Effects of boron and dicalcium phosphate supplementation on wool-biting behavior and metabolic indicators in lactating Akkaraman sheep

Wool-biting is a prevalent stereotypic behavior that negatively affects sheep welfare and productivity. This study aimed to dietary boron, and/or dicalcium phosphate (DCP) supplementation, as a potential dietary strategy to reduce wool-biting while improving metabolic and mineral status in lactating Akkaraman sheep. The study was conducted using 28 lactating Akkaraman sheep, which were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 7 per group): a control group (C), a DCP-supplemented group (D), a boron-supplemented group (B), and a group receiving both boron and DCP (BD). The study lasted for two weeks, and the feed supplements were administered to the animals on a daily schedule. The results showed that wool-biting behavior was significantly lower in the BD group than in the other groups (P < 0.001). It was also found that wool-biting behavior decreased over time in the experimental groups (P < 0.001). Non-esterified fatty acids and beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) were found to be higher in the BD group (P < 0.001). While an increase in BHBA levels was observed (P < 0.001), a decrease in total cholesterol levels was found (P = 0.023). Blood urea nitrogen concentrations in the experimental groups were higher than in the control group (P = 0.020). Only the effects of time (P = 0.049) and group x time (P = 0.047) on Ca value were found to be significant. These findings indicate that dietary supplementation with boron in combination with DCP may effectively mitigate wool-biting behavior in sheep, potentially by modulating metabolic and mineral parameters in the blood.