed ad libitum, and spent more time ruminating each gram of DM (min/g DMI). In conclusion, our results suggest that a more effective chewing during rumination activity can have an important role on feed digestion in animals submitted to feed restriction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]