The effects of hazelnut oil usage on live weight, carcass, rumen, some blood parameters and femur head ash in Akkaraman lambs

This study was carried out to determine the effects of hazelnut oil supplementation in the diets on growth, carcass and blood parameters as well as rumen pH, protozoa quantity and femur head ash in Akkaraman lambs. Forty native Akkaraman lambs were used. The lambs were divided into two groups as treatment and control. The treatment group diet was supplemented with 3% hazelnut oil. The study was continued for 84 days. The values regarding plasma malondialdehyde, cholesterol, triglyceride and antioxidant activity levels were found to be lower in the treatment group. In conclusion, supplementing 3% hazelnut oil in the diet of Akkaraman lambs had no detrimental effects on live weight, carcass and blood parameters, rumen microbial activity and femur ash. While the plasma glutathione and glucose levels increased, total cholesterol levels decreased. Considering the low level of malondialdehyde and high level of glutathione, it could be claimed that supplementation of hazelnut oil at 3% in diets plays a protective role against oxidative damage in the body. Therefore it could be used in sheep feeding.