Determination of karayaka sheep behavior pattern in extensive production system

ABSTRACT DETERMINATION OF KARAYAKA SHEEP BEHAVIOR PATTERN IN EXTENSIVE PRODUCTION SYSTEM Aslıhan ATEŞ Ondokuz Mayıs University Institute of Graduate Studies Department of Animal Science Master, October/2023 Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Mehmet Akif ÇAM Animal behavior can be considered a reflection of the response to life conditions. The reactions-behaviors of animals to environmental conditions outside their comfort zone are indicators that should be evaluated in terms of product quantity and quality. This study was carried out to determine the behavior of Karayaka sheep raised in a semi-nomadic extensive production system in different seasons and climatic conditions. For this purpose, 20 heads of ewes and five heads of ram were randomly selected from each of the five enterprises. Behavioral characteristics were determined in 100 ewes and 25 rams. Observations were made in different seasons, days, and parts of the day. Grazing, shading, mating, prenatal, natal, and postnatal behaviors of herds and individuals within the herd were investigated. For seasonal rectal temperature, number of breaths per minute, and body temperature changes, three young (ewe lamb), three adult ewes, one male ewe lamb, and one breeding ram were selected from each farm. The physiological parameters mentioned above were performed on these 40 selected animals. It has been determined that the grazing behavior of the animals changes according to the weather conditions and whether the feeding is done before the pasture in the shelter. The mating behavior has been observed to be more pronounced in ewes that give birth to two or more lambs than the skewers, and ewes prefer strong rams for mating. It was determined that the level of maternal ability, lamb care, and mother-offspring bond formation was lower in young animals giving birth for the first time compared to animals with two or more births, and birth difficulties were more common in young animals. Rectal temperature of animals (spring 38.85, summer 39.15, autumn 39.01 and winter 38.63, P<0.001), number of breaths per minute (spring 53.88, summer 69.17, autumn 51.67, winter 48.84; P<0.001) and body temperature values (spring 36.11, summer 36.21, autumn 36.18, winter 36.18, P>0.05) were varied depending on the ambient temperature between different seasons. Under extensive nomadic conditions, temperature humidity index (THI) values did not reach a level that would cause stress in areas where THI values do not cause stress (coast 50.15 and plateau 51.11). It has been seen that the semi-nomadic extensive system traditionally applied by the breeders is suitable for animal behavior and welfare and that the breeders maintain an essential legacy in understanding animal behavior.