Browsing by Author "Matur, Erdal"

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Effects of Housing Systems on Production Performance, Egg Quality, Tonic Immobility and Feather Score in Laying Hens
(Wiley, 2024) Erek, Mert; Matur, Erdal
BackgroundThis study was designed to investigate the effects of different housing systems on production performance, egg quality and welfare in laying hens.MethodsOne hundred and twenty 42-week-old "Atak S" laying hens, purchased from a manufacturing company, were randomly assigned to 4 housing systems: conventional cages, furnished cages, deep-litter system and free-range. Each system housed 30 hens, which were kept in these systems for 6 weeks. Parameters regarding production performance, egg quality, plumage condition scores and tonic immobility were assessed at the end of the housing period.ResultsEgg production and egg mass were lower in cage-free rearing systems than in caged systems. Mean egg weight in free-range hens, and albumen height and Haugh unit in deep-litter hens, were lower than in other housing systems. Eggshell weight in hens housed in furnished cages was greater than in free-range hens, while eggshell strength was better compared to that of hens in conventional cages. The housing system did not impact fearfulness; however, the deep-litter housing increased the sensitivity to touch or capture. Whole body and regional plumage condition scores of free-range hens elicited more favourable results than those kept in conventional cages. Because the plumage condition indicates welfare, the results proved the superiority of free-range over conventional rearing regarding welfare.ConclusionsConcerning the parameters, such as egg production, animal welfare and fear level, overall data revealed the pros and cons of all housing systems investigated. We consider that this study's findings might contribute to the researchers and breeders seeking alternative housing for laying hens.
Evaluation of the Diversities in the Inflammatory Responses in Cats With Bacterial and Viral Infections
(Wiley, 2024) Erhan, Songul; Bilgic, Bengu; Ergen, Ezgi; Erek, Mert; Ergul Ekiz, Elif; Ozcan, Mukaddes; Matur, Erdal
BackgroundUnderstanding the nature of inflammatory responses in cats with bacterial and viral infections is essential for accurately managing the infection. This study aimed to investigate the diversities of inflammatory responses between bacterial and viral infections in cats to figure out their role in the pathophysiology of these infections.MethodsSeventy-five owned cats were included in the study. The evaluations were performed based on three groups: healthy control, bacterial infection group (those with bronchopneumonia and gastrointestinal tract and urinary tract infections) and viral infection group (21 with feline coronavirus [FCoV], 3 with feline leukaemia virus [FeLV] and 1 with feline calicivirus), each containing 25 individuals. Total and differential leukocyte counts, C-reactive protein (CRP), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) concentrations were assessed in the blood samples collected from sick and healthy animals.ResultsNo statistically significant difference was noted in serum TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-10 concentrations of the infected cats (p = 0.996, p = 0.160 and p = 0.930, respectively). Serum TGF-beta concentration in the viral infection group was reduced compared to the healthy control (p = 0.001). In contrast, WBC count and IL-6 and CRP concentrations were increased in the cats with bronchopneumonia, gastrointestinal tract infections and urinary tract infections compared to the healthy control and viral infection groups (p = 0.001, p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively).ConclusionThis study revealed significant differences between bacterial and viral infections regarding the fashion of inflammatory responses in cats, and the relevant data will undoubtedly contribute to the management and control of feline infectious diseases, rendering the development of novel therapeutic strategies.