THE EFFECT OF COLOSTRUM CONCENTRATION ON WEANING WEIGHT OF LAMBS IN AWASSI SHEEP

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Dağdelen Türkyilmaz Ü., Türkyilmaz D.

ASES IV. INTERNATIONAL FOOD, AGRICULTURE AND VETERINARY CONGRESS, Ankara, Türkiye, 27 - 28 Şubat 2026, ss.9-15, (Tam Metin Bildiri)

  • Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Tam Metin Bildiri
  • Basıldığı Şehir: Ankara
  • Basıldığı Ülke: Türkiye
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.9-15
  • Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
  • Atatürk Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study aimed to determine age-related temporal changes in colostrum concentration during the first

24 hours postpartum in İvesi ewes and to evaluate the relationship between colostrum quality and lamb

growth (weaning weight). A total of 25 ewes were included: 2 years (n=7), 3 years (n=6), 4 years (n=6),

and ≥5 years (n=6). Colostrum samples were collected at 0, 12, and 24 h after birth and analyzed using

an optical refractometer as Brix (%). Lamb weaning weights were recorded with a 20 g precision scale,

and weight gains until weaning were calculated. Colostrum concentration declined over time in all age

groups, while older ewes tended to show higher values at the same time point. These findings emphasize

that timely intake of high-quality colostrum is critical for lamb growth and that colostrum management

should be strengthened in sheep production systems.