Work

Effects of Forage-to-Concentrate Ratio on Abnormal Stereotypic Behavior in Lambs and Goat Kids

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: A crucial component of small ruminant production, particularly where intensive systems are becoming more prevalent, is determining the forage-to-concentrate (F:C) ratio in their daily diets in order to optimize performance, health, behavior, and welfare for the animals. In the current study, we investigated the effects of the F:C ratio in lamb, and goat kids' daily diets on growth performance, stereotypical behavior, and blood biochemical parameters. A total of 18 female Tahirova sheep lambs and 18 female Turkish Saanen goat kids were used in this experiment, divided into three groups using the following F:C ratios: 20:80, 60:40, and 80:20. Their behaviors and intake of feed and water were monitored closely for eight hours a week in individual pens. A weekly weight value enabled the determination of growth rates, weight gain rates, and feed conversion ratios. Initially, blood samples were taken for analysis of blood urea nitrogen, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids, creatine kinase, and cortisol hormones, as well as at the end of the study. In lambs, growth performance remained consistent across F:C groups. In goat kids, however, the 20:80 group showed superior growth and weight gain. Based on the F:C ratios, behavioral differences were found in forage feeding, rumination, water consumption, and standing activities. Similarly, the 20:80 group displayed higher rates of bar biting, crib biting, and wool biting in lambs, as well as bar biting, crib biting, bucket biting, and chain chewing in goat kids. Cortisol levels were significantly higher in the 20:80 group than in the 80:20 group for both species. According to this study, goat kids are more adversely affected by low forage ratios in their daily diet than lambs. Insufficient forage can cause abnormal stereotypical behaviors, which negatively impact animal welfare.

Source: Animals

DOI: 10.3390/ani15070963

Author: Cemil Tölü

Institution: Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart Üniversitesi

Language: English

Topic: Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies

Subfield: Small Animals

Field: Veterinary

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896