Sürdürülebilir Kalkınma Amaçları
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- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Investigation of Managerial Practices Related to Calves’ Survival in Dairy Cattle Farms: The Case of Çorum Province
Bayraktar, Bülent; Tekce, Emre; Aydemir, Seyma; Erdoğan, Yaşar; Aksakal, Vecihi; Ürüsan, Hılal; Kotan, Gökşad Cemil
This study was conducted using a Cross-Sectional Observational Design to determine the effects of current managerial practices applied in commercial dairy cattle farms in Çorum Province on calf survival. The main material of the study consisted of 120 active farms, which represent the general structure of the dairy cattle sector in the region. Data were collected via face-to-face surveys, and the scale’s reliability was confirmed (Cronbach’s Alpha: 0.742) and suitability for Factor Analysis (KMO: 0.710) was verified. The results showed that while 88.33% of the farmers were members of a cooperative/union and 57.50% reported timely colostrum administration (within the critical <4 hours), these positive indicators contrasted sharply with low biosecurity and poor practical application. Specifically, calf mortality was high (42.50% of farms reported mortality rates >5%), mainly due to diarrhea and pneumonia, with 65.83% of deaths occurring in the first 30 days. Critical management deficiencies included uncontrolled colostrum feeding (85.00% via suckling, risking failure of passive transfer), severe biosecurity breaches (85.83% of calves housed with adult animals), and delayed introduction of solid feed. In conclusion, the primary challenge in Çorum is not lack of institutional access or basic knowledge, but rather a critical disconnection between theoretical knowledge and practical management implementation. To improve calf survival, management strategies should shift from traditional suckling to controlled colostrum protocols and emphasize the transition from group housing to individual calf hutches to ensure biosecurity.
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İncele - MakaleAçık Erişim2026Investigation of Structural Characteristics and Flock Management Practices of Sheep Breeding Farms: The Alaca District of Çorum Province Example
Bayraktar, Bülent; Aydemir, Seyma; Kotan, Gökşad Cemil; Küçük, Gülben
The aim of this study is to comprehensively examine the structural characteristics and herd management practices of sheep farms in Alaca district of Çorum province and to reveal their current status through a survey conducted on 130 sheep farms. The study revealed that the breeder population in the sector is concentrated in young (18-30 years old) and middle-aged (31-40 years old), with the younger generation actively participating in the sector. The vast majority of breeders view livestock farming as their primary source of income, with a predominant portion of their farms focusing on slaughter and sacrificial animal husbandry. While basic facilities such as resting areas, lighting, and ventilation are largely adequate, the lack of specialized enclosures necessary for modern herd management, such as sick animal pens (48.46%), milking parlors (86.92%), and shearing areas (100.00%), is striking. In terms of herd management practices, the most common age for first mating for females was 15 months. Rams are kept in the flock only during the breeding season in the majority of farms, and the most frequently used breeding method is reported to be free-breeding (pen breeding/pasture breeding). Underweight birth was identified as the primary cause of lamb mortality at 46.92%. Although the vast majority of farms regularly administer official vaccinations, only a small percentage conduct regular hoof checks and care, highlighting deficiencies in preventative herd protection practices. Furthermore, although almost all breeders use village communal pastures or highland pastures, 90.00% of breeders believe pastures are inadequate, primarily attributing this inadequacy to the small size of pasture areas. In conclusion, despite its young and well-organized Sheep sector in Çorum, it exhibits significant deficiencies in modern herd management infrastructure and preventative herd protection practices, and faces a critical pasture availability problem. Therefore, to ensure sustainability and enhance competitiveness, it is crucial for local governments to encourage pasture improvement and forage production, as well as expand grant/support mechanisms for the development of modern shelter infrastructure.
AtıfOpenAlex1İncele - MakaleAçık Erişim2026General Structure of Cattle Farming Enterprises and Basic Care and Feeding Practices of Breeders: The Example of Çorum City Center
Bayraktar, Bülent; Tekce, Emre; Aydemir, Seyma; Kotan, Gökşad Cemil; Kebapcı, Eren
This study examined the general structure of cattle farming operations enterprises in the central district of Çorum city center and the basic care and feeding practices of breeders based on a survey conducted on 130 cattle enterprises between May and June 2023. Cattle enterprises in Çorum city center are generally small to medium-sized; 43.08% of these operations have a capacity of 11-30 animals, while 71.54% are owned by the breeders themselves. Breeders in these operations are predominantly male (82.31%), with the largest age group being between 31 and 40 years old, at 36.15%. Livestock farming is the population source of income for 83.85% of breeders, and their education levels are increasing, with 32.31% of breeders now high school graduates. Breeders combine family knowledge with information from official institutions and organizations as a source of knowledge and experience, and 58.46% rely on experience in their livestock feeding decisions. Animals are generally fed twice a day, with a 90% mix of roughage and concentrate, while automatic waterers (48.46%) are preferred for providing drinking water. However, since 67.69% of concentrate needs are met externally, there is external dependency, and 81.54% of breeders face a pasture shortage. 60.77% of the barns are located adjacent to or below the house, and reinforced concrete (67.69%) is used as the construction material. Regarding cleaning practices, straw (73.85%) is the most preferred bedding material in the barns, general cleaning is done 1-3 times a year, and manure is removed manually and deposited in the open areas (86.15%). 86.15% of breeders are members of breeder associations, and the most frequently received support is pedigree and preliminary pedigree support (89.23%). 68.46% of enterprises maintain an animal registration system. As a result, cattle enterprises in Çorum have a structure that combines traditional methods with modern practices. The breeders' high organizational awareness and propensity for record keeping indicate that the sector has potential for future growth. However, further improvements are needed in areas such as the use of professional nutrition resources and manure management.
- MakaleYayıncıda açık erişim2026Scopus SJRQ2Metabolic, adipokine (irisin, spexin, visfatin), and ER stress (GRP78) responses in multiparous Brown Swiss cows: a multivariate approach across physiological stages and body condition scores
Kotan, Gökşad Cemil; Aydemir, Şeyma; Bayraktar, Bülent
This study investigated the responses of novel adipokines (irisin, spexin, visfatin), an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress marker (GRP78), and traditional metabolic parameters (non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), urea, albumin, globulin, total cholesterol) in 360 healthy Brown Swiss dairy cattle. The animals were categorized into 18 subgroups based on pregnancy stages (early, mid, dry), lactation stages (early, mid, late), and body condition scores (BCSs). Serum analyses were performed using ELISA and spectrophotometric methods. Interactions between physiological stages and BCS were highly significant for all measured parameters (p<0.001). Results showed that mean serum levels of spexin (ranging from 14.02 to 36.04 pg mL−1) and irisin increased as pregnancy and lactation progressed. Visfatin levels exhibited a significant increase specifically during the gestation period, peaking during the dry period (24.09 ng mL−1), and maintained a significant increasing trend as lactation progressed toward the late stage (Tables 2, 4). Conversely, GRP78 (peaking at 0.46 ng mL−1), NEFA (peaking at 0.52 mmol L−1), and urea levels peaked during the dry period and early lactation, subsequently decreasing as metabolic stability was achieved. Notably, during the dry period, stress markers rose despite declining albumin and globulin levels (p<0.05). These data indicate that the dry period and early lactation are the most critical phases for metabolic and cellular stress, characterized by lower spexin and elevated GRP78 and NEFA concentrations. The later rise in irisin and visfatin, while BHBA remained within physiological limits, confirms successful metabolic adaptation (p<0.001). In conclusion, the integrated evaluation of these novel biomarkers is anticipated to provide significant contributions to protective strategies and metabolic management in dairy cattle.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1Effects of graviola oil extract on fattening performance and circadian rhythms of adipokine, cardiac and mitochondrial function markers in lambs
Kotan, Gökşad Cemil; Bayraktar, Bülent
Background: This study investigated the effects of dietary graviola (Annona muricata L.) oil extract (GOE) (supplemented at 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg) on the growth performance and circadian rhythm profiles of adipokine, cardiac, and mitochondrial function biomarkers in 48 male Anatolian Merino lambs (2.5 months old). Methods: Lambs were assigned to a control group (G0) or supplementation groups (G200, G400, G600 mg/kg) for a 60-day trial (70 days total). The study was conducted under a 12-h light/12-h dark cycle to ensure controlled environmental conditions. To analyze circadian profiles, blood samples were collected on days 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 at four time points (07:00, 13:00, 19:00, and 01:00). Serum levels of Apelin, cTnI, BMAL1, MOTS-c, and BMCP1 were measured by ELISA. Data were analyzed using GLM Multivariate analysis (p < 0.05). Results: Key findings showed the G400 dose resulted in the most effective linear increase in live weight and live weight gain by day 60, and had a significant overall effect on live weight (p < 0.05). The G200 dose significantly improved the feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05), while feed consumption was unaffected (p > 0.05). Regarding biomarkers on day 60, the G400 dose effectively modulated BMAL1, MOTS-c, and BMCP1 (peak at 19:00). The G600 dose yielded the best results for Apelin (peak at 19:00) and cTnI (peaks at 13:00 and 07:00). Conclusions: In conclusion, GOE at a dose of 400 mg/kg (G400) not only optimizes fattening performance in Anatolian Merino lambs but also supports metabolic homeostasis by modulating adipokine levels, cardiac function, and mitochondrial biogenesis processes in a manner consistent with the circadian rhythm. These findings demonstrate that the G400 dose is a safe and effective phytogenic strategy for improving animal health and production efficiency.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1Effects of Moringa oleifera Oil on Adipokine Responses, Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, Bacterial Burden, and Early Survival in CLP-Induced Septic Rats
Ülker, Ufuk; Bayraktar, Bülent; Alr, Mehmet Eray; Kızıl, Sibel; Karan, Tünay; Kotan, Gökşad Cemil; Yeni, Mustafa
Moringa oleifera has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but its effects in polymicrobial sepsis are incompletely defined. We evaluated M. oleifera oil (MOO) in female Wistar rats subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Forty rats were randomized to Control, Sham, CLP, CLP + MOO 100 mg/kg, or CLP + MOO 200 mg/kg (n = 8/group). At 24 h, survival, clinical scores, serum apelin, omentin-1, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), malondialdehyde (MDA), recoverable bacterial burden, and histopathology were assessed. CLP decreased omentin-1 and increased IL-6, TNF-α, MDA, recoverable Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, clinical severity, and multi-organ injury. At 200 mg/kg, apelin and omentin-1 were 1.15 ± 0.12 and 28.4 ± 3.1 ng/mL, while IL-6, TNF-α, and MDA decreased to 18.4 ± 1.8 pg/mL, 24.1 ± 2.8 pg/mL, and 2.5 ± 0.3 nmol/mL, respectively. Neither organism was recovered above the detection limit. Survival was 62.5% in CLP, 87.5% with 100 mg/kg, and 100% with 200 mg/kg MOO. Within this 24 h model, a single post-CLP oral dose of MOO was associated with lower inflammatory cytokine concentrations and MDA, reduced recoverable bacterial burden, improved clinical and histopathological findings, and higher descriptive survival. Because MDA was the sole oxidative endpoint and no non-septic MOO-only group or molecular redox assays were included, these findings support the attenuation of sepsis-associated lipid peroxidation but do not establish a direct antioxidant mechanism.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2025Evaluation of Small Livestock Farms in Çorum Province in terms of Structural Characteristics, Herd Management Practices, Biosecurity and Animal Welfare
Tekce, Emre; Aydemir, Seyma; Bayraktar, Bulent; Kotan, Gökşad Cemil; Öztürk, Duygu
This study was conducted to examine the structural characteristics, biosecurity, and animal welfare practices of 120 small ruminant farms in Çorum province. The study included face-to-face surveys, observations, and measurements on farms with at least 50 animals, where a total of 17 different parameters were considered: 7 related to shelters, 7 related to building and equipment conditions, and 3 related to animal health. The majority of participating farm owners were young and middle-aged men who rely on livestock farming as their primary source of income (69%). The sector shows growth potential, demonstrated by the fact that 65% of farmers reported an increase in flock size over the last five years. However, a significant deficiency in modern herd management was identified, as 70% of farms do not use formal record-keeping systems. In terms of biosecurity, although 90.83% of breeders follow a regular vaccination schedule, crucial preventive measures like physical area disinfection and manure removal are performed infrequently, often only once a year. Lack of knowledge about biosecurity and excessive costs were reported as the main obstacles to effective implementation. The welfare assessment, based on the ANI 35L-derived protocol, rated the farms' housing and equipment status as "medium", with critical deficiencies noted in insulation and facilities for heat and cold protection (77.5% lack insulation). However, animal health parameters were generally rated as "moderate", with only skin condition being scored as "good". In conclusion, small ruminant farms in Çorum exhibit growth potential but urgently require improvements in key areas such as record-keeping, biosecurity measures, and modern barn infrastructure to enhance animal welfare and productivity.
