Comparison of Behavior of Gökçeada, Maltese and Turkish Saanen Goats in the Pen at Night
Journal Title: ÇOMÜ Ziraat Fakültesi Dergisi - Year 2016, Vol 4, Issue 2
Abstract
The amount and quality of rest is of great importance for animals that spend a large part of their day in the pen. This study examined the behavior of Gökçeada, Maltese and Turkish Saanen goat genotypes in the pen at night. These three genotypes are normally raised under semi–intensive conditions and graze on pasture during the day. 15 goats from each genotype (total 45), in their 4th or 5th month of gestation, were placed for observation in three separate pens size 35 m2 equipped only with automatic water bowls. Observations lasted for 14 hours over ten nights. The number of animals demonstrating behavioral characteristics was determined by the time sampling method at 10–minute intervals via video recordings. Results revealed that the goats spend a significant portion of their time at rest by lying down (76%). Lying was followed by rumination (12.4%), standing (4.9%), tendency for straw bedding (3.2%), locomotion (2.9%) and interaction (0.6%). The Gökçeada genotype differed from other genotypes by demonstrating lying behavior at a lower level (P≤0.05). A tendency for straw bedding was exhibited by the Turkish Saanen genotype at the highest level and by Gökçeada genotypes at the lowest level (P≤0.05). Turkish Saanen goats, with locomotion at a lower level, and Gökçeada goats with interaction at a higher level, differed from the other genotypes (P≤0.05). The Gökçeada genotype, immediately after being taken to the pen, demonstrated lying and standing at a low level and interaction at a high level. Therefore, it would be more effective in regard to animal welfare and productivity if goats of the Gökçeada genotype were grouped according to factors such as horn, age, and gestation during their rest time in the pen.
Authors and Affiliations
Cemil TÖLÜ, Türker SAVAŞ
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP255521
- DOI -
- Views 124
- Downloads 0
Evaluation of the Biocontrol Potential of Morina persica L. Extract against Ditylenchus dipsaci (Kühn) Filipjev and Some Plant Pathogenic Fungi
In this study, antifungal and nematicidal effects of methanol extracts of Morina persica L. were determined. In antifungal activities, plant extract was evaluated against Alternaria solani (Ell. & Mart.), Fusarium oxyspo...
Soil Erosion in Steep Sweet Cherry Orchard and Anatomical Structure of Sweet Cherry Roots
Lapseki town of Canakkale with available geographical and climate conditions is a significant sweet cherry production center of Turkey. Sweet cherry orchards are commonly established over steep terrains and soil erosion...
A Comparison of Goat Genotypes in Terms of Their Kid Recognition and Suckling Behavior
In mammalian, providing the kid with the colostrums soon after the birth, discriminating one’s own offspring from other offspring, and protecting and raising it are the most important duties of motherhood. This study inv...
General View to Meadow-Rangelands and Forage Crops Cultivation of Aegean Region and Turkey
With the fast increase in the population of the world, important problems emerge in covering the needs of animal-originating nutrients of human beings. In order to obtain meat, milk, egg and similar products in animal hu...
The Effects of Cluster Tip Reduction and Boric Acid Applications on Yield and Yield Components of Tilki Kuyruğu Grape Cultivar
This study was conducted on grownTilki Kuyrugu grape variety (Vitis vinifera L.) in Mersin province in Turkey in 2016 on the cultivar which is 12 years old and grown on their own roots and evaluated as table grape. In th...