Authors : Mahmut Keskin , Osman Bizer , Sabri Gul and Ahmet Sahin
Abstract: This study was carried out to investigate the effect of artificial lighting (Al) on fattening performance and feeding behaviour of Shami (Demanascus) young male goats in comparison to naturally lightened male young goats. Sixtgeen young male goats fed a diet containing 2500 Kcal metabolic energy (ME) and 160 g crude protein (CP) kg-1 (on fresh matter basis) were randomly (8 goats per group) distributed into two groups (control, AL). Al animal sere subjected to the additional lighting regime during dark period of day (from 19:00 to 07:00) with 2 lamps having 100 watt capacity. Goats were weighed with 14-d time interval for 70 days without any food and water deprivationj to monitor their live weight gain. Behavioural observations (eating, ruminating, resting and others-defecation, urinating, drinking, walking, standing, play, etc.) were recorded once a week on Tuesdays at 19:00, 21:00, 23:00, 05:00 and 07:00. Daily food intake, daily gain and feed conversion ratio (g gain: g feed) were 1646 g vs 1694 g; 200 g vs 207 g and 8.65 vs 9.25 in control and Al groups (P>0.05). Also, behavioural observation data showed that control animals activated more for resting (49.3%, vs 41.1%) than Al animals (P>0.05), but this was not statistically significant. However, Al goats eating behaviour was higher than control animals (28.2% vs 19.5%) (P<0.05). In conclusion, the artificial lighting in goats has no impact on fattening parameters. This could be related to their digestive anatomical and physiological characteristics.
Mahmut Keskin , Osman Bizer , Sabri Gul and Ahmet Sahin , 2003. Effects of Artificial Lighting on Fattening and Behaviour of Goats . Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2: 49-51.