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The objective of this study was to research correlations between milk composition and selected blood indicators of liver function in ewes during lactation. The research was conducted with samples of milk and blood from Travnik Pramenka ewes (n = 99). Samples were collected in the area of western Slavonia in Croatia from lactating sheep grazing on natural pastures. Chemical composition of sheep milk was analysed as well as biochemical parameters in serum. Positive correlation between ALB : TGC, ALB : ALT, GUK : GGT, CHOL : ALT and AST : GGT was determined, while significant negative correlation was determined between GUK : ALB, GUK : TGC, GUK : ALT, ALB : GGT as well as ALT : GGT. Significant positive correlation was determined between blood and milk indicators, like ALB protein (r = 0.243), ALB : DMNF (r = 0.309) and ALB : SCC (r = 0.249), as well as negative correlation between TGC : MY (r = -0.264), ALT : protein (r = -0.258), lactose : TGC (r = -0.274) and ALT : DMNF (r = -0.234). The relations between indicators of milk composition, milk production and ewes blood indicators as well as their mutual connections indicate the justification of using the analysis of liver status indicators. Accordingly, by using these relations metabolic pathways of liver status indicators could be better monitored, which is important for practice regarding prevention of possible feeding errors and prevention of major production losses while maintaining the health of lactating sheep.

The aim of the present study was to determine the difference between the biochemical serum parameters of goat kids during suckling and post- weaning period. The study was carried out with 10 French Alpine goat kids aged 32 (±3) days in the suckling period and 87 (±3) days in the post- weaning period. When the goat kids were weaned, the concentrations of total proteins (61.7 vs. 54.3 g/l ; P=0.002), globulins (31.2 vs. 25.4 g/l ; P=0.017) and the activities of AST (107.3 vs. 70.3 U/l ; P=0.003) and GGT (47.5 vs. 36.9 U/l ; P=0.038) in serum increased compared to the values during the suckling period. These changes are a consequence of the normal growth and organ maturation of goat kids during transition from non-functional ruminant during suckling to functional one in post-weaning period.

The aim of the present study was to determine the acid-base balance in the blood of the Lacaune sheep during different lactation stages. Thirty lactating Lacaune sheep were involved in the research, and were monitored in the early (day 60), medium (day 120), and late lactation stages (day 180). The following parameters were determined in the blood plasma: pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide – pCO2, partial pressure of oxygen – pO2, total pressure of carbon dioxide – tCO2, oxygen saturation – sO2, actual base excess Cbase – B, standard base excess Cbase – Ecf and electrolytes (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Cl- and HCO3- – bicarbonate), while total proteins – TP and albumin ALB were determined in the serum. Also, strong ion difference - SID, z value, anion gap - AG, weak anions, and cations - ATOTtp and ATOTalb, strong ion gap - SIG, unmeasured anions – XA and globulin concentrations were calculated. A significant effect of the lactation stage on most of the acid-base parameters in the blood of the Lacaune sheep was determined, except for pCO2, Cl-, z values and the SID. A significant increase of pO2, sO2, ATOTtp, ATOTalb, AG, SIGalb, SIGtp, XA, Na+, total proteins and albumins, as well as the decreased concentrations of K+ and Ca2+, were determined in the blood of the Lacaune sheep during lactation. During the medium stage of lactation, significant changes were determined in most of the acid-base parameters in the blood of the Lacaune sheep when compared to the other stages. A lactation stage may significantly affect the acid-base balance parameters in the blood of the Lacaune sheep, although the calculations of SIG, base excess (BE), and unmeasured anion (XA) values should also be included for the obtainment of a more comprehensive picture of the acid-base balance., Cilj rada bio je utvrditi acidobaznu ravnotežu u krvi lakon ovaca tijekom različitih stadija laktacije. Za istraživanje je odabrano 30 lakon ovaca u laktaciji, koje su praćene u ranome (60. dan), srednjem (120. dan) i kasnom stadiju laktacije (180. dan). U krvnoj plazmi utvrđeni su pH, parcijalni tlak ugljičnoga dioksida (pCO2), parcijalni tlak kisika (pO2), ukupni tlak ugljičnoga dioksida (tCO2), saturacija kisikom (sO2), stvarni i standardni višak baza (Ea i Ecf) i elektroliti (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Cl- i HCO3 - – bikarbonati), a u serumu ukupni proteini (TP) i albumini (ALB). Također su izračunane sljedeće vrijednosti: razlika jakih iona (SID), z-vrijednost, anionski procjep (AG), slabi anioni i kationi (ATOTtp and ATOTalb), jaki ionski procjep (SIG), nemjereni anioni (XA) i koncentracije globulina. Utvrđen je značajan utjecaj stadija laktacije na većinu pokazatelja acidobazne ravnoteže u krvi lakon ovaca, osim sadržaja pCO2, Cl- , z-vrijednosti i SID-a. Utvrđeno je značajno povećanje sadržaja pO2, sO2, ATOTtp, ATOTalb, AG, SIGalb, SIGtp, XA, Na+, ukupnih proteina i albumina te smanjenje koncentracija K+ i Ca2+ u krvi lakon ovaca kako je laktacija odmicala kraju. Tijekom srednjega stadija laktacije utvrđene su značajne promjene većine pokazatelja acidobazne ravnoteže krvi lakon ovce u odnosu na druge stadije. Stadij laktacije može značajno utjecati na pokazatelje acidobazne ravnoteže krvi lakon ovaca te bi za potpuniju sliku pri izradi acidobazne ravnoteže trebalo uključiti i izračun SIG-a, viška baza (BE) i nemjerenih aniona (XA).

The research objective was to determine haematological and biochemical parameters in blood of 30 Lacaune dairy sheep during different stages of lactation (early: 60th, medium: 120th and late: 180th days). The sheep were on average 4 years old, in 3rd lactation. Haematological parameters were determined in whole blood (white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), haemoglobin (HGB) concentration, haematocrit (HCT) value, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH), mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and platelet (PLT) count), and a blood smear was used for determination of differential blood cell count. Determined biochemical parameters in blood serum were: concentration of minerals (Ca, P-inorganic, Mg and Fe), concentration of total proteins (TP), albumin (ALB), globulins (GLOB), urea, glucose (GUK), cholesterol (CHOL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TGC), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), enzyme activities (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), creatine kinase (CK), activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and total superoxide dismutase (SOD). With progression of lactation stages, sheep blood tests proved significant increase in WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, monocytes, Fe, urea, TP, ALB, CHOL, HDL, LDL, BHB, AST, GGT and ALT as well as a decrease in lymphocytes, Mg, GUK and SOD. Determined changes in haematological and biochemical blood parameters of Lacaune dairy sheep during different lactation stages proved good quality nutrition of sheep and indicate the need to include this dairy breed/genotype in prospective schemes for definition of referential values for these indicators in sheep., Cilj je ovoga rada utvrditi hematološke i biokemijske pokazatelje u krvi 30 lakon ovaca tijekom različitih stadija laktacije (rani: 60., srednji: 120. i kasni: 180. dan). Ovce su bile prosječne dobi 4 godine u 3. laktaciji. U punoj krvi su utvrđeni hematološki pokazatelji (broj leukocita: (WBC), eritrocita (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), hematokrit (HCT), prosječni volumen eritrocita (MCV), prosječni hemoglobin u eritrocitu (MCH), prosječna koncentracija hemoglobina u eritrocitu (MCHC) i trombociti (PLT), a iz krvnih razmaza i diferencijalna krvna slika. Od biokemijskih pokazatelja u serumu utvrđeni su: koncentracije minerala (Ca, P-anorganski, Mg i Fe), ukupnih protein (TP), albumin (ALB), globulina (GLOB), uree, glukoze (GUK), kolesterola (CHOL), HDL-kolesterola (HDL), LDL-kolesterola (LDL), triglicerida (TGC), beta-hidroksibutirata (BHB) i neesterificiranih masnih kiseline (NEFA) te aktivnost enzima (aspartat aminotransferaze (AST), alanin aminotransferazee (ALT), alkalne fosfataze (ALP), γ-glutamil transferaze (GGT), kreatin kinaze (CK), glutation peroksidaze (GPx) i superoksid dismutaze (SOD). Utvrđeno je značajno povećanje WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, Fe, urea, TP, ALB, CHOL, HDL, LDL, BHB, AST, GGT i ALT kao i smanjenje limfocita, Mg, GUK i SOD u krvi kako je laktacija odmicala. Utvrđene promjene u hematološkim i biokemijskim pokazateljima u krvi lakon ovaca tijekom laktacije ukazuju na kvalitetan obrok kojim su hranjene ovce, ali i potrebu uključivanja pasmine/genotipa osobito mliječnoga predznaka u buduće sheme izrade referentnih vrijednosti za navedene pokazatelje u ovaca.

The study aimed to assess metabolic demands during late gestation and lactation by variation of some biochemical blood parameters. The research was conducted on 10 Merinolandschaf late gestation and lactation ewe kept on the farm. Most of the investigated indicators were in the reference range, except for a slight deviation in the concentration of urea, triglycerides, albumin, and LDL which can be related to intensive metabolic process, energy demands of the fetal-placental unit in gestation, and early lactation ewes, as well as the ration rich in protein. A significantly increased concentration of glucose and triglyceride in lactating compared to highly pregnant ewes is expected given the early lactation and lactation curve of ewes.

Aim of this research was to determine the hematological parameters of highly pregnant and lactating ewes and compare them with reference values. The research was conducted on 10 Merinolandschaf ewe in high pregnancy and lactation. All hematological parameters were within the reference values, except a slight deviation of HCT and MCV which can be a sign of dehydration or a higher number of circulating RBC`s in pregnancy and regeneration responses. A significant increase in monocytes in lactating ewes can be associated with environmental stress and high nutritional requirements due to milk production.

The aim of the present study was to determine fatty acid profile of cheese from Alpine goats, manufactured traditionally on the family farm. Bulk milk was collected from goats, during morning milking, from which 12 (350 g) semi-hard cheeses were manufactured and maintained for 24 hours. The highest value was determined in oleic acid (26.96%) proportion, following by palmitic (23.17%) and stearic acid (16.33%). Proportion of linoleic acid (LA) was 3.37%, and α-linolenic acid (ALA) 0.56%. The goat cheese is comprised 15.06% of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), primarily C6:0, C8:0 and C10:0. Thus, semi-hard goat cheese from Alpine goat milk is characterized by fatty acids beneficial for human health, like SCFA, oleic acid, LA and ALA.

The research aimed to determine the blood metabolic profile and acid-base status of lactating Travnik ewes in an extensive production system. The research was carried out on 108 lactating Travnik ewes, with an average age of 3-4 years, in their 3rd lactation. The ewes were kept on pasture, and had water and animal salt ad libitum. Hematological indicators were determined in whole blood, biochemical parameters in serum, and acid-base status was determined in plasma. The determined average values of hematological parameters were mostly within reference values, except the lower MCHC content and higher MCV content, which indicates the instability of erythrocyte constants. Average mineral concentrations were within the reference values, except for Ca and Fe concentrations which were lower and were influenced by higher milk excretion. Most of the biochemical indicators, enzyme activity, and indicators of the acid-base balance of lactating Travnik ewes’ blood were within the reference values. A high concentration of urea above the reference values was found, and concentrations of total proteins, albumins, total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides at the upper limit or above the reference values were determined. Slightly lower GPx activity and higher SOD activity above reference values were determined. These indicators point to energy deficit, as well as poor grazing quality, and a lack of selenium in pasture plant species. When determining the blood metabolic profile of lactating Travnik ewes, the obtained results of the research should be considered, and they should be included in the development of reference values for the Travnik sheep breed., Cilj istraživanja bio je utvrditi metabolički profil krvi i acido-bazni status ovaca travničke pramenke u ekstenzivnom proizvodnom sustavu. Istraživanje je provedeno na 108 ovaca travničke pramenke prosječne dobi 3 – 4 godine, u trećoj laktaciji. Ovce su boravile na pašnjaku, a vodu i stočnu sol imale su ad libitum. Hematološki pokazatelji određeni su u punoj krvi, biokemijski pokazatelji u serumu, a acido-bazni status u plazmi. Utvrđene prosječne vrijednosti hematoloških pokazatelja bile su u najvećoj mjeri u fiziološkim granicama, osim manje prosječne vrijednosti MCHC-a te veće vrijednosti MCV-a, što upućuje na nestabilnost eritrocitnih konstanti. Prosječne koncentracije minerala bile su u granicama referentnih vrijednosti, osim koncentracija kalcija i željeza koje su bile manje, a pod utjecajem su većeg izlučivanja mlijekom. Većina biokemijskih pokazatelja, aktivnosti enzima i pokazatelja acido-bazne ravnoteže krvi ovaca travničke pramenke bila je u granicama referentnih vrijednosti. Treba naglasiti utvrđenu veću koncentraciju uree te na gornjoj granici ili veće od referentnih vrijednosti koncentracije albumina, ukupnih proteina, ukupnog kolesterola, HDL i LDL-kolesterola i triglicerida, kao i manju aktivnost GPx te nešto veću SOD-a. To upućuje na energetski deficit te kvalitetu paše i nedostatak selena. Pri utvrđivanju metaboličkog profila travničke pramenke u obzir treba uzeti rezultate dobivenih istraživanja te ih uvažavati pri izradi referentnih vrijednosti za ovu pasminu.

Due to the high content of crude protein and high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids, pumpkin seed cake (PSC) could be a good quality feedstuff for ruminants, while extruded linseed (ELS) has already shown some beneficial effect on fatty acids proportion of goat milk. Besides, lactation is the most demanding period when monitoring the metabolic condition of animal. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of PSC and ELS replacing soybean meal in diets of dairy goats on blood haemato-chemical parameters and milk quality. A 28 lactating French Alpine dairy goats were monitored within 20 days in early lactation. Diet of each groups had a balanced content of energy and crude protein, and a slight difference in lipid content. Goats in control group (n = 9) received soybean meal and extruded soybean. In experimental groups soybean was partially replaced with ELS (n = 10) or completely with PSC (n = 9). Dietary treatments had no effect on haemato-chemical parameters, although PSC increased concentration of globulins in serum. PSC lowered linoleic acid compared to control. ELS increased proportion of α-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and total n-3 fatty acids in milk. Positive correlations were found between non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and ratio C18:1/C15:0, NEFA and ratio C17:0/C15:0, as well as β-hydroxybutyrate and ratio C17:0/C15:0. The replacement of soybean meal with PSC or partially with ELS is feasible with respect to haemato-chemical parameters of early lactating dairy goats, while ELS had much beneficial effect on fatty acids compared to PSC., Zbog visokog sadržaja sirovih bjelančevina i visoke koncentracije nezasićenih masnih kiselina, pogača sjemenki bundeve (PSC) potencijalno je kvalitetno krmivo za preživače, dok je ekstrudirani lan (ELS) u obrocima koza već pokazao blagotvoran utjecaj na kvalitetu kozjeg mlijeka. Laktacija je vrlo zahtjevno razdoblje za praćenje metaboličkog statusa životinja. Prema tome, cilj ovoga istraživanja bio je utvrditi utjecaj PSC i ELS na hematološko-biokemijske pokazatelje u krvi i na kvalitetu mlijeka, kao zamjena za soju u obrocima mliječnih koza. Istraživanje je provedeno s 28 koza pasmine francuska alpine koje su bile podijeljene u dvije pokusne skupine tijekom 20 dana u ranoj laktaciji. Obroci su bili izbalansirani u pogledu energije i sadržaja sirovih bjelančevina, uz neznatne razlike sadržaja lipida. Obroci kontrolne skupine (n = 9) sadržavali su sačmu i ekstrudiranu soju. U obrocima pokusnih skupina soja je djelomično zamijenjena s ELS (n = 10) ili u potpunosti zamijenjena s PSC (n = 9). Hematološko-biokemijski pokazatelji u krvi koza nisu rezultirali značajnijim promjenama pod utjecajem hranidbe, iako je obrok s PSC povećao koncentraciju globulina u serumu. PSC je rezultirao smanjenjem linolne kiseline (n-6) u odnosu na kontrolnu skupinu. ELS obroci povećali su koncentraciju α-linolenske, eikozapentaenske kiseline i koncentraciju ukupnih n-3 masnih kiselina u mlijeku. Utvrđene su pozitivne korelacije između ne-esterificiranih masnih kiselina (NEFA) i C18:1/C15:0, NEFA te C17:0/C15:0, kao i β-hidroksibutirata te C17:0/C15:0. Potpuna zamjena sačme i ekstrudirane soje s PSC ili djelomično s ELS opravdana je s obzirom na hematološko-biokemijske pokazatelje koza u ranoj laktaciji, dok je ELS imao blagotvoran utjecaj na masne kiseline u mlijeku u odnosu na PSC.

The aim of the present research was to determine the hematological and biochemical parameters of the Travnik pramenka ewes during lactation. Thirty‐six ewes in average age of 3-5 years were included in the research. They were monitored in three stages of lactation: early, medium, and late stage. The WBC and RBC, HGB concentration, HCT and MCH values increased significantly as lactation progressed, while significant decrease of MCV and MCHC was determined in blood. HCT was slightly higher in the early compared to late stage, and the MCH in the medium compared to the late stage of lactation. A significant increase in the concentrations of Ca, P, Mg, Na and Cl, as well as a decrease of the Fe concentration was determined. As lactation progressed, the concentrations of urea, total proteins, albumin, globulin and BHB increased, as well as ALT activity. Contrary, concentrations of glucose and NEFA decreased, as well as GGT activity. Obtained results may help in monitoring the health and nutritional status of Travnik ewes. The effect of lactation stage needs to be included in the model when preparing the reference values for the blood parameters of Travnik pramenka ewes, particularly for RBC profiles, energy, and protein metabolites as well as liver enzymes., Cilj ovoga istraživanja bio je utvrditi hematološke i biokemijske pokazatelje u krvi ovaca travničke pramenke tijekom laktacije. Istraživanje je provedeno na 36 ovaca prosječne dobi od tri do pet godina tijekom triju stadija laktacije: ranoga, srednjeg i kasnog. WBC i RBC, koncentracija HGB‐a te vrijednost HCT‐a i MCH‐a značajno su se povećavali tijekom laktacije, dok je utvrđeno i značajno smanjenje vrijednosti MCV‐a i MCHC‐a u krvi. Sadržaj HCT‐a bio je viši u ranome stadiju u odnosu na kasni stadij laktacije, a sadržaj MCH‐a u srednjem stadiju u odnosu na kasni stadij laktacije. Utvrđeno je značajno povećanje koncentracije Ca, P, Mg, Na i Cl tijekom laktacije, kao i smanjenje koncentracije Fe. Kako je laktacija napredovala, utvrđeno je povećanje koncentracije ureje, ukupnih proteina, albumina, globulina i BHB‐a te aktivnosti ALT‐a. Suprotno tome, koncentracije glukoze i NEFA‐e su se smanjile, kao i aktivnost GGT‐a. Dobiveni rezultati mogu pomoći u praćenju zdravstvenoga i hranidbenog statusa travničke pramenke. Stoga je u model za utvrđivanje referentnih vrijednosti krvi ovaca travničke pramenke potrebno uključiti utjecaj stadija laktacije, osobito za RBC, energetske i proteinske metabolite te jetrene enzime.

Sheep give meat, milk, wool to the human population and this makes them a significant part of the world livestock industry. The basis of meat, milk and wool production is reproduction, respectively the success of reproduction. The result of reproduction is under the direct influence of genotypes and external factors and their interaction. The most important sheep product is meat and it is the main reason why sheep are raised in most countries. Milk is an important product of sheep, it is the basic food of young lambs and it plays an important role in the diet of the population. Wool makes sheep unique and therefore they are recognizable at first sight, in other words, different from other types of animals. Wool is a characteristic product of different and very variable economic importance, in some countries it is the most important product of sheep which provides the largest part of income. Many genes correlated with diverse economically significant phenotypic characteristics and their roles have been reported in domestic animals to date. In animal breeding, the identification of candidate genes correlated with economically important traits of sheep is crucial. The detailed information of the classified genes connected with significant traits helps to improve production capacity and productivity of sheep. Moreover, in this way the sheep processing industry can be increased, and thus the profitability and benefit of sheep breeders. The aim of this review is to provide complete information on the identified candidate genes associated with important production traits of sheep.

Sheep farming is an important agricultural branch in numerous countries, particularly in areas where due to specific geographical, pedological, and climatic conditions, the possibilities of breeding other species of domestic animals are reduced. Sheep are resistant, adaptable, modest, durable, and very useful animals, which is why they are so widespread and bred in almost all parts of the world. In many countries, they are the most important source of animal protein (meat, milk, cheese). The advantage of sheep is the fact that it is a ruminant and can turn a certain amount of voluminous feed, of different origin and shape, into high-value products: meat, milk, wool, fur, skin. They are mostly grown in the world for meat production, mainly for lamb. Milk is an extremely valuable product of sheep, especially in Mediterranean countries. Sheep's milk is rarely consumed fresh, it is mostly processed into cheese, less into yogurt. In addition to meat and milk production, there are many other reasons for strengthening and expanding sheep production. Despite the great competition of synthetic fibres, wool still has a very important role in the textile industry where it is an indispensable raw material and the possibility of its use is very wide. For knowing the genetic background of different animal traits, an important role plays the availability of genomic data, development of molecular breeding techniques, and genome technologies. This review aims to provide complete information on the identified genomic regions and candidate genes related to important production traits in sheep.

The aim of this study was to compare the quality traits of meat of Dalmatian Pramenka lambs and Croatian Spotted goat kids, both Croatian indigenous breeds. For that purpose, fifteen singleborn male lambs and fifteen single-born male goat kids were raised under identical dietary regime in extensive lamb/goat kid production system typical for the Mediterranean basin. Lambs and goat kids were fasted for 24 h and slaughtered at average 22.70±0.35 kg and 23.47±0.52 kg live weight, respectively, corresponding to degree of maturity of approximately 51%. Meat colour was determined on the surface of the cut section of the Longissimus dorsi muscle (LD). Samples of LD and kidney knob fat were excised from the left side of the carcasses to determine proximate composition, mineral composition, and fatty acids profile. The L* and a* colour parameters of LD were of similar values in both species, but the b* value was significantly higher in lambs (8.88) than in goat kids (3.49). Lambs accumulated more fat (2.93% vs. 1.85%) and ash (1.19% vs. 1.12%), but less protein (20.37% vs. 21.57%) than goat kids. The potassium, sodium and magnesium contents in lamb LD were higher than in kid LD. Goat kids had higher content of all analysed trace elements than lambs, except copper. Due to the higher intramuscular fat content and thus higher monounsaturated fatty acids content, lamb meat had more favourable fatty acid profile than goat kid meat, but goat kids displayed a lower n-6/n-3 ratio (1.52) compared to lambs (2.26).

Cilj je ovoga istraživanja bio analizirati situaciju u ekološkom stočarstvu u Republici Hrvatskoj i Europi. U europskim zemljama 2017. u ekološkim uzgojima, evidentirano je oko 4,5 milijuna goveda, 5,2 milijuna ovaca, oko 1 milijun svinja te oko 50 milijuna peradi. Najveći udio ekološki registriranih domaćih životinja u usporedbi s ukupnom populacijom u Europi i EU-28 je za goveda (3,5% i 5,2%) i ovce (3,4% i 5,0%), a najniži za svinje (0,6% i 0,7%). Najviši udio u Republici Hrvatskoj je ovaca (8.57%), a najniži peradi (0,02%). Najveće povećanje u zadnjih deset godina u EU je broja peradi (za 103%), a najmanje broja svinja (za 47,6%), dok je povećanje broja goveda i ovaca bilo oko 76% i 74%. U Republici Hrvatskoj u ekološkim uzgojima najviše je povećan broj ovaca (za oko 65,0%), dok je broj goveda i peradi porastao za oko 62 i 64%, a najmanje je povećan broj svinja (za oko 24%). Najviše je ekološkog mesa svih domaćih životinja proizvedeno u Francuskoj i Velikoj Britaniji, a ekološkog mlijeka u Njemačkoj i Francuskoj. Tijekom 2018. godine proizvedeno je najviše ekološkog goveđeg mesa u Velikoj Britaniji i Francuskoj, ekološkog svinjskog mesa u Francuskoj i Finskoj, ekološkog ovčjeg mesa u Španjolskoj i Velikoj Britaniji, ekološkog kozjeg mesa u Španjolskoj, a ekološkog mesa peradi u Francuskoj i Velikoj Britaniji. Utvrđeno značajno povećanje broja domaćih životinja u ekološkim uzgojima u Europi i u RH ukazuje na sve veći interes za ekološkim stočarstvom ne samo uzgajivača i prerađivača nego i konzumenata ekoloških proizvoda u europskim zemljama., The aim of the present study was to analyze the situation in organic livestock farming in Croatia and Europe. In the European countries in the year 2017, around 4.5 million cattle, 5.2 million sheep, 1 million pigs and 50 million poultry were registered in organic farming. The highest share of organically registered domestic animals compared to the total population in Europe and the European Union-28 was in cattle (3.5% and 5.2%) and sheep (3.4% and 5.0%), and the lowest in pigs (0.6% and 0.7%). In Croatia the highest share is in sheep (8.57%) and the lowest in poultry (0.02%) number. The largest increase in recent ten years in the EU has been in the number of poultry (by 103%) and the smallest in the number of pigs (by 47.6%), while the increase was the number of cattle and sheep was around 76% and 74%, respectively. In Croatia organic sheep production increased the most (by 65.0%), while the number of cattle and poultry increased by 62 and 64%, and the smallest increase is in the number of pigs (by 24%). The majority of organic meat of all species of domestic animals is produced in France and in United Kingdom, while organic milk is produced mostly in Germany and France. During the year 2018, most organic beef was produced in the UK and France, organic pork in France and Finland, organic sheep meat in Spain and the UK, organic goat meat in Spain, while most of organic poultry was produced in France and in the UK. A significant increase in the number of livestock in organic farming in Europe and in Croatia indicates an increasing interest in organic livestock farming, not only increase of farmers and processors but also increase of consumers of organic products in European countries.

This is a brief summary of papers, by the principal author and various collaborators, concerning meat quality of Black Slavonian (BS) pigs maintained either on free range or housed, fed on high- or low protein diet, slaughtered at different body weights, and compared with Swedish Landrace. Physical-chemical and sensory evaluation of meat from the BS pigs, mostly significantly superior to the controls, provided encouraging results for marketing BS- branded pig meat on both the domestic and the export markets.

The widespread selenium deficiency in soil, thus in the feedstuffs from such soil, needs to be prevented by various methods. In recent years biofortification of selenium has been carried out by soil fertilization and foliar application of crops. The aim of this study was to present the preliminary results of the research carried out with the addition of selenium biofortified corn (BC) in diets of fattening lambs. The research was conducted with 20 Merinolandschaf lambs, average age of 70 days, during 30 days of fattening. Lambs were divided in two groups. Feed mixture of the control group (CG) contained 23% corn (0.014 mg Se/kg DM), while in experimental group (EG) was 23% BC (0.278 mg Se/kg DM). Feed mixture, hay and water were offered to lambs ad libitum. Body weight and body measurements (withers height, trunk length, circumference, width and depth of chest, circumference of shin bone, length and circumference of leg) as well as daily weight gain and indices of body development were determined. After lambs´ slaughter, samples of muscle (m. semimembranosus), liver, kidney, lungs, spleen, peritoneum and heart tissues were taken. Determination of selenium concentrations in feed and tissues were obtained by inductively coupled plasma. No significant differences were obtained in production traits between CG and EG (body weight: 29.80 vs 30.98 kg ; daily weight gain: 232 vs 258 g and feed conversion: 3.54 vs 3.47 kg/kg), as well as most of body measures and indices of body development, although better values were obtained in EG. However, higher concentrations of selenium in lungs and liver (CG: 0.260 and 0.745 mg/kg, respectively ; EG: 0.326 and 0.916 mg/kg, respectively ; P0.05) concentrations in kidney, liver, heart, spleen and peritoneum were determined in EG compared to CG. The results of the study indicate the possibility of using BC in lambs´ diets. It is necessary to include biofortified corn containing different concentrations of selenium in diets, longer duration of experiment and determination of metabolic status. This will contribute to more comprehensive conclusions when using BC in fattening lambs.

The aim of this research was to determine influence of dietary supplementation with thermolysed Brewer’s yeast enriched by dietary nucleotides (Ascogen®) on growth performance, blood parameters and stress reduction in fattening lambs. Biological research was conducted on 32 lambs in fattening during 50 days. Lambs were at the age of 60 days. Thermolysed Brewer’s yeast (1.5%/DM) was added to the feed mixture of experimental group of lamb. In the lambs´ blood serum biochemical parameters, enzymes activities, thyroid hormones (triiodothyronine-T3 and thyroxine-T4), and cortisol concentrations were determined. Application of thermolysed Brewer’s yeast does not affect the growth of lamb, although better average daily gain of lambs (4.31% higher) in the experimental group was determined. Decreased (P

The aim of the present paper was to determine the changes of acid-base indicators in the blood of Alpine goats during pregnancy. The research included 21 French Alpine goats during winter feeding season. Goats were divided per 7 in the group according to stage of pregnancy (up to 3 months, from 3 to 4 months, and more than 4 months). Feeding of goats was with a mixture of grains and meadow hay. In the blood of goats concentrations acid-base indicators (blood pH, BE(efc), blood gas analysis: pCO2, pO2, tCO2 as well as electrolytes: Na+, K+, Cl- and bicarbonate) were determined. Afterwards, anion gap (AG), SID (strong ion differences) and z- values were estimated. Comparing determined acid- base indicators in the blood of Alpine goats during various stages of pregnancy significant differences were not evident. Acid- base indicators in blood of Alpine goats did not differ compared to reference values, except AG in blood of Alpine goat during < 3 months of pregnancy (7.52 mmol/l) as well as SID during investigation. Determined significant high correlation of acid- base indicators in blood of Alpine goats during pregnancy was expected since there are physiological connections and participation of various indicators in the calculation of some of the indicators obtained. More significantly high correlations were determined in goats during higher pregnancy (>4 month) which can be associated with an increased load of animals because of intensive development of the foetus. Mentioned minor changes of acid-base indicators in the blood of Alpine goats showed a significant resistance on the occurrence metabolic disease.

The aim of the present research was to determine the blood metabolic profile and acid-base balance of dairy goats and of their kids during lactation. Analyses were made of 15 Alpine goats and their suckling kids, in a traditional production system. The goats’ blood was collected from the 20th to the 140th day of lactation every 30th day. Kids´ blood was collected on the 20th and 50th days of life. From the blood samples the values of pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2), partial pressure of oxygen (pO2), total pressure of carbon dioxide (tCO2) and bicarbonate (HCO3 -) were determined. Afterwards, the blood samples collected from the goats and kids were centrifuged, and from the plasma obtained the concentrations of calcium, phosphorus-inorganic, potassium, sodium, iron, chloride, urea, glucose, total proteins, albumin, creatinine, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDLcholesterol, trygliceryds, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK) and γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were assessed. Also, the strong ion difference (SID), anion gap (AG) and z- values were determined from the blood of the goats and kids. The results were obtained by MEANS procedure, and differences between the groups were determined using ANOVA repeated measures. A significant decrease in glucose, tryglicerides, Na and Fe concentrations was determined, as well as the AG and SID content in the blood, and increases in cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, total protein, albumin, globulin and P-inorganic in the blood of goats during lactation. The concentrations of Cl, creatinine, and enzymatic activity (CK, GGT and ALP) in the blood of goats during lactation did not differ significantly. The results of the blood metabolic profile and acidbase balance indicate the need for better control of goats and kids´ rations in traditional production systems.

Cilj istraživanja je bio utvrditi proizvodna svojstva i indekse tjelesne razvijenosti janjadi u ekološkom uzgoju. U istraživanje je uključeno 40 Merinolandschaf janjadi u razdoblju sisanja (od poroda do 70 dana života). Janjad je vagana po janjenju, 28., 56. i 70. dana života. Nakon toga uzete su tjelesne mjere te su izračunati dnevni prirasti i indeksi tjelesne razvijenosti. Janjad je ostvarila zadovoljavajuća proizvodna svojstva (prosječan dnevni prirast: 249, 78 g, završna tjelesna masa: 22, 38 kg) i indekse tjelesne razvijenosti (primjerice indeks tjelesne kondicije: 3, 53). Dobiveni rezultati istraživanja ukazuju na opravdanost u širenju ekološkog uzgoja ovaca u Republici Hrvatskoj.

The aim of the present research was to determine reference values of certain biochemical parameters in blood of 40 Merinolandschaf lambs in organic farming. After weaning lambs were fed with feed mixture and meadow hay of organic origin ad libitum. Average body mass of lambs was 34.01 kg, and average body condition score was 3.86. Within blood serum the concentrations of mineral parameters (calcium, phosphorus-inorganic, magnesium and iron), concentrations of the biochemical parameters (urea, glucose, total proteins, albumin, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol ; LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, BHBA-β- hydroxibutyrate and NEFA-non-esterified fatty acids) and enzyme activity (CK-creatine kinase, ALP-alkaline phosphatase) were examined. Most of the biochemical parameters´ concentrations in the lambs´ blood was within reference values for lambs, except albumin (28.05 g/L), Ca and Mg (2.43 and 0.90 mmol/L) concentrations as well as activity of CK enzyme (170.49 U/L) which was bellow or on the lower reference values as well as concentration of globulins (30.02 g/L) which was higher compared to reference values. Determined changes of biochemical parameters in the blood of Merinolandschaf lambs in organic farming indicated the need for redefinition of these parameters as reference values and presents adequate supply of lambs with nutrients through diets. Determined biochemical parameters in the blood of Merinolandschaf lambs in organic production can be used as reliable criteria in assessment of nutrients supply through diets, as well as redefinition of reference values´ limits of these parameters in the blood, as well as their reference values.

Cilj istraživanja bio je utvrditi utjecaj spola i tjelesne mase istarske janjadi prije klanja na pH vrijednost i boju mesa. Istraživanjem je bilo obuhvaćeno 118 janjadi oba spola (64 muške i 54 ženske), koja je prije klanja podijeljena u dvije skupine: lakša (17, 76 kg ; 28 muške i 32 ženske) i teža (20, 17 kg ; 36 muške i 22 ženske). Masa trupa utvrđena je neposredno nakon klaoničke obrade trupa i nakon 24 sata, dok su vrijednost pH i boja mesa utvrđeni 45 minuta i 24 sata nakon klanja. Prosječna masa toploga i hladnoga trupa lakše janjadi bila je 9, 76 i 9, 47 kg, a teže 11, 80 i 11, 49 kg s kalom hlađenja 2, 96, odnosno 2, 60%. Trupovi istarske janjadi poprilično su uniformni s obzirom na spol, u pogledu svih istraživanih pokazatelja, izuzev vrijednosti L* i a* parametara boje. U svrhu proizvodnje većih količina janjećega mesa može se preporučiti povećanje tjelesne mase janjadi pri klanju, budući da se pozitivno odražava na masu trupa i kalo hlađenja, uz zadržavanje poželjnih vrijednosti parametara kakvoće mesa.

The aim of this research was to determine the effect of dietary selenium supplementation (organic, inorganic) to high pregnant and lactating ewes on the production performance and exterior characteristics of their lambs. The research included 30 pregnant Merinolandschaf ewes and lambs. The control group of ewes and lambs ration (group I) was composed of 300 g/day/animal feed mixture without the addition of selenium and 150 g/day/animal, barley and alfalfa hay which they had ad libitum. Feed mixture of group II was supplemented with 0.3 mg/kg of Selplex®, and the third group with the same amount of Sodium selenite. The average body weight of lambs at the age of 23 days was significantly (P

The aim of this paper was to determine the influence of pregnancy stage on biochemical parameters in the blood of Alpine goats. The research included 21 French Alpine goats who were divided per 7 in the group according stage of pregnancy (up to 3 months, from 3 to 4 months, and more than 4 months). Feeding of goats was with a mixture of grains and meadow hay. In the blood of goats were determined concentrations of the biochemical parameters (urea, glucose, total proteins, albumins, globulins, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL- cholesterol, triglycerides, NEFA- non esterified fatty acids and creatinine as well as enzyme activity: CK-creatine kinase, GGT-γ- glutamyl transferase and ALP- alkaline phosphatase). As pregnancy progressed a significant decrease in the content of total protein (from 77.73 to 65.87 g/L), albumin (from 31.70 to 28.18 g/L) and globulin (from 46.03 to 37.69 g/L) as well as activity of GGT (from 41.12 to 29.04 U/L) and an increase concentrations of urea (from 2.29 to 3.11 mmol/L), triglycerides (from 0.27 to 0.50 mmol/L) and NEFA (from 0.03 to 0.06 mmol/L) were determined. Comparing determined biochemical parameters with reference values in the blood of goats during various stages of pregnancy, significant differences were not evident, except concentration of urea and albumin, which were at the lower limit and concentration of globulin, which were at the upper limit of reference values for goats. Mentioned biochemical parameters changes in the blood of goat in late pregnancy (urea and albumin) indicate a lack of protein in the feed and the need to include stages of pregnancy and breed as important factors in quality monitoring of herd.

The objective of this paper was to analyse the chemical composition of musculus longissimus dorsi (MLD), and the fatty acid composition of MLD, and kidney knob fat in Pag sheep suckling lambs carcasses, and to determine the effect of sex on those parameters. Although the Pag sheep belongs to a group of breeds of combined production traits, it is primarily bred for milk production, while the meat of suckling lambs is another important source of income. For this research muscle and fat samples were collected from 12 Pag sheep lamb carcasses (6 males and 6 females), slaughtered at the average age of 33 days. Although female lambs were heavier at slaughter, male lambs had heavier carcasses on average (P

The aim of this paper was to determine the movement of haematological parameters in the blood of goats during pregnancy. The research included 24 French Alpine goats during winter feeding season. Goats were divided in the groups of 8 animals according to stage of pregnancy (up to 3 months, from 3 to 4 months, and more than 4 months). Feeding of goats was based on mixture of grains and meadow hay. In the blood of goats were determined concentrations of the haematological parameters (white blood cell count–WBC and red blood cells count–RBC as well as content of haemoglobin, haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume–MCV, mean corpuscular haemoglobin–MCH and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration–MCHC) and relative ratio of the individual cells of leukocytes (lymphocytes, neutrophils seg., eosinophils, monocytes and basophils). A significant decrease (P0.05). Comparing determined haematological parameters with reference values in the blood of goats during various stages of pregnancy, significant differences were not evident. Determined significant high positive correlations of RBC:HGB, RBC:HCT and HGB:HCT in blood of Alpine goats during different stage of pregnancy were expected. More significant high correlations was determined in Alpine goats during higher pregnancy (>4 month) which can be associated with an increased load of animals because of intensive development of the fetus. Mentioned above indicates that in determination of haematological parameters in the research model the stage of pregnancy and goat breeds should included.

The aim of the present research was to determine metabolic profile and oxidative status of critically endangered Dubrovnik sheep and Zeta Zuja breeds of sheep and compare them to physiological values, which could help in understanding quality of feeding. The study was conducted on 40 sheep (20 Dubrovnik sheep in Croatia and 20 Zeta Zuja in Montenegro). Sheep were an average age of three years, in the last third of pregnancy. Feeding of sheep was based on local grazing pasture, with addition of 150 g of corn/day in feeding Dubrovnik sheep. In blood of both breeds following indicators were determined: leukocyte number – WBC, erythrocytes – RBC, platelet – PLT, content of hematocrit, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume – MCV, mean corpuscular hemoglobin – MCH and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration – MCHC, Ca, P – inorganic, Na, K, Mg and Fe ; urea, glucose, total protein, albumin, cholesterol ; HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, NEFA, BHB ; and activity of enzymes: ALT, AST, CK, GGT, GSH-Px and SOD . Analyzing hemato – chemical indicators, pH and mineral content in both breeds there were no major deviations from the sheep’s reference values, except higher concentrations of total protein, CK activity, slightly lower pH in the blood of Zeta Zuja, as well as a higher concentration of albumin, triglyceride, MCV content, lower Ca, Fe, GSH-Px and SOD activity. Significantly higher concentrations of K, Na, Fe, glucose, NEFA and content of RBC, hemoglobin and hematocrit and pH value were determined in blood of Dubrovnik sheep. In blood of Zeta Zuja significantly higher concentrations of urea, total protein, BHB, platelet content, activity of AST and CK, and lower GSH-Px were determined. In this research specific effect of breed was determined. If sheep are in the food deficit their rations must be supplemented with certain amount of concentrate feed and feed rich in selenium, especially in advanced stage of pregnancy.

The aim of the present research was to determine composition and test-day milk yield from Alpine goats in two countries, Croatia and Slovenia regarding the influence of milk production traits. Data was obtained from the Central database of Croatian Agricultural Agency and Central database for sheep and goats in Slovenia. Test-day milk yield (TDM), content of fat, protein and lactose, as dependent variables, were analysed with fixed statistical model (GLM procedure, SAS, 9.3) using parity, litter size, stage of lactation and season as fixed effects. The results from the present research showed significant influence of stage of lactation, parity, litter size and season on almost all investigated variables, between Croatian and Slovenian population of Alpine goats. Least square mean for TDM in goats from Slovenian population was lower, 1.04 kg, compared to Croatian goats, 1.11 kg. Higher percentage of goats (53.2%) from Croatian population were in 2nd to 4th parity, compared to Slovenian goats (49.6%), resulting in higher TDM. In Slovenian population of goats more records were analysed from mid-lactation, resulting in lower fat content (3.47%) compared to Croatian population (3.50%). In the present research more twins and triplets were in the Slovenian population of goats but results showed lower TDM in the same population. The reason for this may be due to later weaning in Slovenian producers that shortened the length of milking after weaning. Higher percentage of Croatian goats (94.47%) were kidding from December to March, compared to Slovenian (90.34%) goats, resulting in higher TDM and lower protein and lactose content in Croatian population. Content of protein and lactose were mainly following the standard lactation curve along with TDM. The results showed significant effect of parity, litter size, stage of lactation and season on TDM and milk composition in the goat farms of Croatia and Slovenia.