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Cilj je ovog našeg istraživanja bio pratiti, analizirati i usporediti mikroklimatske uvjete u stajama za goveda. Vrijednosti mikroklimatskih pokazatelja praćene su u ožujku i travnju tijekom četiri godine (2018. -2021.) u staji za junad u tovu i staji za mliječne krave. Rezultati istraživanja pokazali su smjer rasta temperature zraka i međupovezanost mikroklimatskih pokazatelja u objema stajama, a i veći broj bakterija u zraku u staji za junad u tovu, nego li u staji za mliječne krave. Dobiveni rezultati potvrđuju važnost analize mikroklimatskih uvjeta u stajamaza goveda te upućuju na moguću buduću potrebu za prilagodbom u tehnologiji njihova držanja., The study was aimed at monitoring, analysing and comparison of microclimate conditions in cattle barns. The values of microclimate parameters were monitored in March and April during a four-year period (2018-2021) in fattening cattle and dairy cow barns. The study results showed a trend of increasing air temperature and correlation among microclimate parameters in both barns, as well as a higher bacterial count in the air of fattening cattle barn as compared to dairy cow barn. The results obtained confirm the importance of analysing microclimate conditions in cattle barns and indicate a possible future need for adaptation in their housing technology.

Sanitacija vozila za prijevoz životinja ključna je za smanjenje broja i inaktivaciju patogena. Čišćenjem i pranjem uklanja se najveći broj mikroorganizama, a preostale se nastoji ukloniti kemijskom dezinfekcijom. U radu se navodi važnost prilagođenog standardnog operativnog protokola pri čišćenju i dezinfekciji vozila za prijevoz životinja te opisuju ključne točke provođenja tih postupaka.

Svijest javnosti o problemima dobrobiti farmskih životinja sve je veća, a potrošači plaćaju sve više za hranu koja potječe iz proizvodnih sustava koji su u skladu s dobrobiti životinja. U tom pogledu i peradarska proizvodnja podliježe znatnim promjenama u cilju poboljšanja dobrobiti životinja. Noviji trend u poboljšanju dobrobiti tovnih pilića u konvencionalnoj proizvodnji jest integracija ispusta u sustav držanja. Zatvoreni sustavi uzgoja tovnih pilića nailaze na osobite kritike zbog zabrinutosti za dobrobit životinja u smislu stope rasta i gustoće naseljenosti te resursa za izražavanje prirođenog ponašanja. U usporedbi s pilićima koji se drže u zatvorenom prostoru, istraživanja su pokazala da tovni pilići s pristupom na otvoreno češće izražavaju prirođena ponašanja kao što su čišćenje perja kljunom, kupanje u prašini i istraživačko ponašanje. Pilići također rjeđe kljucaju perje, rjeđe leže i lakše se kreću, a povećana aktivnost odražava se sporijim rastom. U tovnih pilića s pristupom vanjskom prostoru manji je i omjer heterofila i limfocita, što upućuje na smanjenu razinu stresa u pilića. Nadalje, pokazalo se da pristup vanjskom prostoru povećava silu smicanja prsnog mišića i smanjuje sadržaj masti u mišićima batka tovnih pilića, iako taj utjecaj na svojstva trupa i kvalitetu mesa tovnih pilića nije u potpunosti razjašnjen. Stopa smrtnosti tovnih pilića s pristupom na otvoreno, međutim, veća je u usporedbi s onima koji se drže samo u zatvorenom prostoru. Tovni pilići s pristupom na otvoreno češće su izloženi zaraznim i parazitarnim bolestima, kao i grabežljivcima, što rezultira stresom i strahom u pilića. Stoga, daljnja istraživanja u proizvodnim sustavima tovnih pilića s pristupom vanjskom prostoru trebaju biti usmjerena na svojstva trupa i kvalitetu mesa te na pronalaženje rješenja za smanjenje stope smrtnosti pilića u takvim proizvodnim sustavima.

Longevity is a complex trait ; the longevity performance of the sire is a measurement of the time he produces in a herd and is determined by various factors such as fertility, health, and workability. The sire fulfilling an active working life in the herd increases the average herd production and efficiency by reducing input costs. Busha is a native breed of cattle reared in an extensive system and classified as an endangered population - maintained. From the establishment of the Herd Book, breeding systematization defined 24 lines of bulls (LB). The aim was to analyze the herd life of different bull lines of the Busha cattle breed in Croatia. The data on 83 breeding sires born in 1995-2022 with at least one offspring were obtained from the Veterinary Information System of the Ministry of Agriculture, Directorate for Veterinary Administration. Herd life was defined as the total number of days from the calving date of first offspring to the last (culling) date of the bull. Testing of differences in the number of days spent in the herd between different lines was carried out considering as a minimum criterion 4 breeding bulls for each line. The difference in the days spent in the herd between the lines was carried out with one-way ANOVA at p

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of environmental enrichment and different stocking densities on the level of stress in the fattening cattle by measuring salivary cortisol concentration. A total of 320 saliva samples obtained from heifers during the final four-month fattening period was analyzed by a colorimetric competitive enzyme immunoassay. The heifers were housed at 3.3 and 4.5 m2/animal in standard production conditions that were additionally enriched with a mechanical grooming brush and salt blocks in experimental groups. The study results have demonstrated that a cortisol concentration at the end of fattening was significantly higher, as compared with the initial levels in all heifer groups, without significant intergroup differences. There was no significant correlation between the usage of a grooming brush and cortisol concentration, whereas a significant negative correlation was detected between the salt block usage and cortisol concentration, suggesting a beneficial effect of this simple, commercially available and relatively inexpensive environmental enrichment.

Ekološka proizvodnja sveobuhvatan je sustav upravljanja poljoprivrednim gospodarstvima i proizvodnjom hrane koji ujedinjuje najbolju praksu zaštite okoliša, visoku razinu biološke raznolikosti, očuvanje prirodnih resursa, primjenu visokih standarda za dobrobit životinja i proizvodne metode u skladu s potražnjom sve većeg broja potrošača. Jedan od glavnih ciljeva ekološke proizvodnje jest proizvodnja hrane privlačnih, autentičnih okusa, teksture i kvalitete. U Hrvatskoj je tijekom 2019. godine u ekološkoj proizvodnji bilo 21.551 govedo, čineći udio od 5, 1 % u ukupnoj govedarskoj proizvodnji, a 2018. s udjelom od 4, 7 % naša zemlja svrstala se na 15. mjesto u Europskoj uniji - prema udjelu mliječnih krava (0, 7 %) na 22. mjesto. Najviše goveda na ekološki prihvatljiv način uzgaja se u Ličko- senjskoj i Sisačko-moslavačkoj županiji. Goveda u ekološkoj proizvodnji moraju se hraniti ekološki proizvedenom hranom, držati se na stelji i imati pristup površinama na otvorenom, uz poštivanje minimalnih smještajnih normativa. Gustoća naseljenosti ne smije prelaziti 170 kg dušika godišnje po hektaru poljoprivredne površine. Telad se najmanje tri mjeseca mora hraniti majčinim mlijekom, a nakon tjedan dana života ne smije se držati u pojedinačnim odjeljcima. Zdravstvena zaštita temelji se na jačanju otpornosti životinja na bolesti. Uzimajući u obzir odlike ekološke proizvodnje i sve veće potrebe tržišta za ekološkim proizvodima, nužno je osnažiti razvoj ekološke govedarske proizvodnje u našoj zemlji, uključujući mliječno govedarstvo.

Animal welfare encompasses not only physical health of animals but also their mental health, and may vary from very poor to very good. It is conventional wisdom that animal welfare in extensive livestock production is less compromised as compared with intensively managed animals ; however, in spite of greater behavioural freedom, extensive conditions may pose great welfare threat from the aspect of nutritional environment in particular. Undernourishment is the greatest potential threat related to nutrition of animals in extensive production systems. In these systems, supplying appropriate nutrients throughout the year in spite of climate variations is a major challenge. Nutritional challenges are mostly associated with variability in the availability and quality of feed and water, with climate conditions and stocking density as one of the crucial factors that influence forage availability and quality, and water as one of the most restricted resources in extensive conditions ; then, presence of toxic plant compounds ; use of inappropriate mineral supplements ; thermal stress ; impact of high predation risk environments and fear on feed intake ; and competition for resources with conspecifics and non-livestock animals. Nutrition induced immune disorders, along with greater health risk of parasitic infestation and wildlife infections pose greater welfare risk for extensively managed animals as compared to those kept in more isolated conditions. Thus, it is of utmost importance to reach consensus on relevant welfare indicators that may be influenced by nutrition and establish respective acceptable minimal welfare standards. In extensive systems, practice-based innovations that support exchange of knowledge with producers should be implemented. On the other hand, producers should ensure conditions and flexibility in their practice to allow animals express their natural behaviour and cope with challenges while maximizing productivity and welfare in highly variable and unpredictable environments.

Studies on pet-keeping arouse ever more interest considering the owner’s quality of information and perception of the pet and pet ownership. The aim of this study was to assess the level of information and attitudes of cat owners in Croatia about keeping pet cats and their health. The study included a preliminary sample of first 300 cat owners that answered the questionnaire in 2021. The questionnaire was shared on Facebook groups for pet animals. The frequency of answers was determined by univariate analysis, while the relationship between respondent socio-demographic data and answers to the questions on cats and cat ownership was determined by the χ2-test, with the significance level of P

Unazad pola stoljeća/dvadeset godina sve je prisutnija tema u široj javnosti, ali društvenoj te akademskoj zajednici, u pogledu i pristupu konceptu "Jednog zdravlja". Pristup »Jedno zdravlje« (eng. One Health) ponajprije je od značaja zbog pojave novih, sve prisutnijih zaraznih bolesti i njihove sve složenije pojave u proučavanju uzroka postanka, širenja, prestanka kao i načine njihova suzbijanja radi iskorjenjivanja. Nadzor i suzbijanje bolesti vezanih uz svinjogojsku proizvodnuju te suradnja stručnjaka iz područja biomedicine poput doktora veterinarske medicine, doktora humane medicine – epidemiologa te ostalih specijalista iz različitih znanstvenih područja na lokalnoj, nacionalnoj i globalnoj razini jest jedini način za postizanje željenih rezultata u očuvanju zdravlja ljudi i životinja te očuvanju okoliša, što i jesu osnovni ciljevi djelovanja u skladu s načelima »Jednoga zdravlja«. Očuvanje zdravlja životinja kroz kontrolirane uzgoje, poštivajući sve mjere propisane od veterinarke struke, izravno stavlja odgovornost na očuvanje jednoga zdravlja – prvenstveno zdravlja životinja i ljudi što i jest jedan od temeljnih osnova za područje sigurnosti hrane.

Sustavno provođenje mjera dezinfekcije osnova je prevencije sve većeg broja bolesti koje ugrožavaju svinjogojsku proizvodnju. U radu su opisane mjere dezinfekcije i postupci koji joj prethode, izbor, način primjene i djelotvornost dezinficijensa, uz poseban osvrt na afričku svinjsku kugu, trenutačno među najaktualnijim i najznačajnijim bolestima svinja.

Ovim preglednim radom dan je prikaz najčešćih problema dobrobiti pilića u tovu. Opisani su kontaktni dermatitis i bolesti koštano-mišićnog sustava koji se pojavljuju uslijed brzog rasta pilića i porasta mišićne mase koja opterećuje nedovoljno razvijen koštani sustav. Nastala bolna stanja pilićima otežavaju kretanje, hranjenje i napajanje te posljedično dovode do znatnih gubitaka. Brojna istraživanja ove problematike upućuju na potrebu iznalaska novih tehnoloških rješenja s ciljem poboljšanja uvjeta držanja i dobrobiti pilića u tovu.

In recent years, interest in native breeds playing an important role in the conservation of agricultural biodiversity and traditional production systems has increased. However, these production systems, despite of providing greater behavioral freedom for animals, may jeopardise their health and welfare, especially from the nutritional aspect. This case report describes the reason for culling the weaned Black Slavonian piglet. The piglet was five-month-old, from the first parity sow and raised in an outdoor production system. After weaning, retardation in the piglet growth, poor leg conformation with alterations in bone length and diameter, and lameness were visible. Macroscopic post-mortem analysis revealed leg weakness, osteomalacia, and hypocalcemia. Progressive and irreversible deformities in bone structure and joints were observed along with a low level of bone mineralization and softening indicating deficiency of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D. Lameness is generally the second most common cause of pigs being culled. Osteomalacia as a condition is more common in commercial production systems in first litter gilts in particular due to still undeveloped skeleton and high demands on calcium for milk production. This case report finding could also be attributed to non-adequate management mainly inappropriate nutrition, but also to other factors such as infectious and parasitic diseases, stress, aggression, lesions, toxic compounds, climate and housing conditions, etc. Therefore, more attention should be paid to good stockmanship, adequate management, prevention, and health control in native pig breeds kept in outdoor production systems to raise healthy, strong, and vital animals. A crucial role of the stockperson is to assess the interaction between the pig, its age, and productive cycle in relation to the feed quality, content, and intake. The role of the management is not only to ameliorate potential diseases in the herd but also for the pig to maximize its biological potential. Non-invasive technique such as urine chemistry analysis is a helpful and simple method to investigate and prevent nutrition-related problems.

Komunikacijskim vještinama u veterinarskoj profesiji pridaje se sve veća važnost. Cilj istraživanja bio je ispitati zadovoljstvo korisnika veterinarskih usluga kvalitetom pružene usluge u odnosu na razinu komunikacijskih vještina veterinarskih djelatnika. Istraživanje je provedeno u ožujku i travnju 2021. godine. U anketnom ispitivanju sudjelovala su 134 korisnika usluga veterinarskih stanica/ambulanta na području Grada Zagreba. Rezultati istraživanja pokazali su da su korisnici usluga zadovoljni razinom komunikacijskih vještina veterinarskih djelatnika. Ipak, veterinarske organizacije mogle bi poboljšati promociju usluga i komunikaciju s korisnicima korištenjem društvenih mreža.

Brojne vrste muha velik su problem u mljekarskoj proizvodnji zbog činjenice da uznemiravaju životinje, hrane se njima te prenose uzročnike bolesti. Ujedno su i važan javnozdravstveni problem jer narušavaju kvalitetu života ljudi u blizini proizvodnih sustava. U ovom radu opisane su osnovne biološko-ekološke karakteristike najčešćih muha koje napadaju goveda u stajama i na pašnjacima, bitne za njihovo suzbijanje. U radu se također raspravlja o znakovima kojima se muhe služe da bi pronašle domaćina te promjenama koje izazivaju u ponašanju krava.

The Busha cattle breed contributes to a genetic diversity for centuries in Croatia, with the number of breeding cows significantly increasing in the last decades. Successful reproduction of native breeds in outdoor breeding conditions is a multifactorial phenomenon influenced by genetic and non-genetic factors. Improving fertility and conception in native outdoor breeding units with optimal bull:cow ratio is important to reduce costs of production and avoid negative effects of reproductive management in the herd. Herds of the Busha cattle across Croatia were included in the study to calculate the variability and trends in the bull:cow ratio among the herds. The data on 204 active breeding bulls born in the 2007-2020 period were obtained from the Veterinary Information System of the Ministry of Agriculture, Directorate for Veterinary Administration. Observed vs. expected frequencies were tested with Chi-sqaured test using the three model approach according to the expected number of bulls per cows in the herd ; model 1 as 1:10, model 2 as 1:15, and model 3 as 1:20. Analyzing the proportions of the expected bull:cow ratios significant differences were recorded for model 1 (herds with >31 cows, P61 cows, P81 cows, P

Efektivni mikroorganizmi, komercijalno dostupni kao EM-1®, miješana su kultura više od 80 aerobnih i anaerobnih mikrobnih vrsta uključujući fotosintetske bakterije, bakterije mliječno- kiselog vrenja, kvasce i aktinomicete, koje imaju poticajni učinak na prirodu, životinje, ljude, biljke i druge mikrobne vrste. Tehnologija efektivnih mikroorganizama koristi se u više od 100 zemalja diljem svijeta u poljoprivredi, šumarstvu, stočarstvu, akvakulturi, pčelarstvu, zaštiti okoliša te medicini. U peradarskoj proizvodnji primjena im se pokazala učinkovitom u poboljšanju konverzije hrane, proizvodnje i kvalitete jaja, prirasta i kvalitete mesa te otpornosti na bolesti, kao i smanjenju razine stresa u peradi. Također, uporabom efektivnih mikroorganizama smanjuje se koncentracija amonijaka, neugodni mirisi i broj muha u peradarstvu, a mogu se koristiti i za poboljšanje svojstava gnoja peradi. Učinkovitost primjene efektivnih mikroorganizama u smanjenju kontaminacije i sprječavanju širenja infekcija u peradi, kao što su infekcije uzrokovane salmonelama i kampilobakterima koje imaju i veliko javnozdravstveno značenje, nije u potpunosti razjašnjena. Zato je buduća istraživanja potrebno usmjeriti na uporabu efektivnih mikroorganizama u sprječavanju pojave bolesti uzrokovanih tim bakterijama, kao i drugim patogenima od značaja za peradarsku proizvodnju i javno zdravlje.

Early weaning is one of the prominent problems of animal welfare in the dairy industry, whereby calves are separated from their mothers immediately or in the first hours after calving for the purpose of greater milk production. Stress caused by early weaning can result in decreased immunity and increased risk of diseases, as well as behavioural disorders that can be manifested throughout the animal life. The response to stress in general involves three stages - alarm reaction, adaptation, and exhaustion stage. Since cortisol is the end-product of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal gland, or the result of an acute stress response, it is quite understandable that increased cortisol levels have been found in cattle after early weaning. Weaning in cattle, unlike pigs or rats, is specific because the calf is physically separated from the mother, but continues to receive milk (or milk replacer). This is the reason why stress due to separation from the mother can be investigated separately from the stress due to the transition from liquid to solid food. Relatively little is known about how maternal alert signals develop in farm animals and how they are affected by changes in breeding conditions. The aim of the study was to determine whether there are differences in stress response caused by early weaning in cows of different age groups.

This study aimed to investigate the attitudes and knowledge of veterinary students regarding exotic pets and their welfare. A total of 589 (87%) veterinary students from first to sixth year of integrated undergraduate and graduate study programme, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia, were surveyed in the autumn semester of the academic year 2019-2020. A written questionnaire contained a set of Likert type questions designed to assess student attitudes towards and knowledge about exotic pet animals and their welfare. The questionnaire was focused on exotic non-mammal pets, i.e. birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish. Study results showed the majority of statements to have neutral responses, in particular for the species other than birds. The results obtained point to the need of additional student education on exotic non-mammal pets and can serve for upgrading veterinary curriculum in the field.

The aim of the study was to assess opinions and knowledge of the Croatian veterinarians-to-be about pet reptiles and their welfare. The questionnaire survey was conducted in the academic year 2019-2020 and included students of all six years of the integrated undergraduate and graduate studies at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb. The response rate was 87 % (589 students). Questionnaire statements were 5-point Likert scale questions, requiring from the students to express their opinions about turtles, lizards and snakes as pets, issues related to their welfare, risk they pose to health and safety of humans, other animals and environment, and their self- reported knowledge about pet reptiles. Student responses revealed that they were uncertain about their knowledge of reptiles as pets, considering different educational areas observed. Study results emphasised the need of alterations in veterinary curriculum and additional student education in reptile medicine.

Effective microorganisms (commercially available as EM-1® and its secondary products, EMRO, Japan) are a mixed culture of microorganisms with a beneficial effect on nature, including humans, animals, plants and other microbial species. It is known that EM contains more than 80 species of anaerobic and aerobic microorganisms such as photosynthetic and lactic acid bacteria, yeasts, actinomycetes, etc. They have been used in agriculture, forestry, animal production, environmental protection, and medicine. Effective microorganism technology is used in more than 130 countries worldwide, being included in the state program for organic farming and healthy food production in 12 countries. The technology is natural and organic involving growing, applying, managing and activation of native microorganisms in the environment. It has been shown that EM application promotes positive changes in the water ecosystem by increasing decomposition of organic matter and diversity of phytoplankton, and reducing total nitrogen, phosphate, pesticide and heavy metal concentrations. Also, EM has been demonstrated to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria in water and soil, and to reduce the concentrations of harmful gases in air. Moreover, the number of insect pollinators is falling constantly due to the use of pesticides and climatic changes, and EM raises honeybee immunity and protects their health. The ever-greater economic and industrial growth is leading to the environmental pollution, including water, soil and air. These problems require seeking for solutions other than the known physical and chemical technologies. Therefore, an environmentally friendly, safe, and relatively inexpensive way of protecting the environment is the use of biologically active substances such as EM to achieve positive synergistic effects with beneficial microorganisms already existing in nature.

Tekuti na farmama peradi uzrokuju znatne gubitke u proizvodnji. Najučestalija je tekut (Deramanyssus gallinae), koja uzrokuje dermatitis, iritaciju, anemiju, pad nesivosti, ali i uginuće. Za suzbijanje su najčešće korišteni kemijski pripravci koji su zbog razvoja rezistencije i rezidua u proizvodima izašli iz upotrebe. Zbog visoke invadiranosti za suzbijanje tekuti na farmama upotrebljavaju se različiti pripravci temeljeni na eteričnim uljima, silikatnim mineralnim pripravcima i sl., često nedovoljno učinkoviti. U ovom istraživanju praćena je učinkovitost novijeg pripravka fluralanera u jatu kokoši nesilica lake pasmine. Pripravak je primijenjen prema uputama proizvođača u dozi 0,5 mg po kilogramu putem vode za piće, dvokratno s razmakom od sedam dana. Praćena je invadiranost jata zamkama prije i nakon terapije, kao i nesivost kokoši. Rezultati pokazuju znatan pad broja tekuti u zamkama do devet dana nakon terapije te nestanak tekuti u objektu. Nesivost jata na farmi uspoređena je s prethodnim jatom, a rezultati pokazuju znatno višu nesivost u korist tretiranog jata. Potrebno je analizirati i hematološke parametre kako bi se utvrdio učinak pripravka na brzinu uspostave fiziološkog stanja organizma., Mites cause significant losses on poultry farms. The prevalence of poultry red mite (Deramanyssus gallinae) is significant on poultry farms where it causes dermatitis, irritation, anemia, a drop in egg production, but also mortality. Previously chemical substances were commonly used for mite control, but because of the development of resistance and residues in poultry products, they have been abandoned. Due to high mite infestations on farms, novel products, based on essential oils, silica oxide etc., were used, but without prolonged high effectivity. In this research, we monitored a layer hen flock after treatment with the novel product fluralaner. The product was used according to the manufacturers’ recommendation in a dose of 0.5 mg per kilo via drinking water, twice, with a 7 day interval. Infestation was monitored using paper traps, before and after the treatment, as well as the laying rate. The results showed a significant drop in mite count in traps until 9 days after treatment and the disappearance of mites from the building. The laying rate was compared to the previous flock, and the results showed a significantly higher average laying rate in the treated flock. Hematological parameters should be further analyzed to determine the effect of therapy on the dynamics of the restoration of physiological values.

Regenerative medicine is a relatively new branch in medical research although regeneration is a topic of scientists’ interest long before the 20th century. Tissue regeneration occurs in all adult tetrapods but only amphibians from order Urodela, which includes axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum), have the ability to regenerate complex structures. Ambystoma mexicanum can regenerate almost all body parts such as entire limbs but also internal organs (heart, brain and lungs). In mammals, during the normal aging process, the ability of regeneration is almost completely lost. However, Mexican axolotl retains this ability throughout its whole life. Moreover, it seems that they are even resistant to age-related pathologies. The Ambystoma mexicanum as a research model provides an opportunity for better understanding of the cell’s mechanisms of controlled growth and pattern formation leading to regeneration rather than aging and cancer. This paper presents an overview of the most important aspects of limb regeneration in the axolotl as an ideal model for investigating the complex mechanisms of regeneration, as well as the model organism to study scarless wound healing in vertebrates. Therefore, with advances in genetics, technology, and molecular biology, the Ambystoma mexicanum provides a unique opportunity to study and eventually understand the regulation of all these processes in the same organism. This, in turn, has the potential to enable the development of tailored methods to promote regeneration for the benefit of human health.

Clownfish is one of the most popular tropical marine ornamental fish with unique colours, social hierarchy, monogamous characteristics, and features of sequential hermaphrodites. Their uniqueness also includes the mutualism with sea anemone as the host near which females lay eggs on a hard substrate. Clownfish are all born as males. In freedom, a group is structured of female, male and non-breeders. The female on the top of hierarchy is usually largest, the dominant male is second in size, and other male non-breeders become progressively smaller with descending hierarchy as a result of lower feed availability. When the female dies, the dominant male changes sex and becomes the breeding female, and the largest non-breeder takes its place. The male cares for the eggs by fanning and guards them until they hatch, which takes about 6 to 10 days. It is not unusual for the male to eat the eggs of poor quality, whether damaged, infected or infertile. If the male is stressed or not experienced breeder, it may also eat the eggs. After hatching, the young are left to their own. Clownfish can adapt to captivity accepting artificial feed. However, their unique hierarchy, monogamy and sequential hermaphroditism disable mass spawning in indoor systems. The clownfish trade is based on taking individual animals from wildlife, thus damaging the ecosystem. Therefore, it is necessary to focus studies on the reproduction of clownfish in captivity in order to develop artificial fish cultivation and reduce environmental degradation.

Some human activities have resulted in spreading of thousands of exotic animal species across the world. Many animals released accidentally or deliberately to a new area have become invasive alien species, threatening non- native ecosystems, natural resources, and even human health. Exotic alien species may replace the native species through predation, hybridization, pathogen transmission, or competence for resources, decreasing the global biodiversity, especially in aquatic species. One-third of the world’s worst aquatic invasive species have originated from aquarium or ornamental releases. The most common reason for releasing exotic pets into wildlife is that they have become boring, too large or too prolific for keeping. In the coming decades, biological invasions will remain high in wealthy and already highly invaded countries. One of the best-known examples is Florida with the greatest number of established, i.e. reproducing non-native herpetofaunal species in the world. In 2017, the European Commission published a brochure on 49 invasive alien species of Union concern. Pond slider and sixteen more species from the list have been recorded in Croatia. Exotic pet animals account for 34.2% and 35.5% of all pets in Europe and United States, respectively ; yet, these numbers are underestimated because of the illegal trade, as well as the statistics not including animals kept by breeders, traders or in pet stores. It is assumed that current laws in most countries are insufficiently strict to repress emerging threats from invasive alien species.

Cilj istraživanja bio je utvrditi mišljenja studenata veterinarske medicine u Hrvatskoj o dobrobiti minijaturnih svinja kao kućnih ljubimaca. U istraživanju su sudjelovali studenti svih godina integriranog preddiplomskog i diplomskog studija Veterinarskog fakulteta Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, s tim da su studenti prve godine na anketni upitnik odgovarali dva puta, prije i nakon odslušanog predmeta o dobrobiti životinja. Ukupne stope odaziva tako su iznosile 88 % (n = 596) i 87 % (n = 589). Mišljenja studenata utvrđena su na temelju izračuna srednjih ocjena odgovora na pojedine izjave prema Likertovoj mjernoj ljestvici od pet stupnjeva. Rezultati istraživanja pokazali su da studenti smatraju minijaturne svinje životinjama s razvijenim kognitivnim sposobnostima i osjećajima. Studenti također smatraju da su biološko funkcioniranje, osjećajna stanja i mogućnost izražavanja vrsno specifičnog ponašanja važni za dobrobit minijaturnih svinja – kućnih ljubimaca. No nalaze upitnom njihovu dobrobit te nisu sigurni jesu li minijaturne svinje prihvatljive kao kućni ljubimci i informiraju li se vlasnici dovoljno o njima i njihovim potrebama prije nabave. Može se zaključiti da hrvatski studenti veterinarske medicine imaju pozitivno mišljenje o dobrobiti minijaturnih svinja – kućnih ljubimaca. Rezultati istraživanja također upućuju na zaključak da je edukacija imala pozitivan utjecaj na mišljenje studenata., The aim of the study was to assess the opinions of veterinary students in Croatia regarding the welfare of miniature pet pigs. Students of all years of the integrated undergraduate and graduate studies at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, participated in the study, with first-year students answering the survey questionnaire twice, before and after the course on animal welfare. This yielded overall response rates of 88% (n=596) and 87% (n=589), respectively. Students’ opinions were assessed by calculating the mean responses to particular statements according to a five-point Likert scale. Study results showed that students considered miniature pigs capable of thinking and having emotions. Students also considered biological functioning, emotional states and the ability to express natural behaviour to be important for the welfare of miniature pet pigs. However, they found their welfare compromised and were not sure whether miniature pigs were acceptable as pets, and whether their owners were sufficiently informed about them and their needs before purchasing. It may be concluded that Croatian veterinary students have positive opinions regarding the welfare of miniature pet pigs. The study results also suggest that education had a positive impact on their opinions.

Tjelesna kondicija domaćih životinja jedan je od najvažnijih pokazatelja ocjene i vrednovanja njihove vanjštine i zdravlja. Kondicija je nasljedno uvjetovano obilježje, no pod znatnim je utjecajem vanjskih, negenetskih čimbenika i mijenja se tijekom života jedinke. Najčešće se primjenjuje metoda subjektivne procjene kondicije, na razini jedinke ili stada, a u cilju sprečavanja velike varijabilnosti u tjelesnoj kondiciji domaćih životinja te očuvanja i unapređenja njihovih proizvodnih svojstava, zdravlja, dobrobiti i dugovječnosti. U ovom radu opisani su tipovi tjelesne kondicije domaćih životinja. Naglasak je na pristupu i postupcima koji služe za procjenu tjelesne kondicije domaćih preživača, goveda, ovaca i koza, pri čemu procjena kondicije kod goveda može poslužiti kao osnovni primjer procjene i kod drugih vrsta domaćih životinja., The body condition of domestic animals is one of the most important indicators used to evaluate and score their physical appearance and health. Condition is a hereditary trait yet it is significantly influenced by external non-genetic factors, and it changes over the lifetime of an individual. Body condition is most often evaluated subjectively, at the level of the individual or herd, in order to prevent high variability in the body condition of domestic animals, and to preserve and improve their productivity, health, welfare and longevity. This paper describes types of body condition in domestic animals. The emphasis is on the approach and procedures used to evaluate body condition in domestic ruminants, cattle, sheep and goats, where body condition evaluation in cattle can serve as a basic example of evaluation for other species of domestic animals.

U kontekstu veterinarske higijene i javnoga zdravlja koristi se koncept biosigurnosti. On podrazumijeva cjeloviti pristup očuvanju zdravlja ljudi i životinja, uključujući sigurnost hrane, kontrolu štetnika poljoprivrednih kultura te zaštitu okoliša. Posebna je zadaća biosigurnosti u kontroli zoonoza, ali i drugih opasnosti koje prijete čovjeku i njegovu okolišu iz animalne sfere. U ovom radu opisane su biosigurnosne mjere na svinjogojskim farmama. Zbog stalne prijeteće opasnosti pojave bolesti u uzgojima svinja, kao što je aktualna afrička svinjska kuga, bitna je stalna edukacija o važnosti primjene biosigurnosnih mjera nužnih za zaštitu i održivost svinjogojske proizvodnje.