Evaluation of maternal behavior score and its effect on lamb growth performance in Akkaraman sheep

The aim of the study was to evaluate maternal behavior and its effect on lambs’ growth performance in Akkaraman sheep. In the study, maternal behaviour scores were recorded within the first 24 hours after lambing for 61 Akkaraman ewes. Later, the live weights of the lambs were determined at birth, 30, 60, and 90 days (weaning). It was calculated that 88.5% of Akkaraman ewes had moderate or high maternal behaviour scores, while only 11.5% had a low maternal behavior score. Maternal behaviour was found to be significantly influenced by the age of the ewe, while birth type and lamb sex had no significant effect. Maternal behaviour score had a significant effect on lamb growth at weaning (90 days). The effect of lamb sex was significant for all periods analysed. Birth type and dam age were found to have statistically significant effects on lamb birth weight (P < 0.01) and 60-day live weight (P < 0.05). The effects of maternal behaviour score and dam age on average daily live weight gain were found to be statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). A positive and significant phenotypic correlation was observed between maternal behaviour score and dam age (P < 0.01). In conclusion, Akkaraman ewes exhibited quite high maternal behavior. It is suggested that ewe lambing for the first time should be monitored more carefully, as maternal behavior improves with age and positive phenotypic correlations exist between birth weight and subsequent growth periods.