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Journals / Dicle Üniversitesi Veteriner Fakültesi Dergisi / 2026 / Cilt: 19 Sayı: 1

Impact of Acorn Feeding on Hematological and Biochemical Profiles in Sheep

Koyunlarda Meşe Palamudu Beslenmesinin Hematolojik ve Biyokimyasal Profiller Üzerindeki Etkisi

Adem Şahan(HARRAN ÜNİVERSİTESİ, VETERİNER FAKÜLTESİ, VETERİNER PR.)0000-0002-4779-0893
Erdem Gülersoy(HARRAN ÜNİVERSİTESİ, VETERİNER FAKÜLTESİ)0000-0001-8511-0150
Canberk Balıkçı(HARRAN ÜNİVERSİTESİ, VETERİNER FAKÜLTESİ)0000-0001-7473-5163
İsmail Günal(HARRAN ÜNİVERSİTESİ, VETERİNER FAKÜLTESİ)0000-0003-3679-4132
Zozan Garip Teke(HARRAN ÜNİVERSİTESİ, VETERİNER FAKÜLTESİ)0000-0002-8971-7918
Esma Kısmet(HARRAN ÜNİVERSİTESİ, VETERİNER FAKÜLTESİ)0000-0002-2906-074X
Pages
57–62
Publication Date
2026-06-30
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

Serum biochemistry profiling results were similar in both groups (p>0.05), while CBC results showed that the Study group had significantly lower hemoglobin (HGB), mean erythrocyte hemoglobin (MCH), and mean erythrocyte hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) values compared to the Control group (p=0.020, p<0.005, and p<0.005, respectively).

📌 3 Key Takeaways

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Objective & Hypothesis:Acorns are used as an alternative feed source in sheep feeding, especially under conditions of pasture scarcity and drought.
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Key Findings & Data:This study aimed to evaluate the changes in hematological and biochemical parameters in sheep that naturally consume acorns (approximately 500 g of mature Quercus brantii per day).
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Conclusion & Impact:Serum biochemistry profiling results were similar in both groups (p>0.05), while CBC results showed that the Study group had significantly lower hemoglobin (HGB), mean erythrocyte hemoglobin (MCH), and mean erythrocyte hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) values compared to the Control group (p=0.020, p<0.005, and p<0.005, respectively).
🔬Design:Araştırma Makalesi
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Biyokimyasal · hematolojik · koyun

Abstract

Acorns are used as an alternative feed source in sheep feeding, especially under conditions of pasture scarcity and drought. However, due to the tannins and phenolic compounds they contain, they can have negative effects on animal health. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in hematological and biochemical parameters in sheep that naturally consume acorns (approximately 500 g of mature Quercus brantii per day). The study material consisted of a total of 16 Awassi sheep aged 1–3 years. Nine sheep that consumed acorns formed the Study group, and seven sheep fed only with a standard ration formed the Control group. The number of animals was determined according to the flock structure and breeder conditions, and acorn consumption was not experimentally applied by the researchers but was based on existing feeding practices in field conditions. After clinical examinations of all sheep, complete blood counts (CBC) and serum biochemistry profiling were performed. Serum biochemistry profiling results were similar in both groups (p>0.05), while CBC results showed that the Study group had significantly lower hemoglobin (HGB), mean erythrocyte hemoglobin (MCH), and mean erythrocyte hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) values compared to the Control group (p=0.020, p<0.005, and p<0.005, respectively). These findings may be related to the fact that acorns were collected at a later stage of maturity, improved physiological adaptations against species-specific toxic effects, or the possible protective role of high-proline salivary proteins in adult ruminants. Furthermore, it was considered that commonly used routine diagnostic parameters may be insufficient to reveal early or subclinical metabolic changes associated with acorn consumption. In conclusion, it was determined that standard laboratory analyses may not fully reflect the physiological effects of acorn-containing diets and that further diagnostic approaches are needed to evaluate potential changes in cellular energy and amino acid metabolism.

Özet

Meşe palamudu, özellikle otlak yetersizliği ve kuraklık koşullarında koyun beslemesinde alternatif bir yem kaynağı olarak kullanılmaktadır. Ancak içerdiği tanen ve fenolik bileşikler nedeniyle hayvan sağlığı üzerinde olumsuz etkilere yol açabilmektedir. Bu çalışma, doğal olarak meşe palamudu (günde yaklaşık 500 g olgun Quercus brantii) tüketen koyunlarda hematolojik ve biyokimyasal parametrelerdeki değişimleri değerlendirmeyi amaçlamıştır. Çalışma materyalini 1–3 yaşlı toplam 16 adet İvesi koyunu oluşturmuştur. Meşe palamudu tüketen 9 koyun Çalışma grubunu, yalnızca standart rasyonla beslenen 7 koyun ise Kontrol grubunu oluşturmuştur. Hayvan sayısı sürü yapısı ve yetiştirici koşulları doğrultusunda belirlenmiş olup, meşe palamudu tüketimi araştırmacılar tarafından deneysel olarak uygulanmamış, saha koşullarında mevcut besleme uygulamasına dayanmaktadır. Tüm koyunların klinik muayenelerinden sonra sonra tam kan sayımı (CBC) ve serum biyokimyası profillendirmeleri yapılmıştır. Serum biyokimyası profillendirme sonuçları her iki grupta benzer bulunurken (p>0.05), CBC sonucu meşe Çalışma grubunun hemoglobin (HGB), ortalama eritrosit hemoglobini (MCH) ve ortalama eritrosit hemoglobin konsantrasyonu (MCHC) değerleri kontrol grubuna göre anlamlı düzeyde daha düşük bulunmuştur (sırasıyla p=0.020, p<0.005 ve p<0.005). Tespit edilen bu bulgular, meşe palamutlarının ileri olgunluk döneminde toplanmış olmasına, türlere özgü toksik etkilere karşı gelişmiş fizyolojik adaptasyonlara veya yetişkin geviş getirenlerde yüksek prolinli tükürük proteinlerinin olası koruyucu rolü ile ilişkili olabilir. Dahası, yaygın olarak kullanılan rutin tanısal parametrelerin meşe palamudu tüketimiyle ilişkili erken ya da subklinik metabolik değişiklikleri ortaya koymada yetersiz kalabileceği düşünülmüştür. Sonuç olarak, standart laboratuvar analizlerinin meşe palamudu içeren diyetlerin fizyolojik etkilerini tam olarak yansıtmayabileceğini ve hücresel enerji ile amino asit metabolizmasındaki potansiyel değişimleri değerlendirmek için daha ileri tanısal yaklaşımlara ihtiyaç duyulduğu kanısına varılmıştır.

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Cite This Article

Şahan, A., Gülersoy, E., Balıkçı, C., Günal, İ., Teke, Z. G., Kısmet, E. (2026). Impact of Acorn Feeding on Hematological and Biochemical Profiles in Sheep. Dicle Üniversitesi Veteriner Fakültesi Dergisi, Cilt: 19 Sayı: 1, 57–62. https://doi.org/10.47027/duvetfd.1861946

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