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This study investigated the possibility of using morphometric measurements to differentiate the autochthonous Serbian White goat breed from Saanen and Balkan goats, which were used as sire and dam breeds in its creation. For this purpose, a multivariate discriminant analysis was used. A total of 11 morphometric traits were measured in 98 does of 3 breeds: Saanen (n = 28), Balkan (n = 28), and Serbian White (n = 42), aged 2 to 7 years, in 4 different locations. Univariate analysis of variance revealed a significant difference in body measurements of all three breeds, with Saanen goat being the largest in format and Balkan the smallest. Discriminant analysis extracted six out of eleven tested morphometric traits with the strongest discriminatory power: heart girth, head length, chest depth, head width, pelvic width, and body length. Mahalanobis distances were significant between all three genetic groups. The discriminant function correctly classified 95.24% of the Domestic White goats investigated to their source group. The classification accuracy of the function was cross-validated and indicated an overall success rate of 91.84%. The results of this research showed that there was a clear separation between Serbian White, Saanen, and Balkan goats. The present findings could help a more rapid field assessment of Serbian White goats.

The main aim of this research was to study the effect of two sowing times (early and late) on Fusarium and fumonisin contamination and some yield component traits of two maize hybrids from the FAO maturity groups 500 (ZP 560) and 600 (ZP 666) within a two-year growing season (2016–2017). F. verticillioides and F. subglutinans have been identified as Fusarium ear rot (FER) pathogens and potential producers of B-type fumonisins (FBs), with F. verticillioides as the predominant Fusarium species in both years. The incidence of F. verticillioides and FB levels were affected by sowing time and maize hybridity. With early sowing and the mid-maturity hybrid ZP 560, F. verticillioides and FB contamination were lower than with late sowing and the late-maturity hybrid ZP 666. Yield parameters also differed significantly between sowing time and maize hybrid treatments. Early sowing increased ear length (EL), number of grains per ear (NGE), grain weight per ear (GWE), and grain yield per hectare (GY). The late-maturity hybrid ZP 666 had higher yield component traits and GY than the mid-maturity hybrid ZP 560. EL, GWE, thousand-grain weight (TGW), and GY were affected by year. Interactions between sowing times and maize hybrids were highly significant (p ≤ 0.01) for FB level, GWE, and GY. The obtained results indicate the importance of applying early sowing to achieve high maize grain yields with lower contamination by F. verticillioides and FBs. Although mid-maturity hybrid ZP 560 and late-maturity hybrid ZP 666 showed significant differences in terms of levels of F. verticillioides and FB contamination, both were susceptible to F. verticillioides, with high FB levels. These results should be useful to breeders of maize hybrids to create genotypes more resistant to these fungal contaminants.

Moniezioza je parazitska bolest malih preživara koja ima globalni karakter. Nju uzrokuju pantljičare Moniezia expansa i Moniezia benedini. U razvoju ove pantljičare, neophadni su prelazni domaćini – neparazitske grinje iz porodice Oribatida kojima se pravi domaćini inficiraju tokom paše. Ove pantljičare nastanjuju tanka creva domaćina, a klinička slika se najčešće ispoljava kod mladih životnja. Javljaju se profuzne dijareje, intestinalne konvulzije i opstrukcije, nadut abdomen, kaheksija i uginuća. U Srbiji je, zavisno od regiona, prevalenca monizioze od 3 do 5%. U terapiji se najčešće koriste preparati na bazi bezamidazola, niklozamida i kombinacije levamizola i prezikvantela

Gajenje malih preživara, ovaca i koza, predstavlja značajnu granu stočarske proizvodnje. I pored činjenice, da broj ovaca i koza na društvenom i individualnom sektoru proizvodnje povremeno varira, ovoj grani privrede i njenom unapređenju poklanja se izuzetna pažnja. Razlog ovome ne leži samo u tradiciji, već i u saznanju da gajenje malih preživara predstavlja nacionalno bogatstvo, kako zbog proizvodnje vune i mleka, tako i jagnjećeg i jarećeg mesa, veoma traženog artikla na svetskom tržištu. Unapređenje ove proizvodnje vezano je za rešavanje niza različitih problema, koji imaju za cilj prvenstveno povećanje ekonomičnosti uz očuvanje zdravlja i dobrobiti životinja. U okviru ovih zadataka svakako se mora prvenstveno posvetiti pažnja zdravstvenoj zaštiti. Načinom gajenja koji je u već vekovima ustaljen kod malih preživara stiče se niz uslova koji pogoduju razvoju i održavanju velikog broja oboljenja različite etiologije. Među njima, jedno od vodećih mesta zauzimaju parazitske infekcije. Mnogobrojni su faktori koji doprinose pojavi, održavanju i širenju parazitoza. Među njih spadaju: zajedničko držanje životinja različitih starosnih kategorija, zajednička ispaša životinja različitih vlasnika, držanje velikih i malih preživara na istom pašnjaku, nepravilno korišćenje pašnjaka, veliki broj životinja na pašnnjaku, povoljni klimatski uslovi za razvoj i preživljavanje preparazitskih stadijuma i prelaznih domaćina koji su neophodni za razvoj određenih vrsta parazita u spoljašnjoj sredini a samim tim i infekciju životinja, kvalitet pašnjaka, zootehničke mere koje se sprovode (ili ne sprovode) i sl. Odsustvo ili neadekvatno sprovođenje mera suzbijanja parazita, takođe, doprinose rasprostranjenosti parazitskih infekcija. Neprosvećenost stanovništva, prvenstveno stočara, ubraja se među značajne činioce u epizootiologiji ovih oboljenja. Pašni način ishrane omogućava malim preživarima stalan kontakt sa prelaznim domaćinima (oribatidama, moluscama i sl.) i jajima i larvenim oblicima

Monieziais is a global parasite disease of ruminants. It is caused by Moniezia expans and Moniezia benedini. As all tapeworms, Moniezia spp has an indirect life cycle with ruminants as final hosts, and oribatid mites (also called "moss mites" and "beetle mites") as intermediate hosts. The oribatid mites ingest the eggs, which hatch in their gut and develop to cysticercoids in the body cavity of the mites. They are infective for the final hosts. These thugs inhabit the small intestine of the host and clinical presentation is most common in young animals. There are disorders of profuse diarrhea, intestinal convulsions and obstruction, bloated abdomen, cachexia and death. Research on the prevalence of monieziais in ruminants has not been done in Serbia for more than fifty years. In our work, we presented the results of a preliminary examination of the prevalence of monieziais in certain regions of Serbia in large and small ruminants in the last ten years. Moniezia benedeni is a common tapeworm of cattle in Serbia and depending on the region, the prevalence is 3 to 5%. Moniezia expansa is more frequent in sheep and goats and occured in 11 to 23% of examined animals. Diagnosis is based on fecal examination for the presence of gravid segments (proglottids) or of eggs with a characteristic morphology. In the treatment of the disease, the most commonly used preparations are bezamidazole, niclosamide, and combination of praziquantel and levamisole.

Small ruminants production, among them sheeps production, in northeast part of Serbia play important role in providing economical income and high quality animal protein for diet especially for those who live in the rural area. Sheeps in this region are usually kept under semi-intensive (pasture/stable) condition. One of the main health problems in this kind of production system is connected to infestation with parasites, which results in direct and indirect economical losses. The present study was conducted in 61 sheep flocks from the territory of northeast Serbia in the period of March to Novembar 2019, using into consideration the sesonal occurance and prevalence of ticks. Ticks were from sheep by means lightly sprung forceps. All specimens were placed into glass specimen bottles which had a piece of hard paper inserted bearing the name of locality name of host and date and hour of collection. The tick species and sex/gender were identified by morphometric characteristics. In total, we examined 342 sheep and tck infestation was detected in 46.24% of examined animals. The most abudant species was Ixodes ricinus found in 48.91%, followed by Dermacentor marginatus (29.91%), Rhipicephalus bursa (11.22%), R.sanguineus (9.72%), D.recticulatus (4.21%) and Haemaphysalis punctata (3.17%). Of the total number of collected ticks, 54.15% were females and 45.85% were males. The population maximum for three species Dermacentor marginatus, D.recticulatus as well as Haemaphysalis punctata occured in April. May was the month of the population peak for I.ricinus and it was noted that this species started to decrease in abundance in June. Rhipicephalus sanguineus and R.bursa reached their maxima decreasing gradually until August, and disappearing completely in Septembar and October. The autumn population peak in Septembar occured for the I.ricinus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus and in October for the I.ricinus and R.bursa.

The present study was conducted in 30 cattle herd from the territory of Banat (Vojvodina) in the period of March to October 2019, during the grazing season was to established tick fauna in that arae. Ticks were collected from cattle and from pastures where they were grazed. The tick species and sex/gender were identified by morphometric characteristics. Relative abundance analysis revealed that the I. ricinus was absolutely dominant species found in 71.22%, followed by Haemaphysalis punctata (18.22%), Dermacentor marginatus (11.72%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (3.22%) and Rhipicephalus bursa (2.01%). On the pasture, however, the most common species was H. punctata, followed by I. ricinus, D. marginatus, R. sanguineus and R.bursa. Out of the total number of ticks collected, 53.65% were females and 46.35% were males. The sex ratio showed a higher number of females in four species (Ixodes ricinus, Haemaphysalis punctata, Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Dermacentor marginatus), while higher number of males were detected in Rhipicephalus bursa. The population dynamics of recorded tick species showed two annual maxima, in spring (April-May) and in autumn (September-October). The considerable interchange between spring and autumn tick populations can be attributed mainly to environmental conditions.

During our research we examined flocks of small ruminant originated from 23 villages from city districts Mladenovac, Lazarevac, Obrenovac, Grocka, Zemun, Surčin, Palilula, Vozdovac and Zvezdara. In more than 80 percent of the herds, sheep and goats were breed together at same pasture. Using standard coprological methods we examined 273 faecal samples from 41 herds. Determination of parasites we performed by morphological characteristics. Molecular detection of Cryptosporidium sp. and Giardia sp. we not performed. Coccidiosis was found at 27 herds. We usally occured mixed infection with 2-3 coccidia species. At sheep most abundant coccidia were E faurei, followed by E.ovinoidalis, E. pallida and E.ahsata. At goats most abundant species were E.arlongy, folwed by E.nina-kohl-yakimovae, E. hirci and E. caprina. Clinical signs of disease were present only at young animals but oocysts were found at both, adult ant young animals. Cryptosporidium spp. was found at 19 herds Clinical signs of cryptosporidiosis were established only at young animals. They had moderate morbidity and mortality rate. Infection with Giardia duodenalis was found only at 2 herds. Giardia-infected animals generally had no clinical symptoms.

Today, domestic goats are widespread throughout the world, with the exception of extremely cold areas. They are most represented in countries with extensive agricultural production, but in the last decade their population has also grown in richer countries, where there is a trend of increasing consumption of goat meat and milk. Goat meat is a food rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals, and contains very little fat, especially cholesterol. However, the biggest advantage, apart from the extremely high quality nutritional values, is that this type of meat does not have opposite religious and cultural aspects of consumption. Organic goat production is essentially reduced to returning to the original way of breeding through natural - grazing diet. Today's grazing is essentially different from the previous extensive grazing and is reflected in the fact that this diet is now approached from the modern aspect of sustainable agricultural production, which includes all elements of preservation and improvement of grazing areas, their cultivation, floristic composition and above all, avoiding chemical contaminants that would endanger the quality of the obtained green mass and thus the residual effect in the meat and milk of goats. Having in mind the pronounced trend of increasing the production and consumption of goat meat in the world and in Serbia, the aim of this paper is to show the impact of grazing as an organic way of obtaining the quality of goat meat.

Quantitative genetic methods have a variety of applications in understanding the covariance of variations between natural and managed populations. Today, the combination of molecular or genomic selection in combination with the traditional is a very reliable method for faster, more accurate assessment of the breeding value of animals. Important features of body conformation in the meat industry and good growth performance in sheep and goats, including accelerated growth rate are of economic importance. Quantitative genetics methods aim to identify genetic variants associated with quantitative traits in order to achieve genetic improvement in growth performance. Quantitative genetics remains the most reliable tool for estimating the breeding value of domestic animals. The application of practical methods which are used to assess the phenotype, requires excellent theoretical knowledge of the genetic of animals.

The dynamics of increasing of bodyweight of lambs is conditioned by genetic factors, environmental factors and their interaction. The aim of this work was study variability of bodyweight of lambs related to type of birth of lambs in sheep genotype of four different strains of pramenka type and four growth stage: at the birth time, at the 30, 60 and 90 days of age after birth. For this investigation used lambs of four strains (Svrljiški, Pirotski, Sjeniĉki, Šarplaninski) of sheep type Pramenka (450 lambs per strain) for study dinamics of bodyweight at the time of birth, 30, 60 and 90 days after birth during three years of experiment (2011-2013). The results showed that the bodyweight of lambs born singles was higher than bodyweight of lambs born twins in studied four sheep genotypes i.e. Pirotski (4.00 kg : 3.40 kg), Svrljiški (3.90 kg : 3.79 kg), Sjeniĉki (3.73 kg : 3.61 kg), Šarplaninski (3.81 kg : 3.74 kg). The differences of bodyweight between lambs born singles and twins was significant for genotypes Pirot pramenka and Svrljig pramenka, on the level of significance for Sjenica pramenka and was not significant in Šarplanina pramenka. At the age of 30 days, the influence of birth type on the bodyweight of lambs was not statistically significant in any of the examined strains. The difference of bodyweight between singles and twins was statistically significant at the 60 days old of lambs in Svrljig pramenka and in lambs at 90 days old of Svrljig pramenka. On the base of results is established that type of born associated with significant differences of bodyweight at the birht time expressed later at the 60 and 90 day old lambs.

IGFBP-3 is responsible for the multiple effects of growth factors in most mammalian species and is considered the major transport factor of growth, used as a marker for different body functions such as growth, metabolism, reproduction, body weight control, immunity, energy balance, and so on. Considered as a candidate gene, used as a marker for the growth and production traits as its essential role in the growth and development of the animals. For the DNA extraction, the blood samples are obtained in the jugular vein using a 10 ml vacutainer containing EDTA as a coagulant in the blood collection of each animal Mis breed of sheep (M), Ile de France (F), and Wurttemberg (W). Isolation of DNA performed using the extraction kit (Quick DNA kit) with primers set the Forward and Reverse. The body weights of lambs from birth to 90 days of age, also been calculated. The results of the agarose gel electrophoresis of PCR amplified IGFBP-3 genes for sheep populations Wurttemberg (W), Mis (M), and Ile de France (F) had 654 bp. In our results showed an absence of polymorphism of the IGFBP-3 gene on the tested sheep populations. The results that there is no polymorphism between the examined sheep breeds, in terms of IGFBP-3 genes, we were interested whether there are differences in the body development of lambs of the mentioned populations because IGFBP-3 is related to the growth of animals. All three breeds have similar weights and growth dynamics, which could link to the growth hormone. Analyzing obtained results, we can suggest that absence of a large difference in the growth of the three breeds of sheep W, M, F does not have to be related to the absence of polymorphism of the IGFBP-3 gene but also other genetic and non-genetic factors can affect this trait. To detect the association between genetic polymorphism in IGFBP-3 genes and body development in lambs, DNA sequencing is required, which will be the subject of our future research.

In connection with the increasing interest in the production of young mutton and lamb, priority is given to the study of genes that control meat production. Alleles of genes calpastatin (CAST) and somatotropin (GH) may act as potential markers of sheep meat productivity. However, until now there is no information on the influence of these genes on the indicators of meat productivity of sheep of Russian breeds. Based on this, the purpose of this research was to study the polymorphism of the CAST and GH genes in meat and wool sheep of the ½ Poll Dorset x ½ North Caucasian meat - wool genotype bred in the Stavropol Territory (Russia) and their influence on the traits of meat productivity. Genotyping of sheep for somatotropin and calpastatin genes was carried out by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with further study of restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Three genotypes were identified for the GH gene (AA, AB, and BB) and two for CAST (MM and MN). The highest frequency of occurrence for the GH gene was characterized by the heterozygous AB genotype (42.8%), for the CAST gene - the homozygous MM genotype (87.9%). These genotypes were correlated with quantitative and qualitative parameters of meat productivity. The best indicators of meat productivity were in the bright AB, BB, and MN genotypes of the growth hormon and calpastatin genes. The slaughter weight of individuals of the AB, BB genotype of the GH gene and the MN genotype of the CAST gene is higher by 6.3, 7.3, and 5.2%, respectively. According to the point assessment of the “marbling” of meat, animals with the indicated genotypes outnumbered their peers by 1.8; 2.1 and 3.7 points.

The research included a total of 921 lambs, 474 ewes and 8 sjenicke sheep rams from 4 different farms. The aim of the research was to examine the influence of the farm, cultivation technology and the influence of rams within the farm on production indicators. Statistical analysis showed that the body weight of lambs at birth ranged from 3.37 to 4.03 kg (average 3.68 kg), at 30 days from 11.51 to 12.41 kg (average 12.07 kg) and from 90 days from 27.82 to 29 kg (average 28.65 kg). A statistically highly significant influence of the farm was determined (P<0.01) on the body weight of lambs in all three control periods, as well as on the body weight of sheep and on the fertility of sheep. The influence of the ram on the body weight of the lambs at birth was statistically very significant within the farm (P<0.01). When it comes to the percentage share of birth type by farm, farm 1 had the most singletons (59.13%) both within the farm and in comparison between other farms, while there were fewer twins (40.87%), and triplets were not identified. On the other farms, the percentage of twins was the highest, and triplets were also present, while on farm 4 there were also quadruplets, lambs born as quadruplets (3.28%)., Istraživanjem je obuhvaćeno ukupno 921 jagnje, 474 ovce i 8 sjeničkih ovnova sa 4 različite farme. Cilj istraživanja je bio da se ispita uticaj farme, tehnologije gajenja i uticaj ovnova u okviru farme na proizvodne pokazatelje. Statistička analiza je pokazala da se telesna masa jagnjadi pri rođenju kretala od 3,37 do 4,03 kg (prosečno 3,68 kg), na 30 dana od 11,51 do 12,41 kg (prosečno 12,07 kg) i od 90 dana od 27,82 do 29 kg (prosečno 3,68 kg)28. Utvrđen je statistički visoko značajan uticaj farme (P<0,01) na telesnu masu jagnjadi u sva tri kontrolna perioda, kao i na telesnu masu ovaca i na plodnost ovaca. Uticaj ovnova na telesnu masu jagnjadi na rođenju bio je statistički veoma značajan u okviru svake farme (P<0,01).. Kada je reč o procentualnom učešću tipa rođenja po farmama, farma 1 je imala najviše jedinaca (59,13%) kako u okviru farme tako i u poređenju sa ostalim farmama, dok je blizanaca bilo manje (40,87%), a trojke nisu identifikovane. Na ostalim farmama procenat blizanaca je bio veći a bilo je i trojki, dok su na farmi 4 bila i jagnjad rođena kao četvorke (3,28%).

During our research we examined flocks of small ruminant originated from 23 villages from city districts Mladenovac, Lazarevac, Obrenovac, Grocka, Zemun, Surčin, Palilula, Vozdovac and Zvezdara. In more than 80 percent of the herds, sheep and goats were breed together at same pasture. Using standard coprological methods we examined 273 faecal samples from 41 herds. Determination of parasites we performed by morphological characteristics. Molecular detection of Cryptosporidium sp. and Giardia sp. we not performed. Coccidiosis was found at 27 herds. We usally occured mixed infection with 2-3 coccidia species. At sheep most abundant coccidia were E faurei, followed by E.ovinoidalis, E. pallida and E.ahsata. At goats most abundant species were E.arlongy, folwed by E.nina-kohl-yakimovae, E. hirci and E. caprina. Clinical signs of disease were present only at young animals but oocysts were found at both, adult ant young animals. Cryptosporidium spp. was found at 19 herds Clinical signs of cryptosporidiosis were established only at young animals. They had moderate morbidity and mortality rate. Infection with Giardia duodenalis was found only at 2 herds. Giardia-infected animals generally had no clinical symptoms.

Lipska sheep is an autochthonous Serbian population from the group of Pramenka (Zapfel) sheep, bred in the area around Smederevo, Požarevac and Mladenovac. The average weight of male animals (BW) is 95 kg and 62 kg of female animals. Other measurements of female animals are: wither height (WH) 74 cm, body length (BL) 78 cm, chest width (CW) 23 cm, chest depth (CD) 40 cm and hearth girth (HG) 91 cm. In the last sixty years, adult female animals gained in average ten kilograms of weight. Other linear measures also increased. The increase is a consequence of better animal management, especially improved diet. Since the reduction of the size of the population, larger animals have dominated, which probably caused the change in the genetic constitution of the breed. Female animals of Lipska sheep are higher compared to the animals of other fifteen Pramenka breeds with the exception of Istrian sheep. The area from which Lipska sheep originates has better soil and richer vegetation compared to the areas of other Pramenka breeds. Partial correlations corrected for weight between individual linear measures were positive, with values between 0.196 and 0.814. Most correlations range between 0.30 and 0.55. Body measurements were studied with ANOVA on females only. The effect of flock influenced all linear measures with the exception of CW, whereas the age of animals had no effect on BL, CW and CD. The increase of individual linear measures was 0.5 to 2.1 mm per kg of BW. The increase of most body measurements from the first to the fifth year was statistically significant (P<0.05)., Lipska ovca je autohtona populacija iz grupe pramenki (Zapfel) koja se gaji u okolini Smedereva, Požarevca i Mladenovca. Prosečna telesna masa odraslih muških životinja iznosi 95 kg, a ženskih 62 kg. Eksterijerne mere ženskih životinja iznose: visina grebena (WH) 74 cm, dužina tela (BL) 78 cm, širina grudi (CW) 23 cm, dubina grudi (CD) 40 cm i obim grudi (HG) 91 cm. U poslednjih šezdeset godina, telesna masa odraslih ženskih životinja su u proseku povećala za oko deset kg, što je posledica izmenjenog menadžmenta, pre svega poboljšane ishrane. Nakon redukcije veličine populacije, dominantne su veće životinje, što je verovatno uslovilo promenu genetske konstitucije populacije.Područje na kome je nastala lipska ovca karakteriše plodnije zemljište i bogatija vegetacija u poređenju sa područjima iz kojih dolaze druge populacije pramenki. Korelacijski koeficijenti i uticaji stada, starosti životinje u godinama, godine rođenja i težine kod rođenja odnosno težine izmerene životinje, WH, BL, CW, CD i HG su ocenjeni samo na ženskim životinjama, obzirom da je bilo obavljeno jedanaest merenja na pet ovnova. Parcijalne korelacije sa korekcijom na telesnu težinu između pojedinačnih linearnih mera su pozitivne sa vrednostima između 0,196 i 0,814. Najviše korelacija nalaze se u intervalu od 0,30 do 0,55. Efekat stado uticao je na sve linearne mere sa izuzetkom CW dok starost životinja nije uticala na BL, CW i CD. Porast pojedinačnih linernih mera iznosio je za 0,5 do 2,1 mm na kg BW. Porast većine telesnih mera od prve do četvrte godine bio je statistički značajan (P<0,05).

The objective was to assess the dairy cows’ welfare quality in relation to the housing system: loose (LHS) vs. tie-stall (THS). A survey was done according to the Welfare Quality® Protocol for Cattle on 16 dairy farms (7 in LHS and 9 in THS) in Serbia. From a total number of 4833 dairy cows (2392 cows in THS and 2441 cows in LHS) 551 cows in THS and 470 cows in LHS have been sampled randomly for clinical scoring (body condition score, health state, and cleanliness). The assessment was based on the evaluation of 29 welfare measures, 12 criteria, and 4 principles that are relevant for determining risks and final categorization of farms into one of four welfare categories: not classified, acceptable, enhanced, and excellent. The results obtained in this study showed that the housing system affected many parameters of cows’ welfare referring to their comfort, health, and behaviour. The high proportion of animals lying outside the lying area (49.5%) and colliding with equipment (16.7%) indicate lack of space and movement restriction as major welfare risks in THS. Consequentially, scores for injuries (AI=45.8 points) and emotional state (ES=43.2 points) were estimated significantly lower than in LHS (58.9 and 60.4 points respectively). LHS has advantages when it comes to freedom of movement, body condition, skin health, and emotional state, but the proportions of cows with dirty lower legs, flank, and upper legs (93.4% and 80.66%) were significantly higher than in THS as well as the frequency of lameness (31.4%). According to the overall assessment, most of the LHS farms (5 of 7) were classified as enhanced, while the majority of THS farms (6 of 9) were acceptable. This study showed that despite the welfare quality parameters were not exceptional in both housing systems, LHS meets the requirements of welfare assurance to a greater extent than THS and therefore should be promoted and widely implemented.

Considering the fact that sheep production has an important role in agriculture of Serbia, lamb performance is essential. Objective of the study was to investigate effect of year, lambing season, sex and birth type on growth performances in lambs of MIS breed. Animal data (birth date, birth type, sex, birth weight -BW0, body weight after 30 days - BW30 and body weight after 90 days – BW90) are gained from control of productive parameters maintained from 2011 to 2020. Research was conducted on the sample of 1592 lambs. Average daily gain from birth to 30 days (ADG1), from 30 to 90 days (ADG2), and from birth until 90 days (ADG3), were calculated and included in analysis. Calendar year was divided in four seasons, each season consists from 3 months: winter, spring, summer and autumn. Average body weights (± standard deviation) at birth, after 30 and 90 days were 4.41 kg (± 0.99), 14.11 kg (± 2.80), 24.05 kg (± 3.86), respectively. Average daily gains were 319.87 g (± 74.97), 164.98 g (± 35.39) and 216.88 g (± 36.86) for ADG1, ADG2 and ADG3, respectively. Lambing type and sex of the lambs affected all of the observed traits very significantly (p < 0.01). Lambing year had very significant effect (p < 0.01) on BW30, on ADG1 and ADG2, while lambing season significantly (p < 0.05) affected BW90, ADG2 and ADG3.Based on the results it can be concluded that birth type and sex had strongest effects in early productive parameters of lambs., S obzirom na to da ovčarstvo ima važnu ulogu u poljoprivredi Srbije, produktivnost jagnjadi je od izuzetnog značaja. Cilj istraživanja je bio da se ispita uticaj godine, sezone jagnjenja, pola i tipa rođenja na produktivne parametre jagnjadi MIS rase. Podaci o životinjama (datum rođenja, tip rođenja, pol, telesna masa na rođenju -BW0, telesna masa posle 30 dana - BW30 i telesna masa nakon 90 dana - BW90) su dobijeni kontrolom proizvodnih parametara održanih od 2011. do 2020. godine, na uzorku od 1592 jagnjadi. Prosečan dnevni prirast od rođenja do 30 dana (ADG1), od 30 do 90 dana (ADG2), i od rođenja do 90 dana (ADG3), izračunat je i uključen u analizu. Kalendarska godina je podeljena na četiri godišnja doba (zima, proleće, leto i jesen), a svako godišnje doba sastoji se od 3 meseca. Prosečna telesna masa (± standardna devijacija) pri rođenju, posle 30 i 90 dana bila je 4,41 kg (± 0,99), 14,11 kg (± 2,80), 24,05 kg (± 3,86), redom. Prosečni dnevni prirasti iznosili su 319,87 g (± 74,97), 164,98 g (± 35,39) i 216,88 g (± 36,86) za ADG1, ADG2 i ADG3, redom. Tip rođenja i pol jagnjadi značajno su uticali na sve ispitivane osobine (p < 0,01). Godina rođenja imala je veoma značajan uticaj (p < 0,01) na BW30, na ADG1 i ADG2, dok je sezona jagnjenja značajno (p < 0,05) uticala na BW90, ADG2 i ADG3. Na osnovu rezultata može se zaključiti da su tip i pol rođenja imali najjače efekti u ranim produktivnim parametrima jagnjadi.

This paper describes the present state of goat production in Central Serbia, discussing the challenges and future prospects for this livestock system. Number of goats in the country is decreasing and it has been so throughout the years now. Production systems in goat sector in Serbia are predominately extensive or semi-intensive, especially in hilly-mountainous areas and goats are kept in small herds. The majority of goats raised in Central Serbia region are of French Alpine breed, which takes the most dominant place in breed structure. In addition to French Alpine breed, there are also Saanen, Balkan and Domestic white goats. Production of goats in Serbia is directed towards milk-meat, but primarily milk and there are no typical meat (fattening) breeds of goats in Serbia. In Central Serbia, herd books are kept for goats raised on this territory. Quality breeding animals are registered at Central herd book and are under productivity control. However, this is only a small portion of animals and the productivity of majority of goats is unknown. Productivity of high yielding breeds such as Alpine and Saanen goat is inconsistent and not high, especially milk production. Indigenous goat breeds are considered endangered and their breeding was almost completely abandoned. Goat sector in Central Serbia is almost completely dependent on government founding. The only sustainable prospects for preserving goat sector in Central Serbia for the future are clean organic production, reinforcement of markets for goat products and smart government founding.

DNA analysis can have great practical application in the management and successful operation of the farm. The application of DNA technology is becoming a tremendous challenge for farm breeding of domestic animals. In recent years, traditional selection methods have been supplement by the results of molecular analysis of the genome. Determining the genetic distance of sheep and goat breeds had practical and multiple significance. Microsatellites are used widely in the selection, and genomic selection is becoming an increasing challenge for breeders. The development of SNP chips brings an immense advanced for rapid and comprehensive analysis of the genome, which is of great importance for the successful selection and Genomic selection in sheep concentrated on all aspects of genetic and production directions. However, it should be noted that genomic selections in sheep breeding, and especially in goat breeding, take place at a slower pace compared to cattle breeding.

The effect of different genotypes kept in the same feeding level on microstructure and chemical composition of muscular tissue (musculus longissimus dorsi) of sheep has studied. The study aims to see how the gene combination of different breeds influences the mentioned problem. It was revealed that sheep muscular tissue obtained by crossing the North-Caucasian breeds (NC) and Texel (T) was characterized by a larger quantity of muscular fibres by 4.73 % and 10.14% (P<0.05), and a smaller diameter by 5.65 % and 18.6% (P< 0.05), a higher evaluation of marbling by 5.2 and 8.3 points, less connective tissue content by 0.8 and 1.3 absolute percentage compared to thoroughbred North-Caucasian and from crossing North-Caucasian with Poll Dorset (PD). It showed that meat obtained from crossing animals of the T×NC variant is more delicate, succulent, and has a total higher quality and consumer properties. The results of different crossing indicate the reasonability to use morphological characteristics of muscular tissue on the histological level when the quality of sheep slaughtering performance had evaluated.

The strategy of conservation of endangered sheep populations implies morphological and genetic characterization, as basic preconditions for their conservation. The aim of this study was to determine the morphometric characteristics, their correlations and the index of physical development of Pirot pramenka, which has the status of the most endangered population in Serbia. The measuring was performed on 30 sheep, aged 3 years, reared in the area of Stara Planina. The descriptive statistical procedure was performed using the statistical package Statistica (version 8). The average height at the withers was 56.31 cm, body length 62.93 cm, chest width 18.37 cm, chest depth 25.96 cm, chest circumference 77.59 cm, shin circumference 6.70 cm. The strongest and significantly positive correlation (P <0.05) was found between chest depth and height at withers (0.65), body length (0.58) and body weight (0.56). Pirotska pramenka has slightly higher indices of format, chest and massiveness, in relation to breeds Vitoroga Žuja and Travnik Pramenka. These morphometric traits suggest that, compared to previous research, the body frame of Pirot pramenka sheep did not change significantly, which means that there were no crosses with other breeds due to geographical isolation and enthusiasm of breeders to preserve the indigenous Pirot pramenka which was the starting point for following authentic brands: Pirot lamb, cheese and carpet. Hence the biological and moral imperative: to preserve this highly endangered population.

The paper examines the results of the research on the coccidiosis in lambs in Vojvodiina. The present study was conducted in 90 sheep flocks from the all territory of Vojvodina in the period from March 2014 to January 2015. Sheep of both sexes (320 males and 580 females, for a total of 900) were randomly chosen. There were 610 adults (one-year-old and above) and 290 lambs. Colected faeces samples were examined using routine coprological methods. During our examination coccidiosis were found at 32.22% (29/90) flocks. We usally occured mixed infection with 2-3 coccidia species. At sheep most abundant species were E.ovinoidalis found at 87.1%, followed by E faurei (42%), Eimeria ahsata (37%), E. granulosa (31%), E. intricata (19%), and E. pallida (8%). Oocyst were found at adult ant young animals, but clinical sign of disease were present only at young animals. The number of excreted oocysts was higher in lambs than in adult sheep.

Demodicosis of sheep are parasitic infection caused by Demodex spp. Infection is not common like other type of parasitic dermatitis and there are not many cases of this infection described. In most cases no clinical symptoms are cusing and has little or no economic impact on sheep flocks. Demodex spend all life under host skin and present a normal skin habitat. Mainly are resent at hair folicules where its complete transformation from eggs to adult is performed. There are two types of diseases, local and general. Local demodicosis were present like small reddish places without hair on skin. Main topic are skin on head, around eyes and mouth, and on the back legs. Most important role to clinical demodicosis presents a immunological status of animals. Hereditary against demodicosis were important role too. During our examination of parasitoses in one flock of sheep in the south of Serbia during the spring of 2018, demodicosis was diagnosed. Established clinical signs are nonpruritic papules and nodules which develop over the face, neck, shoulders, and sides and udder. At a later stage, there was a pustular eruption that gradually merged, while later there was a thickening of the skin and loss of wool. Itch rarely occurred. The nodules contain a thick, waxy, grayish material that can be easily expressed and mites can be found in this exudate. To diagnosis we performed microscopic examination of deep skin scrape which revealed adult parasites, larval forms and lemon-shaped eggs. Lesion were spontaneous loos around few months without therapy. In the area of the Western Balkans, only one case of ovine demodicosis was recorded in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and this is the first case described in Serbia.

Inbreeding seems to be a useful tool to improve the population by increasing the frequency of desirable genes, but the first result of inbreeding is inbreeding depression. Inbreeding depression implies the reduction of additive genetic variance and phenotypic values for efficiency traits in inbred animals. The kinship degree is measured by the inbreeding coefficient and expressed in percentage (%) from 0 to 100, that as the percentage higher, the higher the kinship. Nevertheless, one thing is for sure, practice in sheep breeding has shown that the use of inbreeding causes undesirable consequences like reduction of body shape or abnormal development, developmental delay, resistance to external influences and diseases, poor fertility or infertility, metabolic disorders, negative characteristics in fattening, albinism and the appearance of degenerative traits, loss of instinct, psychophysical defects and so on. Inbreeding is an inevitable companion of livestock production. No matter how hard we try to avoid it, in practice, it is almost impossible. It could not completely eliminate, but with proper breeding and selection management, it can be kept under control.

Environmental factors are always present, it is difficult to reliably determine the value of an animal's genotype. The fact that genotypes are not passed from generation to generation, but numerous genes that exhibit average effects in relation to the mean value of the population also complicated genotype assessment. In order to estimate the genotype of an individual as accurately as possible, we must apply a series of procedures that collectively at the end of the journey can give us a clearer picture of what we are looking for. The basis of selection work is the assessment of the breeding value of domestic animals on the basis of which the selection of individuals or groups for further reproduction and use in production. With the development of computer technology, statistical software was obtained, which enabled faster and more reliable data processing and assessment of breeding value, using linear models. From the first ideas of DNA molecule analysis for that purpose until today, many procedures have been applied and improved and many genetic markers and methods have been discovered, so that in practical terms it is necessary to accept a common platform called genomic selection. Genomic selection - is a powerful tool for future use. Currently, the efficiency of genomic selection is limited by various interactions between the locus of quantitative traits, the variability of quantitative traits, and the influence of environmental factors. However, research results in many countries have confirmed that the use of standard statistical methods together with genomic selection increases reliability in predicting the breeding values of animals.

Strategija očuvanja ugroženih populacija ovaca podrazumeva morfološku i genetsku karakterizaciju, kao osnovne preduslove za njihovu konzervaciju. Cilj ovog rada je utvrđivanje morfometrijskih osobina,njihovih korelacija i indeksa telesne razvijenosti pirotske pramenke, koja ima status najugroženije populacije u Srbiji.Merenje je sprovedeno na 30 ovaca, uzrasta 3 godine, gajenih na području Stare planine.Deskriptivna statistička procedura je urađena korišćenjem statističkog paketa STATISTICA (version 8). Prosečna visina grebena ovaca je iznosila 56.31cm, dužina trupa 62.93cm, širina grudi 18.37cm, dubina grudi 25.96cm,obim grudi 77.59cm, obim cevanice 6.70cm. Najjača i značajno pozitivna korelacija je (P LT 0.05) je ustanovljena između dubine grudi i visine grebena (0.65), dužine trupa (0.58) i telesne mase (0.56). Pirotska pramenka je imala neznatno veće indekse formata, grudi i masivnosti, u odnosu na vitorogu žuju i travničku pramenku. Navedene morfometrijske osobine upucuju na zakljucak da se, u odnosu na ranija istrazivanja,telesni okvir ovaca pirotske pramenke nije značajnije menjao što znači da nije bilo ukrštanja sa drugim rasama iz razloga geografske izolovanosti i entuzijazma odgajivača da sačuvaju autohtonu pirotsku pramenku koja je iznedrila autentične brendove:pirotsko jagnje, pirotski kačkavalj i pirotski ćilim.Otuda je biološki i moralni imperativ:očuvati ovu visoko ugroženu populaciju., The strategy of conservation of endangered sheep populations implies morphological and genetic characterization, as basic preconditions for their conservation. The aim of this study was to determine the morphometric characteristics, their correlations and the index of physical development of Pirot pramenka, which has the status of the most endangered population in Serbia. The measuring was performed on 30 sheep, aged 3 years, reared in the area of Stara Planina. The descriptive statistical procedure was performed using the statistical package Statistica (version 8). The average height at the withers was 56.31 cm, body length 62.93 cm, chest width 18.37 cm, chest depth 25.96 cm, chest circumference 77.59 cm, shin circumference 6.70 cm. The strongest and significantly positive correlation (P LT 0.05) was found between chest depth and height at withers (0.65), body length (0.58) and body weight (0.56). Pirotska pramenka has slightly higher indices of format, chest and massiveness, in relation to breeds Vitoroga Žuja and Travnik Pramenka. These morphometric traits suggest that, compared to previous research, the body frame of Pirot pramenka sheep did not change significantly, which means that there were no crosses with other breeds due to geographical isolation and enthusiasm of breeders to preserve the indigenous Pirot pramenka which was the starting point for following authentic brands: Pirot lamb, cheese and carpet. Hence the biological and moral imperative: to preserve this highly endangered population.

Cattle and sheep meat and milk production is an imperative of animal husbandry in the world. Statistics show a constant trend of increasing the number of inhabitants of the planet, and thus the need for livestock products. Scientists are trying to find a balance between food needs and sustainable development. Special emphasis must be placed on respecting the differences in the understanding and choice of food, and thus milk and meat. Not all cultures have the same habits, on the other hand, the conditions for the development of animal husbandry differ significantly in terms of the natural potentials of individual countries. With the development of new technologies, it is possible to find optimal models for the successful development of animal husbandry in the future, taking into account the conservation of biodiversity.

Records of female lambs and their parents of the Mis sheep breed have used. All animals are approximately have weaned at 90 days of age. Descriptive statistics, paired sample test, paired differences, measures of association, correlations and regression of body weights between female lambs and their parents have done. A complementary least body weights at 30 days and weaning between dams and lambs but utmost weight at 30 days, the lambs were higher while at weaning, the dams had higher weight. It can observe that the averages on body weights the rams were the highest, followed by lambs and the lowest the dams’ body weights. The coefficient of determination of R2 varies from low to high, indicating that the lamb's body weight has more influenced by other factors that we have not considered.There were significant correlations between lamb body weight at birth and sire/dam body weight at birth. The results showed highly significant correlations of lamb's body weight at 30 days with dams but with sires, positive and very low. There had positive but no significant correlation between lamb body weight at weaning and sire body weight at weaning. Lamb body weight at weaning and dam body weight at weaning are highly correlated.

Quantitative genetic analysis of variability and relationship of lambs body weight traits in indigenous pirot sheep population are done. The the examined lambs had high variability which very suitable for selection on a larger weight. There is a high and very significant correlation between the body weight of lambs with 30 and 60 days (.969 **) and the weight with 30 and 90 days ( .914 **). There is also a highly significant correlation between the weights of lambs with 60 and 90 days of age (.904 **). From our research, we can see that the first month of the lamb's life is very important for the further development of the body. There is different level of correlation between weight of lambs. This gives us an idea to say that many paragenetic factors are crucial for the growth of lambs from birth to weaning. The coefficient of multiple determination (R2) is 0.845 which means that 8.45% of the lamb's body weight variance at 90 days is determined by the variance of the set of predictor variables (PI-60, 30, 1). Each increase in lamb body weight during the observed periods of age is associated with an increase in the score of depending variable PI90. In particular, any increase in lamb body weight at birth by 1 kg is associated with an increase in lamb body weight from 90 days by 0.238 kg.

Demodicosis of sheep are parasitic infection caused by Demodex spp. Infection is not common like other type of parasitic dermatitis and there are not many cases of this infection described. In most cases no clinical symptoms are cusing and has little or no economic impact on sheep flocks. Demodex spend all life under host skin and present a normal skin habitat. Mainly are resent at hair folicules where its complete transformation from eggs to adult is performed. There are two types of diseases, local and general. Local demodicosis were present like small reddish places without hair on skin. Main topic are skin on head, around eyes and mouth, and on the back legs. Most important role to clinical demodicosis presents a immunological status of animals. Hereditary against demodicosis were important role too. During our examination of parasitoses in one flock of sheep in the south of Serbia during the spring of 2018, demodicosis was diagnosed. Established clinical signs are nonpruritic papules and nodules which develop over the face, neck, shoulders, and sides and udder. At a later stage, there was a pustular eruption that gradually merged, while later there was a thickening of the skin and loss of wool. Itch rarely occurred. The nodules contain a thick, waxy, grayish material that can be easily expressed and mites can be found in this exudate. To diagnosis we performed microscopic examination of deep skin scrape which revealed adult parasites, larval forms and lemon-shaped eggs. Lesion were spontaneous loos around few months without therapy. In the area of the Western Balkans, only one case of ovine demodicosis was recorded in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and this is the first case described in Serbia.

Cryptosporidiosis is an anthropozoonosis caused by coccidia of the family Cryptoporididae, whish may cause a serious health problem for kids in the first weeks of life. In our paper we presented results of examination of goat cryptosporidiosis in Serbia. In period 2016-2019 we examined 197 goat herds. Total of 1576 faecal smears were examined by Sheather’s sugar floatation technique and modified Ziehl–Neelsen staining technique. Cryptosporidiosis were found at 119 herds. Kids between five and twenty-one days old are the most susceptible. The morbidity varies from 75–100% and the mortality from 45-50%. Some animals do not develop into chronic cases and become carriers. After infection, animals either resist the organism, develop a mild infection that is self limiting, or soon sicken and die. Based on the performed research, we have established a significant role of cryptosporidiosis in the development of neonatal enteropathies of kids.

The study regarding tick fauna and season distribution of ticks of small ruminant in the south part of Serbia, with emphasis on north Kosovo was performed during 2017. During the study we examined a total of 114 flocks of goats and sheep from Zvečan and Leposavić districts (villages Ceranja, Majdevo, Zemanica, Mure, Rudine, Žitkovac, Oraovica, Mošnica, Donji Krnjin, Belo brdo, Mioliće, Drenova and Beliće). Infections occurred at and on 56.14% of examined sheep and 31.42% of examined goats. The most abudant tick species were Ixodes ricinus, followed by Dermacentor marginatus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, R.bursa, Haemaphysalis punctata and D.recticulatus.

The paper examines the results of the research on the tiny fauna of tiny ruminants in the territory of the Republic of Serbia, made in the period 1989-2019. The research covered all the regions from Vojvodina to Kosovo and included long-term tropical biodiversity studies, full dimorphism and seasonal dynamics of occurrence. During our study we established presence of Ixodes ricinus,I.persucatus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, R.bursa, R.(Boophilus) annulatus, Boophilus calcaratus, Dermacentor marginatus, D.recticulatus, Haemophysalis punctata, Ha.inermis, Ha.sulcata, Hyalomma savignyi,Hy. marginatum marginatum and Hy.detritium. The sex ratio of ixodid species was in favor of females and was 61.02%: 38.98%. More males than females (65.08%: 34.92%) were observed only in the species Rhipicephalus bursa. For the two most commonly found species of Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Ixodes castor, this ratio was 69.50%: 30.50% and 63.42%: 36.58%, in favor of females.

In addition to genetic, the bodyweight of lambs highly influenced by environmental factors. Growth performance is an important characteristic since it determines the overall productivity of sheep production. Environmental factors such as dam age, sex, type of birth, and year of birth influenced the estimation of breeding value. In this review paper, we have observed the most important factors influencing this property. The year of birth can cause variations in lamb weights at different ages due to the effect of climate conditions. It had a significant effect on weaning weight and difference in birth and weaning weight among lambs born in different years might attribute to differences in management and environmental conditions. Body weights variation might be an effect of the quality of grass and grazing area. The ram effect has an impact on birth weight. Some research found significant effects of ram on lambs’ birth weight. Sire breed x sire source interaction detected for lamb live weight gain at birth and weaning. The season had a compelling influence on birth weight. Lambing season had a significant effect on weaning weight, and have recorded the highest weaning weight in lambs born in spring. The birth type had a significant influence on body weight. The single born lambs had heavier weight than the twin born lambs. Effect of lamb sex influenced of the bodyweight. Male lambs have better performance than the female lambs. The male lambs were weighty than the female lambs at birth and weaning. Effect of the dam, age of dam/ewe, ewe premating age, live weight at mating, dam condition scores showed an impact on lambs’ bodyweight.

The main farmers goal is breeding of pure sheep breed outside the kinship. That way they want to preserve and improve qualities of the breed, such as high production of meat, milk or wool, strong construction, high fertility, length of productive life, health, etc. It is a challenge for breeders because it represents a management planning balance between homozygosity and heterozygosity. Breeding sheep in a purebred requires a certain level of genetically predictable homozygosity to promote desirable traits. Balancing is appropriate to avoid inbreeding depression. A particular problem arises in small populations, which have only hope in the line breeding system. This review paper discusses iptions to overcome this situation.