Search

The behaviour of calves is a response to stimuli from the environment causing movement, actions and changes in body position, affecting the health and welfare of the animals. We distinguish four categories of physiological behaviour: - Behaviour related to basic needs such as movement, nutrition, rest and sleep. - Exploratory behaviour that enables getting to know the living environment. - Territorial behaviour and protection of safety and social order. - Sexual and parental behaviour for the protection of the genome and the extension of the species. The positive emotional state of animals is manifested through the freedom to express these forms of behaviour and social contact with other individuals, which reduces stress and fear. The goal of the care for animal welfare is to minimize exposure to negative emotions by optimizing these factors. The present study, carried out on two farms with an intensive system of housing and rearing calves up to 30 days of age, showed significant weaknesses and deficiencies in the way calves are kept immediately after birth, up to 7 days of age. Namely, of 9 forms of physiological behaviour, 5 rated 1 or 2. The situation was somewhat better in the age category of calves between 8 and 30 days, where only one form, reproductive behaviour, was absolutely impossible. In order to improve the quality of calf welfare, it is necessary to provide better rearing conditions that would enable the manifestation of basic physiological forms of behaviour.

Milk fat content stands out as a crucial production trait in cows, and this study delves into its variability based on various factors. The research investigated how the housing method (large farm or individual producers), origin (domestic-rearing or imported cows), and calving season collectively impact this trait. Cows reared on the farm exhibited a higher milk fat content compared to those raised by individual producers. Additionally, primiparous cows from domestic rearing displayed lower milk fat content than their counterparts of imported origin. Among primiparous cows on the farm, those calving in the summer and autumn produced the highest milk fat content. Conversely, primiparous cows calving in the spring season and raised by individual producers recorded the lowest milk fat content. The statistical analysis revealed a highly significant influence of calving season, with a noteworthy interaction among housing method and origin on the observed trait. The significance ranged from statistically highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) to statistically very highly significant (P ≤ 0.001).

The greenhouse effect has led to a changed precipitation regime, an increase in the average temperature, the occurrence of extreme meteorological events (droughts and floods) and the like. All this harms the yield and quality of feed, the incidence of mycotoxins in food, reduced productivity of animals, the incidence of new and non-specific pathogens, the development of diseases, etc. According to the FAO and the World Bank, the countries most affected by climate change are the countries of Central Europe and the Mediterranean. The population of people living in rural areas and engaged in agriculture will be particularly at risk. With difficult working and living conditions and reduced incomes, there will be an increased migration of the population to the cities. The simultaneous decline in agricultural production and increased food demand will lead to a food supply crisis (FAO predicts that by 2050 the global population will increase to 9.6 billion people, resulting in a demand for 70% more food than in 2013).Cattle production is affected by the climate in different ways, directly and indirectly. Livestock condition, production level, reproductive performance, morbidity and mortality are correlated with climatic conditions. The most pronounced negative impact on the health and welfare of animals is a phenomenon called heat stress. Exposure to microclimatic conditions characterized by a combination of high temperature and air humidity overcomes the ability of animals to maintain normal thermoregulation and constant body temperature, leading to an increase in body temperature that exceeds physiological limits. In addition to the direct effects of heat stress on the productivity, reproduction and health status of animals, global warming also affects animals indirectly through reduced soil fertility, water availability, crop yields, quality of plant nutrients and the circulation of pathogenic agents. Finding a solution to mitigate and prevent the consequences of unfavo

The term heat stress in mammals implies the sum of environmental influences that cause an increase in the body temperature of the organism. In dairy cow breeds, heat stress primarily reduces milk yield and milk quality, and then impairs fertility, welfare and causes changes in behaviour. This has especially come into the focus in recent years with the increasingly pronounced consequences of climate change. The aim of the research was to determine the effects of various fixed factors on milk yield performance traits of cows: MY – daily milk yield (kg/day), MF - milk fat content (%) and MP - milk protein content (%). The total data set contained test-day information for the analyzed traits during the summer period, and the effects of breed, breeding location, order and stage of lactation, year and season of calving, as well as the month of control were investigated. From the total set, selected data were used that correspond to the values of the daily temperature-humidity index of at least 72 (THI≥72), as an indicator of the occurrence of heat stress. Manifestation and variability of the studied traits, as well as the influence of individual factors on the studied traits, was determined using appropriate procedures within the SAS statistical program. High statistical significance of all factors included in the model was established (p<0.001). Cows achieved the highest daily milk yield if they calved during the spring season, in their third lactation and in the interval of the second stage (61-120 days) of lactation. Milk yield decreased during the summer months from June to September. The fat content was the lowest in cows which calved in the spring season, during the first lactation and the first stage of lactation (<60 days), it was lower during July, August and September compared to the month of June. During the summer, the protein content decreased from June to August, while it increased in the subsequent stages of lactation. The stressogenic impact of the summer

In recent times, there has been a revived interest in utilizing medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) for the treatment of diseases and enhancing the productivity of farm animals. Thanks to their bioactive compounds, MAPs can enhance the immune system, reduce the risk of disease and improve overall health and welfare. This is especially important in the post-antibiotic era, where the search for alternative options is becoming increasingly urgent. Although the mode of their action is still unclear, today it is known that MAPs can modulate the microbiota and promote gut health, leading to improved digestion and nutrient absorption. Some components of MAPs act against viruses, bacteria and parasites. Additionaly, the use of MAPs in livestock farming can also have environmental benefits. Livestock methane emissions are a significant contributor to greenhouse gas levels. Recent studies have shown that certain bioactive compounds found in MAPs could inhibit methanogenesis and reduce the number of methanogenic microbes in animal gastrointestinal tracts. As a result, researchers are exploring the potential of MAPs in methane reduction strategies. Plants could also play a prominent role in obtaining functional and enriched foods to contribute to animal product quality and human health in general. This review highlights the importance and potential of using medicinal plants in farm animal breeding, particularly in the context of the One Health concept, which acknowledges the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

The research was conducted on 175 cows of the Holstein-Friesian breed that were selected as bull dams and achieved 400 lactations. Animals are reared on 5 farms of the "Belgrade" Agricultural Corporation. Bull dams are the offspring of 32 bulls calved between 2007 and 2014. The research included the following characteristics of milk yield in standard lactation (305 days): milk yield (kg), milk fat yield (kg), milk fat content (%), protein yield (kg), protein content (%). The variability of traits and the influence of factors (farm, lactation in order, season and year of calving, bull-sire) were evaluated by the method of least squares using the GLM (General Linear Model) procedure in the SAS software package. The average milk yield of bull dams is 9617.11 kg, with 3.44% milk fat and 3.21% protein. The average yield of milk fat and protein is 329.56 kg and 308.65 kg, respectively. The largest positive deviation of milk yield from the general average is 363.64 kg, while the largest negative deviation is - 1021.36. The largest negative deviation of milk fat yield and protein yield is -21.74 kg and -36.09 kg, respectively. The largest positive deviation of milk fat yield is 18.35 kg and protein yield is 9.46 kg. The influence of the farm is present in the variability of all the observed traits of milk production except milk yield. Lactation in turn had a statistical effect (p<0.05) on all traits included in the research, except for protein content. The influence of the calving season is present in the variability of milk yield and protein yield, while it had no effect on the other traits included in the research. Calving year statistically (p<0.05) had a significant effect on the variability of all observed milk yield traits. The sire bull influenced the phenotypic expression of milk yield traits, while his influence on the variability of milk fat and protein content was not significant.The results of the research indicate that the established variability of milk yield

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chestnut tannins in metabolizable protein deficiency, on dry matter (DM) intake, growth performance of finishing lambs, feed efficiency and digestibility of nutrients. The study included 30 crossbred lambs, blocked by body weight (BW) and divided into three groups, depending on the concentrations of added chestnut tannins in the rations (0, 10 and 20 g/kg DM for CON, 10T and 20T group, respectively). Rations were determined by BW and expected average daily gain (ADG), with a deficiency in metabolizable protein of about 15%. All groups received the same amount of daily feed. Dry matter intake, ADG and indicators of efficiency such as the Kleiber ratio (KR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were estimated. The digestibility of the rations was determined in three collection periods. Dry matter intake did not differ among groups. Growth performances for the whole experiment were significantly better for the 20T group than CON (p < 0.05), while no differences were established for group 10T. Group 20T achieved the highest ADG and total gain (228 g/day ± 27.8; 13.7 kg ± 1.7), with the best average conversion of dry matter (4.4 kg DM/kg BW), KR (15.6), and PER (1.6). In all three collections, dry matter and crude protein digestibility was higher for CON, while the digestibility of ether extract was higher for the 20T group than CON. Based on these results, it can be concluded that a ration of chestnut tannins in the concentration of 20 g/kg DM, in conditions of protein deficiency, can have a positive effect on lamb performances. This can be partially explained by the ability of tannins to form complexes with proteins, which can change intestinal protein flow and utilization., Das Ziel dieser Studie war, die Wirkungen von Kastanien-Tanninen in Rationen mit unzureichender Versorgung mit metabolisierbarem Protein auf die Aufnahme von Trockenmasse (DM), die Wachstumsleistung von Mastlämmern, den Futteraufwand und die Verdaulichkeit von Nährstoffen zu untersuchen. Die Studie umfasste 30 Kreuzungslämmer, die durch das Körpergewicht (BW) und die Konzentrationen von zugesetzten Kastanien-Tanninen in der Nahrung (0, 10 und 20 g/kg DM für die Kontrolle, 10T- bzw. 20T-Gruppe) in drei Gruppen unterteilt wurden. Die Rationen wurden durch das Körpergewicht (BW) und die erwartete durchschnittliche tägliche Zunahme (ADG) mit einem Mangel an metabolisierbarem Protein von etwa 15% definiert. Alle Gruppen erhielten die gleichen Futtermengen. Die DM-Aufnahmen, ADG-Werte, und Verwertungsgrößen wie das Kleiber-Verhältnis (KR) und das Protein-Effizienz-Verhältnis (PER) wurden geschätzt. Die scheinbare Verdaulichkeit wurde in drei Sammelperioden ermittelt. Die DM-Aufnahme unterschied sich nicht zwischen den Gruppen. Die Wachstumsleistungen für das gesamte Experiment waren für die 20T-Gruppe signifikant besser als für die Kontrollgruppe (p < 0,05), während für die 10T-Gruppe keine Unterschiede festgestellt wurden. Gruppe 20T erreichte den höchsten ADG und Gesamtzuwachs (228 g/Tag ± 27,8; 13,7 kg ± 1,7) mit der besten durchschnittlichen Umwandlung von Trockenmasse (4,4 kg DM/kg BW) und den günstigsten Werten für KR (15,6) und PER (1,6). In allen drei Sammelperioden war die Verdaulichkeit von DM und Rohprotein bei der Kontrolle höher, während die Verdaulichkeit des Rohfetts bei der 20T-Gruppe höher war als bei der Kontrolle. Aus den Ergebnissen kann geschlossen werden, dass Kastanientannine in einer Konzentration von 20 g/kg DM Futter bei Proteinmangel einen positiven Effekt auf die Leistung von Mastlämmern haben können. Dies kann teilweise durch die Fähigkeit von Tanninen erklärt werden, Komplexe mit Proteinen zu bilden, die den Proteinfluss durch den Verdauungst

The focus of the research was to examine the effects of the addition of different concentrations of bee pollen to broiler feed on production performance, microbiological composition of caecum and carcass quality. The study was performed on 1200 chickens divided into 5 groups with 6 replicates per group. During the test, the broilers were fed with two complete feed mixtures (starter and finisher) each differed only in the amount of pollen added: no pollen in control group (C); 0.25% pollen in feed consumed by P0.25 group; 0.5% in P0.5 group; 0.75% for group P0.75; and 1.0% of pollen in feed for P1.0 group. Body weight of the chickens was measured during the change of the mixture, on the 21st day and at the end of the research (day 42). Average feed consumption, average daily gain, feed conversion rate, mortality and European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF) were determined. At the end of the experiment, 12 chickens of both sexes were sacrificed from each group, in order to determine the microbiological composition of the intestines and slaughter performance. The results showed positive effects of pollen use on production parameters. Chickens of P0.75 group had significantly higher (p < 0.05) average daily gains and better feed conversion, also the value of EPEF was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in P0.75 group compared to groups with lower pollen addition. A significantly higher (p < 0.01) number of Enterobacteriaceae was found in the cecum content of chickens of C and P0.25 groups compared to P0.75 and P1.0 groups. No significant differences in slaughter performance were found. It was concluded that the addition of 0.75% pollen can have a positive effect on the production performance and the microbiological composition of the intestine.

According to the reports of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases, animal husbandry participates with 14.5% (translated into CO2 equivalent, about 7.1 Gt), which puts it in third place, behind the energy sector and industry. and in front of the traffic. On the other hand, climate changes significantly affect livestock production in terms of increasing the frequency of animal diseases (heat stress), changes in environmental factors (microclimatic conditions) and changes in nutritional conditions (impact on grassland composition). Reducing greenhouse gas emissions will only be possible by adopting good agricultural practices. That is why the researches carried out for this purpose are more numerous and more current in a large number of countries

In the last decades, there has been a trend present in the world to increase the size of dairy herds while increasing the yield of milk per head. In addition to environmental and economic benefits, this trend carries certain risks for the welfare of cows because in conditions of increased agglomeration of cattle the possibility of spreading of pathogens is also increased, there are less opportunities for adequate control and cows are exposed to greater selection and production stress. Research of the relationship between herd size and welfare quality parameters is still not sufficient to make relevant conclusions. Starting from that, the aim of this study, conducted in Serbia, is to examine the influence of herd size on parameters related to providing good feeding and housing conditions as important segments of the overall welfare of dairy cows. The assessment of given welfare parameters was done by Welfare Quality® Assessment Protocol for Cattle (2009) on 16 dairy farms of different herd sizes (large, medium and small) and housing management. The results indicate that there are significant variations in welfare indicators in each of the observed groups, which is why the size of the herd cannot be taken as a parameter that explicitly determines the quality of welfare. However, individual observation and comparison of welfare parameters between groups indicate that small herds in our production conditions could be identified as the greatest risks to the welfare of cows. In small herds, the highest share of cows of poor (4.62%) and fattened condition (8.76%) was found, as well as the lowest freedom of movement because cows on small farms are mostly reared in a tied system. Average values of indicators: lying down time (6.24s), frequency of collisions with equipment (13.25%) and high dirt contamination of cows (65.6-89.8%) further emphasize the issue of providing comfort in small herds.

The objective was to assess the dairy cows’ welfare quality in relation to the housing system: loose (LHS) vs. tie-stall (THS). A survey was done according to the Welfare Quality® Protocol for Cattle on 16 dairy farms (7 in LHS and 9 in THS) in Serbia. From a total number of 4833 dairy cows (2392 cows in THS and 2441 cows in LHS) 551 cows in THS and 470 cows in LHS have been sampled randomly for clinical scoring (body condition score, health state, and cleanliness). The assessment was based on the evaluation of 29 welfare measures, 12 criteria, and 4 principles that are relevant for determining risks and final categorization of farms into one of four welfare categories: not classified, acceptable, enhanced, and excellent. The results obtained in this study showed that the housing system affected many parameters of cows’ welfare referring to their comfort, health, and behaviour. The high proportion of animals lying outside the lying area (49.5%) and colliding with equipment (16.7%) indicate lack of space and movement restriction as major welfare risks in THS. Consequentially, scores for injuries (AI=45.8 points) and emotional state (ES=43.2 points) were estimated significantly lower than in LHS (58.9 and 60.4 points respectively). LHS has advantages when it comes to freedom of movement, body condition, skin health, and emotional state, but the proportions of cows with dirty lower legs, flank, and upper legs (93.4% and 80.66%) were significantly higher than in THS as well as the frequency of lameness (31.4%). According to the overall assessment, most of the LHS farms (5 of 7) were classified as enhanced, while the majority of THS farms (6 of 9) were acceptable. This study showed that despite the welfare quality parameters were not exceptional in both housing systems, LHS meets the requirements of welfare assurance to a greater extent than THS and therefore should be promoted and widely implemented.

Fino usitnjene barene kobasice jedan su od najpopularnijih proizvoda od mesa, kako u Srbiji tako i u svetu. Danas na tržištu postoje različiti aditivi i dodaci koji se koriste kao zamena životinjskih masti i natrijuma u proizvodima od mesa, a koji nemaju veliki uticaj na gubitak mase tokom proizvodnje i/ili na promene senzornog kvaliteta finalnog proizvoda. Većina istraživanja u ovoj oblasti ide u pravcu delimične ili potpune zamene masti različitim hidrokoloidima ili biljnim uljima, dok se za delimičnu zamenu NaCl uglavnom preporučuje KCl. Međutim, postoji malo proizvoda na tržištu, iz grupe fino usitnjenih barenih kobasica, kod kojih je zamenjena mast i natrijum, a koji imaju i smanjenu kalorijsku vrednost uz dodatne prebiotike. Rezultati ovog tehničkog rešenja sugerišu da bi se 1/2 svinjskog masnog tkiva i 1/3 NaCl u viršlama proizvedenih od pilećeg mesa, mogla zameniti dodatkom suspenzije inulina i kalijumove soli, kako bi se poboljšale njihove nutritivne karakteristike i dobio proizvod sa karakteristikama funkcionalne hrane. Ovaj nov proizvod takođe ima i posebnu nutritivnu vrednost, s obzirom da sadrži značajno smanjen sadržaj masti, kao glavnog izvora kalorija, uz dodatak prebiotskih vlakana (inulina).

The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of the kappa-casein and beta-lactoglobulin genotypes in the Simmental cattle in Serbia and compare it with the frequency according to the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium law. Blood samples were taken from a total of 157 cows of the Simmental breed in Toplica and Rasina districts. Of the 157 cows included in this study, the AA kappa-casein genotype was found in 53 cows, which makes a frequency of 33.80%, the AB genotype in 81 cows or 51.60% and the BB genotype in 23 cows or 14.60%. The allelic frequency A was 59.60%, while allele B had a frequency of 40.40%. In regard to the frequency of genotypes and beta-lactoglobulin alleles for the total studied population of cows obtained for AA, AB and BB genotypes for beta-lactoglobulin, was 33.10%, 49.70% and 17.20%, respectively, which means that 52 animals had genotype AA, 78 genotype AB and 27 genotype BB. The frequency of alleles A and B resulting from the incidence of genotypes was 58.00% for allele A and 42.00% for allele B. The specified frequencies for both protein fractions statistically differed significantly from the frequency according to the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium law, which confirmed the absence of equilibrium in the examined population.

The aim of the experiment was to investigate the effect of adding flax seed to the cattle diet in the final stage of fattening. A total of 30 male Simmental cattle of uniform initial weight were selected for the trial, which were divided into 2 groups (KON (control) and LS (experimental)). Animals in the control group did not consume flax seed as a dietary supplement, and animals in the experimental group consumed flax seeds in the amount of 3.75% of the concentrated portion of the meal in the last 90 days of fattening, i.e 300 g per day. After slaughtering and cooling, the left carcass side was cut into basic parts according to the Regulation. The study included examination of the tissue fraction of parts of the carcass of the young, determined by dissection. The results of the study showed that the addition of flax seed in the diet had no statistically significant effect on the composition of the carcass parts of the young bulls at the end of the experiment.

In order to examine the variability of production performance traits (lactation duration, milk yield for the whole lactation, milk yield in standard lactation, milk fat content, milk fat yield in standard lactation, protein content and yield in standard lactation), 954 cows, domestic and imported Simmental populations, were included in the study, with a total of 3641 completed lactations. Cows were located in the area of Toplica district, reared on individual farming households (tied system) and on the farm with intensive farming (free system). Based on the rearing method and origin, animals were divided into four groups: Group 1 (domestic animals reared by individual agricultural producers on individual farming households); Group 2 (imported animals reared by individual agricultural producers on individual farming households); Group 3 (domestic animals reared on the farm) and Group 4 (imported animals reared on the farm). The fourth group of studied cows showed the highest yield and protein content, while the cows of the third group had the longest lactation and the highest milk fat content. All production performance traits varied highly significantly (p≤0.001) under the influence of the combined factor of housing/rearing method and origin.

The trial was designed in order to examine the impact of flax seed in the nutrition of young cattle/bulls, in the final stage of the fattening. In the trial, 30 bulls of Simmental breed of uniform initial weight were selected, divided into 2 groups (control and experimental). The control animal group did not consume flax seed as a food supplement. Cattle of the experimental group consumed flax seed in an amount of 3.75% (300 g per day) of concentrated meal in the last 90 days of fattening, i.e. 300 g per day. The study included the examination of the fattening performance, slaughter traits and the composition of the bovine carcass. After slaughtering, warm carcass sides, with and without kidneys, were measured individually. Subsequent to period of cooling, the left carcass side it was cut into the main carcass parts according to the Rulebook. The results of the study showed that the addition of flax seed in the diet did not have a statistically significant effect on the body weight of bulls at the end of the trial. It was found that the addition of flax seed in the feed during the final stage of fattening did not have an impact on the differences in the average overall gain of bulls and the feed conversion ratio. Based on the data obtained by cutting of carcass sides to main parts, it was established that feeding with flax seeds had no significant effect on the share of carcass parts., Eksperiment je postavljen sa ciljem da se ispita efekat dodavanja semena lana, u ishranu junadi, u završnoj fazi tova. Za ogled je odabrano 30 muških junadi simentalske rase ujednačenih početnih telesnih masa, koja su podeljena u 2 grupe (KON (kontrolna) i FS (ogledna)). Kontrolna grupa junadi nije konzumirala seme lana kao dodatak ishrani. Junad ogledne grupe su konzumirala seme lana u količini od 3,75% (300 g dnevno) koncentrovanog dela obroka u poslednjih 90 dana tova, tj. 300 g dnevno. Istraživanje je obuhvatilo ispitivanje rezultata tova, klanične karakteristike i sastava trupa junadi. Nakon klanja izvršeno je pojedinačno merenje toplih polutki sa i bez bubrežnog loja. Posle hlađenja leva polutka je rasecana u osnovne delove prema Pravilniku. Rezultati istraživanja su pokazali da dodatak semena lana u ishrani nije imao statistički značajan uticaj na masu junadi na kraju ogleda. Utvrđeno je da dodatak semena lana u ishranu tokom završne faze tova nije imao uticaj na razlike u prosečnom ukupnom prirastu (PUP) junadi i konverziji hrane. Na osnovu podataka dobijenih rasecanjem poluki junadi na osnovne delove utvrđeno je da ishrana sa semenom lana nema značajan uticaj na udeo delova trupa.

The main goal of this research was to examine, using modern methods, the variability of phenotypic correlations of production performances and reproductive properties of Simmental cows reared on the farms of individual agricultural producers, in different breeding areas of the Republic of Serbia. The study of phenotypic correlations of milk performance and fertility properties in different regions of Serbia was carried out on a total of 3.056 primi parous Simmental heifers under control, with lactations completed within one year. The examined animals were reared on different individual farms, and mainly in very different conditions of housing and nutrition, depending on the breeding area. The study of phenotypic correlations included the following milk performance traits: milk yield, milk fat content, milk fat yield, yield of 4% corrected milk; and fertility properties: age at first calving and service period. The results of the study among other things indicate that although the phenotypic correlations between the fertility and milk performance properties show different degrees of variation, they should be taken into account in the final assessment of the breeding value of the animal, so that the breeding selection programs are more comprehensively designes.

Modern methods for assessing the welfare of dairy cows are, among other things, often based on the evaluation of animal behaviour. In this regard, behaviour is classified as the most reliable, so‑called animal‑based indicator as its expression comes from the animal itself and indicates a measure in which it has adapted to the environment. Starting from the need to explore the state of welfare and the ability to demonstrate adequate behaviour in dairy farms in Serbia, the Welfare Quality® Assessment Protocol for Cattle (2009) was used in this study. The overall assessment of behaviour was carried out by analysing four main criteria: social, other forms of behaviour, human‑animal relationship and emotional state. The results of the study conducted on a total of 16 dairy farms (N = 4,833 cows) show that the conditions for ensuring appropriate behaviour meet only minimum standards and that the greatest welfare risks arise from the impossibility of expressing natural behaviour, such as exploratory behaviour. The most pronounced negative tendencies within the assessment of the emotional status were those expressed to distress, frustration and boredom. Although the estimated general condition does not differ substantially from the same on EU farms, the need for its improvement is imposed first of all in terms of ensuring greater freedom of movement and more stimulating environment in cattle rearing.