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

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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). 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. Lamb growth performance maternal behavior score ewe age birth type phenotypic correlation Figures Figure 1 INTRODUCTION One of the most important factors limiting profitability in sheep farming is the survival rate and growth performance of lambs from birth to weaning. Lamb mortality during this period reduces production efficiency, leads to animal welfare problems, and causes economic losses for farmers (Wang et al., 2021 ). The survival rate of lambs is closely related to genetic structure, environmental conditions, care and feeding level, and especially the maternal behavior exhibited by the mother (Dwyer et al., 2003 ). Maternal behavior encompasses all behaviors such as the mother approaching her offspring immediately after birth, cleaning it, allowing it to suckle, and protecting it. These behaviors play a decisive role in the lamb's success in standing up, starting to suckle, and adapting to environmental conditions in the first hours after birth (Nowak & Poindron, 2006 ; Dwyer et al., 2003 ). Maternal behavior in sheep is critically important for the growth and survival rate of offspring. The level of attention a mother shows to her offspring directly affects the lambs' adequate intake of colostrum and, consequently, the acquisition of passive immunity (Muhammad et al., 2022 ). It has been reported that lamb losses are higher in ewes exhibiting inadequate maternal behavior, while lambs with high maternal behavior scores have higher survival rates and daily live weight gain (Hay et al., 2024 ; Everett-Hincks and Dodds 2008 ). Therefore, objectively measuring maternal behavior and considering it in breeding selection is of great importance in increasing flock productivity (Dwyer 2014 ). In recent years, the "Maternal Behavior Score" (MBS) system, which numerically classifies the mother's postpartum responses to her offspring, has been widely used in evaluating maternal behaviors. This system; It is based on scoring the mother's behaviors towards her lamb, such as approaching, vocalizing, avoiding, making contact, and allowing suckling, according to specific criteria (O’Connor et al., 1985 ). Thus, behavioral differences between individuals can be objectively evaluated, and the relationships between these scores and lamb growth performance or survival rate can be statistically determined. New research at the genetic level shows that the heritability of MBS is moderate and can be evaluated in selection programs (O’Connor et al., 1985 ; Dwyer 2008 ). The Akkaraman breed, a native genetic resource well adapted to Türkiye’s hot and cold climates, can survive under limited care and feeding conditions and typically produces one lamb per year (Ertuğrul et al., 2009 ). However, studies on the effects of maternal behaviors on lamb growth and survival rate in Akkaraman sheep are limited. Measuring maternal behaviors under regional breeding conditions and correlating these behaviors with lamb performance is important for both determining the production potential of the breed and identifying behavioral indicators that can be used in selection programs, considering the importance of small ruminant farming for food security and rural economies (Behrem, 2025 ; Koyuncu and Duymaz 2017 ). This study aimed to determine the effects of maternal behavior scores on the growth performance and survival rate of lambs from birth to weaning in Akkaraman sheep. It is believed that the findings will contribute to breeding and selection strategies aimed at increasing production efficiency in native sheep breeds. MATERIALS AND METHODS Study Area The study was conducted at the Small Ruminant Unit of Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, Ayhan Şahenk Agricultural Research Application and Research Center (Latitude 37°52′39″N; Longitude 34°53′01″E; altitude 1174 m; annual rainfall 343.3 mm). Province of Niğde is in the Central Anatolia Region of Türkiye and known as cold winters and dry summers. Animal Management Ewes were raised in a semi-open barn and fed according to NRC recommendations (NRC, 2007 ). During the study period, ewes were fed 1 kg of alfalfa hay and 600 g/per ewes commercial concentrate fed. In the last two months of pregnancy, the animals were moved to pregnant ewe pens. All animals were provided with fresh drinking water via automatic waterers. The lambs stayed with their dams during weaning time ( 90 days) and were fed lamb starter feed beginning 15th after lambing. Animal Material Data were collected from 61 Akkaraman ewes between 2 and 5 years of age. Ewes were synchronized during the transition to the breeding season using Melatonin implants and FGA sponges. Maternal Behavior Score Information about the sheep and their lambs was recorded within 24 hours of birth. Maternal behavior scores (MBS) reported by O’Connor et al. ( 1985 ) and Dwyer and Lawrence (1998) were determined using the following five-point scale. During this time, an observer followed the sheep. They recorded how far the ewes were from their lambs. They also assigned an MBS score to each sheep (Fig. 1 ). MBS was assessed using a five-point scale as follows: The sheep runs away when the shepherd approaches, shows no interest in the lambs, and does not return; (1) The sheep runs away more than 10 meters but returns when the shepherd leaves the lambs; (2) The sheep retreats to a distance where tag identification is difficult (5–10 m); (3) The sheep retreats but stays within 5 m; (4) The sheep stays close to the shepherd while caring for its lambs (5). Lambs Survival Rate and Growth Performance Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasonography (Esaote Pie Medical Aquila, Türkiye) approximately 30 days after finish matting. Live weights were recorded at birth, and on days 30, 60 and 90 (weaning) with 100 g sensitivity. Survival rate (%) = (Number of lambs that are alive by 90th days / Number of lambs born) × 100 Statistical Analysis Data was analyzed using the SPSS statistical package program. General Linear Model used ewe maternal behavior score and lambs’ growth performance date. Differences among groups were detected by Duncan’s multiple comparison test. Phenotypic Pearson correlation analysis was made to measure the relationships between variables. Correlation coefficients were determined using phenotypic values of the measured traits, and statistical significance levels were given as P < 0.01 and P < 0.05. RESULTS Environmental factors affecting maternal behavior score (MBS) in Akkaraman sheep are given in Table 1 . Ewe age showed a statistically significant difference in maternal behavior score (P 0.05). On the other hand, differences observed in terms of lamb sex and birth type were found to be statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). The survival rate of Akkaraman lambs between birth and weaning was calculated as 100%, and none of the factors examined were found to have an effect. Table 1 Least squares means and standard errors of the factors affecting ewe behavior scores and survival in sheep Factors Maternal Behavior Score (x̄±SE) Survival rate,% Ewe Ages ** ns 2 2.439 ± 0.317 b 100 3 4.212 ± 0.260 a 100 4 4.203 ± 0.312 a 100 5 4.714 ± 0.240 a 100 6 4.259 ± 0.300 a 100 Gender ns ns Female 3.859 ± 0.169 100 Male 4.072 ± 0.195 100 Type of Birth ns ns Single 3.830 ± 0.166 100 Twin 4.102 ± 0.204 100 General 3.966 ± 0.129 100 x̄: Mean, SE: Standard error, a-b: Different letters in the same column indicate significant difference (P 0.05), *: P < 0.05 and ** P < 0.01 Maternal behavior scores (MBS) is presented in Table 2 according to ewe age in Akkaraman sheep. It was calculated that the sheep with MBS 4 and 5 were 78.7% in total. This shows that the majority of Akkaraman sheep shows high maternal behavior. Table 2 Distribution of maternal behavior scores by ewe age (n, %) Maternal Behavior Score Ewe Ages 1 2 3 4 5 Average 2 5 (%8.2) 0 (%0.0) 2 (%3.3) 2 (%2.3) 1 (%1.6) 10 (16.4) 3 0 (%0.00) 1 (%1.6) 2 (%3.3) 5 (%8.2) 6 (%9.8) 14 (%23.0) 4 0 (%0.0) 1 (%1.6) 1 (%1.6) 4 (%6.6) 4(%6.6) 10 (%16.6) 5 0 (%0.00) 0 (%0.00) 1 (%1.6) 3 (% 4.9) 12 (%19.7) 16 (%26.2) 6 0 (%0.00) 0 (%0.00) 0 (%0.00) 8 (%13.1) 3 (% 4.9) 11 (%18.0) Total 5 (%8.2) 2 (%3.3) 6 (%9.8) 22 (%36.1) 26 (%42.6) 61 (%100) 1. Ewe flees at the approach of the shepherd, show no interest in the lambs and does not return. 2. Ewe retreat further than 10 m but comes back to her lambs as the shepherd leaves them. 3. Ewe retreat to such a distance that tag identification is difficult (5–10), 4. Ewe retreats but stays within 5 m. 5. Ewe stays close to the shepherd during handling of her lambs. Factors affecting the growth performance of Akkaraman lambs are presented in Table 3 . Maternal behavior score significantly affected lamb live weight only at weaning (90 days), while no significant effect was observed at 30 and 60 days growth stages (Table 3 ). While ewe age had a statistically significant effect on birth weight and 60-day live weight, it was determined that the effect on 30th day and 90th day body weight was insignificant. The highest birth weight was found in lambs born from 6 year-old ewes and the lowest in lambs born from 3 year old sheep. Although lambs from ewes with higher maternal behavior scores tended to show numerically higher growth, this trend was most evident at weaning rather than earlier growth stages. Table 3 Least squares means and standard errors of lambs at birth, 30th day, 60th day and weaning (90th day) live weights (x̄±SE) Factors n Birth Weight Day 30 LW Day 60 LW Weaning (90.Day) LW Maternal Behavior Score ns ns ns ** 1 5 4.401 ± 0.409 10.490 ± 1.199 19.339 ± 1.713 28.188 ± 2.430 b 2 2 4.693 ± 0.510 13.439 ± 1.494 21.036 ± 2.134 27.312 ± 3.026 c 3 6 4.638 ± 0.298 12.598 ± 0.873 22.142 ± 1.247 30.048 ± 1.769 a 4 22 4.439 ± 0.162 12.792 ± 0.476 21.343 ± 0.680 29.214 ± 0.964 ab 5 26 4.494 ± 0.153 12.788 ± 0.449 21.779 ± 0.642 26.651 ± 0.910 d Ewe Age ** ns * ns 2 10 4.602 ± 0.289 a 13.170 ± 0.847 21.745 ± 1.209 ab 27.781 ± 1.715 3 14 3.978 ± 0.223 b 11.179 ± 0.653 18.632 ± 0.933 c 27.507 ± 1.323 4 10 4.659 ± 0.254 a 12.338 ± 0.745 21.825 ± 1.064 a 29.145 ± 1.509 5 16 4.225 ± 0.242 b 12.222 ± 0.711 21.662 ± 1.015 abc 29.575 ± 1.440 6 11 5.200 ± 0.275 a 13.198 ± 0.807 21.774 ± 1.153 bc 27.404 ± 1.634 Gender ** ** ** * Female 36 4.371 ± 0.159 b 12.448 ± 0.466 a 20.487 ± 0.666 b 25.872 ± 0.944 b Male 25 4.695 ± 0.186 a 12.395 ± 0.545 b 21.768 ± 0.779 a 30.693 ± 1.104 a Type of Birth ** ns * ns Single 36 5.117 ± 0.158 a 13.597 ± 0.462 23.724 ± 0.661 a 29.671 ± 0.937 Twin 25 3.949 ± 0.196 b 11.246 ± 0.576 18.532 ± 0.823 b 26.894 ± 1.167 Average 61 4.533 ± 0.145 12.421 ± 0.425 21.128 ± 0.606 28.283 ± 0.860 x̄: Mean, SE: Standard error, ns: not significant (P > 0.05), a-c: Means with different superscripts in the same column indicate significant differences for different effects (P < 0.05). * P < 0.05. ** P < 0.01). The sex effect on live weight of lambs was found to be statistically significant throughout all periods studied (from birth to weaning) (P < 0.01). Male lambs provided higher live weight than females. The birth type of lambs also affected the birth and 60th day live weights, and single-born lambs had higher weight values than twins. When the daily live weight gains (DLWG) of Akkaraman breed lambs were examined; the effect of maternity score, maternal age and birth type was found to be insignificant. However, the effect of gender was significant at 30 and 60 days, and the effect of birth type was significant at weaning (at 90 days) (Table 4 ). Male lambs achieved higher live weight gain during this period. Table 4 Daily live weight gain of lambs 30th days, 60th days and 90th days weaning (g/day). Factors n DLW-30 DLW-60 DLW-90 Maternal Behavior Score ns ns ns 1 5 0.203 ± 0.039 0.249 ± 0.028 0.264 ± 0.027 2 2 0.292 ± 0.048 0.272 ± 0.035 0.251 ± 0.034 3 6 0.265 ± 0.028 0.292 ± 0.020 0.282 ± 0.020 4 22 0.278 ± 0.015 0.282 ± 0.011 0.275 ± 0.011 5 26 0.276 ± 0.014 0.288 ± 0.010 0.246 ± 0.010 Maternal Age ns ns ns 2 10 0.286 ± 0.027 0.286 ± 0.020 0.258 ± 0.019 3 14 0.240 ± 0.021 0.244 ± 0.015 0.261 ± 0.015 4 10 0.256 ± 0.024 0.286 ± 0.017 0.272 ± 0.017 5 16 0.267 ± 0.023 0.291 ± 0.017 0.282 ± 0.016 6 11 0.267 ± 0.026 0.276 ± 0.019 0.247 ± 0.018 Gender * ** ns Female 36 0.269 ± 0.015 a 0.269 ± 0.011 b 0.239 ± 0.011 Male 25 0.257 ± 0.018 b 0.285 ± 0.013 a 0.289 ± 0.012 Type of Birth ns ns ** Single 36 0.283 ± 0.015 0.310 ± 0.011 0.273 ± 0.010 a Twin 25 0.243 ± 0.019 0.243 ± 0.013 0.255 ± 0.013 b Mean 61 0.263 ± 0.014 0.277 ± 0.010 0.264 ± 0.010 x̄: Mean, SE: Standard error, ns: not significant (P > 0.05), a-c: Means with different superscripts in the same column indicate significant differences for different effects. * P < 0.05. ** P < 0.01) Phenotypic correlation analysis results are presented in Table 5 . Strong positive correlation were found between maternal behavior score and maternal age (r = 0.477; P < 0.01). In addition, a significant positive correlation was determined between lamb sex and weaning live weight and birth type and maternal age. Statistically significant relationships were determined between birth weight and 30th day, 60th day and 90th day live weights and sex and birth type of lamb. Table 5 Phenotypic correlations between maternal behavior score, sex, birth type, ewe age, birth weight, day 30, day 60 and weaning (day 90) body weights Maternal Behavior Score Gender Type of Birth Ewe Age Birth Weight Day 30 LW Day 60 LW Day 90 LW Maternal Behavior Score 1 -0.068 0.243 0.477 ** -0.219 -0.007 -0.058 -0.181 Gender 1 -0.017 -0.211 0.178 -0.018 0.190 0.492 ** Type of Birth 1 0.326 * -0.575 ** -0.484 ** -0.637 ** -0.374 ** Ewe Age 1 -0.034 0.052 -0.044 -0.171 Birth Weight 1 0.537 ** 0.581 ** 0.341 ** Day 30 LW 1 0.768 ** 0.463 ** Day 60 LW 1 0.686 ** Day 90 LW 1 * P < 0.05. ** P < 0.01 These findings show that maternity behavior score in Akkaraman sheep are more pronounced especially in old and experienced sheep and affect the growth performance of lambs during the weaning period. In addition, it has been revealed that gender and birth type also play an important role in lamb growth. DISCUSSION It was found that ewe age can significantly alter maternal behavior scores (P < 0.01). Specifically, 2-year-old ewes exhibited lower maternal characteristics with lower MBS scores. This result is consistent with research findings by Freitas-de-Melo et al. ( 2021 ) and Dwyer and Lawrence ( 2000 ), which reported that inexperienced first-time mothers exhibit lower maternal affection towards their offspring. Ewes with more births, however, did not establish stronger mother-offspring bonds and showed more interest in their offspring (Nowak and Poindron, 2006 ; Dwyer, 2008 ). Similarly, Moraes et al. (2016) reported that maternal behavior scores can increase the survival rate and lactation efficiency of lambs. In Akkaraman breed sheep, maternal behavior score was only statistically significant for live weight at weaning (90th day) (P < 0.05), while no significant effect was observed on birth, 30-day, and 60-day weights. This suggests that the maternal influence becomes more pronounced at weaning time. Damián et al. ( 2025 ) reported that maternal experience in sheep affects the behavioral responses of lambs to weaning stress and their daily weight gain. Ewe age had a significant effect distribution on birth and 60-day live weight of lambs (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). As reported by Pesántez-Pacheco et al. ( 2019 ) and Gardner et al. ( 2007 ) lambs born to older ewes have been found to have higher birth weights and better growth performance; this may be related to increased maternal capacity associated with the number of births with advancing age. Ürüşan and Emsen ( 2010 ) similarly reported that maternal and birth-related skills had significant effects on the growth and viability of lambs. In Akkaraman breed lambs, the sex factor was found to have a significant effect on live weight in all periods studied (P < 0.01). Male lambs showed better growth performance than female lambs from birth to weaning. These findings are consistent with the results of Simeonov et al. ( 2014 ), who reported that male lambs have faster post-weaning growth and that this is due to sex-related physiological and metabolic differences. Birth type (single or twin) also significantly affected growth magnitude. Single-born lambs had higher birth and 60-day weights than twins (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). This can be explained by the nature of intrauterine competition and the specific influence of the mother (Freitas-de-Melo et al., 2021 ). A significant and positive phenotypic distribution was observed between MBS and maternal age in Akkaraman sheep (r = 0.477; P < 0.01). This finding should support the idea that older ewes are more attentive to their offspring and is similar to the results of Dwyer and Lawrence ( 2000 , 2005 ). Lower MBS observed in first-time lambs suggests that these animals require closer monitoring during the postpartum period. While maternal behavior score did not have a statistically significant effect on daily live weight gain, lambs born to ewes with higher MBS tended to show numerically higher growth, particularly at weaning. This appears to be associated with increased milk production and improved lactation (Kasap et al., 2021 ; Morgan et al., 2007 ). Çam et al. ( 1999 ) showed that reduced postpartum contact between ewes and lambs decreased weaning weight and increased lamb mortality, indicating the importance of strong maternal-offspring bonding. Dhaoui et al. (2020) reported that lambing season affects mother-offspring relationships and lamb development, and that there are seasonal differences in the intensity of maternal care and early lamb behavior in sheep. In conclusion, maternal performance in Akkaraman sheep, especially during the weaning period, plays a critical role. One reason why Akkaraman sheep are so preferred in the region may be their high maternal performance, which positively affects the growth and development of their lambs. CONCLUSION The findings showed that maternal behaviors were closely related to the age of the ewes; in particular, young ewes aged 2 years exhibited lower MBS, and it was revealed that maternal behaviors improved positively as the ewes gained experience. Furthermore, factors such as birth type and lamb sex showed variable effects at different growth stages, with only newborn and male lambs exhibiting higher weight values. A significant and positive correlation was found between maternal behavior score and ewe age, supporting the idea that older ewes exhibit more attentive and protective behavior towards their lambs. However, maternal behavior score and ewe age did not show a significant effect on daily live weight gain. In conclusion, the maternal performance of Akkaraman sheep was found to be generally high, but it was determined that the lambs of first-time mothers should be monitored more closely. These findings may contribute to the optimization of rearing programs between birth and weaning in native sheep breeds. Declarations CONFLICT OF INTEREST We certify that there is no conflict of interest with any financial, personal, or other relationships with other people or organization related to the material discussed in the manuscript. Ethical Statement This study was approved by the Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, Ayhan Şahenk Agricultural Research Application and Research Center Local Ethics Committee for Animal Experiments (NAŞHADYEK), under approval number:2025/5. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT This thesis study was supported by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) under the 2209-A program. Data availability: No applicable. References Behrem, S. (2025). 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Effects of parity, litter size and lamb sex on maternal behavior of small Tail Han sheep and their neuroendocrine mechanisms. Small Ruminant Research , 202 , 106451. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-8822375","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":593458099,"identity":"6d89fee0-b3a9-4f07-a372-56ef8ebcdb98","order_by":0,"name":"Ayhan Ceyhan","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAAzElEQVRIiWNgGAWjYJACZiCWY5AAMdlI0GIM18JDrJbEBqK18LcfPiZdUHMnvV+6x4DhQ9lhBnvpA/i1SJxJS5OecexZ7sw5ZwwYZ5w7zMDDl0DAmhs8ZtI8bIdzN9zIMWDmbQNqIeQy+Rv836R5/h1ONwBp+UuMFoMbPGzSQMMTwFoYidFieCbN2Jq377DhzBlpBQd7zqXz8JwhoEXu+OGHt3m+HZbnl0je+OBHmbUcew8BLUDAIgFjHWAgNiY/EKNqFIyCUTAKRjAAAHUAPMbEa0R9AAAAAElFTkSuQmCC","orcid":"https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2862-7369","institution":"Nigde Omer Halisdemir Universitesi","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Ayhan","middleName":"","lastName":"Ceyhan","suffix":""},{"id":593458100,"identity":"880b9c54-c4d4-4613-b7e5-cf5502d79088","order_by":1,"name":"Sinan Eren Bağcı","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Niğde Üniversitesi: Nigde Omer Halisdemir Universitesi","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Sinan","middleName":"Eren","lastName":"Bağcı","suffix":""},{"id":593458101,"identity":"4d26d7cf-7f04-4227-a618-c81adee153c3","order_by":2,"name":"Mahmut Çınar","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Niğde Ömer Halisdemir Üniversitesi: Nigde Omer Halisdemir Universitesi","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Mahmut","middleName":"","lastName":"Çınar","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2026-02-08 14:46:59","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8822375/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8822375/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":103217610,"identity":"3a1017ef-93ad-4578-abe6-29474f52f45c","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-02-23 09:46:03","extension":"jpeg","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":81385,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eDetermination of maternal behavior score in sheep\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage1.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8822375/v1/b5e29e15dcd330602a7f7e11.jpeg"},{"id":103506835,"identity":"71ee48d5-78cf-4940-ba5c-1f39bbd6cb90","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-02-26 13:39:39","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":912487,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8822375/v1/836ad9fa-2dbf-4760-a68b-ed88cbb3e0e3.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"","formattedTitle":"Evaluation of maternal behavior score and its effect on lamb growth performance in Akkaraman sheep","fulltext":[{"header":"INTRODUCTION","content":"\u003cp\u003eOne of the most important factors limiting profitability in sheep farming is the survival rate and growth performance of lambs from birth to weaning. Lamb mortality during this period reduces production efficiency, leads to animal welfare problems, and causes economic losses for farmers (Wang et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). The survival rate of lambs is closely related to genetic structure, environmental conditions, care and feeding level, and especially the maternal behavior exhibited by the mother (Dwyer et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2003\u003c/span\u003e). Maternal behavior encompasses all behaviors such as the mother approaching her offspring immediately after birth, cleaning it, allowing it to suckle, and protecting it. These behaviors play a decisive role in the lamb's success in standing up, starting to suckle, and adapting to environmental conditions in the first hours after birth (Nowak \u0026amp; Poindron, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2006\u003c/span\u003e; Dwyer et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2003\u003c/span\u003e). Maternal behavior in sheep is critically important for the growth and survival rate of offspring. The level of attention a mother shows to her offspring directly affects the lambs' adequate intake of colostrum and, consequently, the acquisition of passive immunity (Muhammad et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). It has been reported that lamb losses are higher in ewes exhibiting inadequate maternal behavior, while lambs with high maternal behavior scores have higher survival rates and daily live weight gain (Hay et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e; Everett-Hincks and Dodds \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008\u003c/span\u003e). Therefore, objectively measuring maternal behavior and considering it in breeding selection is of great importance in increasing flock productivity (Dwyer \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e). In recent years, the \"Maternal Behavior Score\" (MBS) system, which numerically classifies the mother's postpartum responses to her offspring, has been widely used in evaluating maternal behaviors. This system; It is based on scoring the mother's behaviors towards her lamb, such as approaching, vocalizing, avoiding, making contact, and allowing suckling, according to specific criteria (O\u0026rsquo;Connor et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1985\u003c/span\u003e). Thus, behavioral differences between individuals can be objectively evaluated, and the relationships between these scores and lamb growth performance or survival rate can be statistically determined. New research at the genetic level shows that the heritability of MBS is moderate and can be evaluated in selection programs (O\u0026rsquo;Connor et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1985\u003c/span\u003e; Dwyer \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008\u003c/span\u003e). The Akkaraman breed, a native genetic resource well adapted to T\u0026uuml;rkiye\u0026rsquo;s hot and cold climates, can survive under limited care and feeding conditions and typically produces one lamb per year (Ertuğrul et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHowever, studies on the effects of maternal behaviors on lamb growth and survival rate in Akkaraman sheep are limited. Measuring maternal behaviors under regional breeding conditions and correlating these behaviors with lamb performance is important for both determining the production potential of the breed and identifying behavioral indicators that can be used in selection programs, considering the importance of small ruminant farming for food security and rural economies (Behrem, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2025\u003c/span\u003e; Koyuncu and Duymaz \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). This study aimed to determine the effects of maternal behavior scores on the growth performance and survival rate of lambs from birth to weaning in Akkaraman sheep. It is believed that the findings will contribute to breeding and selection strategies aimed at increasing production efficiency in native sheep breeds.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"MATERIALS AND METHODS","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eStudy Area\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study was conducted at the Small Ruminant Unit of Niğde \u0026Ouml;mer Halisdemir University, Ayhan Şahenk Agricultural Research Application and Research Center (Latitude 37\u0026deg;52\u0026prime;39\u0026Prime;N; Longitude 34\u0026deg;53\u0026prime;01\u0026Prime;E; altitude 1174 m; annual rainfall 343.3 mm). Province of Niğde is in the Central Anatolia Region of T\u0026uuml;rkiye and known as cold winters and dry summers.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAnimal Management\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEwes were raised in a semi-open barn and fed according to NRC recommendations (NRC, \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2007\u003c/span\u003e). During the study period, ewes were fed 1 kg of alfalfa hay and 600 g/per ewes commercial concentrate fed. In the last two months of pregnancy, the animals were moved to pregnant ewe pens. All animals were provided with fresh drinking water via automatic waterers. The lambs stayed with their dams during weaning time ( 90 days) and were fed lamb starter feed beginning 15th after lambing.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAnimal Material\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eData were collected from 61 Akkaraman ewes between 2 and 5 years of age. Ewes were synchronized during the transition to the breeding season using Melatonin implants and FGA sponges.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMaternal Behavior Score\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInformation about the sheep and their lambs was recorded within 24 hours of birth. Maternal behavior scores (MBS) reported by O\u0026rsquo;Connor et al. (\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1985\u003c/span\u003e) and Dwyer and Lawrence (1998) were determined using the following five-point scale. During this time, an observer followed the sheep. They recorded how far the ewes were from their lambs. They also assigned an MBS score to each sheep (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). MBS was assessed using a five-point scale as follows:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sheep runs away when the shepherd approaches, shows no interest in the lambs, and does not return; (1)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sheep runs away more than 10 meters but returns when the shepherd leaves the lambs; (2)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sheep retreats to a distance where tag identification is difficult (5\u0026ndash;10 m); (3)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sheep retreats but stays within 5 m; (4)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sheep stays close to the shepherd while caring for its lambs (5).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLambs Survival Rate and Growth Performance\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasonography (Esaote Pie Medical Aquila, T\u0026uuml;rkiye) approximately 30 days after finish matting. Live weights were recorded at birth, and on days 30, 60 and 90 (weaning) with 100 g sensitivity.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurvival rate (%) = (Number of lambs that are alive by 90th days / Number of lambs born) \u0026times; 100\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eStatistical Analysis\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eData was analyzed using the SPSS statistical package program. General Linear Model used ewe maternal behavior score and lambs\u0026rsquo; growth performance date. Differences among groups were detected by Duncan\u0026rsquo;s multiple comparison test. Phenotypic Pearson correlation analysis was made to measure the relationships between variables. Correlation coefficients were determined using phenotypic values of the measured traits, and statistical significance levels were given as P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01 and P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"RESULTS","content":"\u003cp\u003eEnvironmental factors affecting maternal behavior score (MBS) in Akkaraman sheep are given in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e. Ewe age showed a statistically significant difference in maternal behavior score (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01). Young ewes (2 years old) exhibited lower MBS compared to other age groups, while no statistically significant difference was found between age groups (3\u0026ndash;6 years) as age increased (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). On the other hand, differences observed in terms of lamb sex and birth type were found to be statistically insignificant (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). The survival rate of Akkaraman lambs between birth and weaning was calculated as 100%, and none of the factors examined were found to have an effect.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ctable id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeast squares means and standard errors of the factors affecting ewe behavior scores and survival in sheep\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFactors\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaternal Behavior Score (x̄\u0026plusmn;SE)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurvival rate,%\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEwe Ages\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ens\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.439\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.317\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4.212\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.260\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4.203\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.312\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4.714\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.240\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4.259\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.300\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGender\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ens\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ens\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3.859\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.169\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4.072\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.195\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eType of Birth\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ens\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ens\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSingle\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3.830\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.166\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwin\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4.102\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.204\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGeneral\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3.966\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.129\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003ctfoot\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"3\"\u003ex̄: Mean, SE: Standard error, a-b: Different letters in the same column indicate significant difference (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05), ns: non significant ( P\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;0.05), *: P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05 and ** P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tfoot\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaternal behavior scores (MBS) is presented in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e according to ewe age in Akkaraman sheep. It was calculated that the sheep with MBS 4 and 5 were 78.7% in total. This shows that the majority of Akkaraman sheep shows high maternal behavior.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ctable id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDistribution of maternal behavior scores by ewe age (n, %)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth colspan=\"5\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaternal Behavior Score\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEwe Ages\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAverage\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5 (%8.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0 (%0.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2 (%3.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2 (%2.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 (%1.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e10 (16.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0 (%0.00)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 (%1.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2 (%3.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5 (%8.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6 (%9.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e14 (%23.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0 (%0.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 (%1.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 (%1.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4 (%6.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4(%6.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e10 (%16.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0 (%0.00)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0 (%0.00)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 (%1.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3 (% 4.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e12 (%19.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e16 (%26.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0 (%0.00)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0 (%0.00)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0 (%0.00)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e8 (%13.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3 (% 4.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e11 (%18.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTotal\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5 (%8.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2 (%3.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6 (%9.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e22 (%36.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e26 (%42.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e61 (%100)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1. Ewe flees at the approach of the shepherd, show no interest in the lambs and does not return. 2. Ewe retreat further than 10 m but comes back to her lambs as the shepherd leaves them. 3. Ewe retreat to such a distance that tag identification is difficult (5\u0026ndash;10), 4. Ewe retreats but stays within 5 m. 5. Ewe stays close to the shepherd during handling of her lambs.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFactors affecting the growth performance of Akkaraman lambs are presented in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e. Maternal behavior score significantly affected lamb live weight only at weaning (90 days), while no significant effect was observed at 30 and 60 days growth stages (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e). While ewe age had a statistically significant effect on birth weight and 60-day live weight, it was determined that the effect on 30th day and 90th day body weight was insignificant. The highest birth weight was found in lambs born from 6 year-old ewes and the lowest in lambs born from 3 year old sheep. Although lambs from ewes with higher maternal behavior scores tended to show numerically higher growth, this trend was most evident at weaning rather than earlier growth stages.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ctable id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeast squares means and standard errors of lambs at birth, 30th day, 60th day and weaning (90th day) live weights (x̄\u0026plusmn;SE)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFactors\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003en\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBirth Weight\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDay 30 LW\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDay 60 LW\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeaning (90.Day) LW\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaternal Behavior Score\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ens\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ens\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ens\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4.401\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.409\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e10.490\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.199\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e19.339\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.713\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e28.188\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.430 \u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4.693\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.510\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e13.439\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.494\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e21.036\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.134\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e27.312\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.026 \u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4.638\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.298\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e12.598\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.873\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e22.142\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.247\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e30.048\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.769 \u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4.439\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.162\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e12.792\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.476\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e21.343\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.680\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e29.214\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.964 \u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e26\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4.494\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.153\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e12.788\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.449\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e21.779\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.642\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e26.651\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.910 \u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEwe Age\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ens\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ens\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4.602\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.289\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e13.170\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.847\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e21.745\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.209\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e27.781\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.715\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3.978\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.223\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e11.179\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.653\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e18.632\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.933\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e27.507\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.323\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4.659\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.254\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e12.338\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.745\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e21.825\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.064\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e29.145\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.509\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4.225\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.242\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e12.222\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.711\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e21.662\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.015\u003csup\u003eabc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e29.575\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.440\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5.200\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.275\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e13.198\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.807\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e21.774\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.153\u003csup\u003ebc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e27.404\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.634\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGender\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e36\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4.371\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.159\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e12.448\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.466\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e20.487\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.666\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e25.872\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.944\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4.695\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.186\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e12.395\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.545\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e21.768\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.779\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e30.693\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.104\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eType of Birth\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ens\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ens\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSingle\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e36\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5.117\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.158\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e13.597\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.462\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e23.724\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.661\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e29.671\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.937\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwin\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3.949\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.196\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e11.246\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.576\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e18.532\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.823\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e26.894\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.167\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAverage\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e61\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4.533\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.145\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e12.421\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.425\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e21.128\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.606\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e28.283\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.860\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ex̄: Mean, SE: Standard error, ns: not significant (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;0.05), a-c: Means with different superscripts in the same column indicate significant differences for different effects (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). * P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05. ** P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sex effect on live weight of lambs was found to be statistically significant throughout all periods studied (from birth to weaning) (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01). Male lambs provided higher live weight than females. The birth type of lambs also affected the birth and 60th day live weights, and single-born lambs had higher weight values than twins.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen the daily live weight gains (DLWG) of Akkaraman breed lambs were examined; the effect of maternity score, maternal age and birth type was found to be insignificant. However, the effect of gender was significant at 30 and 60 days, and the effect of birth type was significant at weaning (at 90 days) (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e). Male lambs achieved higher live weight gain during this period.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ctable id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDaily live weight gain of lambs 30th days, 60th days and 90th days weaning (g/day).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFactors\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003en\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDLW-30\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDLW-60\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDLW-90\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaternal Behavior Score\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ens\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ens\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ens\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.203\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.039\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.249\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.028\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.264\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.027\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.292\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.048\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.272\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.035\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.251\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.034\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.265\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.028\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.292\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.020\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.282\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.020\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.278\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.015\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.282\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.011\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.275\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.011\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e26\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.276\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.014\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.288\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.010\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.246\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.010\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaternal Age\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ens\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ens\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ens\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.286\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.027\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.286\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.020\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.258\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.019\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.240\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.021\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.244\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.015\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.261\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.015\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.256\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.024\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.286\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.017\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.272\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.017\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.267\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.291\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.017\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.282\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.016\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.267\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.026\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.276\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.019\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.247\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.018\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGender\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ens\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e36\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.269\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.015\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.269\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.011\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.239\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.011\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.257\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.018\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.285\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.013\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.289\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.012\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eType of Birth\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ens\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ens\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSingle\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e36\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.283\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.015\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.310\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.011\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.273\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.010\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwin\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.243\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.019\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.243\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.013\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.255\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.013\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMean\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e61\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.263\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.014\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.277\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.010\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.264\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.010\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003ctfoot\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"5\"\u003ex̄: Mean, SE: Standard error, ns: not significant (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;0.05), a-c: Means with different superscripts in the same column indicate significant differences for different effects. * P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05. ** P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01)\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tfoot\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhenotypic correlation analysis results are presented in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e. Strong positive correlation were found between maternal behavior score and maternal age (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.477; P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01). In addition, a significant positive correlation was determined between lamb sex and weaning live weight and birth type and maternal age. Statistically significant relationships were determined between birth weight and 30th day, 60th day and 90th day live weights and sex and birth type of lamb.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ctable id=\"Tab5\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 5\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhenotypic correlations between maternal behavior score, sex, birth type, ewe age, birth weight, day 30, day 60 and weaning (day 90) body weights\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaternal Behavior Score\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGender\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eType of Birth\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEwe Age\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBirth Weight\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDay 30 LW\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDay 60 LW\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDay 90 LW\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaternal Behavior Score\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-0.068\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.243\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.477\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-0.219\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-0.007\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-0.058\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-0.181\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGender\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-0.017\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-0.211\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.178\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-0.018\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.190\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.492\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eType of Birth\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.326\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-0.575\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-0.484\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-0.637\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-0.374\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEwe Age\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-0.034\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.052\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-0.044\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-0.171\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBirth Weight\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.537\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.581\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.341\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDay 30 LW\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.768\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.463\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDay 60 LW\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.686\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDay 90 LW\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e* P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05. ** P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese findings show that maternity behavior score in Akkaraman sheep are more pronounced especially in old and experienced sheep and affect the growth performance of lambs during the weaning period. In addition, it has been revealed that gender and birth type also play an important role in lamb growth.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"DISCUSSION","content":"\u003cp\u003eIt was found that ewe age can significantly alter maternal behavior scores (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01). Specifically, 2-year-old ewes exhibited lower maternal characteristics with lower MBS scores. This result is consistent with research findings by Freitas-de-Melo et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e) and Dwyer and Lawrence (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2000\u003c/span\u003e), which reported that inexperienced first-time mothers exhibit lower maternal affection towards their offspring. Ewes with more births, however, did not establish stronger mother-offspring bonds and showed more interest in their offspring (Nowak and Poindron, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2006\u003c/span\u003e; Dwyer, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008\u003c/span\u003e). Similarly, Moraes et al. (2016) reported that maternal behavior scores can increase the survival rate and lactation efficiency of lambs. In Akkaraman breed sheep, maternal behavior score was only statistically significant for live weight at weaning (90th day) (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05), while no significant effect was observed on birth, 30-day, and 60-day weights. This suggests that the maternal influence becomes more pronounced at weaning time. Dami\u0026aacute;n et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2025\u003c/span\u003e) reported that maternal experience in sheep affects the behavioral responses of lambs to weaning stress and their daily weight gain. Ewe age had a significant effect distribution on birth and 60-day live weight of lambs (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01 and P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05, respectively). As reported by Pes\u0026aacute;ntez-Pacheco et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e) and Gardner et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2007\u003c/span\u003e) lambs born to older ewes have been found to have higher birth weights and better growth performance; this may be related to increased maternal capacity associated with the number of births with advancing age. \u0026Uuml;r\u0026uuml;şan and Emsen (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e) similarly reported that maternal and birth-related skills had significant effects on the growth and viability of lambs. In Akkaraman breed lambs, the sex factor was found to have a significant effect on live weight in all periods studied (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01). Male lambs showed better growth performance than female lambs from birth to weaning. These findings are consistent with the results of Simeonov et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e), who reported that male lambs have faster post-weaning growth and that this is due to sex-related physiological and metabolic differences.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBirth type (single or twin) also significantly affected growth magnitude. Single-born lambs had higher birth and 60-day weights than twins (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01 and P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05, respectively). This can be explained by the nature of intrauterine competition and the specific influence of the mother (Freitas-de-Melo et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). A significant and positive phenotypic distribution was observed between MBS and maternal age in Akkaraman sheep (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.477; P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01). This finding should support the idea that older ewes are more attentive to their offspring and is similar to the results of Dwyer and Lawrence (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2000\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2005\u003c/span\u003e). Lower MBS observed in first-time lambs suggests that these animals require closer monitoring during the postpartum period. While maternal behavior score did not have a statistically significant effect on daily live weight gain, lambs born to ewes with higher MBS tended to show numerically higher growth, particularly at weaning.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis appears to be associated with increased milk production and improved lactation (Kasap et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e; Morgan et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2007\u003c/span\u003e). \u0026Ccedil;am et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1999\u003c/span\u003e) showed that reduced postpartum contact between ewes and lambs decreased weaning weight and increased lamb mortality, indicating the importance of strong maternal-offspring bonding. Dhaoui et al. (2020) reported that lambing season affects mother-offspring relationships and lamb development, and that there are seasonal differences in the intensity of maternal care and early lamb behavior in sheep. In conclusion, maternal performance in Akkaraman sheep, especially during the weaning period, plays a critical role. One reason why Akkaraman sheep are so preferred in the region may be their high maternal performance, which positively affects the growth and development of their lambs.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"CONCLUSION","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe findings showed that maternal behaviors were closely related to the age of the ewes; in particular, young ewes aged 2 years exhibited lower MBS, and it was revealed that maternal behaviors improved positively as the ewes gained experience. Furthermore, factors such as birth type and lamb sex showed variable effects at different growth stages, with only newborn and male lambs exhibiting higher weight values. A significant and positive correlation was found between maternal behavior score and ewe age, supporting the idea that older ewes exhibit more attentive and protective behavior towards their lambs. However, maternal behavior score and ewe age did not show a significant effect on daily live weight gain. In conclusion, the maternal performance of Akkaraman sheep was found to be generally high, but it was determined that the lambs of first-time mothers should be monitored more closely. These findings may contribute to the optimization of rearing programs between birth and weaning in native sheep breeds.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e \u003ch2\u003eCONFLICT OF INTEREST\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eWe certify that there is no conflict of interest with any financial, personal, or other relationships with other people or organization related to the material discussed in the manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003ch2\u003eEthical Statement\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e This study was approved by the Niğde \u0026Ouml;mer Halisdemir University, Ayhan Şahenk Agricultural Research Application and Research Center Local Ethics Committee for Animal Experiments (NAŞHADYEK), under approval number:2025/5.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eACKNOWLEDGEMENT\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis thesis study was supported by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (T\u0026Uuml;BİTAK) under the 2209-A program.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eData availability:\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo applicable.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBehrem, S. 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Effects of parity, litter size and lamb sex on maternal behavior of small Tail Han sheep and their neuroendocrine mechanisms. \u003cem\u003eSmall Ruminant Research\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e202\u003c/em\u003e, 106451.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Lamb growth performance, maternal behavior score, ewe age, birth type, phenotypic correlation","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8822375/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8822375/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThe aim of the study was to evaluate maternal behavior and its effect on lambs\u0026rsquo; 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\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01) and 60-day live weight (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). The effects of maternal behaviour score and dam age on average daily live weight gain were found to be statistically insignificant (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). A positive and significant phenotypic correlation was observed between maternal behaviour score and dam age (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn 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.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Evaluation of maternal behavior score and its effect on lamb growth performance in Akkaraman sheep","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2026-02-23 09:45:58","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8822375/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"ae5a9dff-ef9f-4b5b-9951-fc41de3f905f","owner":[],"postedDate":"February 23rd, 2026","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-02-24T09:18:31+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2026-02-23 09:45:58","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-8822375","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-8822375","identity":"rs-8822375","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}