Global dairy production has undergone significant intensification, which has marginalized small-scale farms unable to compete with conventional dairy cattle systems. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to review the production potential, milk quality characteristics, organization of doe farming systems, and economic feasibility of doe milk production, with a focus on its applicability as a sustainable solution for small-scale farms. Doe milk is characterized by relatively low volume but high nutrient density, elevated protein and fat content, and functional properties, including bioactive peptides and potential hypoallergenic traits. Extensive and semi-extensive farming systems allow low-input management, efficient utilization of marginal pastures, and integration of family labour. Economic sustainability is enhanced through product diversification into cheese, fermented products, and specialty functional or cosmetic applications, compensating for limited milk yield. Despite challenges such as seasonal lactation, low milk production, and limited standardization, doe milk represents a promising alternative for small farms, offering high-value niche products and contributing to rural diversification and sustainable livestock production.
The research by Bengouga Khalila, Lahmadi Salwa, Zeguerou Reguia, Maaoui Moufida, Halis Youcef entitled ?LIVESTOCK IN RURAL PIEDMONT REGIONS OF ALGERIA? which was published in July 2019 in the journal Biotechnology in Animal Husbandry 35(2):199-208, DOI: 10.2298/BAH1902199B; contains a typing error, thus the word swine has been mistakenly typed four times instead of swan (page 199, line 10; page 202, Table 1 and the second paragraph; page 209, Rezime/Summary, Serbian word for swan - ?labudova?). Editorial Link to the corrected article 10.2298/BAH1902199B
The aim of this study was to determine the quality of eggs available in Belgrade supermarkets during different seasons (winter, spring, summer), for various housing systems (cage, floor, and free-range), and to assess the representation of eggs from cage and non-cage systems in the year when Serbian egg producers have been granted an extended transitional period to comply with animal welfare legislation banning conventional cage systems. The research covered nine Belgrade supermarkets. All egg producers representing the three housing systems were recorded, and eggs up to 15 days old were tested for external and internal quality traits. The results show that cage-system producers remain dominant on the market, with a share ranging from 45.5% in winter to 50% in spring and summer. The share of floor (non-cage) eggs was 36.6% in winter and 30% in spring and summer, while free-range eggs had the lowest representation during all three seasons (around 20%). The findings indicate variability in egg quality traits influenced by both season and housing system as the second studied factor. Haugh Unit (HU) values, which represent an aggregate indicator of egg quality, were highest in winter, averaging 76.29 for the cage system, 76.31 for the floor system, and 77.28 for the free-range system. In spring and summer, lower HU values were recorded for all three systems, with a more pronounced decline in the non-cage systems. It can be concluded that there is a growing trend in the supply of eggs from non-cage systems in Belgrade supermarkets, which is more favorable in terms of animal welfare. The development of these systems could be further supported through education of producers and consumers, as well as through research and producer incentives. Although the study focuses on egg quality at the market level, and thus reflects the quality of the product reaching consumers, it also indicates potential weaknesses in the "from producer to consumer" chain. Therefore, it can be a starting point for future research on the entire system of egg production and distribution.
Tenebrio molitor (TM) is one of the most promising insect species proposed as an alternative to conventional food and feed in the last years. This insect is interesting for its valuable nutritional profile, lower environmental impact compared to traditional livestock and its ability to valorise organic waste. Optimising production is essential for insects farmers and several factors including environmental parameters, rearing density, nutritional strategies are involved. These aspects are essential to maximize the growth and productivity of TM. For instance, supplementing the basal diet of TM larvae with additional sources of protein, carbohydrates and lipids proved to enhance nutritional composition and growth performance of larvae. Likewise, the right combination of temperature, relative humidity, and oxygen, strongly influences development time and reproductive success. Moreover, adopting high breeding density of beetles can increase the overall productivity, although it may reduce the productivity per female. This review also examines the processing methods of TM larvae and their inclusion, in various forms, in the diets of poultry, rabbits, and aquaculture species. The incorporation at proper level of TM larvae meal showed to supports growth performance, feed efficiency and quality of the final product without compromising animal health. However, further efforts are needed to make TM meal cost-competitive with conventional feed ingredients. Finally, the review examines one of the most abundant by-products of the TM industry, the frass, highlighting its potential applications as a sustainable fertilizer, its effects on common crops, and its possible use as biochar to support more sustainable agricultural practices and environmental management strategies.
The objective of this study was to examine the milk traits of Simmental cows imported from Austria and their offspring born on the P.D. "DMN" farm, located in the municipality of Požarevac in Serbia and to determine the statistical significance of the differences between the milk production results of mothers and daughters. After Germany, Austria is the second largest exporter of pregnant Simmental heifers in both Europe and worldwide. The research included a total of 409 cows with 572 lactations recorded from the beginning of the farm's operation in 2019 until the end of 2024. Production differences among animals in standard lactations were analyzed, along with comparisons of standard lactation results between mothers and daughters. By comparing the production results between mother cows and their daughters in the first and second standard lactations, a statistical significant difference in milk yield was found (p<0.001), while in the third lactation, the differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05). All the animals included in the research originated from the same farm, which enabled a precise comparison between mothers and daughters due to the combined influence of the farm and other environmental factors during the exploitation period.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Nigella sativa seeds supplementation on the productive performances and health status of lactating dairy cows. The study was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the Research and Development Institute for Bovine Balotesti, Romania, between November and December 2023, on a number of 40 Romanian Black and Spotted dairy cows divided into two groups: the experimental group E (n=20 heads) and the control group C (n=20 heads). The experimental group received 20 g of Nigella sativa seeds/head/day for 28 consecutive days. Milk and blood samples were collected at day 0 and day 28. Statistical comparisons were performed using Student's t-test. Results revealed statistical differences for lymphocytes (P=0.0479), glucose (P=0.0473), uric acid (P=0.0222), and amylase (P=0.0032) in the experimental group (E) after the 28-days trial. Nigella sativa seeds, due to their bioactive and antioxidant constituents, demonstrated promising potential as a natural dietary additive for enhancing dairy cattle physiological stability.
One of strategic goals in the field of improving our sheep breeding is to preserve sheep genofund. An important aspect in that context is genetic characterisation of our locally adapted breeds. The present research was conducted in summer season on 30 Krivovirska Pramenka sheep aged about 3 years on average and raised in 3 different localities. The blood of these animals was taken by venepuncture of v.jugularis into 5 ml test-tubes that were properly marked and samples stored at 4°C in a refrigerator and transported to a laboratory. Isolation of total genomic DNA was performed by a commercial kit for the isolation of DNA from blood for which 100 µl blood per animal was used. For genotyping a set of 12 nucleus microsatellites recommended by the International Society for Animal Genetics - ISAG was used. Molecular data obtained by amplifying nucleus microsatellites were processed by means of following standard bioinformatics packages: GenAlEx 6.5 (Peakall and Smouse 2012), HP-Rare 1.0 (Kalinowski 2005), Coancestry v.1.0.1.9 (Wang 2011) and STRUCTURE 2.3.4. (Pritchard et al. 2000). On the basis of the research conducted a relatively high level of genetic diversity was determined in studied population as well as a small number of animal pairs whose level of relatedness was higher than expected one. At the same time, a low and positive inbreeding coefficient not statistically significant was detected what indicates that examined population of Krivovirska Pramenka sheep is not burdened by inbreeding. The results obtained are informative and with an application of additional markers can serve for obtaining the guideliness for preserving and sustainable breeding of Krivovirska Pramenka sheep in Serbia.
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of dairy herd size on the health score ("Good Health") and key welfare indicators of cows, using the Welfare Quality® methodology. Data were collected from small (≤ 100 cows), medium (101-300 cows), and large (> 300 cows) farms. More than 30 indicators were analyzed, including the prevalence of injuries, lameness, skin lesions, metabolic and reproductive disorders, mastitis, and mortality. The results showed that smaller-capacity farms achieved significantly higher (p < 0.05), health scores, lower prevalence of lameness, skin lesions, and metabolic disorders, as well as lower mortality rates compared with large farms. In large herds, higher incidences of mastitis, dystocia, and downer cow syndrome, along with increased mortality, were recorded, confirming the negative impact of production pressure and high animal aggregation on welfare. Mortality above the alarm threshold was occasionally observed on small and medium farms as well, indicating the necessity for continuous monitoring across all production systems. The findings suggest that optimizing herd size, improving housing conditions, and reducing production intensity are key strategies for achieving sustainable dairy production in line with animal welfare principles.
This study investigates the potential correlation between heavy metal concentrations in drinking water and in the milk of dairy cows across three major regions of Vojvodina, Serbia: Srem, Banat, and Bačka. A total of 360 cows from 18 randomly selected dairy farms (six per region) were included in the study. From each farm, milk samples and drinking water samples were collected and analyzed for the presence of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), and arsenic (As). The aim was to determine the extent of transfer of these heavy metals from water into milk, which could pose a risk to both animal health and food safety. Correlation analyses were conducted separately for each region. Significant positive and negative correlations were observed between water and milk concentrations of specific metals, with notable regional differences. In Banat, strong positive correlations were found between Pb in water and Pb in milk (r = 0.953), and Ni in water and Ni in milk (r = 0.968). In contrast, Bačka and Srem showed more varied patterns, with both positive and negative correlations across the measured parameters. The findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring of water quality on dairy farms and their implications for milk safety in the region.
This study analysed the effect of udder health status on daily milk production parameters in Holstein cattle, considering lactation stage, parity, and production level. A total of 2,509,222 test-day records were analyzed, with somatic cell count (SCC) used as a key indicator for detecting mastitis. Cows were classified into three health categories based on SCC thresholds: healthy (<200,000 cells/ml), subclinical mastitis (200,000-400,000 cells/ml), and clinical mastitis (>400,000 cells/ml). The results showed a significant reduction in daily milk yield in cows affected by mastitis, with the most pronounced declines observed in clinical cases. Additionally, milk composition parameters were influenced by udder health status, with fat and protein content increasing, while lactose concentration decreased in mastitic cows. Across all production levels and parity classes, mastitic cows exhibited lower milk urea concentrations, suggesting potential metabolic alterations. Obtained results highlight the detrimental impact of mastitis on milk production efficiency and composition, reinforcing the need for effective disease prevention and management strategies. Precision monitoring and early mastitis detection remain crucial for optimizing milk quality, improving dairy farm sustainability, and ensuring animal welfare.
The transfer of scientific knowledge and innovation into practice is one of the key factors in improving the productivity and sustainability of animal husbandry. The goal of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of training modules on animal husbandry in the period 2015-2024, aimed at strengthening the competencies of agricultural advisors. Having analysed the data on the animal husbandry trainings (56), the authors were given a complete insight into the dynamics, content, quality and effects of these trainings aimed at improving the knowledge and skills of agricultural advisors. The trainings were grouped by thematic area (10), year (10) and knowledge axes - modernization of knowledge (15 trainings) and knowledge expansion (41 trainings). The effects of the trainings and progress in advisors' knowledge were evaluated by using quantitative and qualitative indicators, established from a survey of the trainees. The results of the research indicate a high level of satisfaction of the trainees, considering that the average rating of all trainings was 4.71 (out of 5.00), the progress in knowledge was 44.56% and the applicability of the trainings was rated 4.58 (out of 5.00), which confirms the quality and relevance of the content and the way the trainings were carried out. In the conclusion of the paper, the authors point out the effect of the trainings of advisors in the field of animal husbandry and a need for some future training programs, while respecting the current trends in agriculture.
The purpose of this current experimental research (study) was to examine the effects of Piliostigma thonningii essential oil on the nutrient digestibility, growth characteristics, caecal microbes and fermentation characteristics of rabbits. The rabbits were randomly assigned to individual groups of 3, comprising precisely 15 rabbits per group, and were balanced for body weight so that each group's average initial body weight (BW) was similar-262.89 ± 22.36 g-in a fully randomised design. The first treatment (T1) was a basal control diet. In treatments 2 and 3, the basal control diet was supplemented with 2 ml PEO/kg diet and 4 ml PEO/kg diet respectively. Results for final body weight, total weight, average daily gains, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, caecal Lactobabacillus spp, total volatile fatty acid (p < 0.05) improved with increasing level of PEO supplementation. Except for ether extract digestibility and acid detergent fibre digestibility, apparent digestibility of dry matter and all nutrients, caecal butyric and propionic acid were higher (p < 0.05) in T2 and T3 than in T1. Acid detergent fibre digestibility was higher (P < 0.05) in T3 than T1 with T2 being intermediate (p > 0.05) between T1 and T3, while the ether extract digestibility was highest in T3 (p < 0.05) and similar for T1 and T2 (p > 0.05). Caecal E. coli, Coliform bacteria and Streptococcus spp. counts and acetic acid were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in T1 than in T2 and T3. Caecal pH was not affected (p > 0.05) by treatments. Ammonia nitrogen was higher (p < 0.05) in T1 relative to T3 while T2 was intermediate between T1 and T3 (p > 0.05). It is concluded that the third group administered 4 ml PEO/kg diet is the optimum supplementation level, as it was more efficient in improving the performance of the rabbit bucks and that P. thonningii essential oil supplementation improved feed utilisation, nutrient digestibility, growth performance of the experimental rabbits and reduced caecal pathogenic bacterial counts thereby improving health status of the experimental research bucks.
The detection and monitoring of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in animal feed is becoming increasingly important due to legal requirements related to labeling and control of authorization for placing GM products on the EU market. This study focuses on the presence and diversity of GM sequences in soybean meal samples collected between 2019 and 2024. A total of 94 samples were analyzed using sensitive molecular methods, including qualitative and quantitative PCR (Real-time PCR), in accordance with validated international protocols. DNA extraction was carried out using the CTAB method, and GM sequences were detected using specific primers for the most common promoters, terminators, and transgenes, including P-35S, T-nos, GTS 40-3-2, and A5547-127. The analysis was further improved by the use of the GMO Matrix tool and reference materials for result validation. The results showed a clear trend of increasing numbers of analyzed samples and greater diversity of detected GM sequences during the observed period, especially in 2023 and 2024. Although the GTS 40-3-2 sequence remained the most frequently detected, more complex combinations of transgenes such as Cry1Ab/Ac and CTP2-CP4-EPSPS, along with Pat and Bar genes, were also identified. These findings indicate the presence of modified soybean lines MON87701, MON877051-7, DAS44406, DAS81419-2, and MON87708-9, pointing to a growing diversity of GM traits in animal feed. These results highlight the importance of continuous GMO monitoring in animal feed, as well as the necessity of maintaining high standards of analytical accuracy. Systematic testing contributes to the safety of the food chain, the protection of animal and human health, and sustainable food production.
Seasonal heat stress is a well-known factor that negatively affects boar fertility, primarily by reducing semen quality and increasing the incidence of abnormal spermatozoa. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between ejaculate characteristics and sperm morphological abnormalities in boars during the most sensitive period of the year. Between August and October, a total of 129 ejaculates were collected from 17 boars. The analyzed semen traits included ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total and functional sperm counts, motility (in native and diluted semen), viability, and the presence of morphological abnormalities, specifically head, tail, acrosomal defects, and protoplasmic droplets. The results showed that only sperm motility and the number of produced doses significantly correlated with abnormal sperm forms. A weak but consistent positive correlation (r f>0.200; p<0.05 or p<0.01) was observed between certain categories of abnormalities, particularly between secondary forms (such as protoplasmic droplets) and primary defects in the tail and acrosomal region. Correlations among primary abnormalities were generally weak. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring sperm motility and morphology as early indicators of heat stress effects in boars.
The standard emulsion-type chicken sausage formulation was modified by incorporating buckwheat flour stored 0, 3, 6 and 9 months to obtain an enriched product and monitor the effect of instrumental colour change. The control (CON) and four combined frankfurter-buckwheat products with time-determined stored flour (FB0, FB3, FB6, and FB9) were analysed for instrumental colour properties (L*, a*, b*, C*, h, S, DE). The results were statistically processed by one-way ANOVA (P<0.05) and Tukey's HSD post-hoc tests (P<0.05). Added buckwheat flour slightly affects L*, and significantly a* and b*, with the highest values in FB0 (similar to CON), which was lighter, redder and yellower than the other combined products. The C* value significantly decreased (P<0.05), while the h value significantly increased (P<0.05) which caused lower chromatic purity and a more yellow nuance in FB9 (20.65, 45.40). Significant decrease in the S value resulted in the greatest attenuation in overall colour perception at FB6, and FB9. An increase trend of DE was observed, indicating the differentiation of sausages with respect to effect on total colour (DE ≤ 5.08). The results suggest that emulsion-type chicken sausages enriched with stored buckwheat flour are technologically justified and colour-sensory acceptable as end-products for consumers.
This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between the body weight (BW), body measurements and carcass characteristics to determine the usefulness of body measurements in prediction of BW and fillet and carcass weight of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.). In the study, a total of thirty-six adult male tilapia specimens were used. The fish were killed and weighed individually using an electronic scale. Six linear body measurements were recorded: total length (TOL), standard length (STL), body width (BWI), body perimeter (BPE), body height (BHE) and head length (HEL). Likewise, the fish were processed to determine the carcass weight (CWE), viscera weight (VIW), head weight (HEW), fillet weight (FIW), backbone weight (BAW) as well as carcass (CYI) and fillet (FIY) yields. The results of the study indicated that the mean values of BW, body measurements and carcass characteristics presented low to moderate variability, varying from 3.45% for TOL to 26.74% for HEW. The Pearson correlation coefficients ranged from moderate to high (0.342 ≤ r ≤ 0.869). All the linear body measurements, except HEL, showed positive correlations with BW (P<0.001). Also, BW showed positive correlations (P<0.05; P<0.001) with the CWE (r= 0.869), FIW (r= 0.638), VIW (r= 0.395) and BAW (r= 0.360). The results of the stepwise regression analysis revealed that BW can be moderately predicted using BHE and STL as the predictor's variable. Besides, BW was the traits of higher importance in the prediction of CWE (R2 = 75.6%) and FIW (R2 = 40.7%). These findings contribute to decision making related to breeding programs of this aquaculture species.
Understanding the dynamics of swine health, including mortality rates during critical stages of development, is essential for improving overall productivity. The aim of this study was an examination of pig farms, focusing on performance metrics such as litter size, mortality rates among different age groups, and weight changes throughout the production cycle. The three farrowto-finish pig farms from South Bačka District were selected based on their willingness to participate and provide accurate records. The statistical analysis, including one-way ANOVA and post hoc tests, provided further evidence of significant differences among the farms in specific metrics. By analyzing the results in this study, it could be concluded the importance of optimizing breeding, feeding, and health management strategies to enhance swine production efficiency.
The present study investigated the effect of sex-sorting by TLR7/8 ligand R848, cooling and cryopreservation on the motility and kinematic characteristics of ram spermatozoa for the first time. Four ejaculates per ram (n=2) were collected, pooled and after that were split to 8 equal parts. Four parts were used for sexing and four parts were analyzed as unsexed semen. The sperm sexing was done by application of the TLR7/8 ligand R848 (resiquimod). Diluted with freezing extender unsexed and sex-sorted semen were cooled in a refrigerator at temperature 5°C for 5 hours and after that freeze/thawed. Each part of semen at each step of the experiment was subjected to computer assisted semen analysis for evaluation of motility and speed parameters of spermatozoa. After sexing the significant reducing of kinematic parameters in both fractions were observed. The dilution of sexed spermatozoa with freezing extender before cooling reliably increased the progressive motility and speed parameters as VCL, VAP, and VSL in Xand Y-fractions and kept them during the cooling at relatively high level. Freezing adversely impaired the motility of sexed spermatozoa. The values of speed parameters of unsexed spermatozoa after thawing were significantly higher than those of X and Y spermatozoa. Dilution with an appropriate freezing extender and cooling are most suitable approaches for storing of sexed ram spermatozoa.
This study aimed to determine the effects of fibrinous pericarditis on blood welfare indicators, performance indices and carcass and meat quality of slaughtered pigs. From a total of 144 examined pig hearts, the presence of fibrinous pericarditis was recorded in 25.69% cases. The presence of fibrinous pericarditis in slaughtered pigs was significantly associated with decreased (P<0.0001) blood lactate and glucose levels. The presence of fibrinous pericarditis in slaughtered pigs was significantly associated with reduced average lifetime daily weight gain (P=0.0042), live weight (P=0.0045), hot carcass weight (P=0.0045), cold carcass weight (P=0.0045) and lean meat content (P<0.0001). Consequently, pigs showing fibrinous pericarditis produced the lower (P<0.0001) percentage of ?E? class carcasses, but the higher (P=0.0079) percentage of ?R? class carcasses. Pigs without fibrinous pericarditis produced the better meat quality, with the higher (P=0.0465) percentage of red, firm and nonexudative meat. In contrast, the presence of fibrinous pericarditis in slaughtered pigs was significantly associated with abnormally elevated final meat pH (P<0.0001), high water-holding capacity (lower drip loss; P<0.0001) and unfavourable dark colour (higher lightness and yellowness; P<0.0001). As a result, pigs showing fibrinous pericarditis produced the highest percentage of dark, firm and dry meat (P=0.0002). In conclusion, assessing fibrinous pericarditis at the slaughterline has the potential to serve not only as an indirect indicator of pig health and welfare on the farm of origin but also of growth performance, carcass and pork quality.
