Lactation curve and persistency of Anatolian buffaloes

WOS: 000360812300003The aim of this study was to determine the lactation curve traits of Anatolian buffaloes raised under different conditions in farms in Tokat Province, Turkey. Wood's gamma curve parameters were employed to identify the lactation curve types, and values for the parameters beginning yield (a), coefficient of rising (b) and coefficient of decreasing (c) were used to determine the shape and type of lactation curve. All parameters in typical lactation curves were positive, and in the event of one parameter being negative, the curve was considered to be an atypical lactation curve. A total of 690 lactation curves were investigated. It was determined that 406 (58.84%) of these curves were typical, while 90 (13.04%) were concave and 194 (28.12%) of a decreasing type. For typical lactation curves, a, b, c, persistency (S), time after parturition until the peak yield occurs (T-max), maximum daily peak yield (Y-max), and coefficient of determination (R-2) were 7.14 +/- 0.008, 0.85 +/- 2.1, 0.40 +/- 0.001, 2.68, 63.6, 6.41 and 76.33, respectively. For concave lactation curves, values for a, b, c, T-max, Y-max and R-2 were 4.94 +/- 0.42, -0.73 +/- 0.016, -0.23 +/- 0.0038, 95.40, 7.41 +/- 0.004 and 71.68, respectively. For decreasing typical lactation curves, values for a, b, c, T-max, and R-2 were 5.31 +/- 0.0041, -0.15 +/- 0.007, 0.039 +/- 0.0023, 3.89 +/- 0.11 and 79.94, respectively. Parameters predicted by the Wood model within the scope of this study have the potential of being useful for breeding programmes. Further breeding/selection activities could be conducted by using the female Anatolian buffaloes with typical lactation curves

THE EFFECT OF SOME ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON MILK COMPOSITION OF ANATOLIAN BUFFALOES

WOS: 000413672900011The aim of this study was to determine the composition of raw milk from Anatolian water buffaloes raised under different village conditions in the Tokat province of Northern Turkey. The study materials included 600 milk samples from 120 water buffaloes raised at different farms in 12 separate villages of the Erbaa, Turhal, and Pazar counties in the Tokat Province. The dry matter, nonfat dry matter (or solid non fat), fat, protein, lactose, and casein content of the milk samples were determined. The study results demonstrated that the mean dry matter, nonfat dry matter, fat, protein, lactose, and casein content of the raw milk samples were 16.99 +/- 0.108%, 10.88 +/- 0.036%, 5.98 +/- 0.107%, 4.85 +/- 0.043%, 5.17 +/- 0,021%, and 3.61 +/- 0.036%, respectively. The study data were evaluated according to the water buffaloes' lactation stage, parity, and season by using the SPSS statistical program. It was concluded that the sampling time, parity, village conditions, stage of lactation and calving age had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on the dry matter, nonfat dry matter, fat, protein, lactose, and casein content of raw milk from the Anatolian water buffalo.Ahi Evran University Scientific Research Projects Coordination UnitAhi Evran University [ZRT.E2.16.008]; General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies in Tokat provinceThis work was supported by the Ahi Evran University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit. Project Number: ZRT.E2.16.008. This study's data were obtained from the scope of the project of improvement of Anatolian buffalo in public hand supported by General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies in Tokat province. We would like to thank Tokat Water Buffalo Breeders' Association for valuable technical assistance

A nationwide multicentre study in Turkey for establishing reference intervals of haematological parameters with novel use of a panel of whole blood

IntroductionA nationwide multicentre study was conducted to establish well-defined reference intervals (RIs) of haematological parameters for the Turkish population in consideration of sources of variation in reference values (RVs). Materials and methodsK2-EDTA whole blood samples (total of 3363) were collected from 12 laboratories. Sera were also collected for measurements of iron, UIBC, TIBC, and ferritin for use in the latent abnormal values exclusion (LAVE) method. The blood samples were analysed within 2 hours in each laboratory using Cell Dyn and Ruby (Abbott), LH780 (Beckman Coulter), or XT-2000i (Sysmex). A panel of freshly prepared blood from 40 healthy volunteers was measured in common to assess any analyser-dependent bias in the measurements. The SD ratio (SDR) based on ANOVA was used to judge the need for partitioning RVs. RIs were computed by the parametric method with/without applying the LAVE method. ResultsAnalyser-dependent bias was found for basophils (Bas), MCHC, RDW and MPV from the panel test results and thus those RIs were derived for each manufacturer. RIs were determined from all volunteers’ results for WBC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, MCV, MCH and platelets. Gender-specific RIs were required for RBC, haemoglobin, haematocrit, iron, UIBC and ferritin. Region-specific RIs were required for RBC, haemoglobin, haematocrit, UIBC, and TIBC. ConclusionsWith the novel use of a freshly prepared blood panel, manufacturer-specific RIs’ were derived for Bas, Bas%, MCHC, RDW and MPV. Regional differences in RIs were observed among the 7 regions of Turkey, which may be attributed to nutritional or environmental factors, including altitude

Genetic trends of body weight and some scanning traits of Karayaka lambs

WOS: 000456658700004This investigation was conducted to estimate the breeding values and genetic trends for body weight (BW), scanning fat depth (SFD) and scanning muscle depth (SMD) of Karayaka lambs (n= 1059) at 140 +/- 3.36 day of age. Experiments were conducted in a nucleus flock of Karayaka sheep under a selective breeding program to increase productivity at research farm of Gaziosmanpasa University between the years 2006 - 2011. Breeding values were estimated with ASREML software. While genetic trend for BW and SMD showed a smooth ascending trend, SFD exhibited a descending trend throughout the experimental period. The genetic trend for BW, SFD and SMD of Karayaka lambs were observed as 0.433 kg / year, 0.00686 mm / year and 0.00786 mm / year, respectively. The results showed that applying of a selection program on BW, SMD and SFD characteristics would increase BW and SMD values and decrease SFD value in Karayaka lambs.Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey "TUBITAK"Turkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Arastirma Kurumu (TUBITAK) [104O329]; General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policy of Turkey [60KYK2005-01]The authors wish to thank The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey "TUBITAK" (Project number: 104O329) and General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policy of Turkey (Project number: 60KYK2005-01) for their financial support for the present research

Investigation of thickness dependence on electronic structures of iron and nickel thin films by L-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy

WOS: 000325384400037We have studied the effect of the film thickness on the electronic structure of pure nickel and iron thin films. Series of the thin films were evaporated by e-beam evaporation on SiN substrates. The electronic structure of the thin films was investigated using X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. We have showed the thickness dependent variation of the experimental branching ratio (BR) and full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) at the L-3 and L-2 edges for both thin films. A strong thickness dependence of the L-2,L-3 BR and FWHM was found. We have also focused on the deviation of L-3 to L-2 ratio from its statistical value. The average L-3/L-2 white-line intensity ratio was calculated to be 3.4 and 3.0 from peak height and integrated area under each L-3 and L-2 peaks, respectively for iron. Additionally, a theoretical L-2,L-3 edge calculation for nickel was presented. The obtained results were consistent with the general view of the L-2,L-3 BR and FWHM of iron and nickel transition metals. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Basic Energy Science; DOE Cooperative Research ProgramThe authors express their thank to Professor Piero Pianetta, Professor Herman Winick and the staff at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) for their excellent support, where the XANES experiments have been carried out. SSRL is supported by the Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Basic Energy Science. The authors acknowledge financial support the DOE Cooperative Research Program for the Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East (SESAME)

Estimates of genetic parameters for different body weights and muscle and fat depths of Karayaka lambs

WOS: 000368558800006In the current paper the direct additive and maternal genetic effects on birth, weaning (at 90 days of age), and scanning (at 20 weeks of age) weights and muscle and fat depths of the ribeye area in Karayaka lambs were investigated. Analyses were carried out by the restricted maximum likelihood approach, fitting 6 animal models with various combinations of direct and maternal effects. The best model was chosen after testing for improvement in the log-likelihood values. Direct heritability (h(d)(2)) for all traits decreased when maternal genetic effects were included in the models. The maternal heritability (h(m)(2)) ranged from 0.15 to 0.22 for birth weight, from 0.04 to 0.14 for weaning weight, and from 0.08 to 0.16 for scanning weight. The effects of h(m)(2) on muscle depth and fat depth of the ribeye area were not considered due to their insignificance. The permanent environmental effect of the dam was significant for birth, weaning, and scanning weights. Moderate negative genetic correlations (r(am)) between the direct and maternal genetic effects were observed, which were significant for birth (-0.179 and -0.221), weaning (-0.310 and -0.415), and scanning (-0.116 and -0.141) weights. As a result, h(d)(2) and h(m)(2) can be used as selection criteria for birth, weaning, and scanning weights in Karayaka lambs

Complex Fuzzy Assessment of Green Flight Activity Investments for Sustainable Aviation Industry

The aviation industry harms the environment mainly via the creation of carbon emissions. Hence, action needs to be taken to ensure the environmental sustainability of the aviation industry such as the recycling of waste products, effective waste management and the introduction of energy efficiency measures. However, at the same time, the implementation of improvements to remediate such problems leads to the creation of additional costs for aviation companies. Companies thus need to conduct comprehensive priority analyses regarding the optimum strategy for the sustainability of the aviation industry. However, there is a very limited number of studies in the literature that focused on which approach should be prioritized. Accordingly, this study aimed at the assessment of the viability of investing in so-called green flight measures in the aviation industry, for which a completely original decision-making model was created. Firstly, the various strategic priorities were weighted and the impact-relation directions between them illustrated aimed at the identification of potential influences by means of a multi stepwise weight assessment ratio analysis (M-SWARA) methodology that incorporates bipolar q-rung orthopair fuzzy sets (q-ROFSs) and golden cut. Secondly, the various flight activities are ranked, and the potential impacts of these activities determined in terms of the strategic priorities of a sustainable aviation industry employing q-ROF as the elimination and choice translating reality (ELECTRE) technique. All the calculations were also computed with intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFSs) and Pythagorean fuzzy sets (PFSs) aimed at verifying the validity of the findings. The analysis concluded that while energy efficiency comprises the most important factor in terms of strategic priority investment for the circular economy-based aviation industry, emergency response makes up the most crucial activity in the industry. Operational efficiency must be prioritized to decrease the amount of fuel consumed, in connection with which flight routes should be planned according to current weather conditions, which would serve to shorten flight times and, thus, help to increase energy efficiency. Such an approach would make a positive contribution to minimizing carbon emissions aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the aviation industry

Comparison of Different Lactation Curve Models of Anatolian Buffaloes

WOS: 000344690200005In this study, eight different lactation curve models were compared by using test day milk yield records belonging Anatolian Buffaloes raised in different Farm conditions between 2011 and 2013. To identify the best lactation curve models of Wood, Cobby and Le Du, Logaritmic Quadratic, Exponential, Parabolic exponential, Quadratic, Inverse Polynomial and Logaritmic Linear mathematical functions were used. The coefficient of determination (R-2) and residual standard deviation (RSD) statistics were used for determination of best fitted model in lactation curve. Logaritmic Quadratic and Quadratic functions are the best goodness of fit model as having the highest R-2 and lowest RSD coefficients. As a result, the parameters are estimated by logarithmic quadratic or quadratic models, for use in breeding programs will make an important contribution to research in this field