Abstract

Aim: The study was aimed to reveal positive contributions related to consumption of whey which has high biological value and many important benefits, as drinking water in sheep, on serum mineral levels of animals.

Method and materials:  Twenty-four healthy, 3-month-old, weaned male Merino lambs were randomly divided into 2 equal groups. Tap water was given ad libitum to the control group and drinking water prepared by adding whey to the whey group ad libitum. The total trial period was 45 days. The first 15 days were evaluated as the adaptation period of the lambs to the whey. On the 0^th, 15^th and 30^th days of the next 30 days, blood was drawn from the vena jugularis of all lambs. Serum calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, and selenium levels, excluding serum phosphorus, were not significantly different between lambs consuming whey or tap water and between 3 blood draw days within each group.

Results: Although serum phosphorus levels were not significantly different between the 2 groups and between the days of bloodletting in the lambs consuming tap water, they increased significantly on the 15^th day of the trial and decreased again on the 30^th day in the whey-consuming group. The reduction at day 30 was not significantly different from day 0 and day 15.

Conclusion: Whey added to the drinking water and given to the lambs did not significantly affect the serum mineral levels examined, except for phosphorus. The significant increase in serum phosphorus concentration on the 15^th day of the study in the whey group was thought to be due to the phosphorus contained in the whey, and the regression seen on the 30^th day was evaluated as the body's adaptation. Although serum mineral levels did not change, it can be recommended to feed lambs with whey, as it is predicted that whey may contribute to the storage of minerals in tissues.

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