Turkish Saanen Research Articles

Environmental factors affecting pre-weaning mortality of Turkish Saanen kids

One of the most important problems encountered in breeding Turkish Saanen goats, the dominant dairy goat in Turkey, is the death of kids. Deaths cause serious economic losses and jeopardize the need for qualified breeders. This study aimed to determine the factors that affected the survival of kids in the period between birth and weaning, when most deaths are observed. A total of 3343 records of Turkish Saanen kids were collected in 2019. The importance and order of the effects of environmental factors, such as gender, birth type, sex, birth weight, farm, season of birth, weight at death, and maternal age at the kid’s mortality were determined by using the decision tree statistical method. As a result of this study, the farm effect was the first effective factor in the survivability of kids, and death was less common in small farms (F3), with a rate of 7.8%. The death times of kids were divided into four groups: birth–first 24 hours (M1), 1–7 days (M2), 7–30 days (M3), and 30 days–weaning (90 days) (M4). Deaths were highest in M2 with 40.1% and least in M3 with 5.7%. The death weight variable had a primary effect on deaths. This was followed by birth weight, then farm variables. Two other factors came to the forefront to increase the survivability of the kids: deaths could be greatly reduced by providing good nutrition to the mothers in the prenatal period and offering good management, especially in the first week after birth, to obtain offspring with higher birth weights.

Estimates of Genetic Parameters for Direct and Maternal Effects on Pre-Weaning Growth Traits in Turkish Saanen Kids.

Data on 4487 Turkish Saanen kids from 176 bucks and 1318 dam-goats, obtained from the Turkish Saanen goats in the Izmir region and collected between 2018 and 2019, were analyzed to examine the effect of genetic and non-genetic factors on growth traits. The average birth weight of the kids was determined as 3.33 ± 0.68 kg, the average W60 was 13.06 ± 2.94 kg, the average WW was 18.38 ± 4.14 kg, and the average PreWDG until weaning was 0.17 ± 0.04 g. Model 1, which does not account for the maternal effect, and Model 2, which includes the maternal effect, were used in the estimation of genetic parameters. The heritability estimates of BW, W60, WW, and PreWDG ranged from 0.05 to 0.59 in both models. It is recommended to consider the maternal effect as well as the environmental factors in the selection program for the best early breeder selection of kids growing alongside their mothers until the weaning period.

The effect of fenugreek seed (Trigonella foenum-graecum) supplementation on the performance and milk yield characteristics of dairy goats.

The use of fenugreek seed as a galactagogue has been investigated in ruminants. However, only a few studies have analyzed the effects of fenugreek seed on the milk fatty acid composition. To the authors' best knowledge, none of these studies have investigated the effects of fenugreek seed on milk volatile compounds. The objective of this study, which lasted 8weeks, was to determine the effects of fenugreek seed supplementation on the performance, milk fatty acid profile, and milk volatile profile of goats. A total of 20 Turkish Saanen dairy goats that were mid-lactation were used in the study. This study was carried out with two homogeneous groups: the control group (CON) and fenugreek group (FG). Both groups were fed a total mixed ration (TMR), but the FG treatment had their diet supplemented with 0.1 kg d of fenugreek seed per animal. The feed intake, live weight, milk yield, milk chemical composition, serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentration, milk fatty acid profile, and milk volatile compound profile were determined. The feed intake, live weight gain, and milk yield of the goats did not significantly differ between the CON and FG treatments ( ), whereas the milk fat concentration increased ( ) and the serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations decreased ( ) in the FG treatment. The unsaturated fatty acid concentration in milk ( ) was also enhanced in the FG treatment. In addition, the FG treatment increased 2-propanone, 2-butanone, benzene, 1-methyl-3-(1-methylethyl), and eucalyptol concentrations in milk ( ). In conclusion, the supplementation of goats' diets with fenugreek seed during the mid-lactation period did not affect their performance and improved the unsaturated fatty acid profile of their milk. Of particular importance, we have also detected an increase in the 2-propanone concentration in milk following fenugreek supplementation.

Bioinformatical Evaluation of PPARA and PPARG Candidate Genes for Milk Quality Characteristics in Turkish Saanen Goats

In this study, genetic information obtained in terms of milk yield and milk quality characteristics was used in order to increase the accuracy of breeding selection of Turkish Saanen goats. For this purpose, DNA sequencing of PPARG and PPARA genes from Turkish Saanen goats were compared with the sequences in gene databases and single nucleotide polymorphisms were examined. A relationship was found between some quality parameters (fat, protein and somatic cell count) of milk measurements of Turkish Saanen goats and PPARA and PPARG gene variants. Single nucleotide polymorphisms were detected in the exons and introns of the relevant gene variants, however, these polymorphisms did not have a statistically significant effect on quality parameters (p>0.05).

Effects of melatonin implants on reproductive performance of dairy sheep and dairy goats.

This study investigated the effects of melatonin implants in the female and male animals before the breeding season on the reproductive performance of Tahirova sheep and Turkish Saanen goats. Seventy-five sheep and 53 goats (including 6 rams and 4 bucks) were used in the research. Melatonin implants (18mg) were applied to half of the female and male animals, one to female animals and three to male animals. The rate of oestrus was determined as 100% in the melatonin (M) and control (C) groups. The non-return rate, conception rate and lambing rate were close in both groups of ewes and rams groups (p>.05). The rate of oestrus was 100% in the melatonin and control groups of does and bucks groups in Turkish Saanen goats. The non-return rate in does was 75.0±9.02% in M group and 92.0±5.53% in C group (p=.0101), the non-return rate was 83.3±6.92% in group M and 84.2±8.59% in group C for bucks (p=.5570). For ewes, the duration from ram introduction to first oestrus, conception and lambing was significantly lower in group M than in group C (p≤.05). Litter size of M in ewe and ram groups were 1.70±0.08 and 1.59±0.09, respectively, whereas it was 1.62±0.10 and 1.74±0.10 in C group, respectively. Birth weight significantly differed between ewe groups (p=.0017). For goats, the duration from buck introduction to first oestrus, conception and lambing was similar in the groups of does and bucks (p>.05). Litter size of M in doe and buck groups were 1.57±0.11 and 1.53±0.12, respectively, and 1.46±0.11and 1.50±0.09 in C group, respectively (p>.05). While the live weight and body condition score (BCS) of ewes were significantly affected by melatonin implants (p≤.05), the live weight and BCS of does were not affected. In conclusion, it might be said that melatonin implants obtained better results for reproduction in Tahirova sheep than Turkish Saanen goats.

Effects of genotype, horn and social rank on agonistic behaviours during food competition in goats

Objective: This study aimed at investigating the agonistic interactions among goats in food competition based on genotype, horn and dominance rank. Material and Methods: After determining the dominance rank of the Maltese and Turkish Saanen genotypes, a mixed group consisting of horned, polled and both horned and polled animals, 2 to 5 years old, consisting of 54 heads in total, nine heads each and a total of 6 groups with linear social rank were formed. The observations were evaluated on the basis of their agonistic behaviors in competition for roughage (oat hay) placed in the feeders. Results: Genotype significantly affected the frequency of agonistic behaviors except for displacement behavior in feeder (P≤0.05). Aggressive biting and threatening behaviors in Turkish Saanen were 2.36 and 1.78 times higher than in Maltese (P≤0.0001). The rate of absence at through of Turkish Saanen goats, which displayed higher aggression frequency was higher that of Maltese goats (P=0.0159). The frequency of agonistic behaviors except for flank butting differed according to horn groups (P≤0.05). Total mean frequency of total aggressive behaviors in the descending order ranked 27.73 times/h for hornless, 23.47 times/h for mixed and 18.48 times/h for horned groups. The absence at the feeder differed in horned groups and ranked in the descending order 38% for horn, 16% for mixed and 8% for hornless (P<0.0001). Conclusion: Maltese genotype is more peaceful than the Turkish Saanen genotype and this peacefulness may be useful in terms of food competition.

Melatonin Uygulanan Tekelerde Aşım Davranışları ve Hormon Profili

In this study, the effects of melatonin implant treatment before the breeding season on melatonin (M) and testosterone (T) hormone levels, and the mating behavior and performance, were determined in Turkish Saanen goat bucks. Four head of bucks and 50 head of goats were used. The bucks were randomly divided into two groups and they were treated with 3 implants with 18 mg melatonin. The half of female goats were also implanted with melatonin (18 mg/goat). A total of 13 blood samples were collected before the melatonin implant (Day 0) and on the 21st, 42nd, 63rd, 94th, 129th, 157th, 185th, 213rd, 251st, 275th, 307th, and 335th days after the implant. Hormone analyses were performed using ELISA method and in animal species specific hormone kits. Mating was carried out for 10 minutes, and the mating behaviors of the bucks and does were recorded. While the treatment (MI) group had an overall means of melatonin hormone level of 526.3 ng/L, the control (C) group had a melatonin hormone level of 199.0 ng/L in overall (P=0.0224). The testosterone hormone level in the MI group was 12.7 nmol/L on average, and it was 6.13 nmol/L in the C group (P=0.2137). The MI group had significantly higher melatonin hormone levels in the summer, autumn, and spring than the C group, and significantly higher testosterone hormone levels in all seasons (P≤0.05). While M hormone had the highest level of MI and C groups in March, T hormone was highest of MI group in April and C group in March. Mating behaviors and the duration of mating were similar in the groups of bucks (P>0.05). A high statistically significant positive correlation coefficient (r=0.678) was determined between melatonin hormone and testosterone hormone (P<0.0001). In addition, there was a significant and positive correlation coefficient between hormone levels and the frequency of tongue-lapping (P=0.0134), sexual vocalization behavior (P=0.0199) in the MI group. In conclusion, the treatment of melatonin implants before the breeding season significantly increased the levels of M and T hormones and positive effects on frequency of mating behavior in Turkish Saanen goat bucks.

A comparative study of amino acid, mineral and vitamin profiles of milk from Turkish Saanen, Hair and Maltese goat breeds throughout lactation

This study aimed to evaluate the changes in nutritional compounds such as amino acids, minerals, and vitamins in the milk of Turkish Saanen, Hair and Maltese goat breeds. The Turkish Saanen goat breed had lower dry matter, fat, nitrogen, and vitamins A, E and B2 than Maltese and Hair goat breeds throughout lactation period. High levels of proline, leucine, glutamic acid, and glutamine were found in all breeds. Except for tyrosine, all other amino acids were higher in Hair goat milk than those in other breed milk. The calcium content of the samples ranged from 1164.79 to 1214.16 mg/L.

Dairy goat usage of flooring types varied by material, slope and slat width

Barn flooring and bedding management are two critical issues in intensive dairy goat facilities. This study aimed at identifying the most appropriate seasonal floorings through observation of the behavioral characteristics of dairy goats. Four different trials were carried out in two different seasons (summer and winter). Wooden and rubber floorings were compared in the 1st trial; solid wood and slatted wooden floorings in the 2nd trial; 5% and 10% sloped floors in the 3rd trial, and 5-cm and 10-cm wide wooden slats were compared in the 4th trial. A total of 20 polled Turkish Saanen goats at 3-years of age were used in the experiments. During the temperature and relative humidity measurements taken in the morning hours, the floors were also scored for dirtiness. The floor dirtiness scores did not vary significantly by season or by season x type of flooring (P > 0.05). While there were no significant differences in the dirtiness scores of the flooring in the 1st and 3rd trials, the slatted floors of the 2nd and 4th trials had relatively lower dirtiness scores than the other floorings (P ≤ 0.05). Goats spent the majority of their time lying (74.88%) and were observed to favor reclining onto pen fences while lying. The lying behavior did not vary significantly regarding season in any trials (P > 0.05). However, the lying behavior of the goats significantly varied according to floor type in all trials (P ≤ 0.0396). Goats lay mostly over straw bedding in all trials, followed by rubber material, solid surface and 5% slope, which had rates close to that of straw bedding (P ≥ 0.05). In trial 4, goats demonstrated significantly lower lying behavior over both types of slats (5 cm and 10 cm) than straw bedding (P ≤ 0.05). Goats lay significantly more over the rubber floor compared to the wooden floor, more over the solid floor than the slatted floor, and more over the 10 cm slats than 5 cm slats. Goats demonstrated standing behavior more over the slatted floors (trials 2 and 4) (P ≤ 0.05). In this study, straw bedding was primarily chosen by dairy goats. Following straw bedding, goats largely opted for rubber flooring and solid wooden flooring and they showed no liking for slatted floors.

Ultrasonographic foetometry and maternal serum progesterone concentrations during pregnancy in Turkish Saanen goats

The objectives of the present study were (1) to generate reliable equations to estimate the gestational age of Saanen goats by measuring embryonic and foetal structures via B–Mode ultrasonography (USG), (2) determine the maternal serum progesterone (P4) concentrations during pregnancy, and (3) compare the relationship between P4 concentrations and gestational age, litter size, and birth weight of kids. Seven pregnant goats were used in this study. Ultrasonographic examinations were performed transrectally from Days 15 to 27 of pregnancy at 3-day intervals and transabdominally from Days 30 to 128 at 7-day intervals. Blood samples were collected daily between Day 15 and 24 of gestation, and weekly from Day 27 to 128 to determine the serum P4 concentrations. Outer placentome diameter, biparietal diameter, occipito-nasal length, chest diameter, foetal heart rate, transversal heart diameter, orbit diameter, umbilical cord diameter, and kidney diameter were highly correlated with gestational age (P < 0.0001). Goats with twins had greater progesterone concentrations than those with a single foetus (P < 0.001). Furthermore, maternal serum progesterone concentrations detected on Days 51, 107, 114, and 128 of gestation were greater in goats carrying twins than those with a single foetus (P < 0.05). A negative correlation was evident between serum progesterone concentrations and birth weights of the kids (r = -0.78; P = 0.007). In conclusion, gestational age can be estimated using ultrasonographic foetometry, and litter size at specific times during pregnancy can be determined based on maternal serum progesterone concentration in Turkish Saanen goats.

Investigation of Changes in Metabolic Parameters and Paraoxonase-1 During the Transition Period in Turkish Saanen Goats

Investigation of Changes in Metabolic Parameters and Paraoxonase-1 During the Transition Period in Turkish Saanen Goats

A comparison of natural Eimeria spp. and gastrointestinal nematode infections of goat breeds

The number of Eimeria oocysts per gram faeces (OPG) and number of gastrointestinal nematod (GIN) eggs per gram faeces (EPG) depend on some factors such as gender, season and production systems. In order to determine the Eimeria infection and some gastrointestinal nematode burdens in Maltese, Gokceada and Turkish Saanen goats, OPG, EPG and packed cell volume (PCV) were investigated. Maltese breed tended to have lower parasite burden than other goat breeds (P≤0.05). In the first observation, the prevalence of Eimeria and nematodes was 100% in Gokceada breed, while the prevalence of Eimeria and the prevalence of GIN infection were 98% and 78%, respectively, in Maltese. It was determined that OPG and EPG burdens were significantly affected by the age of goats and the sampling date (P≤0.0193). It was seen that OPG burden decreased as the goats get older (P= 0.0157), while EPG value varied by the age of a goat in an unsteady manner (P<0.0001). The PCV values determined in the breeds ranged from 0.23 to 0.31. Statistically significant and positive correlation coefficients were determined between OPG and EPG r= 0.20 (P= 0.0036), and between the PCV value and OPG r= 0.41 and PCV and EPG r= 0.37 (P<0.0001).

Effects of Weaning and Spatial Enrichment on Behavior of Turkish Saanen Goat Kids.

As is in all economic activities, the highest yield per unit area is the main goal in animal production, while addressing the temperamental needs of animals often is ignored. Animal welfare is not only an ethical fact; it also has an economic value. Spatial environmental enrichment contributes positively to animal welfare by addressing their behavioral and mental requirements. The present study was conducted to determine the effects of weaning and spatial environmental arrangements on behaviors of goat-kids. Experimental groups were arranged in structured and unstructured spatial environments. Roughage feeder, semi-automatic concentrate feeder, bunk, bridge, and wood block were placed in the structured environment. No equipment was placed in the unstructured environment and paddock sides were enclosed with an iron sheet to prevent bipedal stance and to provide environmental isolation. In the study 10 male and 10 female Turkish Saanen goat kids were used in each group. Spatial environmental arrangements did not have significant impacts on the growth performance of kids (p>0.05). All objects in the structured group were accepted by the kids. Average use ratios of roughage feeder, semi-automatic concentrate feeder, bunk, bridge and wood block were observed as 19.3%, 14.0%, 12.6%, 3.8%, and 0.7%, respectively. There were significant differences between before- and after-weaning in use of all objects except for underneath bridge (p≤0.05). Concentrate feed consumption, locomotion, and resting behaviors in kids showed significant differences by structural group and growth period. Roughage consumption was similar between groups, while it differed by growth period (p≤0.05). Interaction frequency was significantly higher in structured group (p = 0.0023). Playing behavior significantly differentiated based on the growth period rather than on groups (p≤0.05). Playing behavior significantly decreased after weaning. Abnormal oral activity was significantly higher in the structured group before weaning (p≤0.05). Despite there being no installations facilitating climbing and bipedal stance, the kids of the unstructured group were able to exhibit 1/3 as much bipedal stance behavior as the kids of the structured group through leaning over slippery paddock wall or over their groupmates. Bipedal stance behavior of unstructured group was similar before and after weaning, while bipedal stance behavior before weaning was about 2 times that of after weaning in structured group. It was concluded that unstructured environmental arrangement limited the behavior repertoire of the goat kids.

A study on the determination of body condition score and somatic cell count in Turkish Saanen goats

The aim of the study was to evaluate body condition score (BCS) and somatic cell count (SCC) of milk in Turkish Saanen goats. Data were obtained from 95 goats during the morning milking. While a 1–5 scale was used to assess BCS, direct microscopy was performed to analyse SCC. Effect of stage of lactation (SL) and number of kids at birth (NK) were evaluated in three subgroups. While SL has not affected the parameters, goats with a single kid had significantly higher BCS (P < 0.05) than goats with twins. Correlation coefficient between evaluated parameters was estimated as weak (r = 0.08). In conclusion, milk SCC and BCS levels of Turkish Saanen goats were assumed to be in acceptable thresholds.

Genotype, production system and sex effects on fatty acid composition of meat from goat kids.

Two trials were performed to assess the meat fatty acid profile of goat kids from different genotypes, production systems and sex. In the first trial, genotype effect was determined in 24 suckling male kids from Turkish Saanen, Maltese and Gokceada breeds. In the second trial, male and female Gokceada Goat kids were used to compare the effect of extensive and semi-intensive production systems on fatty acid composition of meat. Significant genotype effect was observed in the percentages of myristic acid (C14:0), palmitic acid (C16:0), oleic acid (C18:1 n-9), linolenic acid (C18:3 n-3), arachidonic acid (C20:4 n-6) and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6 n-3), despite no differences on the ratios of polyunsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids (PUFA/SFA) and n-6/n-3 (P > 0.05). The effect of production system had also significant effects on fatty acids, but sex only influenced significantly stearic acid (C18:0), C18:1 n-9 and C18:3 n-3 fatty acids and total PUFA level and PUFA/SFA ratio. This study confirms that dairy breeds are prone to produce higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids in their muscle. Meanwhile, meat from Gokceada goat kids, which is one of the indigenous breeds in Turkey, had similar PUFA/SFA and n-6/n-3 ratios to Turkish Saanen and Maltase.

Endometrial echotexture parameters in Turkish Saanen Goats (Akkeci) during oestrus and early pregnancy

This experiment was conducted to evaluate endometrial echotexture in oestrus and early pregnancy and its association with ovarian hormones and foetal count in goats. Akkeci goats (Saanen×Kilis crossbreed, n=40) were randomly divided into two groups. Ten does (NAT) were mated on natural oestrus and 30 does (SYN) were subjected to synchronisationprior to mating. The uterus was scanned on the days of sponge insertion (d −14), sponge removal (d −2) and mating (d 0) as well as 17 (d 17) and 30 (d 30) days after mating. Mean gray level (MGL), homogeneity (HOM) and contrast (CON) values were calculated. Blood samples were collected on days ultrasonography was performed. Data were analyzed by Chi-square, ANOVA, regression tests. HOM value reached the highest level on the mating day and then continuously decreased (P<0.0001). Overall, HOM values were greater for SYN does than for NAT does after mating. CON values were virtually stable during the experimental period. MGL value fluctuated during the breeding period (P<0.03) at a similar fashion in NAT and SYN does. Foetal count was not correlated with plasma hormones and echotexture parameters. Plasma progesterone concentration was correlated with echotexture parameters (r=−0.28 for HOM; r=0.29 for CON; r=0.25 for MGL; P<0.05 for all) during post-mating. In conclusion, echotexture parameters changed during the breeding period, in association with plasma progesterone concentration. Future studies should test if the echotextural changes during embryonic fixation days can be used as a marker for early detection of pregnancy in does.

Determination of factors affecting pregnancy rate in Turkish Saanen goats

Hayvanlarda ureme performansini etkileyecegi dusunulen bircok faktor farkli arastirmalarda incelenmistir. Bu calismada, Saanen irki kecilerde gebeligi etkileyen faktorlerin Lojistik Regresyon yontemi ile belirlenmesi amaclanmistir. Calismanin verileri, yaslari 2 ile 4 (2.05 ± 1.19) arasi degisen 39 bas Saanen kecisine ait kayitlardan olusmaktadir. Tohumlama gunundeki sut veriminin, tohumlama tipinin ve tohumlama gununun gebeligi etkiledigi belirlenmistir. Tohumlama gunundeki sut veriminin gebeligi %99.9 olasilikla etkiledigi (P<0.001), suni tohumlanan kecilerde dogal tohumlananlara gore gebe kalma oraninin 2.4 kat (P<0.05) azaldigi belirlenmistir. Tohumlama yapilan gun sayisinin artmasi da gebe kalmayi %30 oraninda (P<0.05) arttirmaktadir. Sonuc olarak, tohumlama gunundeki sut veriminin, Saanen kecilerde gebeligin sekillenmesini etkileyen en onemli faktorlerden biri oldugu saptanmistir. Ayrica, Saanen kecilerde suni tohumlama uygulamasindan etkin duzeyde gebelik elde edilemedigi gorulmektedir

Influence of goat breeds and starter culture systems on gross composition and proteolysis in Gokceada goat cheese during ripening

Milk from two different breeds (Gokceada and Turkish Saanen) and three different starter culture systems (starter-free, mesophilic and thermophilic cultures) were used in the manufacture of Gokceada goat cheeses. Milk from the two breeds differed in dry matter, protein, fat and ash contents. These differences were reflected on the yield and chemical composition of the cheese. The pH values and soluble nitrogen fractions (in water, 12% trichloroacetic acid, and 5% phosphotungstic acid) were significantly influenced by the starter culture systems, but not the types of milk. The degradation of αs-caseins and its degradation products sharply increased after 60 days of ripening, especially in the cheese made using mesophilic starters. Greater changes were observed in RP-HPLC peptide profiles of the cheeses made using mesophilic starter cultures during ripening; however, the breed has minor effect on peptide profile. In conclusions, cheeses made using mesophilic starter culture exhibited different proteolysis patterns during ripening and the milk from Gokceada breed increased the gross composition parameters and cheese yield.

Volatiles and sensory evaluation of goat milk cheese Gokceada as affected by goat breeds (Gokceada and Turkish Saanen) and starter culture systems during ripening

The effect of goat breed and starter culture on volatile composition and sensory scores in goat milk cheese was studied during 90d of ripening. Milk from 2 goat breeds (Gokceada and Turkish Saanen) and different starter culture systems (no starter, mesophilic and thermophilic starters) were used in the manufacture of goat milk cheeses (called Gokceada goat cheese). Volatile composition was determined by a solid-phase microextraction–gas chromatography-mass spectrometric method. Sixty compounds including esters (13), carboxylic acids (7), aldehydes (6), ketones (8), alcohols (14), and miscellaneous compounds (12) were identified. Esters, alcohols, and carboxylic acids were the main classes of volatile components in the cheeses. Both qualitatively and quantitatively, the use of different starter cultures and goat breeds significantly influenced the volatile fraction of goat milk cheese. Decanoic, hexanoic, and octanoic (commonly named capric, caproic, and caprylic) acids were indicator compounds to distinguish the goat breeds. Principal component analysis grouped the cheeses based on the use of starter culture and goat breed. Starter-free cheeses were separately located on the plot and age-related changes were present in all samples. Sensory evaluation of 90-d-old cheeses showed that the cheeses from the Gokceada breed received higher odor, flavor, and quality scores than those from the Turkish Saanen breed, and cheeses made using mesophilic starters resulted in the most satisfactory scores for flavor and quality attributes. In conclusion, goat milk cheeses made using milk from Gokceada goats and mesophilic starter culture had the best quality in terms of volatile composition and sensory attributes.

Foraging strategies of goats in a pasture of wheat and shrubland

Cereal pastures are a crucial source of forage to reduce grazing pressure on shrublands in the Mediterranean basin. This study aimed at investigating the grazing preferences and behaviours of goats with different genotypes, when a grazing area of shrubland (0.18 ha), which was composed of 88% shrubs, 10% herbaceous species and 2% footpath and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) pasture (0.20 ha) were offered together. Twelve lactating mature (in 2007) and 15 non-lactating yearling goats (in 2008) of three genotypes (Gökçeada, Maltese and Turkish Saanen) were used. The study was carried out for 45 days during the months of April and May. Animals stayed in the pasture for 8 h daily. No roughage or concentrate was offered. Grazing, lying, standing and ruminating behaviours were recorded at 10-min intervals, whereas bipedal stance and walking behaviours were continuously monitored by observers. Mature goats spent one-third and yearling goats spent half of their time in the shrubs. The frequency of preferences to pasture types differed among mature goat genotypes (P ≤ 0.05), but not among the yearling goats (P &gt; 0.05). Grazing of wheat pasture by Gökçeada, of herbaceous plants in the shrubland by Maltese and of shrubs by Turkish Saanen goats were more prominent (P ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, goats gave priority to wheat pasture and grazing preferences and behaviours differed by genotypes. Turkish Saanen goats tended to show more bipedal stance behaviour than the other genotypes. However, there were high individual variations within genotype and age groups.