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The aim of this study was to determine the length of the contraceptive period after the application of deslorelin implant (4.7 mg) in juvenile, prepubertal bitches and assess the effects on the hormonal status (P4, E2 and melatonin), as well as on the occurrence of normal physiological estrus. Twelve crossbred prepubertal female dogs (4 months of age) were divided into the two groups, the treated group (DESLO) and control (placebo) group (C). Hormone assays, vaginal microbiological and cytological smears and the measurements of electrical resistance of cervical mucus were performed once in 3 weeks until the first signs of proestrus, and every day during estrus. GnRH implant significantly postponed time of onset of estrus (633 ± 30,38 days vs. 143.80 ± 52,30 days, P<0.001). In estrus, DESLO group showed statistically higher E2 (34.58 pg/mL vs. 20.59 pg/mL, P<0.001) and melatonin serum concentration (45.86 pg/mL vs. 18.85 pg/mL, P<0.001) compared to the control group. The average P4 serum concentration had no statistically significant differences between groups. In conclusion, deslorelin implants do not cause “flare up” effect in perpubertal bitches, however, increase of E2 and especially melatonin serum concentrations show the need to explore the consequences and mutual influence of melatonin and deslorelin implants in the future.

The aim of this study was to examine the seroprevalence of Leptospiraspp. in dogs and red foxes in the entity of the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, after heavy rainfall and floods in 2014 and for the two years thereafter. The seroepidemiological study involved testing serum samples from dogs (n = 98) and foxes (n = 112) using MAT (microscopic agglutination test).

AbstractRedox imbalance in peripartum period influences health of dairy cows and their foetus and, through the colostrum, health of new-born calves. Oxidative stress in cattle can be suppressed by dietary supplementation with natural minerals, and we investigated the effect of supplementation with organically modified clinoptilolite on redox status parameters in healthy pregnant primiparous dairy cows. Holstein cows were randomly assigned to receive daily oral drenching, with 1 L of water containing either 0 g/L (n = 14; control group) or 150 g/L of clinoptilolite (n = 17; supplemented group). Treatment lasted from 24 ± 4 days prior to parturition until 2 days postpartum (pp). Blood samples were collected on days 24 ± 4 (–24 D) and 4 ± 2 (–4 D) prior to parturition and on days 1 (+1 D), 2 (+2 D), and 7 (+7 D) pp, and colostrum were collected at 2, 12, 24 and 36 h pp. Total antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxides, and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) levels were determined in peripheral blood plasma, erythrocytes, and colostrum whey. The concentration of antioxidants in the peripheral blood of supplemented cows was increased by 41% and 19% on (+2 D) and (+7 D), respectively, while the concentration of lipid peroxides on (+7 D) was lowered by 57% compared with the control group. In addition, this supplementation increased erythrocyte AOPP level on (–4 D) 61%) and colostral lipid peroxides level (90%) at 24 h pp. The results of this study showed that applied short-term supplementation with clinoptilolite influences redox homeostasis and may contribute to effective adaptation of primiparous cows to redox imbalance in the peripartum period.HighlightsShort-term dietary supplementation with clinoptilolite in the prepartum period modulates redox homeostasis of the dairy cows’ blood plasma.Short-term dietary supplementation with clinoptilolite contributes to adaptation of dairy cows to redox imbalance in the peripartum period.Short-term dietary supplementation with clinoptilolite increase the level of lipid peroxides in colostrum of dairy cows.

The hygienic behavior in honey bees is a complex polygenic trait that serves as a natural defense mechanism against bacterial and fungal brood diseases and Varroa destructormites infesting brood cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a dietary amino acids and vitamins supplement “BEEWELL AminoPlus” on hygienic behavior of Apis melliferacolonies combating microsporidial and viral infections. The experiment was performed during a one-year period on 40 colonies alloted to five groups: one supplemented and infected with Nosema ceranaeand four viruses (Deformed wing virus - DWV, Acute bee paralysis virus - ABPV, Chronic bee paralysis virus - CBPV and Sacbrood virus – SBV), three not supplemented, but infected with N. ceranaeand/ or viruses, and one negative control group. Beside the l isted pathogens, honey bee trypanosomatids were also monitored in all groups.

Colony losses, including those induced by the colony collapse disorder, are an urgent problem of contemporary apiculture which has been capturing the attention of both apiculturists and the research community. CCD is characterized by the absence of adult dead bees in the hive in which few workers and a queen remain, the ratio between the brood quantity and the number of workers is heavily disturbed in favor of the former, and more than enough food is present. Robbing behavior and pests usually attacking the weakened colony do not occur. In the present paper, the causes of the emergence of this problem are discussed, as well as the measures of its prevention.

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.

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.