This study was aimed to determine the morphological characteristics of Cakal, Mulakat and Oriental roller pigeon in Marmara region in Turkey. The study materials were consisted of 300 pigeons reared in 16 different enterprieses. The pigeons were examined for plumage colour, markings, head crest and foot feathers, eye colour, number of wing feathers, number of tail feathers, body weight and some other morphological measurements. Statistically significant differences were observed between the sex groups for body weight, head width, beak depth, trunk length (P less than 0,001) in Çakal, Mulakat and Oriental pigeons. It was determined that, in comparison to the local Turkey pigeon breeds (Bursa and Thrace roller, Ankara Tumbler, Squadron Flyer, Dewlap) raised in Turkey, the Cakal is small-sized, the Mulakat is medium-sized and the Oriental is large-sized. Furthermore, the comparison of the age groups for some morphological measurements demonstrated that the Oriental and Cakal pigeons grew slower than the Mulakat pigeon.

This study aimed to determine the reproductive characteristics of Saanen goats of Australian origin using an estrus synchronization program with hormones (MPA and PMSG) in two different mating periods (Period I and Period II) and to investigate the survival rates and growth performances of kids. According to the results of the research, it was determined that pregnancy rate and litter size were higher in the mating period I (87% and 2.16) compared to mating period II (80.5% and 2.03), and it is hypothesized that this situation is related to the length of dry period of the goats. Although the mortality rate (P˂0.001), and body weight (P˂0.05) at birth were affected by kidding season, the survival rate and their body weights of the Saanen-kids at days 30, 60, 90, and 120 were not affected by the kidding season (P>0.05). These results indicate that the kidding season should be an environmental factor to be taken into account when planning the production. In addition to this, it is important to optimize the care and management conditions, especially during the kidding season, due to the high multiple birth types for the estrus synchronization program in Saanen goats.

This research was carried out to determine the morphological characteristics of the Muradiye kelebek pigeon, which is one of our indigenous animal genetic resources. For this purpose, a total of 73 pigeons (35 male and 38 female) were examined from six breeders. Male pigeons were higher than the female pigeons in terms of trunk length (P < 0.001), head width (P < 0.05), beak length (P < 0.001), beak depth (P < 0.05), thoracic perimeter (P < 0.001), and tarsus diameter (P < 0.001). The body weight, chest width and thoracic perimeter of age group II were higher than those of age group I (P < 0.05; P < 0.01; P < 0.001). In terms of head structure, the Muradiye kelebek pigeons resemble Muradiye dönek, Bursa oynarı, Thrace roller, Alabadem, and Edremit kelebek pigeon genotypes. In addition, the plumage color of spotted in Muradiye kelebek pigeons, the plumage color of jackal in Thrace rollers, the plumage color of speckled in Edremit Kelebek pigeons, and the red/black galaca in Muradiye dönek pigeons may be mutual traits of these four pigeon genotypes. Therefore, the degree of kinship among Muradiye kelebek pigeons and the five pigeon genotypes (Muradiye dönek, Alabadem, Bursa oynarı, Thrace roller, Edremit kelebek pigeons) should be determined by genetic studies.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of the environmental factors including, birth season, lactation number, age, and service period, on the annual average lactation milk yield and lactation period of the Italian Mediterranean Buffaloes that were milked by rotary milking systems. The research was carried out on the data of 347 buffaloes in a modern dairy farming between 2016 and 2018 years. Their annual average lactation milk yield and lactation period were found to be 1587.55 ± 33.82 L and 247.66 ± 4.39 days. It was observed that the prolonged service period had a positive effect on the total lactation milk yield and lactation period. The season did not affect the lactation milk yield, but the lactation period was longer in the buffaloes calving in winter months. The service period has a direct effect on the economic profitability, and it was observed that the service periods of buffaloes calving in winter was shorter. It was also determined that milk productivity was positively affected due to the increase in age and lactation number, but there were wide variations in the herd. In conclusion, age, lactation number, and service period were efficient on the annual average milk yield and lactation period, but, on the other hand, the season did not affect the annual average milk yield. More breeding studies are required to minimize variations in buffalo herds milked by different milking techniques.

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