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Beef meat has exceptional nutritional value that distinguishes it from other types of meat and makes it a highly valued food. However, the meat of cattle as well as other ruminants, is characterized by a more complex fatty acid profile compared to the meat of monogastric animals. This complexity is a consequence of the activity of the rumen microflora. In recent decades, changes in animal breeding, feeding practices, and modern slaughtering techniques imparted significant progress in improving beef's nutritional, sensory and market value. Different proportions of concentrated feed and roughages, as well as their types, affect the composition of intramuscular fat. Excluding genetic factors and production practices, nutrition emerges as the main factor influencing the fatty acid profile of beef meat. Today, numerous studies support the nutritional approach to modifying the fatty acid composition of beef meat by using selected feeding stuffs. Therefore, this review aims to collect and systematize data as a guide for implementing such a nutritional strategy in practice, with the health benefits of the final consumers in mind.

The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of benzoic acid and chelates in which copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) were bound to methionine hydroxy analogue on growth performance, intestinal morphology, intestinal microbiota and digesta pH value of post-weaning piglets at 28 days of age. The experiment was conducted on 96 piglets randomly assigned to one of four treatments (6 replicate pens of 4 piglets each): 1) control (C) – microminerals were provided as sulfates of Cu, Zn and Mn at 130 (80 at second phase), 100, 120 mg/kg in the first phase, respectively; 2) chelates (CTM), microelements were provided as chelates of Cu, Zn and Mn at 130 (80 in second phase), 60, 60 mg/kg in the first phase, respectively; 3) benzoic acid (BA), with the addition of 2500 mg/kg during both periods; 4) chelates + benzoic acid (CTM + BA), microelements were provided as chelates of Cu, Zn and Mn at 130 (80 in second phase), 60, 60 mg/kg in the first phase, respectively, and 2500 mg/kg of benzoic acid during both periods. Results showed that chelates and benzoic acid supplementation not only improved the final body weight (p

Metal foam is a cellular structure composed of solid metal with a high proportion of gas-filled pores. The main division of metal foams is into foams with the open and closed cells, on which the area of their application mostly depends. The open-cell foams are suitable for the wastewater treatment process, as they allow the water flow through the pores trapping the toxic substances in the pores. This study provides a summary of literature data on morphology and application the copper metal foams in the wastewater treatment.

The purpose of this analysis is to show whether mining activities have an impact on the grondwater and drinking water quality. Water samples were analyzed in three unfavorable climatic periods during the winter of 2018-2019. The obtained results show that the heavy metal concentrations in water samples do not have values higher than the allowable according to the current statutory regulations. Also, the heavy metal concentration did not change with changes in climate parameters. However, a higher concentration of molybdenum than statutory by the law was found in the period of snow melting. This has shown that in extremely unfavorable climatic conditions, the karst groundwater can contain certain metals that can origin either from the surrounding field or as a result of mining activities, considering that there are two open pits s in the immediate vicinity of the "Surdup" source.

The economic assessment and analysis of investment projects is aimed to show what the value will be achieved by the project for enterprise, region and wider community. The overall assessment of the project should be given by the investor, financier and ecology. The positive results of the project are certainly acceptable from the point of view of investors, but they do not have to be acceptable from the point of view of financiers and ecologists. This imposes a need for balancing the demands of all three sides. In the static evaluation of the project, the profit and loss account, profitability, is observed, which is higher than in costs, which is a gain (profit). In the dynamic project evaluation, the following cash flows are monitored: financial, economic and social. The financial cash flow points to the liquidity of the project during its lifetime, if the inflow is constantly greater than the outflow of funds, the project is liquid. The economic flow indicates the project profitability, period of return on investment, net present value and internal rate of return. The social cash flow deals with the national economy, excludes the government's contributions to cash outflows and determines the social net present value as well as the social rate of profitability.

Development of adsorption materials based on metal oxides, silicon dioxide, carbon, biosorbents and adsorbents, obtained from natural waste, can be used to remove selenium from water. Research on some of these materials is at the laboratory level, while the others were tested in the pilot plants, and a few have found a commercial application. The high adsorption capacities show a possibility of their application for selenium removal from water. This paper presents a literature review of different types of adsorbents for the removal of selenium (Se) from water.

This paper considers the impact of copper mining-influenced water and metallurgical wastewater on the surface water in the Bor area, Serbia. Sampling, realized through the four campaigns (2020–2021), confirmed that both types of water, discharged without appropriate treatment in the Bor River, had a signific impact on the concentration of metal ions, pH and electrical conductivity on the watercourse in the Bor area. The highest concentrations of the following metal ions, Cu—271 mg/L, As—25,991 μg/L, Ni—13,856 μg/L, Cd—2627 μg/L, and Pb—2855 μg/L, were registered in the metallurgical wastewater samples. After changes occurred in the copper production process by stopping the discharge of untreated wastewater into the Bor River, the concentrations of monitored elements were drastically decreased. In the period 2022–2024, the concentration values for Cu, As and Pb ions were below the maximum allowable value, and the concentration values of Ni and Cd ions were also decreased. The values for pH and electrical conductivity were in the maximum allowable range. The return of wastewater to the copper production process would lead to both a reduction in the primary water consumption and reduction in the negative impact on the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the assessment of the impact of coal ash and slag from the “Maljevac” dump on the quality of water of Paleški Creek, Montenegro. The obtained results confirm the negative influence of surface and groundwater from the dump on the water from the Paleški Creek. The results obtained by testing of the water samples, collected from Paleški Creek upstream of the dump, indicate that the water is qualified to be used for drinking, after simple physical treatment and disinfection. The results obtained for the water samples collected from the Paleški creek downstream from the dump indicate that the water could be safe for drinking only after the treatment that requires an intensive physical, chemical and biological processing, including some extended treatment.

Background. Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites, which are synthesized from a large number of intermediates from the primary metabolism of saprophytic molds. Aflatoxins, due to their genotoxic and carcinogenic effects, are the most important group of mycotoxins from the aspect of their impact on human and animal health. Of all known aflatoxins, AFB1 is the most frequent, with the most harmful impact on human and animal health. Scope and Approach. Due to their prevalence and toxicity, monitoring the presence of aflatoxins in the food chain is required. The scope of this paper is to provide information on the presence of aflatoxins in animal feed and in milk. This paper describes temperature increases in Europe that are contributing to the increased presence of aflatoxins in food, as well as aflatoxin prevention and protection measures. Key Findings and Conclusions. During the last decade, serious contamination of corn with aflatoxins was recorded in southern Europe. In the summer of 2012, Serbia recorded high concentrations of aflatoxins in corn and milk. Based on climate change data, it is expected that aflatoxin contamination in corn will become more frequent. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. 31034]

Acid mine drainage (AMD) waters are one of the most important ecological risks at the global level because of its high heavy metals content and strong acidity. Treatment of AMD water is a complex and expensive. One of the most widely used treatment process is the neutralization process of AMD. The result of neutralization is the production of sludge which may contain various other (heavy) metals, depending on the chemical characteristics of the mine water treated. In this paper, leachability and toxicity of the sludges obtained during the neutralization process of wastewater from Saraka and Robule acid mine drainage and the sludges after the stabilization process at different temperatures is tested. Sludge produced in the neutralization process of Robule AMD R4 (40) and stabilized on 105°C and 200°C shows a H8-corrosiveness characteristic. Stabilized sludge show tendency to lower leachability of zinc and copper, but without influence on sulphate leachability. Sludges that show a H8-corrosiveness needs additional stabilization/neutralization pretreatment prior temperature treatment.

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of added sunflower, linseed or soybean meal to a standard pig fattening diet on the chemical composition, fatty acid profiles of meat and backfat, and on the oxidative stability of backfat from pigs. The content of saturated (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) was significantly lower (P

Chemical and physico-chemical parameters of marinated and salted Atlantic mackerel (Scomber Scombrus), with emphasis on the quality and safety parameters in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and vacuum packaging (VP), were investigated. Quality assessment of mackerel stored in MAP (40% CO2+60% N2) and VP for up to 50 days at 4±1 °C was done by the monitoring of pH value, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and histamine. The pH value of fish meat was significantly lower in the marinated samples. The highest concentration of TVB-N was recorded in the salted mackerel stored under VP whereas the lowest TVB-N in the marinated mackerel stored under MAP conditions. The formation of TBA increased with the time of storage and was the lowest in the marinated mackerel stored in MAP. The concentration of histamine increased during storage and its level reached over 10 mg/100 g for the salted mackerel stored under VP conditions. The marinated mackerel packed in MAP had extended shelf life at 4±1 °C compared to that packaged in VP according to physico-chemical analysis.

Mine waste dump Oštreljski Planir was formed by disposal of overburden from Bor open pit in the period from 1975 to 1980. Aim of this study was to determine chemical and phase composition of eight randomly chosen samples from Ošreljski planir by using x-ray fluorescence (XRF) and x-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analyses, and to compare results of these two methods. It was found that copper concentration in samples from waste dump was in the range from 0.017 % to 41.77 %. Copper minerals (covellite, chalcopyrite and enargite) were detected in samples 1, 2, 3 and 4, while copper minerals in samples 5, 6, 7 and 8 were not detected. The following gangue minerals have also been detected in samples: quartz, albite, dickite, gypsum, siderite and pyrite. Correlation coefficient between XRF and XRD analytical results is close to one (R2=0.9821), which implies that correlation between results is satisfactory.

The objective of this work was to investigate the scope of production, export and import of honey in the Republic of Serbia from 2004. to 2014. The results are based on the report of the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia. The observed period is characterized primarily by the increase in the number of beehives as well as an incresed honey production, followed by honey price growth and minor changes honey yield per hive. In this period, honey production ranged from 2,561 tons (in 2008) to 8,554 tons (in 2013). The largest volume of honey exports was in 2013. (3,367.7 tons, worth 14,881.4 thousand USD), and the largest import of honey into Serbia was in the same year (60.6 tons, worth 240.3 thousand USD). In the monitored period, Germany imported the largest quantities of honey from Serbia, about 4,611.0 tons (worth about 19,546.9 thousand USD), and somewhat smaller amounts of honey were imported by Italy and Montenegro. On the other hand, in the same period, Serbia imported the largest quantities of honey from the Republic of Macedonia, about 40.6 tons, worth 119.5 thousand USD. Beekeeping in Serbia definitely has a great development potential, so accordingly, its production should be encouraged in the future.

Animal food has to incorporate multiple objectives, ie. it should provide good animal health, good production and reproductive performance, reduce pollution of the environment as well as have the impact on food of animal origin, by supplying it, in addition to basic nutrients, with certain useful substances that can act preventively on the occurrence of various diseases in humans in modern living conditions. This complex task implies the application of scientific knowledge concerning biotechnology in the field of animal feed production, and also includes the use of specific nutrients that are the result of the latest developments in specific disciplines such as molecular biology and genetic engineering. As a result of researches in these areas there were created some varieties of cereals and legumes with improved nutritional properties. On the other hand, obtaining a safe food of animal origin product imposes the use of substances of natural origin (such as probiotics, prebiotics, phytobiotics, enzymes, chelating forms ..), which provide better digestibility and more complete utilization of certain nutrients from the feedstuff. In this way, the quantity of undigested substances are significantly reduced as well as soil and the atmosphere pollution. The use of specific additives in animal nutrition resulting from biotechnological research is most frequent when a problem concerning certain level of production or animal health has to be overcome. This implies a group of non-nutritional ingredients which are aimed to regulate the digestive tract microflora, pH, weight gain, as well as to modify metabolic processes etc.

Phytogene feed additives (phytobiotics) are plant origin compounds used in animal nutrition in order to improve their productivity by improving the production performance of animals, feed properties and the quality of food of animal origin. These additives stimulate animal growth by using their natural and physiological potentials and mechanisms providing conditions for the realization of the genetically projected production volumes. Data on the use of phytobiotics as growth stimulators are incomplete and often very contradictory, especially those related to their impact on the health and performance of weaned pigs. Given the relevance and importance of these issues the feeding trial was organized by the group-control system. The experiment lasted for 40 days and it was divided into two phases of 20 days each. Trial was conducted on 24 piglets, F1 generation of Swedish Landrace and Pietrain, weaned from sows at the age of 35 days. Tests were carried out on piglets, with an average body weight of 8.61±1.59 kg, which were subjected to one of the two feeding treatments immediately after weaning. The control group was fed with a mixture without growth promoters, while the experimental group received a diet containing preparation of phytobiotic (Enviva EO 101, Danisco Animal Nutrition) in the amount recommended by the manufacturer (0.1 kg/t). The mixtures for piglets nutrition were formulated in accordance with the recommendations of the NRC (1998), and AEC (1993) and they met the nutritional requirements completely. During the experiment, there was no disturbance of health and/or the manifestation of clinical signs of disease. The control group, fed with the diet without added growth stimulators, achieved body weight (25.32±6.31 kg), average daily gain (0.42±0.12 kg), consumption (0.89 kg) and feed conversion (2.119 ) normal for a given race, age and housing conditions. The use of preparation of phytobiotics as growth promoters, led to better production results in regard to the control group, which was based on higher body weight (27.19±4.77 kg), higher average daily gain (0.46±0.09 kg) and better feed conversion (2.043). The use of phytobiotic, as an alternative option in growth stimulation of weaned pigs, has its nutritive, medical and economic justification.

Fish represents a significant source of animal proteins in the diet of people in a large part of the world. The market in Serbia is supplied from its own production (carp and trout fish ponds) and catch from open waters. However, the largest part of the fish on the market is imported. Average area under carp fish ponds from 2006. to 2012. was 8,417 hektars, and under trout fish ponds was 49,900 square meters. Average annual production of carp fish species in this period was 7,228 tons, and of trout was 923 tons. In open waters of Serbia, the catch (from both professional and sport fishing) is averagely 3,745 tons of fish. The biggest catch of fish in open waters refers to goldfish, then carp and bream, while lower catch refers to white bighead. The objective of this investigation was to determine the scope and structure of fish catch and production in Serbia from 2006. to 2012. The data on fish catch and production were taken from Statistical Yearbook of the Republic of Serbia. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR 31011]

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It is assumed that mycotoxins have been present in feed and food since the beginning of eukaryotic fungi's life on Earth. With the recognition of the symptoms of the first intoxications, the so-called mycotoxicosis, there was a desire to find strategies in the fight against secondary metabolites of different types of fungi. The mycotoxins that most commonly contaminate feed are aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN) and fumonisin B1 (FB1). These mycotoxins can primarily cause hepatotoxicity, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, and consequently cause adverse effects on animal health and performance. Today, in the 21st century, the need to find a multidisciplinary and integrated plan in the fight against mycotoxins has grown with the realization that mycotoxins cause large-scale damage in livestock. Physical, chemical, biological and nutritional strategies have been developed to combat mycotoxins in the feed industry. Meanwhile, the use of each of these strategies achieves benefits, but also has drawbacks, including being expensive or impractical to apply on a large scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entomophagy is not a new phenomenon in the world. Moreover, it is a traditional diet in a large part of the planet. However, in the European framework it belongs to the category of novel food and although the topic is often debated, it represents a growing choice in human and animal nutrition. Edible insects have the potential to serve as a healthy, sustainable alternative to animal protein sources due to their valuable nutritional composition. They may have superior health benefits based on high levels of essential amino acids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin B12, iron, zinc, fibre and antioxidants. They could offer a myriad of environmental benefits, including overall reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and reduced use of agricultural land and water. Future research should aim to understand the beneficial effects of whole insects or insect isolates compared to traditional foods of animal and plant origin. Although insects have the potential to be used as meat substitutes or dietary supplements, leading to benefits for human health and the environment, this paper does not aim to ultimately propagate their use, but to point out their advantages and qualities, as well as potential dangers and risks, and finally to present ways of placing insects on the European market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After the production of mushrooms for human consumption, the used substrate remains (SMS -- spent mushroom substrate). As much as five kilograms of spent substrate result from the production of one kilogram of mushrooms. Considering that the global production of mushrooms in the world has increased in recent decades, the amount of spent substrate has also increased sharply, which can lead to an unfavourable impact on the environment. The assumptions are that the amount of consumed substrate will exceed the value of 6 tonnes of SMS per km² of global land surface. This data points to the need for thinking and scientific research on how to reuse SMS. Various studies have established that SMS can first be used as a material from which to extract enzymes that remain after the production of mushrooms. Then, SMS can be used to grow one or two more production batches of mushrooms. Finally, SMS can be used as raw material for feed, as compost for plant growth and as biofuel. Research into the use of SMS as feed is particularly interesting, where its effect in the diet of various ruminant and non-ruminant species was examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yeast and yeast derivatives are used as nutrients and as feed additives. Live yeast cells (LYC) (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) belong to a group of potent microorganisms that are used as an additive in animal feed and represent an alternative to antibiotics that until recently were used in animal nutrition as growth stimulators. The role of yeast as a growth promoter is due mainly to mannanoligosaccharide and β-glucans, isolated from the outer cell wall of yeast, whose role is known in stimulating the body's immune response. Dietary supplementation with whole yeast or yeast cell wall at 1.0-1.5 g/kg can improve growth performance, improve digestion and absorption of nutrients by modulating gut structure, inhibiting pathogenic bacteria and lowering gut pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the foods that are used daily in human diet are not only intended to satisfy the requirements in basic nutrients, they are also expected to prevent food-related diseases and help consumers acquire a better immune status. By using specific nutritional strategies, it is possible to produce functional food that, in addition to basic nutrients, also contains components that participate in preserving health and reducing the risk of disease. Selenium, which is used as an additive in vitamin-mineral premixes in feed for laying hens, is present in one of two basic forms: organically bound to amino acids (selenocysteine and selenomethionine) or in the form of an inorganic salt (most often sodium selenite). Deposited selenium in the body is in an inactive state, and in cases of oxidative stress or selenium deficiency in feed, it changes to an active form. The source of selenium in feed mixtures for laying hens has an effect on the selenium content of eggs. By adding organic selenium to laying eggs, amounts of 20-25 μg per egg can be achieved, which is about 30% of the recommended daily intake for humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine the relationships among pre-slaughter stress, rigor mortis, blood lactate, and meat and carcass quality in 100 pigs (cross between Naima sows and hybrids P-76 PenArLan boars). Before slaughter lairage time, handling and pig behavior were assessed for each animal. At exsanguination blood concentrations of lactate and cortisol were determined, while post-mortem were assessed: initial and ultimate pH value, temperature, drip, sensory and instrumental colour and marbling. On the carcasses the degree of rigor mortis and skin damage score were estimated, as well as carcass quality parameters. More developed (p15 mmol/l) initial pH decreased and L* value increased. These results suggest that in groups with higher blood lactate concentrations meat quality deteriorates.

The aim of this paper was to investigate the possibility of using the copper anodes with high nickel content for electrolytic treatment of waste sulfuric acid copper electrolyte. Nickel content in each anode was about 10 wt. %. Lead, antimony, and tin content was within the limits ranged from 0.1 to 1.4 wt. %. Copper mass content in anodes was in the range from 86 to 90 wt. %, and was mathematical deference to 100 wt. %. Electrolytic processing was done in galvanostatic conditions at the current density of 250 A/m2, electrolyte temperature of 63 ± 2 ° C, duration of each test of 72 h. The mass of each anode was about 7 kg. The waste sulfuric acid electrolyte with concentration of 30 g dm3 Cu2+ ions and 225 g/dm3 SO4 2- ions was used as the working solution. Changing the anode mass, changing the content of copper and nickel ions in the working solution and the mass of obtained cathode deposit were the subject of discussion in this paper. The difference in weight of anode at the beginning and end of the process confirmed that the anodes are dissolved during the process. A significant reduction of Cu2+ ions concentration was achieved as well as an increase in concentration of Ni2+ ions in the working solution. Mass of cathode deposit, obtained during electrolytic refining of anode with the smallest impurity content, was greater than the mass of dissolved correspondent anode for about 2%. Mass of cathode deposit, obtained by refining the anode with the content of Pb + Sn + Sb from 1.5 to 3.5 wt. %, was less than the mass of dissolved correspondent anode by about 2 %.

The aim of this paper was to investigate the possibility of removing the liquid phase from the sludge using the mechanical dewatering methods. The sludge was obtained by neutralization of sulfuric acid waste solution from the process of copper electrolysis, using 1M Ca (OH)2 with and without addition of FeCl3 and AlCl3 as coagulants. Classical method of filtration by gravity and vacuum filtration method were used for tests of sludge dewatering process in the laboratory conditions. Solution volume, amount of sample, dewatering duration was measured during the experiments. The obtained results, presented in this paper, showed that using the vacuum filtration method, high of sludge sample was reduced for 75%, which is almost three times higher value compared to the results obtained using the gravity filtration. Data relating to the time of filtration, using different methods, show that in application of vacuum filtration method the dewatering time is almost 200 times faster compared to the time dewatering with gravity filtration. The shortest settling time was registered for the sludge that was obtained by neutralization process without coagulants addition.

The most common producers of mycotoxins are fungi of the genera Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium. Toxins are of extreme importance because it can be transmitted from animals to humans through milk and animal products, some of which are carcinogenic and teratogenic. Mycotoxins cause a health disturbance of all animals, but the effects are more noticeable in highly productive animals in the farm way of keeping considering the much greater consumption of concentrate feeds, although forages also can be contaminated with mycotoxins in a significant manner. Mycotoxicoses are the most com­mon seasonal illnesses, and are an important diagnostic problem in veterinary practice, because its characteristics often resemble diseases caused by pathogens or nutritional deficiency or imbalance. The degree of health disturbances depends on the amount of toxins in feed and the length of intaking as on types and categories of animals. The presence of mycotoxins in animal feed is inevitable and therefore testing of raw materials and products is necessary so that feed for humans and animals can be safe for use. Damages arising as consequences of mycotoxicosis in poultry and swine production, due to the direct loss because of animals lossor, more commonly, indirectly due to the fall productive and reproductive performances of animals, imposed the need for continuous monitoring of the hygienic quality of feed mixtures for feeding these animals. During a five year period (2007-2012) were analyzed a total of 104 samples from the territory of Republic of Serbia intended for nutrition of all categories of poultry and mixtures for the initial and final fattening broilers (50 samples) and laying hens (54). The analysis included 57 samples of feed mixtures intended for all categories of swine - feed mixture for young (20 samples) and the old categories (37 samples) and 196 of the samples, which are commonly used in formulating rations for listed species (maize, soybean and sunflower meal). For the analysis of the samples was used thin layer chromatography and Elisa test. The results were compared with current Regulations on the quality of the feed (Official Gazette of RS 41/09) in force since 1.05.2010. in the part where the maximum allowable quantities of hazardous substances (Article 99) gives the value of the maximum permitted levels of mycotoxins in animal feed. The number and types of mycotoxins vary depending on the feed, as well as on the year which can be directly related to climatic factors, and the average annual humidity. The fact that in the samples was not detected the presence of aflatoxin indicate that in our conditions toxin producing fungi do not find fertile ground for the production of toxins, as well as the absence of certain nutrients in the production of complete feed mixtures for pigs and poultry, which are the traditional sources of aflatoxin (peanut oil meals). The results are encouraging given the fact a relatively small number of defective mixtures and nutrients. However, the fact that only a limited number of feed sam­ples we received for the analysis suggests further caution and constant monitoring of the presence of mycotoxins in animal feed. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III 46 002 i br. 46 009]

The objective of this study was to determine lean meat content in pigs from different farms and smallholdings, which were slaughtered in one abbatoir in Serbia. In Serbia one third of the total number of pigs is slaughtered in slaughterhouses and two thirds in rural households. Results of this examination carried out on 12 523 slaughtered pigs from 9 farms and smallholdings showed that lean meat content in farm pigs ranged from 51.16± 4.31% to 53.27±2.94%. The average quantity of meat in farm pig carcasses was 52.29± 2.04%. The average lean meat percentage of pig carcasses from smallholdings was 48.99±4.85 %. All farm pig carcasses were classified on the basis of meatiness into class U (50.0-54.9% of lean meat content) while pig carcasses from smallholdings were graded as class R (the percentage of meat ranging from 45.0-49.9). Data about lean meat content of pig carcasses in Serbia have not been published during the past twenty years, because lean meat percentage has not been determined. Today, only three abattoirs in Serbia determine lean meat percentage and pay pig producers according to meatiness. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR 31034]

Production and catch of fish in Serbia increases from year to year, while in the world it reached its peak at the beginning of this century. Serbia has all the favorable natural and economic conditions for further development of fishing. Out of total production, that is, annual fish catch in Serbia, the greatest part is sold by organized purchase, lower part is exported, and the reminder goes to the market through retail. It is well known that food consumption, therefore fish consumption, depends on several factors such as the production level, retail price, consumers purchasing power and their eating habits. Therefore, when analyzing the tendency of production and consumption of fish in Serbia, it is important to investigate the influence of production, price and purchasing power of consumers on it. In order to investigate the set objective, there were used corresponding quantitative data obtained by Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia. On the basis of the original data, there were determined certain parameters, which were used as variables for calculation of correlational-regressive and maginal analysis for determining the elasticity of demand and consummation of fish per capita in Serbia. Production and catch of fish in Serbia tended to increase during the observed period, with annual growth rate of 17.4%. Beside the fact that annual growth rate is 4.8%, fish consumption per capita in Serbia is still quite small (X=4.89kg), what is a consequence of population habit to consume predominantly meat. In our study we have found out that fish consumption in Serbia mostly depend on fish production per capita (rxy=0.6364), as well as on groos (rxy=0.6045) and net (rxy=0.5969) earnings. Also, it is determined that consumption elasticity has the highest growth in regard to fish production per capita. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR 31011]

Poultry meat production has doubled in past 40 years in the world, with the tendency of constant growth, and its production volume exceeds beef, but is behind pork production. For poultry meat production it is typical that its annual increase exceeds pork as well as beef production. The biggest producers of poultry meat are Asia, North and South America and Europe. The most significant category of poultry is meat of young chicken (broilers). Cobb, Ross and Hubbard broiler provenance are most common in Serbia. The objective of this investigation was to analyse poultry meat production volume in Serbia, observed during three six-years periods - A (1984-1989), B (1994-1999) i C (2004-2009). For data processing there were used the data obtained from Statistical Yearbooks of Serbia from 1984. to 2009. It was found out that average poultry meat production in period A was 108,33 ± 7,00 thousand tonnes, than it statistically significantly decreased and in period B it was 76,67±5,54 thousand tonnes, and finally in period C it was 72,17± 5,78 thousand tonnes. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR 31034]

Comparative dietary response of different isolated strains (Direct fed microbial- DFM) of lactobacilli, streptococci and yeast isolated from leopard feces (Panthera leo) was studied as probiotic in poultry broiler birds reared as per varied mineral densities viz. calcium and phosphorus. Various treatments consisted of T0 (Control, culture medium), T1 (Lactobacillus casei + Streptococcus fecalis + Saccharomyces cerevisiae) offered standard formulated diet D1, T2 - Control (Culture medium) offered ten percent lower calcium and phosphorus diet D2, T3 (Lactobacillus casei + Streptococcus fecalis + Saccharomyces cerevisiae) offered ten percent lower calcium and phosphorus diet D2. Growth results obtained during the starter phase (1st to 3rd week) exhibited higher gain in live body weight and lower feed conversion ratio, both by DFM supplemented treatment T1 offered standard formulated diet D1 and treatment T3 offered experimentally formulated mineral (Ca and P) deficient (10%) diet D2 compared to respective control T0 and T2. The obtained results revealed a significantly higher growth performance in treatment T1 compared to its control T0 where a higher growth in treatment T3 offered experimentally formulated mineral (Ca and P) deficient (10%) diet D2 supplemented with isolated DFM compared to its control T2 was exhibited. Treatment groups T1 and T3 supplemented with isolated DFM exhibited a better intestinal micro flora balance, effective colonization and higher count in the intestinal tract with higher calcium and phosphorus retention in the digestibility studies. Thus, it was found that supplementation of isolated DFM has the potential to improve biological growth performance of poultry broiler birds offered both standard formulated diet D1, as well as mineral deficient diet D2. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III 46002]

Intensive pig breeding implies, among other things, the use of complete mixes in their diet in correspondence with the animals’ age and purpose. In the course of a threeyear period (2007-2009) the accredited laboratory of the Department for Nutrition and Botanics of the Faculty for Veterinary Medicine, Univerisity of Belgrade, analysed 65 fodder mix samples from the territory of Serbia intended for the diet of all categories of pigs, namely: 6 samples of complete mixes for the diet of pregnant sows and gilts, 9 samples of complete mixes for the diet of nursing sows and boar, 4 samples of complete mixes for enhanced diet of piglets, 13 samples of complete mixes for piglets in programme I up to 15 kg, 12 samples of complete mixes for piglets in programme II from 15-25 kg, 10 samples of complete mixes for growing pigs in fattening programme I from 25-60 kg, and 11 samples of complete mixes for pigs in fattening programme II from 60-100 kg. The analyses covered the contents of the elementary nutritive matter and the obtained results were compared with the quality conditions prescribed under the Regulations on the quality of animal feed (Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia No. 41/09). It was established that there were certain deviations with regard to the values presented in the Regulations on the quality of animal feed (Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia No. 41/09) in the average protein content in complete mixes for piglet diet II, 15-25 kg (17.89±1.19%) and in the mixes for growing pig diet II, 60-100 kg (13.95±0.53%). The established average fat content was lower in the mixes for enhanced piglet diet (5.99± 0.72%) and in mixes for piglet diet I, up to 15 kg (4.95±1.41%). A higher average cellulose content (4.08±0.73%) was established in mixes for enhanced piglet diet. Furthermore, significant differences from the values prescribed under the Regulations were established in certain samples. The established differences in the chemical composition of certain samples of the examined mixes without a doubt indicate the need for constant and multilevel monitoring of raw materials and finished products in order to preserve health and to ensure the best possible utilization of the production potential of animals. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III 46002: Molekularno-genetička i ekofiziološka istraživanja u zaštiti autohtonih animalnih genetičkih resursa, očuvanja dobrobiti, zdravlja i reprodukcije gajenih životinja i proizvodnji bezbedne hrane]

Dietary concentrations of phytate are crucial for its anti-nutritive properties and its negative impact on P availability. The increase of dietary phytate level is shown to increase endogenous losses of amino acids and minerals in pigs. The partial availability of the P component of phytate to simple-stomached species attains importance as the world's rock phosphate reserves are not renewable, which could lead to a P supply crisis in the future. Supplementing phytase is becoming increasingly common as a method to improve the availability of P in plant ingredients containing high levels of phytate P. Fourty-eight pigs (Swedish Landrace boars × Dutch landrace sows) weaned at day 35 with an initial BW of 8.72±0.28 kg were used for a 40-day weaner performance study. The study was structured as a complete randomized design to evaluate the response of weaner pigs to four concentrations of microbial phytase produced by Aspergillus niger: (T1) basal diet; (T2) basal diet + 1000 FTU/kg; (T3) diet with decreased dicalcium phosphate + 1000 FTU/kg; and (T4) diet with no dicalcium phosphate + 1000 FTU/kg. Control group of piglets (T1) has achieved standard body mass while addition of phytase in meal increased body mass by 6.59% in T2 and 7.52% in T3. Phytase supplementation prevented decreased body weight gain diets where available phosphorous level was reduced by 50. The amount of consumed feed per day was not significantly different. Feed efficiency of T2 and T3 groups was by 3.23% better and of T4 for 11.29% lower compared to the control group of piglets (T1). Lower production results achieved by the use of low phosphorous diets can be avoided to a certain level by the use of microbial phytase. The use of phytase in pig diet significantly improved phosphorous availability, as well as of other mineral substances from the phytate complex. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III46002]

The objective of the present study was to compare estradiol/progesterone ratios of different age categories of red deer hinds and use it as a predictor of estrus synchronization success and consequently conception rate. To accomplish this we used 38 red deer hinds to establish serum progesterone and estradiol levels in young (21 animals), mature (10 animals) and old (7 animals) hinds during the estrus synchronization procedure (transvaginal/cervical AI). The following estrus synchronization was used: at the start of the experiment each hind received a controlled intravaginal drug-releasing device (CIDR, Pharmacia&Upjohn, New Zealand) containing 0.3 g of progesterone. The device was removed on day 11, simultaneously with an application of 250 IU of Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotropin (PMSG, Folligon® Intervet International, Boxmeer, Holland). Transvaginal/ cervical AI (artificial insemination) was performed 48 hours after CIDR withdrawal (day 13). Blood samples were obtained from the jugular vein using a Venoject® vacutainer without an anticoagulant for hormonal tests on the same experimental day (0, 11th and 13th day). A statistically (p

Mycotoxins present a significant problem in the diet of pigs. Secondary metabolites of fungi are toxic matter that have a negative effect on health and the performance of animals, as well as on the quality of their products. The creating of mycotosins is a complex process and it is difficult to predict which toxin will be produced and in which concentration. Food is most often contaminated by low concentrations of different mycotoxins (aflatoxins, ochratoxins, trichothecenes, fumonisinsi and zearalenone) which cause a series of undesired effects, depending on the amount that the animal has ingested into the organism. Mycotoxin interactions in the organism are complex, and they can have antagonistic, synergistic or a joint effect, depending on the combination and quantity in which they appear. The pig is a domestic animal which is most sensitive to the effects of mycotoxins. Long-term consumption of feed contaminated with mycotoxins results in a decline in production, a deterioration of the general health and reproductive disorders. One of the most important negative effects in pigs which receive low doses of mycotoxins in the longterm, is immunosuppression. Mycotoxins present very stable links that remain in raw materials and animal products for a long time and thus pose a major health risk for humans. .

Over a period of five years (2005-2009), the laboratory of the Department for Nutrition and Botanic analyzed 22 samples of mixes from the territory of Serbia, intended for the diet of two categories of cattle (fattening calves I and dairy cows with over 20 liters of milk). The analysis was performed using standard methods, and the obtained results were compared with the quality conditions prescribed under the Regulations on quality and other requirements for animal feed (SRY Official Gazette numbers 20/00 and 38/01). Intensive breeding of cattle implies the use of concentrated mixes for all categories which are adapted to the age and purpose of maintenance of the animals. The mixes are products of the animal food industry, and they are obtained through an established technological procedure using the required raw materials. The inadequate quality of raw materials causes problems involving the quality of the finished products, so that strict adherence to the established recipes does not necessary result in a satisfactory quality of the mixes. All of the above imposes the need for the constant monitoring of the nutritive value of the mixes, and consequently also of their quality. On the grounds of the analysis of the presence of the elementary nutritive matter, no significant differences were established with regard to the prescribed quantity of nutritive matter, so that the use of the examined mixes in the diets of the respective categories of cattle can be expected to yield satisfactory production results. .

During ten-year period (1995-2004), a total of 756 analyses of pig and poultry feed was performed. Standard methods were used for microbiological determination. Qualitative and quantitative analyze of mycotoxins was performed by TLC technique. Feed for young categories contained from 100 to 3,400,000 CFU/g of feed. In 35.71% of all samples the detected amount was above acceptable levels. Feed for adult categories contained from 800 to 8,000,000 CFU/g of feed. In only 7.54% of samples this amount was over the tolerable level. Species determination revealed great heterogeneity, with the most common findings of Penicillium spp. (28.38%), Aspregillus spp. (26.37%) Mucor spp. (24.67%), Fusarium spp. (11.33%) and Rhizopus spp. (9.22%). The amount and type of mycotoxin varied depending on the feed category as well as on year of detection, implicating a strong influence of climatic factors and average humidity of the specified year. In a total of 320 analyzed feeds for pigs and poultry the characteristic finding was a combined contamination with two or three mycotoxins. In 161 samples of feed for young animals the presence of AFB1, F-2 and OTA was detected in 36, 161 and 161 samples respectively, while in 33, 83 and 71 samples the detected amounts were above tolerable levels. In 159 samples of feed for adult animals the presence of AFB1, F-2 and OTA was detected in 32, 159 and 159 samples, respectively while in 31, 65 and 99 samples the detected amounts were above tolerable levels.