Search

Selen je važan element u tragovima koji sudjeluje u brojim fiziološkim i metaboličkim procesima u organizmu životinja i ljudi. Brojna su područja i regije u svijetu poznati po nedostatku selena u tlima, a samim time i u usjevima/proizvodima, što se odražava i na njegov nedostatak u životinja i ljudi. Posljednjih se godina sve više pozornosti poklanja iznalaženju optimalne metode/postupka u cilju obogaćivanja proizvoda selenom. Konzumacijom animalnih proizvoda obogaćenih selenom u humanoj prehrani moguće je zadovoljiti njihove nutritivne potrebe za selenom. Cilj ovoga rada je analizom i sintezom dostupne literature istražiti: (I) važnost selena za životinje i ljude, (II) sadržaj selena u mlijeku preživača s posebnim naglaskom na mlijeko malih preživača (ovaca i koza), (III) metode/postupke u procesu obogaćivanja mlijeka malih preživača selenom i to prije svega onih s naglaskom na hranidbeno modeliranje i prirodne postupke te (IV) neke od mogućnosti uporabe obogaćenoga mlijeka selenom u prehrani ljudi. Zaključno se može reći da su metode/ postupci usmjereni u obogaćivanje mlijeka malih preživača selenom za preporuku. Prije svega su to dodavanje organskih izvora selena u hranu ili provođenje postupka biofortifikacije krmiva selenom koji slovi kao prirodni postupak čime se postižu pozitivni učinci na zdravlje životinja, kao i pozitivni učinci pri konzumaciji mlijeka obogaćenoga selenom i u ljudi, osobito pri dužem nedostatku selena u hrani., Selenium is an important trace element that participates in numerous physiological and metabolic processes in animals and human organism. Many areas in the world are known for its lack of selenium in soil, and in crops/products, which is then reflected in its deficiency in animals and humans. In recent years, more attention has been paid to finding the optimal method/procedure in order to enrich the product with selenium. By consuming animal products enriched with selenium in the human diet, it is possible to meet their nutritional needs for selenium. By analyzing the available literature, the aim of this paper is to research: (I) the importance of selenium for animals and humans; (II) the selenium content in ruminants ´ milk with special emphasis on small ruminants milk (sheep and goats); (III) methods/procedures in enrichment of small ruminants´ milk with selenium, especially those with an emphasis on nutritional modeling and natural methods; and (IV) some of the possibilities of using milk enriched with selenium in human nutrition. In conclusion, the methods/procedures aimed at enrichment of small ruminants milk with selenium can be recommended. This includes the addition of organic sources of selenium in the diet, or biofortification of feed with selenium, also known as a natural process which may lead to positive effects on animal health, as well as positive effects on humans when consuming milk enriched with selenium, especially when selenium deficiency is prolonged.

This research aimed to determine the influence of selenium supplements (organic, inorganic) in the rations of heavily pregnant and lactation ewes on indicators of acid-base balance. The research was conducted on 30 pregnant ewes Merinolandschaf breeds. The ewes were divided into three groups of 10 animals. The research started in autumn, by selecting the heavily (90th days of pregnancy) pregnant ewes with a single lamb pregnancy, continued during the spring of next year with the same ewes after lambing in lactation. The control group of ewes (group I) was fed without the selenium supplement, the second group of ewes (group II) was supplemented with 0.3 mg/kg of organic selenium, and the third group of ewes (group III) was supplemented with the 0.3 mg/kg inorganic selenium. In the blood of heavily pregnant and lactating ewes pH, gases (pCO2, pO2), electrolytes (Ca, Na+, K+, Cl- and HCO3-), were determined and calculated z - value, BEfw, BECl -, BEalb, anion gap (AG) and the strong ion difference (SID). Most of the indicators of acid base balance in all three groups were in reference range and supplementation with selenium especially inorganic helps move their values to reference and avoid acid base imbalance and disorders connected, which can cause reduced productivity and economic results. Determined acid base indicators are a sign of proper, timely, and good feeding adjustments of ewes in demanding reproduction statuses., Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je utvrditi utjecaj dodatka selena (organskog, anorganskog) u obrocima kasno gravidnih ovaca i ovaca u laktaciji na pokazatelje acidobazne ravnoteže. Istraživanje je provedeno na 30 gravidnih ovaca Merinolandschaf pasmine. Ovce su podijeljene u tri skupine po 10 životinja. Istraživanje je počelo u jesen, odabirom kasno gravidnih ovaca (90. dan gravidnosti) s jednim janjetom i nastavljeno tijekom proljeća sljedeće godine s istim ovcama nakon janjenja u laktaciji. Krmna smjesa kontrolne skupine ovaca (skupina I) bila je bez dodatka selena, krmna smjesa druge skupine ovaca (skupina II) bila je obogaćena dodatkom 0,3 mg/kg organskog selena, a krmna smjesa treće skupine ovaca (skupina III) bila je obogaćena dodatkom 0,3 mg/kg anorganskog selena. U krvi visoko gravidnih ovaca i ovaca u laktaciji utvrđeni su sljedeći pokazatelji: pH, plinovi (pCO2, pO2), elektroliti (Ca, Na+, K+, Cl- i HCO3-), te izračunata z - vrijednost, BEfw, BECl -, BEalb, anionski procijep (AG) i jaka ionska razlika (SID). Većina pokazatelja acidobazne ravnoteže u sve tri skupine bila je unutar referentnih vrijednosti, a dodatak selena, posebno anorganskog oblika u obrocima ovaca pomaknuo je njihove vrijednosti prema referentnim i izbjegao acido-baznu neravnotežu i povezane poremećaje, koji mogu uzrokovati smanjenu produktivnost i ekonomske rezultate. Utvrđeni pokazatelji acido bazne ravnoteže znak su odgovarajuće hranidbe ovaca i njihove pravovremene i dobre prilagodbe u zahtjevnim reprodukcijskim stanjima.

This study was aiming to research the effect of the seedless grape pomace (GP) added to feed mixture on meat quality, metabolic profile, and antioxidant status of Merinolandschaf lambs. The 90 days old lambs in the control group (C, n=10) were fed feed mixture without GP while in experimental groups were fed with 10% (GP10, n=10) or 20% (GP20, n=10) of GP in feed mixture for 30 days. There was a significant increase in L*, a* values and hue angle as well as a decrease in b* values of lamb carcasses in GP10 and GP20 compared to C group. When lambs were fed GP glucose concentrations decreased, while non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) increased on the 30th day in GP10 and GP20 compared with C group. A significant increase in SOD activity on day 30 and GPx activity on day 15 in lambs’ blood of GP10 and GP20 compared with C group was determined. Also, an increase in DPPH in lamb GP10 and GP20 compared with C was determined. The obtained results of the meat quality, metabolic profile and antioxidant status parameters of lamb meat showed that the use of 10% GP in the diet is justified, while 20% of GP was questionable.

Due to the high content of crude protein and high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids, pumpkin seed cake (PSC) could be a good quality feedstuff for ruminants, while extruded linseed (ELS) has already shown some beneficial effect on fatty acids proportion of goat milk. Besides, lactation is the most demanding period when monitoring the metabolic condition of animal. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of PSC and ELS replacing soybean meal in diets of dairy goats on blood haemato-chemical parameters and milk quality. A 28 lactating French Alpine dairy goats were monitored within 20 days in early lactation. Diet of each groups had a balanced content of energy and crude protein, and a slight difference in lipid content. Goats in control group (n = 9) received soybean meal and extruded soybean. In experimental groups soybean was partially replaced with ELS (n = 10) or completely with PSC (n = 9). Dietary treatments had no effect on haemato-chemical parameters, although PSC increased concentration of globulins in serum. PSC lowered linoleic acid compared to control. ELS increased proportion of α-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and total n-3 fatty acids in milk. Positive correlations were found between non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and ratio C18:1/C15:0, NEFA and ratio C17:0/C15:0, as well as β-hydroxybutyrate and ratio C17:0/C15:0. The replacement of soybean meal with PSC or partially with ELS is feasible with respect to haemato-chemical parameters of early lactating dairy goats, while ELS had much beneficial effect on fatty acids compared to PSC.

A total of 96 Black Slavonian pigs were subjected to the research, in which they were split into 6 groups. Three groups (100, 120, and 130 kg) were fed a higher level (HL) of crude protein in fodder mixtures (CPFM), and three groups (100, 120, and 130 kg) were fed a lower level (LL) of CPFM. After the pigs were slaughtered, pig carcasses were dissected and the meat and halves quality indicators were determined. According to the influence of the final body weight (BW) and nutrition of pigs on the quality of their halves, meat, and dry fermented sausages (kulens), it was concluded that feeding an HL of CPFM increased the proportion of loin, belly rib part, and chin and increased the muscle tissue in the ham, loin, shoulder, neck, and belly rib parts. However, the chemical composition of the meat and the sensory properties of the kulen were not significantly affected by feeding the pigs an HL of CPFM. It was concluded that, by selecting the final BW and adjusting the feeding strategies for pigs, it is possible to modify the conformation and composition of pig carcasses and the quality of meat and kulens produced from the Black Slavonian pig, which is important because consumers prefer products with certain characteristics and of a standard quality and are ready to pay for them.

The aim of the present study was to analyze the situation in organic livestock farming in Croatia and Europe. In the European countries in the year 2017, around 4.5 million cattle, 5.2 million sheep, 1 million pigs and 50 million poultry were registered in organic farming. The highest share of organically registered domestic animals compared to the total population in Europe and the European Union-28 was in cattle (3.5% and 5.2%) and sheep (3.4% and 5.0%), and the lowest in pigs (0.6% and 0.7%). In Croatia the highest share is in sheep (8.57%) and the lowest in poultry (0.02%) number. The largest increase in recent ten years in the EU has been in the number of poultry (by 103%) and the smallest in the number of pigs (by 47.6%), while the increase was the number of cattle and sheep was around 76% and 74%, respectively. In Croatia organic sheep production increased the most (by 65.0%), while the number of cattle and poultry increased by 62 and 64%, and the smallest increase is in the number of pigs (by 24%). The majority of organic meat of all species of domestic animals is produced in France and in United Kingdom, while organic milk is produced mostly in Germany and France. During the year 2018, most organic beef was produced in the UK and France, organic pork in France and Finland, organic sheep meat in Spain and the UK, organic goat meat in Spain, while most of organic poultry was produced in France and in the UK. A significant increase in the number of livestock in organic farming in Europe and in Croatia indicates an increasing interest in organic livestock farming, not only increase of farmers and processors but also increase of consumers of organic products in European countries.

The widespread selenium (Se) deficiency in soil and in feedstuffs from such soil, needs to be prevented by various methods. Recently, biofortification of Se has been carried out by soil fertilization and foliar application of crops. The aim of this study was evaluate the productive traits, Se status and blood metabolic profile in fattening lambs affected by Se biofortified corn. The research was conducted with 20 Merinolandschaf lambs of the average age of 70 days, during 30 days of fattening. The feed mixture of the control group contained corn (0.014 mg Se/kg dry matter, DM); in the experimental group (Se-BC), corn was biofortified (0.278 mg Se/kg DM). The feed mixture, hay and water were offered to lambs ad libitum. Blood was collected from the jugular vein on days 0 and 30 of experiment. Haematological indices were determined in whole blood, whereas concentrations of biochemical indices, enzyme activities, and concentrations of metabolic hormones were determined in serum. After the slaughter, samples of musculus semimembranosus, liver, kidney, lungs, spleen, peritoneum and heart tissues were taken. No significant differences were obtained in productive traits when feeding lambs with Se-BC. Higher concentrations of Se in lungs and liver (control: 0.26 and 0.75 mg/kg, respectively; Se-BC: 0.33 and 0.92 mg/kg, respectively) was determined in Se-BC compared to control. Higher activity of glutathione peroxidase enzyme in serum, higher erythrocyte count, higher content of haemoglobin and haematocrit in whole blood of Se-BC lambs were determined. The results of the study indicate the posibility of using Se-BC in lambs’ diets.

The aim of this research was to investigate the slaughter indicators, carcass measures, and meat quality of lambs fattened with spelt. Lambs consumed various feed mixtures (1000 g day−1 lamb−1): I—control group; II—group with 10% dehulled spelt; III—group with 20% dehulled spelt. In the blood, the concentrations of minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron), biochemical parameters (urea, glucose, total proteins, albumin, globulin, cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, ß-hydroxybutyrate, non-esterified fatty acids, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase), and hepatic enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, and creatine kinase) were determined. After slaughter, carcass development was measured. Samples of musculus semimembranosus were taken, of which the physical properties were analyzed. By analyzing the production properties of the lambs, we found that the slaughter characteristics of the lamb carcasses and the physical properties of the lamb meat as well as most biochemical indicators and enzymes did not significantly differ. The concentrations of albumin were increased in the groups with 10% and 20% spelt, as was the activity of alkaline phosphatase in the group with 20% spelt. The presented results indicate that spelt is an appropriate ingredient in the diet for weaned lambs.

Recently, in the Republic of Croatia an increase in organic farming was observed. The aim of this paper is to present the state and perspectives of organic livestock farming development in Croatia during recent five years. There has been an increase in the number of organic farmers by 114% and the number of organic processors by 52.28%. The used agricultural land decreased by 1.54%, while the land under organic production in total used agricultural land increased, which is 6.94%. Areas sown with crops important for organic livestock feeding increased the most for rapeseed and green forage from arable land and gardens and a decrease was observed in oats. The largest increase regarding livestock was in the number of equidae and sheep and goats, while the only decrease was observed in poultry. The largest increase was also found for sheep meat, beef and pork, while in dairy production the largest increase was in goat milk, as well as production of cheese. Expansion of organic production is observed in the recent five years in Croatia. This contributes to the growing interest in organic production, as indicated by increases in the analyzed indicators in the organic livestock sector.

The aim of the research was to determine of acid-base balance in the blood of Istrian goats during summer season and compare with the other breeds of goats in Mediterranean environment. The research included 21 Istrian goats average age 4 years. Feeding of goats was with pasture and when returned to stable were fed a grain mixture (0.3 kg/goat/day) and meadow hay (ad libitum). In the blood of goats concentrations acid-base indicators (blood pH, BE(efc), blood gas analysis: partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2), partial pressure of oxygen (pO2), total pressure of carbon dioxide (tCO2), as well as electrolytes: Ca2+, Na+, K+, Cl- and HCO3- - bicarbonate) as well as total protein and albumin concentration were determined. Afterwards, anion gap (AG), strong ion differences (SID), z-values, weak anions and cations (ATOTtp and ATOTalb), strong ion gap (SIGtp, SIGalb) and unmeasured anions (XA) were estimated. Indicators of acid-base balance in blood of Istrian goats did not differ compared to reference values, except blood pH value (7.32) which was at lower limit of reference values, and higher values of pCO2 and tCO2 (11.49 kPa and 28.8 mmol/L) possibly related to pulmonary ventilation due to higher air temperature during summer season.

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 this research was to investigate the production traits, blood metabolic profile and fatty acids of meat and tallow in response to the partial replacement of soybean meal with peas in lambs' feed. The research was conducted on 30 Merinolandschaf lambs of 90 days' age over 30 days. Lambs were fed with feed mixture (1000 g day−1 lamb−1). In the control group protein supplement was soybean meal (SC), while in the experimental groups soybean meal was partially replaced with 13 % peas (P13) and 26 % peas (P26). In the haematological parameters of lambs' blood, concentrations of minerals (Ca, P, Mg and Fe) and biochemical parameters (urea, glucose, total protein, albumin, globulins, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglyceride, β-hydroxybutyrate and non-esterified fatty acids) as well as enzyme activity (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT and CK) were determined. After slaughter, carcass development was measured. Samples of m. semimembranosus and tallow were taken in which concentrations of fatty acids were analysed. Values of meat pH and colour were taken 45 min 24 h post mortem, and water-holding capacity was calculated. By analysing the production properties of lamb, we found that slaughtering characteristics of lamb carcasses, haematological and most of the biochemical indicators did not differ. Urea concentrations were reduced in the blood of lambs in P13 and P26. Concentration of C18:2 n-6 increased in tallow of lambs of group SC compared to group P26 of lambs. The above-mentioned results indicate the possibility of partial replacement of soybean meal with peas in lambs' diets in organic farming without changes in production.

Factors affecting growth of young animals were examined in numerous studies relying on various experimental designs and statistical analyses of collected data. In order to provide truthful inferences of examined effect, statistical analysis of test day records must be conducted in a very specific way. The study aimed to exemplify the usage of the random regression coefficient approach in the analysis of the early growth of kids. A total of 3376 test-day body weights repeatedly collected on 644 Alpine and Saanen kids (raised under the same environmental conditions) were used in the statistical analysis. Fitting the age as quadratic regression within kids in the random part of the statistical model helped to determine the effects of gender, breed, and type of birth on growth rate of the kids. The post-fitting statistical analysis revealed that gender was most influential among the examined effects. Males exhibited significantly faster growth than females in practically all examined points of age. Type of birth only negligibly affected growth of experimental kids. Singletons were slightly heavier than twins immediately after birth while it was vice versa at the end of experiment. Breed did not affect growth performances of the kids at any stage of examined age. Along with the findings of the study, the intention of the authors was to initiate a widespread usage of the random regression coefficient approach in studies based on similarly structured data.

Cilj istraživanja bio je utvrditi utjecaj spola i tjelesne mase istarske janjadi prije klanja na pH vrijednost i boju mesa. Istraživanjem je bilo obuhvaćeno 118 janjadi oba spola (64 muške i 54 ženske), koja je prije klanja podijeljena u dvije skupine: lakša (17,76 kg; 28 muške i 32 ženske) i teža (20,17 kg; 36 muške i 22 ženske). Masa trupa utvrđena je neposredno nakon klaoničke obrade trupa i nakon 24 sata, dok su vrijednost pH i boja mesa utvrđeni 45 minuta i 24 sata nakon klanja. Prosječna masa toploga i hladnoga trupa lakše janjadi bila je 9,76 i 9,47 kg, a teže 11,80 i 11,49 kg s kalom hlađenja 2,96, odnosno 2,60%. Trupovi istarske janjadi poprilično su uniformni s obzirom na spol, u pogledu svih istraživanih pokazatelja, izuzev vrijednosti L* i a* parametara boje. U svrhu proizvodnje većih količina janjećega mesa može se preporučiti povećanje tjelesne mase janjadi pri klanju, budući da se pozitivno odražava na masu trupa i kalo hlađenja, uz zadržavanje poželjnih vrijednosti parametara kakvoće mesa., 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.

The study was conducted on Saanen goats raised in Croatia. The object of the study was to determine the average litter size (LS), birth weight (BW) and total litter weight (TLW). The study included a total of 2 500 goats among which 1 786 were phenotyped. A total of 6 349 records for BW and 4 256 records for LS and TLW were used in descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. Determined averages for LS, BW and TLW were 1.74 lambs, 3.27 kg and 5.65 kg, respectively. Twinning and tripling rates were 36.9% and 6.2%. Single-trait analysis under repeatability animal model was used in estimation of variance components and prediction of breeding values. Season (as year-month interaction), age at lambing (as quadratic regression) nested within parity and type of birth were treated as fixed, while herd-year, additive genetic, permanent environmental and residual were treated as random effects, respectively. Investigated environmental effects significantly affected all reproductive traits (p

The investigation included 37 pheasant chickens divided into three groups (control and two experimentals groups) which were all fed with a standard starter feed mixture (28% crude protein and 11.7 MJ ME/kg) for the first 28 days and then with a grower for pheasant chickens (24% of crude protein and 12.1 MJ ME/kg). Sel-Plex(R) was added to the first experimental group in a concentration of 0.2%. A biochemical investigation of the blood samples on the 70(th) day of the trial showed a significantly (P0.05), when compared to the control.

The effect of zeolite clinoptilolite (CLIN) on some metabolic parameters in blood serum and haematological values in weaned piglets fed with increased levels of zearalenone (ZEN) was investigated over a 14-day period. The research involved four groups of weaned piglets aged 40 to 54 days. All groups were fed on fodder mixture for growing pigs containing 20% crude protein and 12.57 MJ ME/kg. The first control group (C1) received a concentrate mixture without added ZEN or mycotoxin adsorbent Min-a-Zel Plus®. The second control group (C2) was fed on fodder mixture containing 0.2% of modified clinoptilolite (Min-a-Zel Plus®; levels of zearalenone

The effect of rumen-protected DL-methionine on some blood biochemical and haematological values of cows in approximately the last 102 days of pregnancy was examined. Twenty-six cow s in the third stage of gestation were divided into two groups of equal number, a control (C) and an experimental group (E). Cows were fed meadow hay, maize grain silage and a 500 g fodder mixture (35% CP). In addition to the fodder mixture, cows in group E received 15 g rumen-protected DL-methionine per animal daily (Mepron® M85). Blood samples were collected on approximately days 102, 68, 34 and 1 prior to parturition. Plasma glucose concentrations of cows in group E were significantly decreased over a long part of the trial period (68 and 34 days prior to parturition) (P=0.046 and P=(1.0175, respectively). Plasma urea concentration in group C was decreased close to statistical significance (P=0.053) on the 68th day prior to parturition. No significant differences were found in plasma concentrations of total protein, albumin, triacylglycerols, total cholesterol and creatinine between the two groups during the trial. The activity of alanine aminotransferase in animals of group E was lower, close to statistical significance (P=0.052) 34 days prior to parturition. No significant differences were found in plasma of asparate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase and alkaline phosphatase levels between groups during experimental feeding. Cows in group E had a lower red blood cell count on the 68th and 34th days prior the parturition (P=0.316 and P=0.153, respectively). On the 68th day before calving the lower number of leukocytes was close to statistical significance (P=0.0785), with highly significant neutropenia in absolute (P

Biological investigations on ewes of Merinolandschaf breed (n = 10) were conducted by the 60th lactation day during the summer on pasture. Ewe milk sampling was carried out on the 2nd ; 10th ; 30th and 60th lactation day. An electrothermal technique was used to determine Cd and Pb concentrations in food and milk whereas As and Hg concentrations in food and milk were determined by a hydrid technique on an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The investigation results indicate that concentrations of selected toxic elements in ewe milk varied in dependence on lactation stage. In colostrum (2nd lactation day) Cd and Pb (0.011 and 0.035 mg/kg) concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.01) whereas As (0.011 mg/kg) concentrations were lower in comparison with milk on the 10th (Cd: 0.004 ; Pb: 0.022 ; As: 0.025 mg/kg), 30th (Cd: 0.005 ; Pb: 0.024 ; As: 0.028 mg/kg) and 60th (Cd: 0.006 ; Pb: 0.026 ; As: 0.029 mg/kg) lactation day. However, no significant differences (P > 0.05) were found in milk Hg concentration in relation to lactation stage (from 0.021 to 0.026 mg/kg). The selected toxic elements appeared to be present in ewe milk in very low concentrations.

The research has been conducted on 48 weaned lambs divided into two groups (C-control and E- experimental) and lasted for 35 days. To lambs in group E the probiotic PIONEER PDFM (R) was added to the fodder Lambs in group E had larger average body weights, greater daily weight gain, increased average daily intake and a better feed efficiency, compared to group C. However, differences between groups have not been statistically significant. The concentration of calcium in the blood serum of group E (2.16 mmol/l) on the 35th day has been statistically lower (P < 0.01) compared to group C (2.38 mmol/l). The concentration of chloride was statistically higher in group E (P < 0.05) on the 19th day (104.75:103.38 nmol/L) and statistically lower (P < 0.05) on the 35 th day (106.00: 107.33 mmol/L). The concentration of iron in the blood serum was statistically higher (P < 0.05) on the 19th and the 35th dayin group E (26.29 and 33.00mmol/l) than in group C (21.97 and 29.15 mmol/l) ; concentrations of phosphorus and potassium in the blood serum were statistically higher on the 35th day in group E (2.74 and 4.95 mmol/l) than in group C (2.41 and 4.65 mmol1l). Lambs in group E had in the blood sera statistically lower (P < 0.01) concentrations of glucose and urea. The activities of the enzymes ALT AST and CK measured on the 35th day of fattening were lower (P < 0. 01) compared to group C. The concentrations of total bilirubin and triglycerides were statistically higher in group E than in group C.

The investigation included five groups of fattening pigs of various average final body weights (90.30 kg ; 100.40 kg ; 110.30 kg ; 120.50 kg and 130.20 kg). The pigs were kept in groups and fed ad libitum a feed mixtures. Meat quality was determined on M. longissimus dorsi (MLD) taken between the 13(th) and 14(th) rib. It was determined that the average final body weights were 90.30 kg (1(st) group), 100.40 kg (2(nd) group), 110.30 kg (3(rd) group), 120.50 kg (4(th) group) and 130.20 kg (5(th) group). This resulted in: decreased average daily gain (0.755 kg ; 0.750 kg ; 0.720 kg ; 0.714 kg and 0.650 kg), feed consumption increased per yield kilogram (2.65 kg ; 2.70 kg ; 2.90 kg ; 3. 10 kg and 3.35 kg), slaughtering dressing increased (77.00% ; 78.00% ; 78.50% ; 79.00% and 80.50%), decreased pig carcasses meatiness (58.13% ; 57.73% ; 55.36% ; 54.93% and 53.80%) decreased relative carcass ham meat share (21.27% ; 20.98% ; 20.19% ; 20.08% and 19.68%), increased pH1 meat value (6.10 ; 6.04 ; 6.10, 6.30 and 6.30). increased meat water binding capacity (8.19 cm(2) 1- 8.58 cm(2) 1- 7.00 cm(2) ; 6.80 cm(2) and 6.85 cm2), increased meat marbling (1, 40 ; 1.50, 1.55 ; 2.50 and 2.50) and meat colour intensity fading (2.75 ; 2.70, 2.50 ; 2.35 and 2.33). Final fattening pig body weights had a significant influence on the fattening traits, pig carcasses and meat quality. Taking into account pig fattening and meatiness as well as fattening profitability, at the existing price ratio, the most effective pigs fattening is by approximately 100 kg of body weight.

The proximate composition and mineral content of light lambs muscle (derived from Istrian and Dalmatian Pramenka breeds) were studied. The M. Longissimus dorsi (MLD) samples of 30 carcasses were analysed and the effects of breed and sex were studied. Although lambs of investigated breeds were similar for slaughter age (2.5 months), Dalmatian Pramenka had significantly higher carcass weights (CW; P

The influence of the reproductive status was tested in the blood serum of 30 sheep (10 pregnant sheep on the 15th day prior to lambing, 10 lactating sheep on the 20th day of the lactation and 10 non-pregnant sheep). The influence of age was determined in the blood serum of 20 sheep and 20 lambs. Analysis of the impact of age in sheep and lamb on the concentration of thyroid hormones showed that 30-day old lambs had significantly higher (P