Some phenotypical characteristics of Norduz sheep raised in Norduz region within scope of the ‘Protecting gen resources in situ’ program
Öz
Objective: This study aims to document the phenotypic diversity, morphometric characteristics and conservation status of the Norduz sheep breed in order to provide essential data for future genetic conservation and breeding strategies.
Material and Method: The study sample consisted of Norduz sheep raised in the Norduz region of Gürpınar, Van province. Field studies conducted in 2024 identified morphological traits suitable for purebred breeding and phenotypic traits were generated using standard forms. Furthermore, the current conservation status was assessed through observation and breeder information.
Results: The data obtained demonstrate that Norduz sheep are exceptionally well adapted to regional conditions. However, observations and breeder data have shown a significant decline in the purebred Norduz sheep population in recent years. Despite this decline, concrete steps have been taken to prevent genetic erosion as part of the "In-Situ Conservation" program launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
Conclusion: The Norduz sheep represents a valuable local genetic resource with high adaptive and productive potential. The documentation of its phenotypic and morphometric characteristics is crucial for informing future breeding and conservation programs.
Anahtar Kelimeler
Case study, descriptive qualitative field study, native sheep gene source, Norduz sheep
Etik Beyan
Authors' contributions
Hakan S. collected data from the field and provided all the Ministry’s official data. Demir A.Ö. performed the statistical analysis, and created the manuscript together with Hakan S. Öner A. contributed to the literature review. The final manuscript was read and approved by all authors.
Teşekkür
The authors gratefully acknowledge the valuable support of Agric. Eng. Mehmet Salih HASAR during the data collection stage of this research.
Kaynakça
- Anonymous, 2025a. Notification Regarding the Registration of Native Animal Breeds and Lines Notification No: 2004/39 Official Gazette dated 12.12.2004 and numbered 25668. (Web page: https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2004/12/20041212.htm#4) (Date accessed: June 2025)
- Anonymous, 2025b. Resmî Gazete (Issue: 2011/12). (Web page: https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2011/12/20111222.htm) (Date accessed: June 2025)
- Anonymous, 2025c. Communication on the Implementation Principles for the Support of Livestock Farming (Communication No: 2006/9) Official Gazette dated 08.03.2006 and numbered 26102. (Web page: https://www.tarimorman.gov.tr/SGB/Belgeler/2006) (Date accessed: June 2025)
- Anonymous, 2025d. Livestock Support Measures Implementation Circular (Circular No: 2024/23) 17 August 2024 and Official Gazette No. 32635. (Web page: https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2024/08/20240817-11.htm) (Date accessed: June 2025)
- Anonymous, 2025e. Livestock Support Measures Implementation Circular (Circular No: 2021/43) 7 December 2021 and Official Gazette No. 31682. (Web page: https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2021/12/20211207-4.htm) (Date accessed: June 2025)
- Anonymous, 2025f. Van İl Tarım ve Orman Müdürlüğü. (Web page: https://van.tarimorman.gov.tr/Sayfalar/Detay.aspx?SayfaId=24) (Date accessed: June 2025)
- Anonymous, 2025g. Evcil hayvan Genetik Kaynakları Tanıtım Kataloğu. (Web page: https://www.tarimorman.gov.tr/TAGEM/Belgeler/yayin/Katalog%20T%C3%BCrk%C3%A7e.pdf) (Date accessed: June 2025)
- Anderson, M. E., 2016. A Quantitave Study of Animal-Assisted Interventions with Youth Who Have Experienced Maltreatment. Electronic Thesis, Projects and Dissertations, 345 pp. (Web page: https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd/345) (Date accessed: January 2026)
- Aysan Dayan, Y. & M. Bingöl, 2008. Norduz koyunu yetiştiriciliği yapılan kimi işletmelerin yapısal özellikleri. Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü Dergisi, 13 (1): 31-34.
- Demir, A. Ö. & N. Mert, 2014. The haemoglobin, transferrin, ceruloplasmin and glutathione polymorphism of native goat breeds of Turkey, I-Kilis and Honamlı. Scientific Papers Series D, Animal Science, 57: 50-56.
