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The aim of the present study was to determine the acid-base balance in the blood of the Lacaune sheep during different lactation stages. Thirty lactating Lacaune sheep were involved in the research, and were monitored in the early (day 60), medium (day 120), and late lactation stages (day 180). The following parameters were determined in the blood plasma: pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide – pCO2, partial pressure of oxygen – pO2, total pressure of carbon dioxide – tCO2, oxygen saturation – sO2, actual base excess Cbase – B, standard base excess Cbase – Ecf and electrolytes (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Cl- and HCO3- – bicarbonate), while total proteins – TP and albumin ALB were determined in the serum. Also, strong ion difference - SID, z value, anion gap - AG, weak anions, and cations - ATOTtp and ATOTalb, strong ion gap - SIG, unmeasured anions – XA and globulin concentrations were calculated. A significant effect of the lactation stage on most of the acid-base parameters in the blood of the Lacaune sheep was determined, except for pCO2, Cl-, z values and the SID. A significant increase of pO2, sO2, ATOTtp, ATOTalb, AG, SIGalb, SIGtp, XA, Na+, total proteins and albumins, as well as the decreased concentrations of K+ and Ca2+, were determined in the blood of the Lacaune sheep during lactation. During the medium stage of lactation, significant changes were determined in most of the acid-base parameters in the blood of the Lacaune sheep when compared to the other stages. A lactation stage may significantly affect the acid-base balance parameters in the blood of the Lacaune sheep, although the calculations of SIG, base excess (BE), and unmeasured anion (XA) values should also be included for the obtainment of a more comprehensive picture of the acid-base balance.

The aim of the paper was to research the possibility of using hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) in animal nutrition. In animal nutrition, hemp seeds can be used, as well as hempseed cake, and hemp oil as supplement in feed mixtures. Hemp seeds are rich in crude protein and crude fat with adequate proportions of linoleic (LA, C18:2 n-6) and linolenic (ALA, C18:3 n-3) acid. The addition of hemp oil in diets of dairy goats increased milk fat with increasing conjugated fatty acid (CLA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) proportions. When feeding ewes with addition of hemp seeds (180 g/day) or hempseed cake (480 g/day), higher milk fat content was observed with higher proportions of LA, CLA and ALA. Addition of hempseed cake (143 g/ kg DM) in diets of cows increased milk yield, compared to the control group and the group with higher levels of hempseed cake (233 or 318 g/kg DM). Nutrition of laying hens with hemp seeds in diet (10 and 20%) provided enrichment of yolk fat with ALA, and did not negatively influence laying performance. The aforementioned indicated possibility of using hemp in diets of animals without major changes in production, and with possible increase of desirable fatty acids in animal products.

Continuous growth of human population, combined with the changes in eating habits, calls for an intensification of agricultural production. However, apart from the increase in food production, its nutritional composition is important as well, particularly in terms of microelements. In diets of over two thirds of the world’s population, there is a lack of more than one microelement. Insufficient concentrations of microelements, which are important for proper growth, development and health of humans and domestic animals, can be eliminated with diverse nutrition, microelement supplementation and by increasing the concentration and bioavailability of microelements in feeds used in animal nutrition, or biofortification. By reviewing the literature, the factors that influence the increase in microelement concentration in fodder crops are presented. Agronomic and genetic approach to biofortification is advocated as an immediate strategy to eliminate the lack of microelements most commonly lacking in diets: iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iodine (I), selenium (Se). The nutrition of animals containing biofortified fodder aims to increase the concentration of the aforementioned microelements in blood and improve their growth, development and health. By increasing the concentrations of microelements in tissues and milk of domestic animals, the ultimate goal is to meet the microelement needs in humans.

The aim of this investigation is to determine haematological parameters of ewes during lactation in organic farming. Research was carried out with 32 Merinolandschaf ewes in age of 4 years and in third lactation. Sampling of blood from the same ewes was conducted on 20th, 60th and 100th day of lactation. Feeding was based on feed mixture and meadow hay from organic farming. Haematological parameters (number of leukocyte-WBC, erythrocytes-RBC, and platelet-PLT, as well as content of haemoglobin-HGB, haematocrit-HCT, mean corpuscular volume-MCV, the average haemoglobin content in erythrocytes-MCH and mean haemoglobin concentration in erythrocytes-MCHC) in whole blood of ewes and differential blood test (segmented neutrophils-SEG, band cells-NESEG, lymphocytes-LYM, eosinophils- EOS, monocytes-MON and basophils-BAS) were determined. During the lactation significant decrease of RBC (9.36-8.62×1012 L-1), HGB (92.59-86.25 g L-1) and number of BAS (0.41-0.03%) was determined, while MON (0.53-0.06%) decreased until 60th day of lactation. Significant correlations were determined between most of the haematological parameters in blood of ewes in lactation. Significant positive total correlation was determined between RBC and HGB (0.96), very strong correlation between HCT:HGB, RBC:HCT and MON:MCH (0.82, 0.76 and 0.80), as well as strong negative correlation between MCH:MCHC (-0.63). The abovementioned indicated significant interdependence of the most of haematological parameters in ewes during lactation in organic farming.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of sex and slaughter weight of Istrian sheep lambs on pH value and meat colour. The study included 118 lambs of both sexes (64 male and 54 female) which were, prior slaughter, divided into two groups: light (17.76 kg; 28 male and 32 female) and heavy (20.17 kg; 3 male and 22 female). Carcass weight was determined immediately after carcass processing and after 24 hours, while the pH value and meat colour were determined 45 minutes and 24 hours after slaughter. Average hot and cold carcass weights in light lambs were 9.76 and 9.47 kg, and in heavy lambs 11.80 and 11.49 kg, with chilling loss of 2.96 and 2.60% respectively. Istrian sheep lambs carcasses are quite uniform in relation to sex in terms of all the investigated traits, except value of L* and a* colour parameters. For the production of larger lamb meat quantities it might be recommended to increase lambs slaughter weight since the higher slaughter weight has the positive effect on carcass weight and chilling loss while retaining the desirable values of meat quality parameters.

Two groups of weaned piglets (N=46), crossbreed (SLxLW) x Pietrain, the same sex proportions, aged 28 days were involved in the investigation. Piglets from all groups were fed mixture for weaned piglets with 22% of crude protein and 13.84 MJ ME/kg until 21st day of the trial and with 19% of crude protein and 13.74 MJ ME/kg until 35th day of the experiment. The experimental group was added 0.2% nProgut® in the feed mixture, during the whole experimental period. Body weight,haematological and some biochemical parameters were determined on the 7th, 21st and 35th day of the trial. No significant differences were determined in average body mass and biochemical parameters (glucose, creatinine, triglycerides, total protein, albumin, globulin, haptoglobin, C-reactive protein) concerned. Total leukocytes count was higher (P>0.05) in the experimental group (E) 21st and 35th day, and significantly higher (P

The aim of this paper is to present haematological parameters in the Alpine goats during lactation. The study included 15 goats average age of 5 years in the 4th lactation. The blood sampling of goats was conducted on the 30th, 60th, 90th and 120th days of lactation. In the blood of goats, significant decrease in the number of red blood cells was determined, as lactation progressed, and their growth in the latter measure, but with no significant difference. Also, a significant decrease was found in the number of leukocytes as lactation progressed, whereas the 120th day of lactation showed their increase compared to the 90th day. A similar trend was found out for the content of hemoglobin and hematocrit. The mean volume of red blood cells and a significant proportion of monocytes were declining as lactation advance, while the mean concentration of hemoglobin significantly increased, and in the end of the study significantly decreased, compared to the measurement of 90th day. The above mentioned changes in hematological parameters indicate the quality of recovery and adjustment of goats in lactation.

The aim of this paper is to determine the concentration of blood metabolic hormones and leptin levels in growing lambs. The research was carried out on Tsigai lambs in two periods (suckling and fattening) during the winter feeding season. Lambs were suckling and ate a food mixture and alfalfa hay ad libitum, while during the fattening period they were fed only with the above mentioned mixture and alfalfa hay ad libitum. Their blood was analyzed on 35th and 75th day of age. Concentrations of minsulin, leptin and thyroid hormones were determined in the blood serum of lambs during both periods. In the blood of fattening lambs significantly higher (P0.05) insulin concentrations (1.05 and 0.54 μU/mL), were determined, compared to suckling lambs. A significant strong positive correlation between serum leptin and insulin (r = 0.85, P0.05). The concentration of thyroid hormones did not significantly differ depending on the period of measurement. These changes indicate that the measurement concentrations of metabolic hormones and leptin in blood are very important in order to understand the changes of metabolism and nutrient supply in growing lambs.

Black Slavonian pig is an autochtonuous Croatian breed derived by crossing Mangulitza, Berkshire and Polandchina at the end of 19th century. It belongs to the group of endangered breeds. Because of its pronounced resistance, pigmented skin and ability of consuming high amounts of roughage (pasture), it is very convenient for keeping it outdoors, especially for organic production within low-input traditional technology. The investigation was conducted on 10 Black Slavonian pigs and 10 crossbreds between Black Slavonian pig (BS) and Swedish Landrace boars (SL). The pigs were fed until weighed approx. 135 kg. They were slaughtered at 12 months age and Black Slavonian pigs at 18 months. The pigs were kept outdoors in a natural low-lying pasture. The pasture area per animal was 0.05 ha. A traditional low- input technology was applied. Apart from pasture. the pigs consumed food found on stubbles after cereals had been harvested (wheat, barley, corn) and were given small amount of corn (0.15 kg/head/day). Dissection of cooled (+4oC ) right pig carcasses was done by the modified method (Weniger et.al., 1963). The meat quality was investigated on a sample of long back muscle (Muscullus longissimus dorsi – MLD) taken between 13th and 14th rib. Outdoor keeping system and low inputs technology resulted in trunks of very significantly (P0.05) were determined between analyzed pig genotypes. Crossbreds meat, compared to Black Slavonian pig meat, was known for very significantly (P

The offspring’s development especially in the first months after foaling is crucial for further development. If favourable conditions of feeding, keeping and fancying as well as other important conditions are ensured, a homogenous growth and development of the offspring is obtained. Research was conducted on 44 male and 42 female Lipizzaner breed foals in the first six months after foaling. The measuring of the withers height, chest girth and cannon bone circumference were done seven days after foaling and at the age of six months. Measuring data were processed by the statistical program SPSS/PC (Nie et al., 1975). The processed data of the obtained measurings indicate homogeneity for both male and female foals. The male foals had a little higher values than the female in both measurings, but the differences between sexes were highly significant only in the cannon bone circumference. Correlations among obtained values were positive and ranged between low and very high, with correlation coefficients between r= 0.379 and r=0.843 for male and r=0.338 and r=0.723 for female foals. The differences between the obtained values were significant and highly significant and a little more marked in male foals.

A comparison of the Lipizzaner and Holstein breed offspring shows the growth intensity and the development of body measurements at specific age until turning three. 57 Lipizzaner and 25 Holstein breed foals were included by the research. The withers height, the chest girth and the cannon bone circumference were measured seven days after birth, and at the age of 6, 12, 24, 36 months. The collected values show that the most intensive growth was noticed in the first six months of the researched foals, being decreased by age. The withers height increase in the first six months in relation to total increase with the 3 years old Lipizzaner foals was 56.89%; on the other hand the Holstein breed foals showed an increase of 48.82%. The chest girth increased in the first six months by 55.96% with the Lipizzaner foals and 47.28% with the Holstein foals in relation to total triennial growth. The cannon bone circumference with the Lipizzaner foals increased in the first six months by 53.22%, and with the Holstein breed foals by 49.55% in relation to total triennial growth. The above mentioned results show a more intensive growth of the Lipizzaner than of the Holstein breed foals.

Investigations of the admission maturity in young Lipizzaner breed yearling mares were conducted on 59 heads from the stud breeding. The investigations referred to age determination of the first fertilization, first foaling and first pregnancy duration. It was determined that young Lipizzaner breed yearling mares were fertilized at the age of 1157 days or 3.17 years. First foaling took place when they aged 1489 days or 4.08 years. First pregnancy duration of the investigated yearling mares was 332.28 days. Results of the conducted investigations indicate earlier first fertilization thereby earlier foaling compared to the investigation values obtained by Rastija et al. (1988, 1989,1996, 1998 and 2000), Baban Mirjana et al. (1998 and 2005), Rimanić et al. (1990) and Telalbašić et al (1987). The first pregnancy lasted for 332.28 days and is mainly in accordance with values from the quoted literature (± 1 – 2 days).

This paper aims to investigate feeding season effect (winter and summer) on reproductive and productive traits of the ewes and suckling lambs. Biological investigations were conducted on 60 Merinolandschaf breed ewes aged 4 years on the average and their lambs (123) in the suckling-ablactation period. In the winter feeding season ewes were fed grain mixture (300 g daily) containing 60% oats, 30% maize and 10% soybean meal as well as hay (ad libitum). The lambs were suckling and they received forage mixture, quality hay and fresh water ad libitum. During the summer feeding season ewes grazed on the pastures. The lambs were suckling and received forage mixture, quality hay ad libitum and pasture green mass in smaller portions. While comparing winter to summer feeding season the ewes had longer gravidity period (150.76 and 150.40 days), more lambs at parturition (1.21 and 1.11) and ablactation (1.10 and 1.07), more twins (12 and 8), higher body weight during gravidity (65.52 kg and 61.86 kg) and increased body weight losses after lambing (7.72 kg and 6.44 kg). As for the body weight losses after lactation (7.94 kg and 7.78 kg) no statistically significant differences were determined between the feeding seasons. Birth weight of lambs was higher by 26.91% (4.15 kg and 3.27 kg) and at 60 days of age it was higher by 11.40% in winter compared to summer feeding season. Faster daily gains of lambs (by 7.21%) was determined during the winter feeding season. However, it was noticed that lambs aged from 40th to 60th and 20th to 60th day obtained higher daily gains (by 6.25% and 1.74%) in summer feeding season.

Investigations of correlation between some body measurings refer to Lipizzaner mares and stallions raised in Đakovo stud. Measures were carried out with 16 stallions and 34 mares by Lydtin stick and cattle tape measure. Achieved correlation values indicate correlation among some body measures. The correlation ranged from slightly negative to highly positive with correlation coefficients from -0.242 to 0.894**. The poorest correlation was determined between forehead width and cannon bone circumference with other body measures whereas positive correlations were found out with other body measures.

Investigation of fattening and slaughter traits was conducted with crossbreeds between Swedish Landrace and Large White (SL x LW), Swedish Landrace and Pietrain (SL x P) as well as between Large White and Pietrain (LW x P). The pigs were fed in the same conditions. They were fed mixture containing 15.36% crude proteins and 13.22 MU/kg. Values of meat pH were determined by pH –meter Mettler Toledo, ability of meat water fixation according to Grau-Hamm (1952) whereas colour and meat marbling by an American NPCC method. No statistically significant differences were found (P>0.05) in terms of daily gain (640 g, 680 g and 6880 g) among the investigated pig genotypes. However, feed conversion differences were determined. The lowest feed consumption per gain kg was characterized by crossbreeds LW x P (2.04 kg) followed by crossbreeds SL x LW (3.22 kg) and crossbreeds SL x P (3.63). The highest meatiness of pork sides (55.15%) and their conformation were known by crossbreeds LW x P followed by (by the meatiness) crossbreeds SL x LW (54.71%) and crossbreeds SL x P (54.08%). Pig meat quality of the investigated genotypes was satisfactory. Crossbreeds with Pietrain (SL x P and LW x P) had slightly lower meat water fixation ability (9.70 cm2 and 9. 80 cm2 ) compared to the crossbreeds LW x SL (8.51cm2 ). Crossbreeds with Pietrain were also characterized by lower meat colour intensity (2.50 and 2.33) and meat marbling (1.38 and 1.50) compared to colour intensity and meat marbling in crossbreeds LW x SL (2.75 and 2.50).

Observation at he foals development, especially in their first months of life, gives a possibility of their successful selection. A correct offspring treatment from the early age and a quality feeding of lactating mares ensures a successful foals breeding, which has a positive influence on their further development. Eighty two six-month-old foals were included into the research. Measuring of the withers height, chest girth and cannon bone circumference were done seven days after foaling and at the age of six months. The measuring data were processed by the statistical program SPSS/PC (Nie et al., 1975). A correlation between physical measures of the seven-day-old and six-month-old foals was summed. Withers height of the six-month-old in relation to the seven-day-old foals increased by 35%, the chest girth by 69% and the cannon bone circumference by 34%. The correlation among attained values was highly significant at the level P=0.01 with correlation coefficients ranging between r=0,363 and r=0,820. The aim of this research was to get an insight of the mutual connection of foals development in the early phase, i.e. in the suckling phase.

This paper aimed at determination of defferences in morphological and reproductive properties of Lippizaner breed blood mares raised in stud farm Đakovo and on family farms. Results of morphological properties investigation indicate better development of investigated body measures of a stud farm mares, except chest width that was more pronounced in family farm mares. Significant differences were determined with withers height (cattle tape), back height and cannon bone circumference whereas differences of withers height (stick), small of the back height, chest depth and chest width were highly significant. As for reproductive properties stud farm raising mares were older at first fertilization and first foaling compared to the family farm mares. Statistically very significant differences in pregnancy duration were determined only at 5-12 pregnancy of stud farm raising mares. First, second, fourth and 5-12 service period lasted longer in stud farm raising mares whereas longer duration of the second and third service period was determined with family farm mares.

Heavy metals and metalloids are very frequent pollutants of surface waters. Due to high toxicity heavy metals are dangerous for living organisms. Contamination chain is always in the following cycle: industry, atmosphere, soil, water, phytoplankton, fish and human beings. The aim of the research is to determine concentration of Pb, Hg, Cd and As in meat of two-year-old fish-pond carp. For lead and mercury determination electrothermal technique to AAS Perkin-Elmer 4100 ZL was applied whereas to determine concentration of Hg and As we applied hydride technique to AAS Perkin-Elmer 2380 with MHS-10 system. In 17 analysed meat samples concentration of Pb ranged from 0,120 to 0,750 mg kg -1 , Hg from 0,024 to 0,308 mgkg-1 , Cd from 0,07 to 0,019mgkg-1 and As from 0,025 to 0,052 mg.kg-1 The research has proved positive correlation at high level of significance between concentration of Pb and body weight (r=0,914; p0,001) whereas correlation between body weight and concentration of Hg (r=0,512, P0,05) was significant. Determined concentrations of heavy metals in fish-pond carp meat are lower than those permitted by the Law on Foodstuffs of the Republic of Croatia.

The academic textbook Stock Breeding in Tropical and Subtropical Conditions contains the following chapters: General part, Cattle and camels, Sheep and goats, Horses, donkeys, mules and hinnies, Index and Appendix with photographs of domestic animals in tropical and subtropical area. The textbook is written for students of the Faculty of Agriculture in Osijek and serves as a reading recommended within the module of the same title. Since 1997, when this module was introduced to curriculum as an elective course, students have showed great interest for gaining knowledge on cattle breeding in specific tropical and subtropical conditions. They prepared numerous seminary papers and final theses on the mentioned topic. Gaining of such knowledge contributes to openness and mobility of students to other European universities, which further promotes Bologna Process principles. The textbook covers all topics that are planned to be elaborated within the module. The handbook content is divided into two parts. The first part overviews numerous problems that producers of cattle in tropical and subtropical conditions are faced with. Some of those problems are also present in Croatia, especially in the warmer part of a year, becoming more obvious because of global climatic changes. Some breeds of cattle typical for tropical and subtropical areas are presented in the second part of the textbook within three chapters (Cattle and camels, Sheep and goats, Horses, donkeys, mules and hinnies). According to historical records, some of these animals, such as buffalos lived in our areas, particularly in Slavonia, while some other breeds live today across Europe and are treated as exotic animals.