Özkan Elmaz

Levels of hormones and cytokines associated with growth in Honamlı and native hair goats

This study was designed to assess alterations of hormone and cytokine levels associated with growth period during puberty in Honamlı goats which were identified as a new goat breed and had one of the highest meat production potential among the other goat breeds in Turkey. Honamlı goats are originated from native hair goats, so parallel studies of sampling and analyzing were conducted also in native hair goats which have moderate meat production. Blood serum samples of Honamlı (n=90) and native hair goats (n=90) were obtained from the pure herds in Korkuteli and Ka districts of Anatolia. Concentrations of growth hormone (GH), myostatin (MSTN), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH), growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP), leptin, transforming growth factor-betal (TGF-β1) and vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) levels were measured by ELISA in each breed in the age groups of 4, 8 and 12 months. The present results indicate interesting correlations among the age groups and all the examined hormone and cytokine parameters exhibited significant (P<0.05 and P<0.001) differences. The parameters investigated were usually begun to increase after 4 months of age in the both breeds and sexes. Therefore, this paper supported the view that the beginning of hormonal alterations of goats could occur at 4th month of age. The results reported here emphasize the primary role played by GH, MSTN, IGF-1, leptin, GHRH, GHRP, TGF-βi and VEGF in the first year growth period of goats.

Current trends in dairy cattle farming in the Mediterranean region of Turkey

This study assesses the current status of dairy cattle farming in Burdur province, an important region for milk production in Turkey. The study involved 677 enterprises and found that the mean number of cattle per farm was 11.3 and the number of milk cows per farm was 5.9. The estimated amount of concentrated feed consumed was 7.0 ± 2.3 kg/cattle/day; forage consumption was 9.1 ± 5.2 kg/cattle/day; the weaning age for calves was 87.4 ± 13.2 days; average milk yield was 18.7 ± 5.0 l/day; average drying-off time was 6.7 ± 0.5 months; and average age of first insemination was 17.0 ± 1.0 months. Of the 677 enterprises studied, 27.2% used free-stall barns, 20.9% used closed free-stall barns, and 51.9% used tie-stall barns. The mean size of tie-stall barns was 78 ± 51 m2. Milking was performed using portable milking machines in most enterprises (93%). Nearly all (96%) enterprises lacked any form-based recording system and received no regular veterinary treatment. This study provides important new survey data on dairy cattle breeding in Turkey.

Turkish Hair Goat, the Main Pillar of Goat Population in Turkey

Turkish Hair goat is a breed dating back to history of Anatolia and integrated with these territories. Turkish Hair goat is regarded not only as a farm animal in Anatolia but also as a piece of the system from which numerous cultural values are originated. In Turkey, Turkish Hair goat is the most raised goat breed, supposing 98.2% of more than 10 million goats. Turkish Hair goats are raised in every part of Anatolian geography and are also identified with extensive breeding. It can maintain its life under mountain, plateau, and plain conditions and in pastures, meadow, forest, brush, and maquis areas. Its enormous ability of adaptation has allowed this goat to live in such wide areas. Both its survival and productivity in an environment where no other farm animals can inhabit indicate its endurance under the harshest conditions. Hair goats displaying multipurpose yield characteristics have been bred by nomadic, seminomadic, and settled breeders. Its milk production is rarely utilized. Milk is generally consumed by kids of these goats. Earnings obtained from selling meat animals (kids and adults) are the main income of breeders. There is no additional feed provided for breeding and animals are completely fed by grazing and browsing in the region of Anatolia. An added value is that Hair goat is able to yield natural products in harsh conditions, which has been reported by many authors.

Honamlı, Newly Registered Special Goat Breed of Turkey

Honamli goat has found a place for itself in the goat breeds of Turkey in the last decade. Although it has unique specifications for both morphological and physiological, the breed used to be counted in the Turkish Hair goats for a long time. Roman nose, crescent-like horns and pendulous tail are the most eye-catcher characters. These goats are generally reared on the Taurus Mountains in Mediterranean region. Breeding these goats is part of culture and heritage. Honamli is a multipurpose breed but usually mentioned for its big body and meat production. Pure and crossed Honamli kids have capacities to grow faster and to get more weights in a shorter time. Milk production and reproduction traits have significant meaning in very limited flocks. Generally, nomad and seminomad people rear this hardy breed in mountainy highlands covered with maquis-shrubland. Honamli can use various areas such as stubble, pasture, shrubs, bushes, and maquis. They are also good grazer and browser near and in the forest areas. The mixed area with pasture and maquis is the best location for them to show their genetic capacity. The last several years were introductory period for Honamli, the development in production traits will be appreciated for in both the literature and sector in the next future.