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Several factors have led to a decline in autochthonous breeds, and the need for conservation programs based on risk assessment has increased. The aim of the study was to compare and validate two models for risk assessment of local small ruminant breeds in Serbia. The first model considered only the effective population size (Ne), while the alternative model included Ne, the number of females and sub-factors representing the influence of different elements. The results indicate an increasing trend in most breeds and populations over the last five years, with the exception of Tsigai and Chokan Tsigai, which showed a decrease. However, the increasing trend is insufficient, especially for Pirot, Karakachan, and Bardoka, as well as for the Domestic (Serbian) white goat, which is classified as critically endangered in both models. Vlashko vitoroga, Chokan tsigai, and the Balkan goat were at high risk. The models produced different results for the Krivovir, Sjenica, and Svrljig strains. In the first model, Krivovir was classified as potentially endangered, whereas Sjenica and Svrljig were not. In the second model, Krivovir was classified as highly and the other two strains as potentially endangered. These differences are due to the additional factors in the second model, which lead to a more comprehensive assessment for future risk assessments. Although the new model is appropriate for Serbia, it is important to test it on a variety of native species to increase confidence. Future conservation programs should also include genetic characterization and implement adaptive models to obtain more reliable conclusions.

Pirot breed is a highly endangered autochthonous population of sheep in Serbia, from which several important national brands originate: Pirot lamb, Pirot carpet and Pirot hard cheese. In the available literature, there are no data on hematological and biochemical parameters of the blood of this population. The aim of this paper, which represents the beginning of the research, is to determine the above indicators in the blood of Pirot Pramenka, which will contribute to the preservation of this population. Since the breed affects the value of blood parameters, the obtained results will be used to define reference intervals for this population and compare with others. The study included 30 clinically healthy sheep, 2-3 years old, from the area of Stara Planina. Blood samples were taken by puncture to c. jugularis from which, after coagulation and centrifugation, blood serum was extracted. Haematological analyzes were performed in the next 24 hours on a Siemens Advia 120 analyzer. The following parameters were determined: total number of leukocytes, erythrocytes, platelets, hemoglobin content, hematocrit value, MCV, MCH, PLT and MPV. Biochemical blood tests were performed using Olympus AU 400 analyzers.The following parameters were determined: total protein, albumin, globulin, urea, creatinine, glucose, total bilirubin, cholesterol. Also, the following minerals were determined - calcium, phosphate and magnesium, and following enzymes: AST, GGT and CK. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using the statistical package STATISTICA (Version 8). Hematological indicators of Pirot pramenka are in reference intervals for sheep, which indicates good animal health status. Biochemical parameters of Pirot pramenka blood were within defined physiological limits, except for creatinine and phosphorus levels, which were below the lower limit, which is a consequence of dehydration and reduced alimentary intake. In accordance with the obtained results, it is necessary to correc