Osman Biçer

Diet selection by Awassi lambs fed individually in a cafeteria feeding system

Abstract This study was designed to monitor Awassi lambs in a cafeteria feeding system with respect to diet selection and growth in comparison to conventional feeding. Sixteen, 3-month-old male lambs were used and kept individually for 70 days. The main effect was the feeding system (cafeteria and control or conventional). Cafeteria lambs (n=8) were offered the main ingredients (barley, cotton seed meal (CSM), wheat bran and alfalfa straw), while control animals (n=8) were fed a single diet containing 10.3 MJ ME, 161 g crude protein, 95 g crude fiber kg−1 with the same ingredients. Cafeteria animals preferred a lower caloric (10.1 MJ ME kg−1), but a higher nitrogenous (178 g CP kg−1) and fibrous (98 g CF kg−1) diet than control animals (P 0.05). Cafeteria lambs can eat a maximal amount of 446 g CSM or 560 g barley kg−1 according to their stage of growth or fattening. Lambs were different with respect to diet selection patterns. In conclusion, lambs can consume a diet matching their presumed nutritional requirements from feed ingredients and determine their priorities for protein and energy in response to growth and fattening without changing their performance in comparison to single-fed lambs.

Changes in Gross Chemical Compositions of Ewe and Goat Colostrum During Ten Days Postpartum

Abstract Keskin, M., Güler, Z., Gül, S. and Biçer, O. 2007. Changes in gross chemical compositions of ewe and goat colostrum during ten days postpartum. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 25–28. This study was carried out to determine the exact ‘Colostrum producing period’ in Awassi ewes and Shami (Damascus) goats in Hatay province of Turkiye based on changes in gross composition of milk during 10 days post partum. Goats produced high crude protein and fat milk for 3–5 days post partum. Whereas, in ewes it was 3 days. Ewes colostrum was richer in respect to total solids (TS), crude protein (CP), fat, lactose and ash as compared to goats colostrum. It is recommended that first three days milk (colostrum) must be fed to kids/lambs for maximum benefits.