Morkaraman Sheep Research Articles

Morphometric Investigation of Sexual Dimorphism and Homotypic Variations of Ossicula Auditus in Morkaraman Sheep

In this study, it was aimed to determine the morphometric characteristics of the bones forming the ossicula auditus of Morkaraman sheep and to reveal the differences between sexes and sides. For this purpose, 24 (12 females/12 males) craniums of Morkaraman sheep were used in the study. After the craniums were macerated, the ossicula auditus in the cavum tympani were dissected out and morphometric data were determined by taking linear measurements. Sexually dimorphic structures and homotypic variations of the obtained morphometric data were statistically calculated. It was observed that the bones forming the ossicula auditis were malleus, incus and stapes, respectively, When the morphometric data obtained were analyzed, it was determined that there were statistically dimorphic differences between sexes in the parameters of LH, WHM and LhM (P

Comparative Investigation of Bulbus Oculi in Akkaraman and Morkaraman Sheep

Comparative Investigation of Bulbus Oculi in Akkaraman and Morkaraman Sheep

Examination of Mandible in Morkaraman Sheep Using Geometric Morphometry Method

The aim of this study is to examine and analyze the mandible of Morkaraman sheep without any skeletal disorders using the geometric morphometric method. For this purpose, a total of 14 mandibles from male and female individuals were used in the study. The main components in multidimensional data sets were determined with Principal Component Analysis, used within the scope of the geometric morphometry method, and the differences between the samples were determined with Discriminant Function Analysis. Statistical and formal analyzes of these variances were also performed. A total of 12 principal components were obtained with 12 punctuations selected on a total of 14 mandibular (7 female, 7 male) images. Among these principal components, the first principal component (PC1) alone accounted for 30.409% of the total variation. The second principal component (PC2) alone accounted for 22.265% of the total variation, and the third principal component (PC3) alone accounted for 14.893% of the total variation. The first three of the variances obtained explained 67,567 of the shape differences. Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA) was used to objectively evaluate gender differences. In the discriminant function analysis, the p value was above 0.05 (p = 0.7). Although there was a complete separation between genders formally and statistically, no significant p value was obtained. In line with these analyses, information was obtained about the anatomical features and adaptations of the Morkaraman sheep mandible, which is one of the important economic resources of our country and is bred in a wide area, and it has become an exemplary study in this field.

Effect of Some Immunomodulators Use Together with PPR Vaccine on Immune system in Morkaraman Sheep

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of vitamin C (Vit-C), vitamin D (Vit-D), levamisole (LMS), inactivated parapoxvirus ovis (iPPVO) and corynebacterium cutis lysate (CCL) on the immune system in Morkaraman sheep on which the peste des petitis ruminant (PPR) vaccine was administered. In the Group B (Vit-D + PPR vaccine), in terms of IgG, when compared 0th, 14th, 21st and 28th, the values of the day 7th were determined to be significantly higher (P<0.01). In comparison to overall evaluation based on groups of IgG assay, the Group C (LMS + PPR vaccine) value was determined to be significantly higher than the Group F (PPR vaccine), Group A (Vit-C + PPR vaccine), Group B and Group D (iPPVO + PPR vaccine) values (P<0.01). In terms of IgM, when days among groups are compared, the highest value was determined on the 7th day in the Group A and this value was determined to be significant according to the 7th day Group F, Group E (CCL + PPR vaccine) and Group D values (P<0.01). The application of LMS at the stated dose had positive effects on the immune system due to changes in both IgM and IgG values, and Vit-C application at the stated dose had a partially positive effect only due to changes in IgM value; the administration of Vit-D, iPPVO and CCL at the stated doses did not have any positive effect on the immune system.

Investigation of ischemia-modified albumin and thiol/disulfide homeostasis for the determination of oxidative stress in sheep with toxoplasmosis

In this study, the aim was to investigate the thiol/disulfide homeostasis (TDH) parameters and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) (ABSU) levels to determine oxidative stress in sheep with toxoplasmosis. Twenty-four Morkaraman sheep used in this study were allocated into two groups, one control group and one experimental group. Each group included 12 sheep. Blood samples were taken from all sheep only once and blood serum levels of albumin (ALB) (g/L), IMA (ABSU), native thiol (NT) (μmol/L), total thiol (TT) (μmol/L), disulfide (Ds) (μmol/L), Ds/NT, Ds/TT, NT/TT were investigated. Our results showed that the IMA (ABSU) levels of toxoplasma group were significantly higher than control group (p < 0.05). However, NT (μmol/L) and TT (μmol/L) level of toxoplasma group were significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.05). While the oxidant and antioxidant parameters were positively correlated within themselves, a negative correlation was determined between the antioxidant and oxidant parameters. In the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis, the area under the ROC curve (AUC), sensitivity, cut off and specificity values were determined for IMA (ABSU) values. These values were determined as 0.812, 1.24, 91.7% and 75.0%, respectively. For TT (μmol/L), these values were obtained as 0.750, 330.55, 75.0% and 66.7%. It was concluded that oxidative stress is intensely formed in sheep with toxoplasmosis, thiol-disulphide homestasis markers, and IMA (ABSU) are valuable markers in determining oxidative stress in toxoplasmosis.

Determinatıon of the MSTN/HaeIII gene polymorphism in indigenous Morkaraman sheep

The aim of this study was to examine the polymorphic structures of the Myostatin (MSTN) gene locus in the native Morkaraman sheep, and to determine the distribution of genotype and allele frequencies. MSTN/HaeIII gene polymorphisms were identified in DNA isolated from blood samples from 262 Morkaraman sheep used in the study, using the PCR-RFLP method. According to the Hardy-Weinberg genetic balance test, it was observed that the distribution of genotype frequencies was not in balance (P&lt;0.01) in the population studied. The MM, Mm and mm genotype frequencies of the MSTN gene in the population were determined as 11.1%, 62.6% and 26.3%, respectively, the frequencies of the M and m allele was 0.42 and 0.58 respectively. Observed heterozygosity (Ho) calculated for MSTN in the whole population was significantly higher than expected heterozygosity (He) values. Observed heterozygosity (Ho) calculated for MSTN in the whole population was significantly higher than expected heterozygosity (He) values.While the FIS value was found as -0.312, the FIT value was determined as -0.303. The genotype and allele frequencies determined in terms of MSTN gene polymorphism were sufficient to reveal the genotype diversity of the breed.

The Effect of Vitamin E-Trace Mineral Treatments on Reproductive Performance in Morkaraman Sheep During the Breeding Season

The Effect of Vitamin E-Trace Mineral Treatments on Reproductive Performance in Morkaraman Sheep During the Breeding Season

Anatomical and histological structures of eye and lacrimal gland in Norduz andMorkaraman sheep

The current study was conducted to determine the morphological, morphometric, and histological characteristics of bulbus oculi and lacrimal gland in sheep. For this purpose, 28 pairs (n = 7 males and n = 7 females) of bulbus oculi from Morkaraman and (n = 7 males and n = 7 females) Norduz sheep were analyzed. The bulbus oculi in the skulls were dissected from the orbit and removed. The morphometric data such as distance between endpoints of the dissected bulbus oculi in temporal, nasal, and dorsal directions, the length between endpoints of the pupil in dorsal and ventral directions, and as well as in temporal and nasal directions were measured with a digital caliper. For histological analyses, the eye tissues of Norduz and Morkaraman sheep were fixed in 10% formaldehyde solution. Then, the tissues were blocked by paraffin via passing them through the routine histological tissue follow-up solutions. Dissections in 6-μm thickness were made from the blocks. To evaluate the tissues histologically, tissue sections were stained with Crossmann's modified triple staining technique (triple staining). The mean values and standard deviations of the acquired data and the correlation coefficients among these characters were evaluated by the SPSS 22 program. The dorso-ventral diameter of bulbus oculi (BDV) was measured as an average of 25 ± 0.95 and 26.67 ± 3.19 mm in female and male Norduz sheep, respectively. Similarly, the BDV diameter in Morkaraman sheep was measured as 26.19 ± 1.04 mm in females and 26.41 ± 0.92 mm in males. As a result of analysis between genders in Norduz sheep, the BDV diameter, medio-lateral diameter of cornea (CML), dorso-ventral diameter of pupil (PDV), and dorso-ventral diameter of lens (LDVÇ) were identified statistically significant (p < 0.05). However, the results of the gender analysis in Morkaraman sheep demonstrated that none of the parameters were statistically significant (p > 0.05). The eye layers, the tunica fibrosa bulbi, tunica vasculosa bulbi, and tunica interna bulbi of both male and female Morkaraman and Norduz sheep were studied through the microscopic analysis. It was specified that both sheep species and both genders had a very wide tapetum fibrosum structure in the choroid of eye structures. It was also determined that the lacrimal gland had a seromucous characteristic and a tubuloacinar structure.

A Comparative Study of the Nonlinear Methods for Estimating Body Weight Based on Body Measurements in Diff erent Sample Sizes in Morkaraman Sheep

A Comparative Study of the Nonlinear Methods for Estimating Body Weight Based on Body Measurements in Diff erent Sample Sizes in Morkaraman Sheep

ESTİMATİON OF GENETİC AND ENVİRONMENTAL PARAMETERS AFFECTİNG PRODUCTİVİTY İN MORKARAMAN SHEEP AND ECONOMİC EVALUATİON OF PARAMETERS

This study was carried out to protect the continuity of productivity in morkaraman sheep raised in Turkey and determine their economic importance. Morkaraman sheep are concentrated in the Eastern Regions of the country. The province of Bingöl, where the study was conducted, is located in this region and has an important morkaraman population. The study was carried out between 2008-2018. Sixty-eight morkaraman sheep were used during the study period out of 317 lambing lambs. In the study, the total number of lambs born per sheep (TNLBS), the number of weaned lambs (NWL), the weights of the lambs weaned per sheep (WLWS) and the total weight of the lambs weaned in the first period (TWLWFP) were determined. In addition, Additive genetic variance, Error variance, Phenotypic variance, Heritability and Ratio of error variation were determined for these variables. As a result, the correlation between the examined variables was significant and positive, except for the relationship between TNLBS and TWLWFP. The relationship between these two variables was significant but negative. Significant changes were also observed in terms of genetic parameters. It was concluded that the economic aspects of the examined variables should not be ignored in terms of sustainability. Keywords: Sheep, morkaraman, sustainability, genotypic and phenotypic variance.

A SİMULATİON STUDY TO DETERMİNE THE RESPONSE OF MORKARAMAN SHEEP RAİSED İN CENTRAL AND EASTERN ANATOLİAN TO CHANGİNG CLİMATE CONDİTİONS

Climate change has begun to affect the whole world seriously. If necessary and sufficient measures are not taken, it seems possible that much bigger disasters will occur in the future. The agricultural sector, which forms the basis of food production, is affected the most and rapidly by this change. Significant decreases have been observed in plant and animal production. Our primary purpose is to determine the reproductive potential of animals and the amount of resistance to climate change and evaluate the economic situation. The study was carried out within ten years, covering 2009-2019. In this study, morkaraman sheep bred in the province of Kırşehir in the Central Anatolian Region and the province of Bingöl in the Eastern Anatolia Region is considered material in Turkey. In order to obtain the data used, a total of 296 sheep, 145 sheep in the Eastern Anatolia Region and 151 sheep in the Central Anatolia Region, were evaluated. The simulation study was carried out using the polygenic model. The variables examined are as follows; Lactation time (days), Average daily milk yield (ml), Daily amount of feed consumed for 1 kg live weight (kg), Yield (%), Incidence of Mastitis, Daily oil yield (g/day), Daily protein yield ( g/day), Fertility (%), Fertility time (productivity) (Days), Change in milk yield for each degree above 22 °C and Protein change for each degree above 22 °C (g/°C /day). As a result, in a one-degree increase in temperature, the highest negative effect is seen in the average daily milk yield and lactation period. Fertility and the amount of feed consumed per kg of weight had the lowest value. The preliminary work to be done with the work is that the selection of animals that are resistant/tolerant to climate change should be made. Keywords: Genotypic effects, climatic change, morkaraman sheep, simulation, sustainability.

Molecular Phylogenetic Analysis Of Morkaraman Sheeps In Bingol Region

In the present study, we report mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis of the Morkaraman ewe, (Ovis aries) was investigated. In domestic sheep, the 16S rRNA gene is ca 1574 bp in length. Partial fragment of 536 bp 16S rRNA gene of mtDNA was amplified by using designed primers from published data of Sheep sequences derived from National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) web server (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/NC_001941.1). Homology of the sequences obtained from the present work were performed by using BLAST program at NCBI. Obtained 16S rRNA gene sequences were submited to the GenBank database with accession numbers, KU686952.1, KU686953.1, KU686954.1, KU686955.1, KU686956.1, KU686957.1, KU686958.1, KU686959.1, KU686960.1, KU686961.1 and KU686962.1, respectively. According to nucleotide differences of mtDNA 16S rRNA gene region 10 polymorphic regions and 8 haplotypes were detected in Turkish domestic sheep Morkaraman (n=11). The nucleotide composition averages of all the sequences was 32.1% Adenine (A), 24.2% Thymine (T), 22.2% Cytosine (C) and 21.5% Guanine (G); G+C was 43.7%. DNA polymorphism based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, haplotype diversity (Hd) and nucleotide diversity (π) were found to be 0,9273±0,00442, and 0,00427±0,00125, respectively. Based on gene sequences information, in sheeps, mtDNA haplotypes, the phylogenetic relationship among mtDNA polymorphism, haplotypes and relationship between native sheep breeds and foreign sheep breeds were determined and discussed. Thus, sequence analysis of mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene can be used as a tool for phylogenetic analysis of Morkaraman sheep.

Recommended sheep husbandry model and body weights of Morkaraman lambs in Muş province*

This research was carried out in order to determine some reproductive traits, the birth and the weaning weight and daily live weight gain of Morkaraman sheep in different farms of Mus province. The data used in this study was one year data of 2019 year obtained from a total of 28 sheep farms in Mus province. The mean for birth weight and 90th day weaning weight were calculated as 3.79±0.01 and 29.30±0.10 kg. The average daily live weight gain of lambs was found 272.8±0.01 g between birth and 90th day. Means for some reproductive traits as lambing rate, infertility rate, survival rate at 90th day weaaning, fecundity, and litter size were found as 92.2%, 7.8%, 97%, 1.11, and 1.21, respectively. Effect of birth type and dam age on birth and weaning weight and daily live weight gain was found to be statistically significant (p<0.001). Effect of gender on birth (p<0.001) and weaning weight (p<0.05) was found to be statistically significant. The results of this research have shown that source of variation observed for birth and weaning weight in Morkaraman sheep may be the genetic and the environmental. As a result, it has been recommended to perform the improvement studies in mutton production from Morkaraman sheep and growth features can be used as a breeding criterion to improve meat yield.

Determination of relationships between placental characteristics and birth weight in Morkaraman sheep

The aim at this study was to determine the relationships among the lamb birth weight, the average cotyledon surface area (ACSA) and cotyledon size. Data were collected from 101 ewes. The general linear model and Pearson correlation coefficient were used for statistical comparison and determination of relationships between variables. Average birth weight (BW), placental weight (PW), cotyledon number (CN), placental efficiency (PE), cotyledon density (CD), cotyledon efficiency (CE) and ACSA were , , , , , and cm, respectively. There was no difference between BW and PE for parity; however, PW, CN, CD, CE and ACSA were affected () by parity. ACSA was found to be the lowest () with a parity of 2 and the highest () with a parity of 4. Birth type affected significantly BW, CN, CD (), PW () and ACSA (). As the parity progressed, cotyledon depth (CDe) () and cotyledon width (CWi) () increased. ACSA, which is a new parameter for uterine capacity, had positive correlations with BW (0.498; ), PW (0.415; ), large cotyledon number (CNl) (0.685; ), cotyledon length (CL) (0.932; ), CWi (0.920; ) and cotyledon depth (0.388; ). The most important finding of this study was the positive correlation between the birth weight and the average cotyledon surface area. This study indicates that average cotyledon surface area and cotyledon size traits (CL and CWi) may be more effective parameters to produce heavier lambs. In conclusion, it is thought that lamb deaths will decrease as a result of triggering placental development with proper feeding during pregnancy. For this purpose, it is recommended to conduct new studies examining the relationship between pregnancy feeding and ACSA. Highlights. Cotyledon number and cotyledon density decrease with parity, while CE increases.The birth type has a significant effect on BW, PW, CN and CD.There are positive correlations between the placental weight and large cotyledon number, cotyledon length and cotyledon width.ACSA can be used as an important parameter to increase the weight of lambs.Especially in multiple birthing, ACSA has been found to be a more determinant index to express uterine capacity instead of PE or CE.

Increasing the productivity of Morkaraman sheep through crossbreeding with prolific Romanov sheep under semi-intensive production systems

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of cross-breeding Turkish indigenous Morkaraman (M) ewes with prolific Romanov (R) rams on the reproduction and performance traits, growth traits, slaughter and carcass characteristics of the crossbred offspring under semi-intensive production systems. No significant differences were observed between M and RxM for number of ewes lambing. The differences between M and RxM for number of lambs born alive, number of weaned lambs, number of lambs surviving up to 120 days, and up to the end of pasture were significant. Average birth, weaning, and post-grazing weights of lambs were 3.71 kg, 17.81 kg and 23.93 kg and 2.89 kg, 17.14 kg, and 22.32 kg in M and RxM lambs, respectively. The weight difference between M and R x M lambs at birth and at the end of the grazing period was significant. M had higher end-of-pasture and slaughter weight. After the grazing period, the slaughter characteristics of ram lambs were investigated. The differences between M and RxM lambs were significant for weight of slaughter, hot and cold carcass, tail fat, and organs (testis, heart and lung). Additionally, M lambs had a larger longissimus dorsi area than RxM lambs. It was evident that the M lambs had higher growth and slaughter values and some carcass characteristics than RxM crossbred lambs. It was concluded that, under the climate and management-nutritional conditions of the region, purebred M is a more suitable breed than RxM crossbreds. Keywords: Reproduction, growth performance, slaughter traits, carcass characteristics

The relationship between muscle fiber characteristics and some meat quality parameters in Turkish native sheep breeds

This research was conducted to determine muscle fiber characteristics and its relationship with some meat quality traits in Longissimus dorsi (LD) and Semitendinosus (ST) muscles from lambs of some Turkish native sheep breeds. A total of 36 singleton male lambs were used as experimental pure breed animals of Karayaka (n=6), Kıvırcık (n=6), Middle Anatolian Merino (n=6), Awassi (n=6), Morkaraman (n=6) and Akkaraman (n=6) breeds. All experimental animals were fed the same diet until they reach to a target weight of 40kg weight. After the feeding period all lambs were slaughtered and LD and ST muscle samples were collected for determination of some meat quality traits (tenderness, pH, water holding capacity, and colour) and ATPase staining of muscle fibers. Type IIB muscle fiber numbers of Morkaraman sheep were higher than those of other breeds in LD muscle (P<0.05). Awassi lambs had higher number of (P<0.05) type IIA fibers and total fiber numbers in ST muscle compared to other breeds. Diameter of type I muscle fiber of ST muscle from Kıvırcık lambs was higher than those of other breeds (P<0.05). There were positive correlations between diameters of type I (r=0.513; P<0.05), type IIIA (r=0.476; P<0.05) and tenderness in LD and ST muscles of all breeds. Results of the present study showed that muscle fiber characteristics of lambs of different Turkish native sheep breeds differ and muscle fiber characteristics influence some meat quality traits.

Is there a relationship between serum minerals (Ca, Mg) and trace elements (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn) at mating on pregnancy rates in fat-tailed Morkaraman sheep?

The specific roles of nutrients in reproduction are not well defined in sheep. Hence, the relationships between certain mineral (Ca, Mg) and element (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn) levels at mating and pregnancy rates was investigated in fat-tailed Morkaraman ewes synchronised with different hormones (melatonin, norgestomet implant and eCG) early in anoestrus season. For this purpose, 40 healthy ewes (aged 2-4 years) allocated in the synchronised (n=30) and no-treated group (n=10) were used during mid-May (suckling period). On the eCG injection day, fertile rams (n=8) were introduced into the groups and, then the oestrus signs were visually monitored twice daily for 7 days. The oestrous ewes were allowed to hand-mate using rotational (four rams daily) mating system. Additionally, jugular blood samples were collected on the days of onset of oestrus (before mating) for determination of serum Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn and Zn levels. Presence of pregnancies was diagnosed by real-time ultrasonography 35 days post-mating. Totally, 25 ewes became pregnant (21 ewes with stimulated- and 4 with spontaneous oestrus), while 9 ewes (all received stimulation) were not pregnant. In non-pregnant ewes, unlike other minerals and elements, the Cu and Zn values were significantly lower than their reference values (for Cu: 0.87±0.16 mg/dl vs. 9.20 mg/dl; for Zn: 2.06±0.30 mg/dl vs. 3.8 mg/dl, resp.; P less than 0.01 in both cases). In pregnant ewes, the corresponding values remained unchanged (P&gt;0.05). Hence, the present findings indicate that the low Cu and Zn levels during the oestrus might adversely affect the subsequent pregnancy rate in suckling ewes.

Comparison of microbial protein synthesis and nutrient digestibilityof Medicago sativa and Prangos pabularia hay in sheep

The aim of this study was to compare feed intake, nutrients digestibility, protein fractions entering into the duodenum, and ruminal fermentation parameters of sheep fed Medicago sativa (alfalfa) and Prangos pabularia, locally called kerkol hays. In the study three ruminally and duodenally cannulated Morkaraman sheep were used. It was carried out as two periods within a 2x3 crossover experimental design. Daily intake of crude protein (CP) was higher (P less than 0.05) in sheep fed alfalfa than those fed kerkol hay. Digestibility of NDF and ADF were lower (P less than 0.05) in sheep fed alfalfa hay than those fed kerkol hay (P less than 0.05). The percentage of protein escaping ruminal degradation was higher (P less than 0.05) in sheep fed kerkol hay (30.73%) than those fed alfalfa hay (15.05%). Ruminal fermentation parameters were similar between groups, except ruminal NH3-N concentration. It is concluded that kerkol hay can be used as forage for sheep feeding.

Effect of different oestrus synchronization methods on reproductive performance of Morkaraman (Redkaraman) sheep in laparoscopic artificial insemination program

Effect of different oestrus synchronization methods on reproductive performance of Morkaraman (Redkaraman) sheep in laparoscopic artificial insemination program

Genetic characterization of the Akkaraman, Morkaraman and Karayaka sheep through microsatellite variation

Genotypes have to be controlled periodically and necessary precautions should be taken in order to ensure that animal biodiversity is not lost. In this study, the genotypes of the Akkaraman, Karayaka and Morkaraman species from among Turkey’s local sheep were examined at 7 different microsatellite loci. The average allele counts are close to each other and were determined as 8,905±0,483. Whereas the PIC values ranged from between 0,507-0,794 at an average of 0,705. The He and Ho values used to calculate genetic diversity were determined on average as 0,734±0,023 and 0,509±0,038 respectively. According to the Fisher-Exact test result, the populations are not in HWE (P