In this study, the effects of fresh, ensiled or dried alfalfa on retinol, α-tocopherol and cholesterol levels in yearling sheep were investigated. In the study, 40 Akkaraman male yearling sheep, 4 months of age and an average body weight of 21 kg, were used. All diets used in the present study were prepared as isonitrogenous and isoenergetic. The alfalfa forms used in rations composed the experimental groups. With regard to groups were fed with wheat straw as roughage was Control group (C-Group) or fed with fresh alfalfa was AF group, ensiled alfalfa was AS group and dried alfalfa was AD group. Retinol levels in muscular and tail adipose tissue were found to be higher in alfalfa feeding groups compared to control group. The highest α-tocopherol level in deltoideous muscle tissue was detected in AF group. Cholesterol levels in muscular and tail adipose tissue were found to be lower in alfalfa feeding groups compared to control group.

As a conclusion it can be said that, decrasing cholesterol levels in yearling sheep by feeding with alfalfa, is extremely important for human beings that consume red meat, as it can reduce the risk of coronary heart diseases.