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With the aim of determining the effect of response to heat stress, parity, breed and breeding region on somatic cell count (SCC) in dairy cattle, the individual test-day records of dairy cows collected from 2005 to 2012 in regular milk recording (AT4 / BT4 method) in Croatia were used. The proportional differences in log somatic cell count, and logSCC (in %) in subsequent milk recordings (1st, and 2nd) were determined in cows with a significant decrease in daily milk yield at a set temperature-humidity index, THI threshold (68, 72, and 76). The results indicate high variability in somatic cell count due to the animal’s response to heat stress (heat stressed at THI in 68, 72, and 76), parity (1, 2, and 3+), breed (Holstein, and Simmental) and breeding region (Central, and Eastern Croatia). Also, it could be pointed out that Holsteins, especially cows in higher parities (2, 3+) reared in Eastern Croatia were shown to be more sensitive to environmental stress, even in the period after heat stress (1st, and 2nd subsequent milk recording). Since SCC is not only an indicator for mastitis, but also reflects a cow’s immune response to general stress situations, the high variability determined may be explained by the individual adaptation capabilities of these two breeds to breeding conditions in the analysed regions.

Cow welfare is subject to various influences, in both negative and positive ways, such as: social interactions with other cows, human-animal interactions, management systems, nutrient supply, barn design, climate, etc. Two basic behaviours that are important in the ethology of animals are eating and resting. The milking was incorporated between those two needs in robotic milking, or it was given to the free will of the animal itself. Robotic milking has gained widespread acceptance, as a way to reduce labour on dairy farms, increase milk production and simultaneously improve dairy cow welfare by allowing cows to choose when to be milked. Free cow traffic is one of the variations of cow traffic strategies, where cows can access feeding and resting areas of the barn with no restriction. The basic concept for such traffic is to increase the comfort of cows, and compliance with the five freedoms of animal welfare.

Jacobaea vulgaris, a rapidly spreading weed with a light yellow daisy-like flower, is spreading more and more over a large number of green areas in our environment. Since all parts of the plant contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA), Jacobaea vulgaris represents a danger to both the human (poisoning can occur by consuming polluted honey) and animal (gradual poisoning by consuming canned grass) population. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids break down in the liver, causing significant damage to the liver itself but also damage to the central nervous system and can lead to genome alteration and consequent carcinogenic processes in cells. Recovery from poisoning with Jacobaea vulgaris is possible only at an early stage when a large amount of pyrrolizidine alkaloids has not yet been deposited in the body, but then the symptoms are mild and it is not possible to unambiguously link them to the onset of poisoning of an individual. Therefore, it is extremely important to prevent the possibility of poisoning at all that is to eradicate the Jacobaea vulgaris from our meadows and pastures primarily by diligent, responsible and efficient maintenance of green areas in our environment.

Milk production in the Republic of Croatia is facing a great challenge. Over the years, there has been a decline in the number of farms, cattle and the amount of milk production. Data for 2019 show a decrease in the number of cows for milk production of 4.4% compared to the previous year, or 14.4% over the last 5 years. Consequently, during the mentioned period, there was a drop in milk production by 15.5%. There are several reasons for this situation: high fragmentation of parcelled land, rural population moving to cities and other richer EU countries, negative population demographics, strong pressure of cheap milk imported by retail chains from western and northern EU member states, insufficiently modernized farms. All this makes it difficult for the survival of the Croatian farmer. Self-sufficiency in milk production in 2019 in Croatia was only 48.4%. In order to somewhat stop these negative trends, the Government of the Republic of Croatia is trying to encourage farmers to modernize dairy farms. One way of modernization is the introduction of milking robots. Farmers increasingly accept the proposed idea. Currently, 40 robots were installed in Croatia, distributed on 27 farms. Preliminary production results show that on robotic farms there has been an increase in milk production at the lactation level of about 528 kg. In addition to the production effect, the robotization of farms also leads to a financial effect on the entire Croatian economy.

Innovations in animal husbandry are most often where production processes are most sensitive or where the largest workforce participates. Milking cows is one of such jobs where automation of jobs has been introduced more and more in recent years, ie where robots are increasingly used for milking. Today, there are about 50, 000 robots of various designs and manufacturers in use in the world. Research shows that number will double in the coming years. The robotization of dairy farms has gained momentum with producers in the Republic of Croatia. However, in robotization of farms, farmers face new challenges and practices that they did not know before. That is why any professional and scientific help is welcome and worth studying. The results of this study were conducted on two dairy farms that underwent a transition from conventional to robotic milking. The results showed a significant (p

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different starters for calves (including dried whey and protein sources whit low ANFs) on the variability of the birth weight, body weight and body measurements (birth weight, body weight, withers height, hip height, body length, chest depth, chest width, heart girth, cannon bone circumference and hip width). Accordingly, to feeding, calves were divided into four groups ; control (control starter), E1 (starter with added dry whey), E2 (starter whit added protein sources whit low ANFs), and E3 (concentrate whit added dry whey and protein sources whit low ANFs). Calves were individually housed in a boxes with feeders and drinkers. Average birth weight of calves were 41.21±3.22 kg. Based on obtained results it could be concluded that different starters significantly influenced following traits: body weight, withers height, body length and hip width while the variability of other analysed due to different feeding groups were not statistically significant.

Aiming determination of the persistency of heat stress effect in first parity Holstein cows regarding the region of breeding test-day records provided by the Croatian Agricultural Agency were analysed. Only cows with detected statistically significant decrease in daily milk yield at set temperature-humidity index (THI) threshold value (65, 70 and 75) were included in the further analyses. The persistency of heat stress effect regarding the daily milk traits was determined as a absolute drop in the subsequent milk recordings (1st and 2nd). The results of this research indicate significant difference in cows’ response to heat stress effect due to region of breeding and animal’s susceptibility to heat stress. The negative effect of heat stress was more pronounced and more persistent in cows bred in Mediterranean and Eastern Croatia. Also, the negative effect of heat stress was more pronounced and more persistent in cows that were more susceptible to heat stress (heat stressed at the lower THI threshold values).

Selection of cows for high milk production resulted in reduced resistance of animals to various diseases such as udder inflammation, which is also a consequence of udder maladjustments for mechanical milking. Studying of milk flow and application of modern measurement devices could lead to higher number of cows adjusted to mechanical milking and reduce udder disease risks. Milk flow in mechanical milking of cows consists of several different phases that can differently affect not only the length of milking, but also the udder health. The aim of the research was to evaluate effects of starting milk flow (tS500) on udder health. The research was carried out on 457 Holstein cows. Udder health (logarithmic somatic cell count - LSCC) was at the greatest risk in cows being in the third lactation (LSCC=3.17 ± 0.12). Starting milk flow (tS500) was equable through all lactations, being the longest in cows in the second lactation (0.21 ± 0.01 min). The least effect on udder health (LSCC=2.38 ± 0.23) when tS500 was comprised between 0.31 and 0.40 min. Longer as well as shorter duration of starting milk flow

Healthy teat skin enable easier cleaning, minimises milking preparation, and finally minimises the risk of new mastitis infections. The changes in teat tissue, particularly in the skin of the teat-end (hyperkeratosis ; TEH) increases the risk of new mastitis infections. Quick detection and removal of the cause of the poor teat condition can contribute to reduction of the somatic cell counts and incidence of the mastitis. The objective of this study was to compare teat- end condition score of Holstein (HB) and Jersey (JB) cows, which were housed in the same farm conditions and milking management. The cows were divided in three groups depending of the lactation number: cows in first, second and third and higher lactation. The statistical analyses were performed in SAS/STAT (ANOVA, Fisher LSD test). Very good score of the TEH in interval between 70 to 88% were determined in both breeds. Furthermore, JB cows had better score for the front teats, but worse for the rear teats compering to HB cows. Regarding the order of lactation, a significant (p

The objective of this study was to test the effect of two different teatcup liners (difference in: head diameter, length, body shape and with / without of air vent) on the teat condition score after milking (hyperkeratosis, colour and swellings) and somatic cell count (SCClog) on the Holstein primiparous cows. The cows in control group had significantly (P

In order to determine the persistency of heat stress effect in dairy Simmentals in Eastern Croatia in accordance to the parity and susceptibility to heat stress, over 0.5 million of test-day records were analysed. Only cows with detected statistically significant decrease in daily milk yield were included in the further analyses. The persistency of heat stress effect in the subsequent milk recordings (1st and 2nd) was determined in cows that had significant decrease of daily milk yield at different temperature-humidity index (THI) threshold value (68 and 72). The obtained results indicate that cows heat stressed at lower THI threshold value had higher drop of daily milk yield in subsequent milk recordings. Also, primiparous experience higher drop than multiparous cows. The negative effect of heat stress on daily milk contents that existed in all cows was more pronounced in the 2nd subsequent milk recording. Finally, the lower THI threshold value, the stronger and more persistent was heat stress effect. Having in mind the quite probable increase of the frequency of heat stress days, it is necessary to develop an adequate strategy for dairy farming. Further research on genetic evaluation on heat stress should provide necessary informations.

The aim of this study was to show the benefits of mare's milk comparing to other types of milk and its integration within the European Union. Mare's milk for thousands of years was used prophylactically and therapeutically in medicine. Also, mare's milk has many positive effects on the human body, but is completely neglected in the diet of the European population. Mare's milk has unique composition comparing to other types of milk. In total, more than 40 nutrients and valuable substances are identified in milk of mares. Mare's milk helps the intestine in its work, stimulates the formation of intestinal flora and thus the absorption of calcium. Also, the content of vitamin D is 17 times higher than in cow's milk. It also contains a high proportion of vitamin C, which leads to the strengthening of our immune system and stimulates the production of antibodies. Consumption of mare's milk strengthens the cardiovascular system and is an excellent natural medicine. The positive effects of the consumption of mare's milk have been reported in allergies, during chemotherapy or after surgery, in case of problems with the skin, and spring and autumn ailments. Mare’s milk is neglected in human nutrition partially due to unknowing of the its characteristics, the demanding production technology and also due to justified high market price. Farms in Western Europe at the beginning of the century recognized the potential of mare’s milk and directed their farms to this kind of production. Today they offer various products to the market (food and cosmetic) and also tourism services on their farms. Sustainable business was noted on the farms targeted on production of mare's milk. These farms breed exclusively or partially cold-blooded horse breeds that are not suitable for equestrian sports.

Classification of teat tissue conditions in cows can be used in assessment of influences caused by milking management, milking equipment or the environment on the teat tissue and in assessment of risks of mammary glands infection. Influences of those factors cause short-term, medium and long-term consequences on the teat tissue. Short- term consequences refer to changes of teat color after milking, teat base swelling, swelling of teat end, and opening of the teat end (teat canal). Medium- term consequences refer to changes in teat skin condition, while long-term consequence is known as hyperkeratosis. From a physiological point of view, hyperkeratosis refers to excessive accumulation of keratin due to normal physiological response of the body to forces that press the teat skin during milking, either by a milking machine, by hand or by a sucking calf. There are many factors that can lead to hyperkeratosis, the most common of which are: shape of teat end, amount of milk, maximum milk flow, duration of milking and post- milking, order and stage of lactation, appearance of teat tissue and the relations between milking management and milking machine. Total time per day with a milk flow lower than 1 kg/min seems to influence the level of hyperkeratosis, which is connected with the ascending phase of milking, i.e. with the release rate of milk (after preparation of a cow and adjusting of a milking machine) and the milk flow rate and milking duration. Increased hyperkeratosis occurs with the appearance of bimodal release of milk or with too long subsequent milking. Increased thickening or roughness of teat end makes cleaning of teats more difficult and enables occurrence of lesions in this area, which increases the risk of mastitis. There are several methods to classify teat end and teat skin condition, one of which is determined according to Britt and Farnsworth, 2005. It is necessary to maintain good condition of cow teats, especially the skin moisture that provides natural elasticity and greater resistance to occurrence of thickening. This can be achieved by good milking management, by hygiene milking, by quality preparation of cows for milking, as well as by good protection of teats at the end of milking.

In today's modern production, horned cows may represent a specific security risk. It refers to causing injuries to cattle’s own body, or to other cows in its environment. Horned cows can be also dangerous for workers on a farm. If taking into account the animals’ wellbeing that is recently emphasized as important, then it can be clearly understood that it is easier and safer to breed polled cattle than horned ones. The aim of this paper is to point out certain advantages of breeding polled cattle and how those advantages can be utilized in terms of increasing profit of milk producers in Croatia and Serbia. This possibility presupposes some genetic background, which is naturally inherited. It is scientifically confirmed that the offspring of both horned parents (homozygous) will be also horned. However, in some other combinations of parents (heterozygous), different occurrences in the offspring are possible. There are many advantages found in breeding of polled cattle, such as higher selling price, fewer abortions and injuries of skin and body, easier transport, more peaceful behavior of animals in a group, etc. It is also important to point out that selection procedures managed so far to counterbalance milk production between polled and horned cattle. Experts share this idea with positive expectations and believe that breeding of polled cattle in Croatia and Serbia will certainly expand in the coming years. Polled cattle breeding in developed Western countries is well advancing, which can be taken as an example. Possibilities of breeding polled cattle should be facilitated through development of appropriate breeding programs for all interested producers.

Morphological appearance of udder and teats are important link in milkability research (milk flow rate, milk flow curve appearance) and udder health. Teat canal dimension is in correlation with maximal milk flow. Teats canals are the first line of defense, so any injury and changes in teat tissues or teat orifice, increase risk of grate amount of microorganism breakthrough, consequently risk of mastitis occurrence. The aim of the investigation was determinate the morphological differences on teat tissue between Holstein and Simmental breeds and find out the relationship between udder health indicators (somatic cell counts logarithmically transformed ; LSSC) and milkability. The investigation was carried out on 60 dairy cows Simmental (S) and Holstein (H) breeds from the first to the third lactation. The milk flow rate measurement was done with electronic mobile milk flow meter Lactocorder. Morphological teats characteristics (teat canal length, teat wall thickness and teat cistern width) were measured by ultrasound machine (Tringa Linear Vet, Netherland). Significantly thinner teat wall (P

The aim of this study was to determine the protein status in Simmental and Holstein-Friesian cows, as well as use possibilities of milk and blood urea values as indicator of nitrogen utilization. The digested N is mainly absorbed as free amino acids and is used by the animals for protein synthesis, or as ammonia, which needs to be detoxified by the liver into urea. The forms in which N is absorbed are critical in determining the proportion of digested N that is available to support protein synthesis. Investigation has been conducted on 17 lactating Simmental cows and 10 Holstein-Friesian lactating dairy cows divided into groups regarding to milk production (under 15 kg (S15 ; H>15) and to lactating stages (under 100 days S100d due to raised globulin count, probably because of inflammation. H>15kg had the lowest rumen pH, but blood pH was in referent interval in all groups. There was no correlation between BUN and MUN (r=0.32 in S>15L) which is related to the ratio of dietary CP to energy, because of excess of microbial requirements. In the condition of low milk production as a consequence of low dietary protein and energy, MUN concentration is not relevant enough as an indicator of protein/energy supply.

The aim of this study was to show the results of implementation of measurements milking traits of cattle in the Republic of Croatia. Milkability traits have an important role in machine milking of cows. The unequal quarters of udder and extreme values of milk flow (too slow / too fast) have big influence on duration of milking and udder health. The canal of teat is a direct link parenchymal mammary gland and the external environment, that with microorganisms can cause inflammation of the udder. For the purpose of progeny testing in Croatia, measuring the flow of milk is carried out as part of regular control of milk (in the second and third control) on primiparious cows of Simmental, Holstein and Brown breeds. In 2011. the measurements are included 18.032 cows (3.097 of Simmental, 14.878 of Holstein and 57 of Brown breed), where made a total of 76.913 measurements (6.297 measurements of Simmental, the Holstein 70.523, and Brown breed of 93 measurements). Were observed following values of the average milk flow: on primiparious cows Simmental 1, 66 kg/min, with the Holstein 2, 48 kg/min and the Brown 1, 92 kg/min. Since 2009., when it started measuring of the milk flow, to 2011. year, the average values of the milk flow at primiparious cows are gradually increased and approached the values provided for cattle breeding program of the Republic of Croatian.

The paper investigates relationship between hoof disease and milk yield in Holstein- Friesian cows on a farm near Sarajevo (B&H). The data on disease occurance (ulcer and interdigital phlegmone) were monitored from February 2004 till December 2005 in 390 cows. In total, 145 cows (37.17%) were found to be lame. The risk of occurrence of investigated hoof diseases in Holstein-Friesian cows increased by number of lactation. In the same time, the relationship between lameness and 305-d lactation milk yield was found to be nonsignificant. Taking in account the fact that increased milk production is risk factor for lameness, these findings suggest that if lameness is being used as a culling criterion, high yielding cows might be culled. Instead of that, preventive measures and extra management care should be an option.

Simmental breed cows although being dominant breed at the family farms in Croatia are not yet sufficiently adapted to the machine milking due to their improper udder index. The aim of this study was to determine the somatic cells count in Simmental cows milk according to the order of lactation and lactation stages. Survey has been conducted at four family farms and a total of 61 cow of Simmental breed from first to third lactation were enrolled in a study. The study results have shown that the maximum somatic cell count is in milk (LSCC=3.59) from the stables with have a downward floor, but not significantly higher in comparison to other ways of keeping the cows. However, the lowest udder hygiene was in the stables where the milking was performing by putting the milk into the cans and where cows were kept on the embroidery. The significant increase in LSCC (P lt 0.05) was determined in the third lactation in comparison to the second lactation. Given the stage of lactation largest LBSS was found in the second stage, which was significantly higher when compared to the first. Farms with a free way of keeping cows and milking cows in parlours are becoming more and more like guidelines in current milk production, and animals that reside in those farms have healthier udders and less micro-organisms in milk. Krave simentalske rase, iako su dominantne na porodičnim farmama u Hrvatskoj, nisu u dovoljnoj meri adaptirane na mašinsku mužu zbog svog nepovoljnog indeksa vimena. Cilj ove studije je bio određivanje broja somatskih ćelija u mleku simentalskih krava prema broju laktacije po redu i stadijumu. Istraživanje je izvedeno na četiri porodične farme i ukupno 61 krava simentalske rase od prve do treće zaključene laktacije je bila uključena. Rezultati istraživanja su pokazali da je maksimalni broj somatskih ćelija u mleku (LSCC=3.59) utvrđen na farmama sa podom pod nagibom, ali ne signifikantno viši u odnosu na ostale načine držanja krava. Međutim, najlošija higijena vimena je utvrđena u štalama gde se mleko stavljalo u kante i gde su krave držane na vezu. Signifikantno povećanje broja somatskih ćelija (P lt 0.05) je utvrđeno u trećoj laktaciji u poređenju sa drugom. U odnosu na stadijum laktacije, najveći LBSS je utvrđen u drugoj fazi laktacije, što je bilo signifikatno veće u odnosu na prvu fazu. Farme sa slobodnim držanjem krava i mužom krava u izmuzilištima sve više postaju smernice u sadašnjoj, modernoj proizvodnji mleka, i životinje koje se drže u takvim objektima imaju zdravija vimena i manje mikroorganizama u mleku.

Control of dairy cows production in Croatia consists of two steps: measurement of milk amount after the milking and taking of milk samples for the chemical analysis. This kind of control gives a very few information about production. On the other hand, for several years other countries use sophisticated devices, such as Lacto-Corder, for monitoring of many parameters important for production and selection of cows. Lacto-Corder is measuring device for production control and collecting of milk samples. Research work was conducted on Holstein cows (n = 457). Cows were in the range from first to third lactation. Thirteen production parameters were measured. Duration of main milking phase (dMFR) was 4, 51 min. The average amount of milk in that time (MY) was 10, 18 kg. Average milking in minute (AFR) was 2, 27 kg/min. For quick and efficient milking it is desirably that cows have a long and persistent plateau phase, while ascending and descending phase should be as shorter as possible. From the environmental factors affecting milking properties, farm factor had the biggest influence while lactation order and stage were less significant. The results showed that the milking properties of cows were not adjusted to machine device milking. With the Lacto-Corder measuring device many valuable data can be obtained for the purpose of cattle selection in Croatia. The only obstacle for use of Lacto- Corder in Croatia today is very high selling price.

Selection of cows for high milk production resulted in reduced resistance of animals to various diseases such as udder inflammation, which is also a consequence of udder maladjustments for mechanical milking. Studying of milk flow and application of modern measurement devices could lead to higher number of cows adjusted to mechanical milking and reduce udder disease risks. Milk flow in mechanical milking of cows consists of several different phases that can differently affect not only the length of milking, but also the udder health. The aim of the research was to evaluate effects of starting milk flow duration (TS 500) on udder health. The research was carried out on 457 Holstein cows. Udder health (logarithmic somatic cell count) was at the greatest risk in cows being in the third lactation (LSCC=3.17 ± 0.12). Starting milk flow (TS 500) was equable through all lactations, being the longest in cows in the second lactation (0.21 ± 0.01 min). The least effect on udder health (LSCC=2.38 ± 0.23) when TS 500 was comprised between 0.31 and 0.40 min. Longer as well as shorter duration of starting milk flow resulted in significantly higher number of somatic cells in milk of Holstein cows.