Turgut Aygün

Effects of Genotype on Testis, Semen Quality, and Mineral Composition of Semen in Various Ram Breeds

This study was carried out on nine 3–5-year-old rams of different species: four Norduz, two Karakas, and three Ile de France × Akkaraman rams. Sperm of each ram was collected by means of an artificial vagina once per month from June to October 2007. In each case, the sperm volume, pH, viscosity, mass activity, motility, concentration, abnormal spermatozoa ratio, and the sperm death/live ratio were recorder along with the animals’ testis diameter and scrotum circumferences. The concentrations of calcium, potassium, copper, magnesium, iron, and zinc levels in seminal plasma were determined. There were changes in the measured parameters according to genotype and time of sampling, which can be useful for better planning of anestrous mating programs for these ram species.

Feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of ram lambs immunized against recombinant LHRH fusion proteins at 10 weeks of age

Body growth, feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of ram lambs (n = 16) immunized against luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) at 10 weeks of age with recombinant LHRH fusion proteins were investigated. Recombinant fusion proteins, ovalbumin–LHRH-7 and thioredoxin–LHRH-7 were produced using recombinant DNA technology. Animals were immunized (n = 8) against LHRH with ovalbumin–LHRH-7 and thioredoxin–LHRH-7 recombinant protein mixture in the Freund’s complete adjuvant. The immunization group received two booster injections 4 and 8 weeks later, with Freund’s incomplete adjuvant. Animals in control group (n = 8) were not treated. Animals were kept at relatively poor pasture until 27 weeks of age. This was followed by a 70 days finishing period that involved housing in groups and ad libitum feeding with concentrate. Carcasses were evaluated after chilling for 24 h at +4 ◦ C. Live weights, finishing weight, weight gain and average daily weight gain were similar between groups (P > 0.05). Carcass measurements, loin eye muscle area and back fat thickness were not affected from immunization. Immunization did not affect hot and cold carcass weights, dressing percentage, offal items and wholesale cuts weights. Immunized animals had smaller testis, chop and bone weights than control animals (P < 0.05). It was concluded that immunological castration could be achieved at 10 weeks of age in ram lambs using new recombinant LHRH fusion proteins and used in finishing programs without adverse effect on growth rate, feedlot performance and carcass characteristics. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of these proteins should be further evaluated with more animals.

Importance of Organization in the East Anatolian Animal Husbandry

Animal potential, suitable natural conditions for animal husbandry and in terms of population of animal breeders in Eastern Anatolia Region have an important place in our country. However, stocks supply, input costs of products are high. Manufacturers are inadequate in terms of quantity and quality of the product to obtain its products live in the issue price and the market, the forces of the lack of competition in the market, the purpose of the event, provided support and resources to benefit from the creation of reasons such as the expected rate of the organization and the organization can be said to be effective in adequately livestock sector in Eastern Anatolia Region. Organization of producers in the region to solve these problems effectively, to solve the problems of animal husbandry techniques, to obtain high quality products by increasing production, marketing, rising standards of living in reaching the level of social and economic well-being, in terms of agro-industrial integration and the creation of agricultural policy in the region will be a very important factor. Provided for this purpose in this study mentioned the importance of organization for the Eastern Anatolia and focused on solutions for the problems.

Some Factors Affecting Milk Production and Post Partum Body Weight of Fat-Tailed Norduz Ewes in Turkey

Abstract Bingöl, M., Aygün, T., Gökdal, Ö. and Yilmaz, A. 2005. Some factors affecting milk production and post partum body weight of fat-tailed Norduz ewes in Turkey. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 27: 125–127. This study was conducted to determine some traits of milk production and post partum body weights of Norduz ewes in Van-Norduz provinces. Overall means for lactation period, lactation milk production and postpartum body weight were 174 days, 178 liters and 58 kg, respectively. Only post partum body weight was affected (P<0.05) by age of ewe or parturition type. The Norduz ewe has been recommended for milk production.