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Serbia is partially supplied with fish from its own aquaculture and fishing, both commercial and recreational, which averaged 6.70 tons for the period from 2012 to 2021. The majority of fish in the market during the same period came from imports (an average of 34,090 tons). Out of the total catch of fish and fish products on the market in Serbia, 92.80% consisted of marine fish and seafood, while only 7.14% consisted of freshwater fish. The volume of imported sea fish and fish products followed this descending order: hake > tuna > seafood > canned fish > fish fillets > herring > sardines > mackerel > other seafood. Among freshwater fish, trout was the most commonly imported, followed by other species of fish and carp. The average total value of fish imports from 2012 to 2021 was €86.030 million, and the average import price of fish was €2.50/kg. With the import of fish and fish products, and fish from domestic production and catches, the fish market in Serbia was supplied with 41,270 tons of fish during the period studied, which means that the annual per capita fish consumption in Serbia was about 7 kilograms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today's civilization finds itself facing existential problems in the survival of life on planet Earth. The aim of this paper is to point out the importance of food production from the moment when humans became hunter-gatherers until today, when there is talk about food security from the aspect of providing sufficient amounts of food for present and future generations. The paper presents the production of food in Serbia since the arrival of Slavic tribes on the Balkan Peninsula up to modern times. The paper also points to the historical development of food production and the necessity for socially responsible behaviour to preserve the resources we have for future generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bluetongue disease is an infectious non-contagious disease of domestic and wild ruminants, transmitted by hematophagous insects of the genus Culicoides. In endemic areas the disease has a seasonal character, occurs usually in summer when the population of vectors is at its peak. Culicoides are active at temperatures in the range from 13o to 35oC. The replication of the virus stops when the environmental temperature is below 13oC. It has been reported that the temperature and humidity of the environment affect to a great extent the biology of the vector and the survival of the virus in the reservoirs. During the summer, the number of infected cattle and sheep is directly dependent on the density of the population of the vector, the length of vectors' life-span, the temperature of the environment and by precipitation, the affinity of the vector to different hosts, and the ability of the vector to locate the host. Bluetongue has been spreading worldwide due to climatic changes and increasing average daily temperatures. The seasonal occurrences of the disease and the climate change have conditioned the need for adopting new strategies. The stochastic SEIRD mathematical model has been developed in order to simulate the transmission of the Bluetongue virus through the susceptible ruminant population on the territory of the Republic of Serbia, as well as to investigate the effect of climatic factors on the vector population and the magnitude of a possible epizootia. Besides the effects of climatic factors, we have analyzed a number of different approaches in the control of the disease based upon the vaccination of ruminants and control of vectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Critical indicators of intensive production in hog raising are continuity of production, high level of produced series-tours, application of the most contemporary technological achievements without any turnover of capital, high merchandise turnover, and intensive usage of the reproduction potential of breeding material. Production of piglets represents one of the most essential phases in the production of pork meat. In spite of genetic factors, duration of interval wean-conception is one of the basic factors in determination of bringing forth indexes and number of piglets per litter. In order to recognize production costs of piglets completely we found nutrition costs for piglets and sows represent 61%, while other costs such as personal incomes, veterinary services, water, energy, losses, and amortization represent 39% of total costs. On the basis of cost price per feeding day of a sow and the number of piglets per litter, production costs of piglets older than 28 days with an average body weight of 7 kg were determined. Price cost per piglet after weaning, with 7 kg average body weight, and 146 days of reproduction process accounts for 21,78 EUR if there are 10 piglets in a litter. If the reproductive cycle would last exactly the same and if successful conception would be achieved 25 days after weaning, production cost per piglet would be 23,79 EUR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diflubezuron is increasingly used in areas where mosquito larvae developed resistance to other insecticides. In our community diflubenzuron is not used to control mosquito larvae. Two formulations of 1% diflubenzuron (on corn-cob EF-1, and zeolite EF-2) were tested on Culex pipiens L (larvae) on one canal in the Belgrade suburb area. The effect was followed for seven weeks after application of the formulations. Formulation EF1 achieved a reduction in mosquito L1L2 larvae between 23.9% and 89.4%. The change was statistically significant the 21st and 28th day (p<0.001), 35th and 42nd day (p<0.01) and 49th day (p<0.05). The maximal reduction obtained by formulation EF2 was 69.1%. The accomplished reduction was significant on the 28th and 42nd day (p<0.001), 35th day (p<0.01) and 21st (p<0.05). Both formulations have maintained a good residual effect on the lower developmental larval stages. Maximum reduction achieved by EF1 on L3L4 larvae was 97.4%. Reduction of larvae was high between the 7th and 42nd day (66.4 - 97%). Statistically significant values were recorded on the 21st, 28th and 35th day. Formulation EF2 achieved a reduction of 99.5%. A statistically significant reduction in the value of mosquito larvae was obtained on the 14th, 21st, 28th, 35th and 42nd day. Between the two used formulations there was no significant difference in the number reduction of lower larval stages, but for the higher larval stages EF1 proved to be more efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Improving boar semen quality is essential for successful artificial insemination due to its direct impact on fertility rate and litter size, making it very important for efficient reproduction in pig farming. Boar sperm is highly sensitive to oxidative stress, which damages sperm cells and decreases fertility. This study is focused on finding whether dietary supplementation can enhance the quality of boar semen, preserve sperm from oxidative damage, and affect the expression of epigenetic-related genes by examining the impact of particular nutrients with antioxidant effects. Key findings revealed that the supplemented group showed improved sperm concentration, motility, and kinematics, with enhanced antioxidative capacity, through increased enzyme activity in seminal plasma and lower lipid peroxidation markers. Changes in epigenetic-related gene expression levels also indicated positive impacts on genetic stability, which could enhance fertility. These results imply that dietary supplementation could improve reproductive performance in boars. This study investigates the impact of nutritional supplementation on semen quality, epigenetic-related gene expression, and oxidative status in boars. Thirty boars were divided into a control group and a treatment group receiving Espermaplus (a supplement containing various vitamins, amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and trace elements with antioxidant properties). The experiment was performed for 12 weeks. Semen samples were collected at four moments: before starting the supplementation and after 3 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks. Spermatozoa concentration, motility, and kinematics were assessed using the CASA system. The measured parameters included curvilinear velocity—VCL; straight-line velocity—VSL; average path velocity—VAP; curvilinear distance—DCL; straight line distance—DSL; distance of average path—DAP; amplitude of lateral head displacement—ALH; beat-cross frequency—BCF; and head activity—HAC. Moreover, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in seminal plasma, as well as the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), were measured to assess oxidative stress levels in boar's seminal plasma. The expression of epigenetic-related genes such as Protamine 1 (Prm1), Protamine 2 (Prm2), and DNA-methyltransferase 3 alpha (Dnmt3a) were evaluated using real-time PCR. The treated group showed a significant increase in spermatozoa concentration (p = 0.003), total motility (p = 0.001), and progressive motility (p = 0.002) after 12 weeks compared to the control group. Kinematic parameters such as VCL, VSL, and VAP were also significantly higher (p < 0.001; p = 0.028; p < 0.001, respectively) in the treated group by the end of the experiment. SOD and GPx activities were consistently higher (p < 0.01; p < 0.001, respectively) in the treated group, indicating enhanced antioxidative capacity. TBARS levels as an indicator of lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage were significantly lower (p < 0.01) in the treated group by the end of the study. Significant changes were observed in the expression of epigenetic-related genes. The supplementation of boar diets with Espermaplus significantly improved semen quality, reduced oxidative stress, and had an impact on the expression levels of certain epigenetic-related genes, suggesting that dietary antioxidants and bioactive compounds can enhance boar semen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the influence of different concentrations of zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd) found in the feed and water provided to bulls on the concentrations of these metals in cryopreserved bull semen, and to determine their influence onto semen quality parameters. Correlations between heavy metal concentrations in the semen and the quality parameters of semen as estimated by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and flow cytometry (FC) methods were determined. A total of 40 cryopreserved semen samples originating from bulls housed in 4 different centers for artificial insemination (A, B, C and D) were examined, making a total of 160 samples. The concentrations of metals and semen quality parameters were determined in cryopreserved semen of 10 bulls from each center, namely 4 samples from each bull. Concentrations of Zn, Pb, Hg and Cd in hay and concentrated feed were within the allowed limits as proposed by the National Research Council (NRC, 2000). A strong negative correlation was detected between curvilinear velocity (VCL) and Zn concentrations in the semen (P < 0.01; r = -0.772) in group D, and a positive correlation of VCL with Pb concentrations (P < 0.05 and r = 0.718) in group B. Mercury concentrations in cryopreserved semen correlated negatively to the percent of live sperm cells with intact acrosomes (V/IA: P < 0.05; r = -0.640) and positively with the percent of dead sperm cells with damaged acrosomes (D/DA: P < 0.01; r = 0.766) in group D. This finding confirms the hypothesis that Hg, even at low concentrations, may cause acrosome damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bluetongue, a vector-born disease caused by the Bluetongue virus (BTV) and transmitted by Culicoides biting midges, is considered to be one of the most important diseases of domestic ruminants. The first outbreak of bluetongue in Serbia was reported in 2001, when BTV serotype 9 was identified in sampled materials. In 2014, outbreak of BTV-4 in Serbia caused considerable economic losses affecting sheep, cattle and goats. During this outbreak, BTV-4 was recorded in 644 outbreaks within 49 municipalities, part of 17 administrative regions. From the total number of sheep kept in areas affected by bluetongue (n=1 748 110), 2 083 cases (0.2%) were proven to be BTV-4 infected. Total of 206 infected cattle and 24 infected goats were reported during this investigation period, which represents 0.06% and 0.03% of the total number of cattle and goats kept in affected areas, respectively. The highest incidence of infected sheep, cattle and goats was recorded on the territory covered by veterinary institute of Nis. Recorded lethality in cattle, sheep and goats was 18.45% (n=38), 48.10% (n=1002) and 54.17% (n=13), respectively. The peak of the outbreak was in September and October when 94.43% of the confirmed positive cases, regardless of the species, was recorded. Monitoring of bluetongue disease in Serbia relies on active surveillance programmes aimed at: (i) identification and tracing of susceptible and potentially infected animals and (ii) detection, distribution and prevalence of insect vectors. Vaccination of sheep is planned to be implemented as a control measure against bluetongue in Serbia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work was aimed to research into the vital signs, haematological and biochemical parameters, acute‐phase protein concentrations (CRP, albumin), progesterone (PG) and anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations in bitches with pyometra and their comparison with those in healthy bitches. In addition, the goal of this work was to assess if some of the tested parameters may be used as a biomarker in the diagnostics of pyometra and the monitoring of the postoperative recovery. Forty 3‐6‐year‐old bitches of various breeds were included in the research and allotted to two groups: the control (C, n = 20) and the diseased – bitches diagnosed with pyometra (P, n = 20). Blood samples for the analyses were taken immediately before surgery (0 h), and 12 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after, excepting for AMH and PG concentrations, which were determined only at 0 h. Clinical examination detected significantly higher respiration rates in bitches with pyometra in comparison to healthy ones at all time points, higher heart rates before and 12 h after surgery, and higher body temperature before and 12 h, 48 h and 72 h post operation (p <.01). Significantly higher concentrations of CRP (p <.01) and lower concentrations of albumin were detected in bitches with pyometra in comparison to their healthy counterparts at all time points. Progesterone and AMH concentration analysis immediately before surgery detected significantly higher levels of the hormone in bitches with pyometra than in the control (p <.01). The inflammatory reaction of the endometrium resulted in a significant AMH concentration increase, whilst increased CRP concentrations and lower albumin concentrations throughout the research may be used as biomarkers of proinflammatory activities, that is of the acute‐phase response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes, a chronic group of medical disorders characterized byhyperglycemia, has become a global pandemic. Some hormones may influence the course and outcome of diabetes, especially if they potentiate the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). There is a close relationship between thyroid disorders and diabetes. The main objective of this investigation was to find out whether peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are more prone to DNA damage by triiodothyronine (T3) (0.1, 1 and 10 μM) at various stages of progression through diabetes (obese, prediabetics, and type 2 diabetes mellitus—T2DM persons). In addition, some biochemical parameters of oxidative stress (catalase-CAT, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances—TBARS) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were evaluated. PBMCs from prediabetic and diabetic patients exhibited increased sensitivity for T3 regarding elevated level of DNA damage, inhibition of catalase, and increase of TBARS and LDH. PBMCs from obese patients reacted in the same manner, except for DNA damage. The results of this study should contribute to a better understanding of the role of thyroid hormones in the progression of T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of using phytobiotics in broiler feed on the economic efficiency parameters of fattening. The study was conducted on 240 broilers originating from a commercial incubator station, and the dietary trial was based on the group-control principle and lasted for 42 days (control group C -- without the addition of phytogenic additives; experimental OI group -- with the addition of phytogenic additive containing thymol and cinnamaldehyde, 100 g/t of food; experimental OII group -- with the addition of phytogenic additive containing cumin, mint, cloves and anise, 150 g/t of food and; experimental OIII group -- with the addition of phytogenic additive containing thymol, 750 g/t of food). The production results (body weight, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio) and economic efficiency parameters of broiler fattening were calculated for three intervals (1-10, 1-20 and 1-42 days). All production results in each interval were significantly better (p<0.01) in experimental broilers than in the control broilers. The best values of European factor of production efficiency and European broiler index were recorded in experimental groups that received feed with added phytobiotics (values were significantly higher, p<0.01, than in the control broilers). Also, the results obtained were compared with standard values for COBB 500 hybrids. The values obtained in this research were significantly lower (p<0.05) than standard values for Cobb 500. Analysing the data obtained from our study, the positive effects of including phytogenic additives in broiler feed mixtures were measured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the expression of a toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) gene of Staphylococcus aureus in different types of milk, depending on inadequate temperature and storage conditions. Pasteurized and UHT milk were inoculated with monotoxic TSST-1 strain of S. aureus and growth kinetics was determined by the drop plate method using Baird-Parker agar medium in accordance with EN ISO 6888-1. The patterns of gene regulation were detected by quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR. Relative quantification method for statistical significance testing was used to detect significant gene expression responses. The results of experiments showed the dependence of the growth rate and consequent up-regulation of TSST-1 encoding gene on storage time-temperature and type of milk. In contaminated pasteurized and UHT milk kept at both 15 °C and 22 °C S. aureus significantly increased its virulent potential over time. This effect was a bit more emphasized in UHT milk serving as a “proof of concept”. Possible explanation could be a presence of lactic acid bacteria in pasteurized milk which is known to have down-regulatory effect on TSST-1 gene. Maintenance of the milk storage temperature below 8 °C and employment of microbiological control measures in hygienic practices, from milk producer through retailer and on to the consumer is of utmost importance to decrease risk of non-emetic staphylococcal poisoning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histopathological examination, grading, immunohistochemical staining and molecular genetic examinations are the proposed criteria that should be used for cutaneous mast cell tumors (CMCTs) classification. The presence of aberrant CD117 expression and mutations of the c-kit proto-oncogene could be an indicative parameter for final histological grading. Determination of the connection between the localization of KIT receptor expression and the histological grade of CMCTs without c-kit proto-oncogene mutations was the main goal of this study. The study included twenty four CMCTs and six control skin samples from 30 dogs of different ages, breed and sex. Formalinfixed and paraffin-embedded tissue samples were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and toluidine blue and immunohistochemically tested for CD117 expression. DNA was extracted from the same paraffin blocks and subsequent polymerase chain reaction amplification was performed using PE1 and PE2 primers. Degree of malignancy was determined based on the presence of mitotic figures, multinucleated cells, bizarre nuclei and karyomegaly in 10 high power fields. Based on histological features, fourteen of 24 CMCTs were of a high histological grade, while ten were classified as a lowgrade malignancy. CD117 cytoplasmic expression was observed in nine of fourteen high-grade malignancy CMCTs, which confirms the link between the aberrant CD117 expression and increased cell proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of our study was to investigate if the thyroid axis of newborn calves is affected by prenatal application of propylthyouracil (PTU). The study included 20 late pregnant Holstein cows. One group (n=10) was treated with PTU (4 mg/kg of BW daily) from day 20 before expected calving until the day of calving. The other group (n=10) was non-treated. Placental samples of dams were obtained for measuring mRNA expression of iodothyronine deiodinases type I (D1), type II (D2) and type III (D3). After parturition calves were separated from the dams and included in the study. Blood samples were taken daily from each calf starting on the day of birth until day 7 of age. Blood T3, T4 and TSH concentrations were measured. PCR analysis of the placental tissue revealed an abundance of all three types of placental deiodinases in non-treated cows, and a significant elevation of mRNA levels for all three types of deiodinases after PTU treatment. Calves that originated from dams treated with PTU had significantly lower T3 and T4 and significantly higher TSH concentrations compared to non-treated calves during the first 2 days of life. Starting from day 4 until day 6 of life the opposite effect was observed meaning that calves prenatally exposed to PTU had significantly higher T3 and T4 and slightly lower TSH. Our study, for the first time, provides information related to iodothyronine deiodinases mRNA expression in bovine placenta, and confirm that PTU treatment of pregnant dams provokes depression of thyroid function in newborns during the first days of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fatty acid (FA) profiles of lamb muscle and adipose tissue originating from ten different grazing areas in North Macedonia and an assessment of whether the meat origin could be distinguished on the basis of FA profile are presented. Muscle and adipose tissues of three-month-old male lambs (crossbreds of autochthonous Ovcepolian and Württemberg) reared on spring pastures were studied. Statistically significant differences in the individual FA contents, FA groups and FA ratios were observed between lamb tissues from the different geographic regions. Canonical discriminant analysis showed there was a significant linear divergence between tissues from almost all examined regions. The greatest weight in the differentiation of the different areas showed fatty acid ratios, C18:3n3, C18:1n9c and C20:5n3 for the muscle tissue, as well as C18:1n9c, C18:2n6c, C16:1 and C17:1 for the adipose tissue. This showed that the FA composition of muscle and adipose tissue obtained from lambs reared on pasture could serve as a useful indicator to aid differentiation of its geographic origin but it should be confirmed through further replicated studies. • Fatty acid profiles of lambs from ten grazing areas in North Macedonia were investigated. • Significant difference in the FA profilesbetweengeographic regions was observed. • Canonical discriminant analysis of FA's showed a linear divergence between regions. • FA profile of lambs reared on pasture could serve to distinguishdifferent grazing areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]