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The increasing global consumption of processed meat, which often contains nitrite as a preservative, raises health concerns due to potential adverse effects from its metabolites, such as nitric oxide and N-nitroso compounds. The study sought to evaluate the food safety of processed meat products within the Serbian market, specifically in the Belgrade region. Nitrite levels were analyzed in cooked sausages, both in their raw state and after undergoing the manufacturer's recommended thermal processing prior to consumption, if applicable. Additionally, thus far, there has been a lack of research exploring the potential influence of residual nitrite levels in the meat products prepared as per manufacturer recommendations prior to the consumption of meat products, as well as their contribution to acceptable daily intake (ADI), which provides crucial insights into the overall dietary safety of processed meats. During a three-year period, the study performed analysis on a total of 77 cooked sausages, following the standard ISO methodology. Boiling the cooked sausages led to a major reduction in this meat product additive, whereas frying led to a comparatively smaller decrease in nitrite concentration. Additionally, the greatest exposure to nitrite compounds occurs when consuming meat products without prior preparation, i.e., without thermal treatment by consumers before ingestion. In summary, the assessment of the ADI for nitrites revealed a high level of food safety, with all values noticeably below the maximum permitted levels specified by national legislation (150 mg/kg).

Due to the high demand for low-fat, healthier meat products, alternative strategies are pursued to reduce fat content while maintaining the fundamental properties of traditional products. The research strives to obtain products with reduced fat content and caloric value with the addition of inulin. Four groups of cooked chicken sausages were tested: the control group without fat replacement, the second with 50%, the third with 75%, and the fourth with 100% fat replacement with inulin suspension. Sausages with a higher inulin content had a significantly (p<0.05) higher process loss and cooking loss than the sausages from the control group. The first and second groups had significantly (p<0.05) better emulsion stability. Reducing the fat content in sausages significantly affected (p<0.05) some sausages characteristics, such as moisture, L*(lightness), a* (redness), and b* (yellowness). As a result, the caloric value of sausages with inulin was significantly (p<0.01) impacted throughout all groups. In summary, the study demonstrates that incorporating inulin as a prebiotic dietary fiber enables the production of cooked sausages with reduced fat content and optimal physico-chemical properties. This innovative meat product not only offers lowered energy value but also holds exceptional nutritional value, representing a significant source of calories derived from reduced fat content supplemented with prebiotic fibers (inulin).

This review explores the role of inulin, a natural prebiotic, delving into its transformative impact on the food industry, especially in creating functional products and assessing its impact on public health. Inulin, a versatile carbohydrate compound, not only acts as a fat replacer but also serves as a dietary fiber source, enhancing the overall nutritional value of the foods. Furthermore, inulin’s fermentation by beneficial gut bacteria results in the production of short-chain fatty acids, contributing to colorectal cancer prevention and glycemic control, catering to the evolving preferences of health-conscious consumers.

Unapređenje ovčarske proizvodnje vezano je za rešavanje niza različitih problema, koji imaju za cilj prvenstveno povećanje ekonomičnosti uz očuvanje zdravlja i dobrobiti životinja. Načinom gajenja koji je u već vekovima ustaljen kod ovaca stiče se niz uslova koji pogoduju razvoju i održavanju velikog broja oboljenja različite etiologije. Među njima, jedno od vodećih mesta zauzimaju parazitske infekcije. U okviru ovog tehničkog rešenja cilj je bio uvođene mera za adekvatnu i sveobuhvatnu kontrolu parazitskih infekcija ovaca na pašnjacima u cilju pobolšanja proizvodnih rezultata ovaca.

Maize is the top-produced crop in the world. Its chemical composition makes it suitable for human consumption, animal feed, and industrial uses. The total world production of maize in 2021 was 1210 billion tonnes from cultivating about 205 million ha. However, there are many limiting factors for cultivation, such as soil pH. Acidic soils are present on 30%–40% of the world's arable land, while more than 1 billion hectares are alkaline soils. It is important to choose genotypes of crops tolerant to high or low pH. Therefore, we conducted research in laboratory conditions on the influence of pH values (5, 6, 7, and 8) on seed germination and seedling growth of two maize Serbian hybrids ZP 4708 and ZP 5797. The hybrid ZP 4708 had higher germination energy (GE), shoot length (ShL), shoot fresh weight (ShFW), shoot dry weight (ShDW), germination rate index (GRI), and seedling vigor index (SVI) than hybrid ZP 5797. GE, root length (RL), ShL, root fresh weight (RFW), ShFW, root dry weight (RDW), ShDW, and SVI have the highest values in treatment with optimal pH 7, and lowest in treatment pH 5. However, these parameters did not differ significantly between the treatments pH 6 and pH 7.

Consumer demand for healthier foods has led the industry to look for alternatives to reduce high-fat levels. Dietary fibers such as inulin have emerged as promising substitutes for fat, increasing nutritional value and reducing fat absorption. The aim of this research was to formulate chicken cooked sausages in which the fat was replaced by inulin suspension at different levels. Four groups of sausages participated in the experiment: group K without fat replacement and groups 50%IN, 75%IN, and 100%IN with 50%, 75%, and 100% fat replacement, respectively. The results show a significantly higher process and cooking loss in the experimental groups compared to group K (p<0.05). Groups K and 50%IN had significantly better emulsion stability (p<0.05). Increasing inulin content significantly affected color characteristics, including L* (lightness), a* (redness), and b* (yellowness) (p<0.05). The experimental groups of sausages had a lighter color. By reducing fat, the caloric value of sausages decreased significantly and differed between groups (p<0.01). Inulin can be used to produce cooked sausages with reduced fat content and optimal physical and chemical properties. In addition to the reduced energy value, this meat product also has good nutritional characteristics.

Zadovoljavanje nutritivnih potreba stanovništva uz smanjenje negativnog uticaja na životnu sredinu je sveobuhvatni zadatak poljoprivrede i industrije hrane u budućnosti. Dostupni podaci, dobijeni istraživanjem u oblastima održivosti i zaštite životne sredine, povezuju proizvodnju domaćih životinja su mnogim aktuelnim ekološkim problemima, kao što su emisija gasova staklene bašte, poremećaj ciklusa fosfora i zagađenje vode. Takođe, meso i proizvodi od mesa imaju i negativnu zdravstvenu percepciju, koja je pored pitanja održivosti, dobrobiti i zdravlja životinja, velika motivacija za neke potrošače da smanje potrošnju mesa i/ili potpuno pređu na biljnu ishranu. Stoga, analozi mesa, napravljeni kombinacijom biljnih sastojaka, postaju sve popularniji na tržištu, jer ih potrošači doživljavaju kao zdraviju i ekološki prihvatljivu alternativu pravom mesu. Međutim, potpuni prelazak na ishranu isključivo zasnovanu na proizvodima biljnog porekla je usled različitih prepreka, u vidu tradicije, društvene strukture, dostupnosti i drugačijeg senzornog kvaliteta, veoma otežan. S tim u vezi, usvajanje polu-vegetarijanske ishrane koja se prvenstveno sastoji od kombinacije biljne hrane i manje količine mesa, manje je restriktivan i nudi mnoge prednosti. U tom kontekstu, hibridni proizvodi od mesa našli su svoje mesto na tržištu, jer pored mesa sadrže i veliki udeo sastojaka na biljnoj bazi. Ovi proizvodi su bolje prihvaćeni od potrošača koji jedu meso u odnosu na analoge, jer imaju konvencionalni ukus mesa, a istovremeno smanjuju potrošnju mesa. Većina hibridnih proizvoda od mesa na tržištu je iz grupe usitnjenog i oblikovanog mesa, kao što su mleveno meso, hamburgeri i ćufte, kao i fino usitnjenih barenih kobasica. Međutim, kako bi se zaista zadovoljili standardi potrošača, neophodna je proizvodnja novih grupa proizvoda. S tim u vezi, ovo tehničko rešenje imalo je za cilj da opiše proizvodnju grubo ustinjenih barenih hibridnih kobasica od svinjskog mesa. Analizom hibridnih kobasica

Soil pH is one of the most important limiting factors for crop cultivation, including maize. About 30-40% of the world's arable land is acidic, and over a billion ha is alkaline. Today, there are 205 million ha of arable land under maize in the world, so it ranks third in area after rice and wheat. Maize hybrids have wide genetic variability and high pH tolerance. We tested the tolerance of maize hybrids seedlings of ZP 4708 and ZP 5797 to pH 5, 6, 7, and 8. Results showed that hybrid ZP 4708 has a higher adaptability to low and high pH, due to the higher value of germination energy (GE), shoot length (ShL), shoot fresh weight (ShFW), shoot dry weight (ShDW), germination rate index (GRI), and seedling vigor index (SVI) than hybrid ZP 5797. Results further showed, on average for hybrids, that pH 5 and pH 8 significantly decreased the GE, root length (RL), ShL, root fresh weight (RFW), ShFW, root dry weight (RDW), shoot fresh weight (ShDW), and SVI. These parameters did not differ significantly between pH 6 and pH 7. Seed germination was not affected by the pH, indicating that the seed vigor of both hybrids supports full germination potential. However, it could be expected that exposure to the lowest and highest pH values of the medium could affect seedlings growth in the field conditions, even though germination is high. SVI showed a positive and significant correlation with all investigated parameters, except germination (G) and relative seedling water content (RSWC)., pH zemlji ta je jedan od va nih ograni avajućih faktora za gajenje useva, a samim tim i kukuruza. Oko 30-40% svetskih obradivih povr ina je kisele reakcije, a preko milijardu ha je alkalno. Danas je u svetu 205 miliona ha obradivih povr ina pod kukuruzom, tako da on zauzima treće mesto po povr ini posle pirin a i p enice. Hibridi kukuruza imaju iroku genetsku varijabilnost i toleranciju za pH. Ispitivali smo toleranciju klijanaca novih hibrida kukuruza ZP 4708 i ZP 5797 na pH 5, 6, 7 i 8. Rezultati su pokazali da hibrid ZP 4 08 ima bolju sposobnost adaptacije na nisku i visoku pH vrednost jer je imao veću energiju klijanja (EK), du inu stabla (DS), sve u masu stabla (SvMS), suvu masu stabla (SuMS), indeks klijavosti (IK) i vigor indeks (VI) od hibrida ZP 5797. Rezultati su dalje pokazali, u proseku za hibride, da su niski (pH 5) i visoki pH nivo medijuma (pH8) zna ajno smanjili EK, du inu korena (DK), DS, sve u masu korena (SvMK), SvMS, suvu masu korena (SuMK), SuMS i VI. Ovi parametri se nisu razlikovali između tretmana pH 6 i pH . pH medijuma nije uticala na klijanje semena to ukazuje da snaga semena oba hibrida podr ava pun potencijal klijanja. Međutim, izlaganje najni im i najvi im pH vrednostima medijuma je dovelo do toga da nije moguće o ekivati jake klijance, iako je klijavost visoka. VI je pokazao pozitivnu i zna ajnu korelaciju sa svim ispitivanim parametrima, osim sa klijanjem semena i relativnim sadr ajem vode u klijancima.

Traditional dry fermented sucuk sausages were made from beef and formulated with 10, 20 and 30% of added fat (LF, MF and HF group, respectively). The production was carried out in a traditional smoking house, and fermentation and ripening lasted 28 days. After the end of the production process, colour (CIE L*a*b*), texture TPA parameters and sensory quality were analysed. An increase in fat content significantly affected the reduction in TPA values for hardness, springiness, cohesiveness and chewiness (p<0.01). Data obtained in this study indicate that sausages with higher fat content were less firmly bound (lower cohesiveness) and less elastic (lower springiness). Additionally, fat content significantly influenced an increase in lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) and a decrease in redness (a*) of sucuk sausages (p<0.05). The lowest sensory scores were obtained for HF sausages, especially for consistency, cut appearance and taste.

This trial aimed to investigate changes in pH, proximate composition and fat rancidity parameters during the production of traditional Sucuk sausage (dry fermented sausage) with different fat levels. Three groups of sausages were produced from beef meat and fat: LF (low fat, with 10% added fat), MF (medium fat, with 20% added fat) and HF (high fat, with 30% added fat). The production was carried out in a traditional smoking house, and fermentation and ripening lasted 28 days. Samples were analysed after stuffing (day 0) and on days 7, 14, 21 and 28 of production. The higher fat content of the HF group probably influenced the lowest pH value at the beginning of production (day 0) (p<0.05). The HF group also had the mildest drop in pH (p<0.05), while the MF and LF groups had a similar trend in pH decline. Fat content had a significant effect on the proximate composition of the products, best reflected at the end of the production process, where the HF group had significantly higher fat and lower moisture and protein content (p<0.05). A higher total free fatty acids (FFA) content was obtained in the LF group, showing greater lipolysis than in MF and HF groups. Interestingly, sausages with higher fat content had lower peroxide values during production (p<0.05).

Streptococcus suis infection is one of the major health problems in the swine industry worldwide. During the last decade, the number of reported human cases due to S. suis has dramatically increased, and while most sporadic human cases of infection appear to be due to close occupational contact with pigs/pork products. S. suis infection is considered to be multifactorial, with transition from subclinical to clinical that depends on many factors. These factors can be divided in two groups, host-based and external factors. Pathogenesis of S. suis infection can be divided into 4 phases: adherence to and colonisation of mucosal and epithelial surfaces, invasion into deeper tissues and entering the bloodstream, crossing bloodbrain barrier and inflammation. S. suis virulence-associated factors are divided into the following 4 groups: surface/secreted elements, enzymes (such as including proteases), transcription factors and regulatory systems and other factors (such as transporting and secreting systems). Therefore significant research support is needed to obtain a vaccine as a valuable and universal protection against disease caused by S. suis strains and thus national and international support will be crucial for the aim many researchers hope for.

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.

The trial was conducted on 108 piglets of crossbreeds Landrace x Large White. Aim of this study was to determine influence of this aroma on production parameters of growing pigs. Whole trial was in total 57 days, and it was split in three trial periods. Piglets were weaned on day 27, when the trial started. First trial period was 18 days (27-44 day), second was 28 days (45-72 day) and third was 11 days (73-83 day). The control groups received standard farm mixtures, and the trial groups had added aroma Vanilla Sweet in different concentrations (0.02; 0.04%, respectively). During the first period, there was statistical difference (p<0.05) in all three prameters between the groups. Feed intake (FI), average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion (FCR) differed between C and T1 group. T1 had best ADG of 261.53 g/d and FCR of 1.89 g/g. In the second period statistical significance was noted in FI and ADG, between T1 and other two groups. T1 had lower FI and ADG, but better FCR compared to control group. In the final period second experimental group had the best results in both FI (1309.29 g/d) and ADG (696.43 g/d). And eventualy for whole trial T2 had better results in all three production parametars compared to other two trial groups. In general, obtained results showed that use of Vanilla sweet aroma can be recommended in the nutrition of weaned pigs. Further investigation should be conducted to determine the effect of this flavour on fatteners.

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.

Wild boars are one of the widest-ranging mammals worldwide and represent reservoirs for many important viruses. Disease outbreaks in domestic swine are often described as a consequence of contact with wild boars, and traditional rearing conditions are a particular risk factor. Examples of such diseases include classical swine fever (CSF), African swine fever (ASF), Aujeszky’s disease (AD), and diseases caused by porcine circoviruses and parvoviruses. Some viral infections causing high mortality rates are easily noticeable and thus reported, though many viruses infecting wildlife are insidious impacting survival rates and reproduction in wild animals. Samples from wild boars for laboratory testing are usually collected postmortem and include various tissues or blood sera. The recovery of viable viruses during virus isolation depends on the virus species and the condition of the sample. Since this method does not yield timely results, most diagnostic procedures are based on PCR or antigen detection methods. Serological surveys are inexpensive and appropriate for prevalence studies. When interpreting the results of diagnostic tests, both virus and host characteristics, and the epizootiological situation must be accounted for. Disease control techniques such as fencing or feeding wild boars cause animal aggregation and give rise to population density which favors pathogen maintenance in the environment. Hunting reduces the number of susceptible animals and is helpful as an additional control measure and for sampling. Available data on infectious disease dynamics in wild boars is scarce, and constant knowledge improvement on pathogenesis, clinical symptoms, risk factors, and adequate control measures are required., Divlje svinje su jedna on najrasprostranjenijih vrsta sisara na planeti, a ujedno predstavljaju i rezervoare mnogih značajnih virusa. Pojava oboljenja u populacijama domaćih svinja se javlja kao posledica kontakta sa divljim svinjama pri čemu tradicionalan način uzgoja životinja predstavlja faktor rizika. Primeri takvih obljenja su: klasična kuga svinja, afrička kuga svinja, Aujeckijeva bolest i oboljenja izazvana svinjskim cirkovirusima i parvovirusima. Određene virusne infekcije sa visokom stopom mortaliteta se mogu lako detektovati, a samim tim i prijaviti, međutim neki virusi divljih svinja ne dovode do vidljivih promena što otežava njihovo otkrivanje. Uzorci za laboratorijska ispitivanja poreklom od divljih svinja se najčešće prikupljaju postmortalno i uključuju različita tkiva ili krvni serum. Uspešnost izolacije virusa u kulturi ćelija zavisi od vrste virusa kao i od stanja dostavljenog uzorka. S obzirom da primena navedene metode oduzima vreme, većina procedura se zasniva na PCR ili metodama detekcije antigena. Pored toga, serološke metode su ekonomski isplative i pogodne za izvođenje studija prevalencije. Prilikom interpretacije rezultata laboratorijskih analiza je izuzetno značajno uzeti u obzir više parametara uključujući osobine virusa i domaćina kao i epizootiološku situaciju na terenu. Metode kontrole zaraznih bolesti divljih svinja poput ograđivanja ili dohranjivanja životinja dovode do povećanja gustine populacije što pogoduje transmisiji patogena. Lov dovodi do smanjenja broja osetljivih životinja u određenoj sredini, međutim koristan je kao dodatna mera kontrole i omogućuje prikupljanje uzoraka. Dostupni podaci o dinamici infektivnih oboljenja divljih svinja su ograničeni i neophodno je konstantno izučavanje njihove patogeneze, kliničkih osobenosti, faktora rizika kao i procena primene određenih mera kontrole.

The bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) is multifactorial and results from interactions between host factors, environmental factors, and pathogens. A virus, as an initial pathogen alters the animal’s immunity supporting the bacterial colonization of the lower respiratory tract. Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1), bovine parainfluenza virus 3 (BPIV-3), and bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) are among the most significant viruses associated with BRDC. The disease most often affects young and older immunosuppressed animals. Laboratory results depend on the selected sampling site of the respiratory tract and proper timing during the period of virus shedding. The samples for testing mostly include nasal or nasopharyngeal swabs, tracheal wash, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, or necropsy specimens. Virus isolation, although considered as the gold standard, is time-consuming and depends on the virus species and sampling conditions. Most of the virus identification methods used today are molecular assays (conventional and real-time PCR or RT-PCR) that are rapid, sensitive, and specific, which is of the essence in veterinary diagnostic laboratories. DNA sequencing is mostly used to detect specific genetic mutations and for molecular epidemiology of disease outbreaks. Serological diagnosis is performed based on the detection of specific antibody presence after infection of seronegative animals or a 4-fold specific antibody titer rise in paired serum samples. Different assays are available, including virus neutralization, complement fixation, haemagglutination inhibition, and ELISA. The early and reliable diagnosis is beneficial in the management and control of BRDC and is the basis of a timely treatment and prevention program.

The aim of this study was to establish the total fungal (mould) count in 79 commercial pig farm feed samples (42 samples for piglets, 29 samples for fattening pigs and 8 samples for sows) collected from the Serbian feed producers during the three-year period (2017–2019), as well as to evaluate the percentage of contamination samples by fungi, especially species from Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium genera. Using standard mycological methods, the total count and identification of fungi were determined. Total fungal count was ranging from 1 × 102 to 1.41 × 105 cfu g–1 in the feed samples for piglets. Furthermore, in the feed samplesfor fattening pigs it ranged from 1 × 102 to 2.54 × 105 cfu g–1 , and from 1 × 102 to 1.93 × 105 cfu g–1 in the feed samples for sows. It has established the impermissible limit of total fungal count in 3.45% and 4.76% of a feed for fattening pigs and feed for piglets, respectively. Statistical analysis of the total number of fungi did not establish significant differences between the examined feed groups. Fusarium species were present in the most feed samples for fattening pigs (65.52%), followed by the feed for sows (62.50%) and piglets (47.62%). Aspergillus species were determined in 59.52, 58.62 and 37.50% feed samples for piglets, fattening pigs and sows, respectively. Penicillium species contaminated the lowest percentage of feed samples for fattening pigs (27.59%) and the highest percentage of feed samples for sows (37.50%). In a small number of samples Alternaria, Mucor, and Rhizopus species were identified. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the investigation of fungal contamination is an important indicator of a hygienic condition of feed intended for the nutrition of farm pigs. In addition, the percentage of fungal contamination of the examined samples indicates a potentially high risk to animal health. Due to that, a regular mycological evaluation is necessary to assess nutritional quality as one of the fundam

Maize silage is source of palatable and high-energy forage for ruminants. Therefore, production of high quality forage maize represents an essential strategy for stable production of milk and meat on livestock farms. This study examined the effect of harvest date (early dent, at half milk line, at three quarters milk line and black layer) on the quantitative and qualitative parameters of whole maize plant under contrasting climatic conditions in the Srem - Serbia. A 2 × 4 factorial (two years and the four cutting times) randomized blocks design was used, with three replications. The plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves per plant, forage yield, dry matter yield and dry matter content were higher in 2014 probably due to favorable weather conditions. With the delay of the harvest the forage yield, crude protein content, acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) decreased, and dry matter yield, dry matter content and ear percentage increased. Sufficiently high dry matter content and ear percentage were achieved at the third harvest. However, the delay of harvested time reduces the quality parameters of the biomass, but this loss in the entire plant is moderated by grain filling.

The aim of this review aricle was to present our previous research related to production diseases (technopathies) on commercial pig farms. The presence of production diseases is the result of unfavorable conditions in the production itself. Growing and exploitation of boars on commercial farms aims to produce seeds for the needs of the farm. The lifespan of boars, and therefore the length of their exploitation, largely depends on their health condition. The health of the sow is also of paramount importance. We followed two parameters of the assessment of the body score condition of sows and the thin sow syndrome. The assessment of the body condition of sows was exceeded within the optimal values (3 at the time of farrowing and 2.5 during insemination). Thin sow syndrome is a disease of complex etiology. Sows have been observed to lose weight during lactation. Loss of body weight was diagnosed in most cases in sows in the second lactation. We proof aflatoxin in sow milk. Breeding diseases of bacterial and viral etiology were monitored in all categories. On the end of this article we give biochemical parameters by sows. The results of biochemical analysis showed economical validity and represent a significant contribution to monitoring of the health status and production of pigs on commercial farms. The promotion of good pig health includes the implementation of a system of prophylactic measures. Important factors in production are good choice of breed, size of the herd on the farm, ways of applying biotechnical measures in the production process and constant education of employees on the farm.

Kompleks respiratornih bolesti goveda (BRDC) nastaje kao posledica interakcije između faktora vezanih za domaćina, faktora okoline i različitih mikroorganizama. Virus kao primarni patogen najčešće dovodi do supersije imunoloških mehanizama životinje i omogućuje kolonizaciju donjih disajnih puteva bakterijama. Goveđi herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1), virus parainfluence 3 goveda (BPIV-3) i goveđi respiratorni sincicijalni virus (BRSV) su među najznačajnijim uzročnicima BRDC, pri čemu najčešće oboljevaju mlade i starije imunokompromitovane jedinke. Rezultati laboratorijske dijagnostike zavise od mesta uzorkovanja materijala i od izbora trenutka za uzimanje uzorka u odnosu na dinamiku izlučivanja virusa u spoljašnju sredinu. Uzorke za ispitivanje uglavnom predstavljaju nosni ili nazofaringealni brisevi, trahealni aspirati, tečnost dobijena bronhoalveolarnom lavažom ili tkiva. Izolacija virusa, iako predstavlja zlatni standard, oduzima dosta vremena i njena uspešnost zavisi vrste virusa, načina uzorkovanja, odnosno stanja uzorka. Većina metoda identifikacije virusa koje se koriste u današnje vreme su molekularni testovi (konvencionalni i real-time PCR ili RT-PCR) koji se brzo izvode, osetljivi su i specifični, što je od suštinske važnosti u veterinarskim dijagnostičkim laboratorijama. Sekvenciranje virusne nukleinske kiseline se upotrebljava u cilju detekcije specifičnih mutacija u virusnom genomu i molekularno-epidemiološko praćenje kretenja i širenja pojedinih virusnih sojeva. Serološka dijagnostika se zasniva na pojavi specifičnih antitela kod serološki negativnih jedinki, odnosno detekciji četvorostrukog porasta titra specifičnih antitela u parnim uzorcima krvnog seruma, a dostupni su različiti testovi, uključujući metod virus-neutralizacije, reakciju vezivanja komplementa, inhibiciju hemaglutinacije i ELISA. Pravovremeni i pouzdani rezultati laboratorijske dijagnostike su važni u cilju kontrole BRDC i predstavljaju osnovu za blagovremeno sprovođenje terapije i programa preven, The bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) is multifactorial and results from interactions between host factors, environmental factors, and pathogens. A virus, as an initial pathogen alters the animal's immunity supporting the bacterial colonization of the lower respiratory tract. Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1), bovine parainfluenza virus 3 (BPIV-3), and bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) are among the most significant viruses associated with BRDC. The disease most often affects young and older immunosuppressed animals. Laboratory results depend on the selected sampling site of the respiratory tract and proper timing during the period of virus shedding. The samples for testing mostly include nasal or nasopharyngeal swabs, tracheal wash, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, or necropsy specimens. Virus isolation, although considered as the gold standard, is time-consuming and depends on the virus species and sampling conditions. Most of the virus identification methods used today are molecular assays (conventional and real-time PCR or RT-PCR) that are rapid, sensitive, and specific, which is of the essence in veterinary diagnostic laboratories. DNA sequencing is mostly used to detect specific genetic mutations and for molecular epidemiology of disease outbreaks. Serological diagnosis is performed based on the detection of specific antibody presence after infection of seronegative animals or a 4-fold specific antibody titer rise in paired serum samples. Different assays are available, including virus neutralization, complement fixation, haemagglutination inhibition, and ELISA. The early and reliable diagnosis is beneficial in the management and control of BRDC and is the basis of a timely treatment and prevention program.