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Over the past three decades, the scientific and public interest has been initiated by studies in which the negative effect of milk consumption of beta-casein A1 variant has been observed on consumers’ health. The production of "A2 milk" is one of the ways to economically increase the competitiveness of small and medium-sized dairy farms. Breeders of endangered local breeds are also interested in reaffirmation through production of “A2 milk”. The aim of this study is to determine frequencies of A1 and A2 variants of beta-casein in three commercial and three local breeds of cattle in Croatia, and their relationship with production indicators of commercial breeds in the first three lactations. The genomic DNA was extracted from hair by using a commercial kit, used for determination of CSN2 genotypes by means of PCRRFLP method. Data for milk yield and chemical composition were provided by the central database. The dominant presence of A2 variant beta-casein in the investigated cattle breeds (0.650-0.758) and the increase in the frequency of A2 beta-casein in the population of Simmental and Istrian cattle were determined. The association of A2A2 and A1A1 genotypes of beta-casein with lactation production and milk fat content in the first and second lactation was observed (p, Tijekom protekla tri desetljeća interes znanstvene i ukupne javnosti (potrošača) potaknut je studijama u kojima je zapažen negativan učinak konzumacije mlijeka u kojem je A1 varijanta beta-kazeina na zdravlje potrošača. Proizvodnja “A2 mlijeka” jedan je od načina gospodarskog povećanja kompetitivnosti manjih i srednjih mliječnih farmi. Uzgajivači ugroženih lokalnih pasmina također su zainteresirani za reafirmaciju kroz proizvodnju “A2 mlijeka”. Cilj istraživanja je utvrditi frekvencije A1 i A2 varijanti beta-kazeina u konvencionalnim i lokalnim pasminama goveda u Hrvatskoj, te njihovu povezanost s proizvodnim pokazateljima konvencionalnih pasmina u prve tri laktacije. Genomska DNK izolirana korištenjem komercijalnog kita za izolaciju upotrijebljena je za PCR RFLP determinaciju CSN2 genotipova. Podaci o mliječnosti i kemijskom sastavu mlijeka u promatranom uzorku preuzeti su iz središnje baze podataka. Utvrđena je dominantna zastupljenost A2 varijante beta-kazeina u istraženim pasminama goveda (0,650-0,758) te povećanje frekvencije A2 beta-kazeina u populaciji simentalskog i istarskog goveda. Zapažena je povezanost A2A2 i A1A1 genotipa beta-kazeina s laktacijskom proizvodnjom i udjelom mliječne masti u prvoj i drugoj laktaciji (p

Pedigree analysis is an important tool for assessing genetic variability and detecting heritage patterns in domestic animals. This study aimed to 1) assess genetic variability, 2) estimate genetic parameters for daily milk yield (DMY), fat content (FC), and protein content (PC), and 3) estimate the impact of inbreeding on the aforementioned dairy traits in Istrian sheep breed. The generation interval was 3.8 years. The average family size per sire and dam was 13.5 and 1.6, respectively. There were 923 female and 282 male founders (f), 105 male and 137 female effective founders (fe), and 72 male and 95 female effective ancestors (fa). A total of 28 sires and 34 dams explained 50% of the genetic variability. The effective number of male and female founder genomes (fne) was 33 and 53, respectively. Low fe/f (0.37 and 0.15), high fe/fa (1.45 and 1.44), and low fne/fe (0.45 and 0.39) for males and females indicated overuse of a small number of animals in reproduction and substantial loss of founder alleles. The heritabilities of MY, FC, and PC were 0.09, 0.03, and 0.06, respectively. Genetic correlations between DMY and FC, DMY and PC, and FC and PC were −0.22, −0.27, and 0.70, respectively. Regression of phenotypes on inbreeding coefficient (F) within the animal genetic model revealed negligible inbreeding depression for all traits (p.05).

The Istrian sheep breed has been subjected to selection for dairy traits for more than two decades. However, a detailed study of some important population-specific parameters such as effective population size (Ne) and connectedness between flocks has never been carried out. The aim of the study was to examine the above parameters in dairy Istrian sheep subjected to a national selection program. The Ne was estimated as the mean rate of increase in coancestry, and connectedness was determined using four different statistics. The Ne was estimated at 73 animals with pedigree constraints imposed on 4 equivalent generations and 3 full generations. Analysis of ΔNe (“sliding window approach”) revealed a negative ΔNe indicating a progressive loss of genetic variability (ΔNeNEG≥4 = −6.6, p &lt, 0.01, ΔNeNFG≥3 = −4.9, p &gt, 0.05). The overall connectedness (r¯ ~ 0.0001) was below the acceptable level for unbiased ranking of the animals belonging to different flocks (ri,j&nbsp, = 0.05). OCS appears to be the best option for the long-term survival (self-sufficiency) of the breed, but genetic links between flocks need to be strengthened to allow unbiased ranking of the animals based on the estimated breeding values.

Istrian goat is an autochthonous Croatian breed which inhabited Istrian peninsula and was important in milk production and human nutrition, especially for poor people. For centuries Istrian goat was a recognizable heraldic symbol of Istria, but in her real form almost disappeared from the breeding area. The revitalization and reaffirmation of Istrian goat began with several dozen remaining breeding animals, after a decade-long breeding ban. Genetic characterization of the Istrian goat population is necessary for providing insight into the state of genetically preserved structure within population as well as positioning Istrian goats within phylogenetically related breeds. Microsatellite and mtDNA analysis of reproductive individuals of Istrian goat and related breeds, Croatian White goat and Saanen goat was carried out. In the population of Istrian goat, higher allelic variability (nA = 9.7; AR = 7.4) were found as well as significant genetic distance (FST = 0.068 - 0.086) in relation to other two breeds. Such results indicated that Istrian goat constitutes a separate genetic identity. The observed ten haplotype sequences of the D-loop mtDNA also confirm the significant genetic richness of the maternal hereditary component. The observed haplotypes in the population of Istrian goat belong to lineage A. A smaller number of haplotypes shows similarity to the group of “white” goats, indicating traces of earlier limited but targeted crossing of Istrian goats. The genetic profile analysis of Istrian goats indicates a high level of genetic variability and provides guidelines for a long-term conservation program. The preserved genetic and promising potential of milk production of Istrian goat makes a significant basis for her economic reaffirmation. Orientation of the breed towards milk production could be an efficient strategy for its effective preservation., Istarska koza jedna je od autohtonih pasmina koja je nastanjivala područje Istarskog poluotoka i bila važna u proizvodnji mlijeka te prehrani, posebice siromašnog stanovništva. Kroz stoljeća je činila prepoznatljivi heraldički simbol Istre, no u svojem stvarnom obličju gotovo je iščezla iz uzgojnog područja. Revitalizacija i reafirmacija istarske koze započela je nakon višedesetljetne zabrane uzgoja na uzgojnoj bazi od nekoliko desetaka preostalih rasplodnih jedinki. Genetska karakterizacija preostale populacije istarske koze nužna je za uvid u stanje unutar populacijske genetske očuvanosti kao i pozicioniranje naspram filogenetski srodnih pasmina koza. Provedena je analiza strukture mikrosatelita i mtDNA rasplodnih jedinki istarske koze te srodnih pasmina koza, hrvatske bijele i sanske koze. U populaciji istarske koze naspram druge dvije pasmine koza utvrđena je veća alelna varijabilnost (nA = 9,7; AR = 7,4) te značajna genetska udaljenost (FST=0,068-0,086) što ukazuje da istarska koza čini zaseban genetski identitet. Zapaženih deset haplotipova sekvenci D-loop regije mtDNA također potvrđuje značajno genetsko bogatstvo maternalne nasljedne komponente. Uočeni haplotipovi u populaciji istarske koze pripadaju haplogrupi A. Manji broj haplotipova pokazuje srodnost naspram pasmina iz skupine bijelih koza, što indicira na tragove ranijih ograničenih ciljanih oplemenjivanja istarske koze. Analiza genetskog profila ukazuje na visoku razinu očuvanosti genetske varijabilnosti te nudi smjernice dugoročno održivog konzervacijskog programa. Očuvani genetski i izgledni proizvodni (mliječni) potencijal istarske koze čini značajnu osnovu njene gospodarske reafirmacije.

Simple Summary Conservation of local horse breeds as part of animal genetic resources is of national and global importance. Monitoring of local breeds is often fragmentary, i.e., it involves analysis of pedigrees, phenotype, and genetic structure. Using the Croatian Posavina horse as an example, we analyzed the status of the population with regard to available pedigree information, phenotype measures of stallions and mares, and genetic structure based on microsatellites. The generation interval is about eight years, indicating relatively early involvement of animals in reproduction for economic use of the breed. The depth of the pedigree is relatively modest due to a relatively short period of systematic breeding work (two decades). The number of active sire-lines and mare-lines is favorable and forms a good basis for the preservation of the breed. Regarding conformation, the Croatian Posavina horse kept the recognizability of the small-sized horse breed in the coldblooded type, in which there are clear traces of the earlier controlled introduction of the Arabian and other breeds. Its genetic diversity component has been preserved. The above results are a guide for further implementation of effective programs for the conservation of endangered local horse breeds. Abstract The Croatian Posavina horse (CPH) is native Croatian breed under a conservation program and under various programs of economic use (ecosystem services, agrotourism, and meat production). The aim of this study was to analyze the status of the CPH population through an analysis of their pedigree (28,483 records), phenotype (292 licensed stallions, 255 mares), and genetic structure (292 licensed stallions). The average generation interval was 8.20 years, and the number of complete generations was 1.66. The effective number of founders and ancestors was 138 and 107, respectively, with a ratio of 1.29, and the genetic conservation index was 4.46. As for the morphometric characteristics, the average withers height of the stallions was 142.79 cm, the chest circumference was 194.28 cm, and the cannon bone circumference was 22.34. In mares, the withers height, chest, and cannon bone circumference were lower (139.71 cm, 190.30 cm, and 20.94 cm, respectively). Genetic microsatellite analysis of the 29 sire-lines showed high genetic diversity, expressed as the mean allele number (7.7), allele richness (4.0), and expected heterozygosity (0.740). There was no evidence of high inbreeding or a genetic bottleneck. The genetic and phenotypic data indicate that the CPH is an important and diverse reservoir of genetic diversity and can be conserved because of its special characteristics (adaptability).

This study aimed to examine the impact of ewe’s age at first lambing (AFL) on days in milk (DIM), average daily milk yield (DMY), and total milk yield (TMY). Symmetrical bimodal distribution of AFL enabled classification of maidens in those mated in the first (47%) or second year of life (53%). After accounting for all available sources of phenotypic variability with the linear mixed model for repeated records, it was estimated that AFL had a statistically significant effect only on DIM (p &lt, 0.001). The litter size had a significant effect only on TMY (p &lt, 0.001), while the effect of the parity was significant for all the examined traits (p &lt, 0.001). The results of the study suggest that prolongation of age at first mating to the second year of life is not justified in dairy-orientated sheep farms. However, more evidence on this issue is needed for generalization, especially considering some other traits that can impact profitability of dual-purpose sheep farms (reproduction traits, growth rate of lambs, etc.).

The phylogenetic layout of the genotyped (30 microsatellite) 18 sheep breeds in this study demands and provides the opportunity to evaluate both neutral and adaptive components of genetic diversity in a naturally and artificially selected and subdivided sheep population. Seven Pramenka strains from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia characterized by a very low intensity of artificial selection, preserved the highest neutral genetic variability. Eight central and north-western European breeds under considerable artificial isolation and selection preserved the lowest genetic variability. Only combinations of various phylogenetic parameters offer a reasonable explanation for underlying evolutionary forces working in the investigated island and mainland sheep breeds under variable natural and artificial selection. More than 60% of total genetic, diversity was allocated to virtually unselected Pramenka strains, and an additional 25% to native moderately selected Graue Gehoernte Heidschnucke and intensively selected Ostfriesische Milchschafe. Some economically very important breeds and strains did not contribute to a pool with maximal genetic diversity, while they play an important role in the cultural heritage of respective countries.

Genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationship of three Croatian autochthonous cattle breeds was analyzed using a sequence of the mtDNA D-loop region. Among Busha, Istrian, and Slavonian Syrmian Podolian cattle 146 unrelated animals were tested. The sequencing of 780 base pairs of the mtDNA D-loop region revealed 39 polymorphic sites representing 28 different haplotypes. The highest numbers of haplo - types were observed in the Busha population and the lowest in the population of Slavonian Syrmian Podolian cattle, while the highest level of sequence diversity within a population was observed in the Istrian cattle. Our results indicate a high level of mtDNA diversity in the populations of Busha and Istrian cattle and a low level of preserved diversity in the population of Slavonian Syrmian Podolian cattle. The sequence analysis showed substantial subdivision between the breeds ( F ST = 0.1434), and a large fraction of variation within the breeds. Although the dominant haplotypes are classified as the T3 haplogroup, some of the haplotypes are classified as the rarer T2 and T5 haplogroups. Genetic information based on mtDNA typing has a great importance for the future conservation management and preservation of genetic diversity in autochthonous cattle breeds.

Preservation of genetic diversity is one of the most pressing challenges in the planetary boundaries concept. Within this context, we focused on genetic diversity in a native, unselected and highly admixed domesticated metapopulation. A set of 1, 828 individuals from 60 different cattle breeds was analysed using a medium density SNP chip. Among these breeds, 14 Buša strains formed a metapopulation represented by 350 individuals, while the remaining 46 breeds represented the global cattle population. Genetic analyses showed that the scarcely selected and less differentiated Buša metapopulation contributed a substantial proportion (52.6%) of the neutral allelic diversity to this global taurine population. Consequently, there is an urgent need for synchronized maintenance of this highly fragmented domestic metapopulation, which is distributed over several countries without sophisticated infrastructure and highly endangered by continuous replacement crossing as part of the global genetic homogenization process. This study collected and evaluated samples, data and genomewide information and developed genome‐ assisted cross‐border conservation concepts. To detect and maintain genetic integrity of the metapopulation strains, we designed and applied a composite test that combines six metrics based on additive genetic relationships, a nearest neighbour graph and the distribution of semiprivate alleles. Each metric provides distinct information components about past admixture events and offers an objective and powerful tool for the detection of admixed outliers. The here developed conservation methods and presented experiences could easily be adapted to comparable conservation programmes of domesticated or other metapopulations bred and kept in captivity or under some other sort of human control.

The objective of this study was to investigate morphometric measures from numerically small population of Gidran horses in Croatia. Thus body measurements were taken from a total of 31 individuals. The dactylo-thoracic index indicated that these animals are intermediary (not suitable for speed nor for traction) what was confirmed with the higher conformation index. The analysis of other conformation indices indicated that, in general, these horses are medilines, compact, with good developed chest. No significant differences between male and female Gidran horses considering body measurements exist what confirm conformation homogeneity as result of well managed breeding strategy. Compared to Hungarian Gidran population, Gidrans from Croatia show great similarity even though they have had lower values for body measurements., Cilj istraživanja je stjecanje uvida u morfometrijske mjere Gidran pasmine konja u Hrvatskoj koja je brojem skromna. Prikupljene su tjelesne mjere od ukupno 31 jedinke. Daktilo-torakalni indeks upućuje da Gidran populaciju u Hrvatskoj karakterizira srednji format tijela (koji nije pogodan ni za postizanje velikih brzina ni za vuču) što je potvrđeno vrijednošću konformacijskog indeksa. Analiza drugih tjelesnih indeksa pokazala je da su umjereno dugi, kompaktni, s dobro razvijenim prsnim košem. Ne postoji značajna razlika u tjelesnim mjerama između muških i ženskih grla što potvrđuje konformacijsku homogenost pasmine kao rezultat dobro vođene uzgojne strategije. Premda populacija Gidrana u Hrvatskoj ima nešto niže vrijednosti tjelesnih mjera u odnosu na uzgoj Gidrana u Mađarskoj, možemo zaključiti da ta dva uzgoja pokazuju veliku sličnost.

Horse breeding in the Republic of Croatia, before its entrance into European Union, is in the transitional period. In the breeding sense, Croatian horse breeding is set according to the model of European countries and is trying to counteract with “modern horse breeding countries”. Croatian Center for Horse Breeding - Đakovo and Lipik State Stud Farms (CCHB), with the Central register of equidae is, as the head national institution, responsible for running and maintaining national central equidae database (49 registers of horses and 27 registers of breeding types). Croatia has registered total of 21.796 equidae, from which 19.306 animals are horses. Registered horses according to groups make the total proportion of 37% warmblood horses, 59% coldblood horses and 4% ponies. Horse breeders are organized in breeders associations, which form federations of associations referring to separate horse breeds. Currently in Croatia there are four federations of breeders associations (with 43 associations and 11 private stud farms). Those verified breeding organizations are conducting independently breeding programs and fully maintain breeding and selection obligations for horse breeds for which they have approval of the Croatian Ministry. Native breeds in Croatia are Croatian Coldblood, Croatian Posavac and Međimurje horse (Murinsulaner), while Lipizzan horse is considered as protected breed. Development of horse breeding is considerably supported with national subsidies. Internationally verified breeds which are bred in Croatia are Lipizzan horse, Pure Arabian horses, Thoroughbred, Haflinger and Gidran horses. The horse breeding in Croatia is developing in four different directions. Ecological breeding implies native horse breeds and is spread on the areas of protected nature resorts in Croatia. Croatians are through their history connected to horse breeding, which is even today irreplaceable in traditional cultural manifestations (Đakovacki vezovi, Vinkovacke jeseni, Sinjska alka, etc.), various horse shows and fairs and also in more “modern” ways through recreation and entertainment. The third direction of development of horse breeding in Croatia is therapeutic riding, which includes 26 associations, over one hundred horses and over one thousand users organized under the Therapeutic Riding Association of Croatia. Sports horse breeding represents fourth direction in Croatian horse breeding. It is formed by four federations: Croatian Trotting Federation (trotting), Croatian Gallop Federation (gallop sport) and Croatian Equestrian Federation (endurance, dressage, military, show jumping, driving). Croatian Equestrian Federation includes 49 equestrian clubs. In the last four years between 455 and 582 competitors and between 495 and 581 horses (for show jumping 45%, dressage 31%, endurance 19%, driving 5% and military) were licensed annually. Croatia achieved noticeable results on the international scene in driving sports and in Paralympics. In all mentioned directions of Croatian horse breeding, the tendency should be directed to achieving higher breeding standards (nutrition, stabling, transport, training) and more rational using of horses. Such breeding and using of horses will lead to top bred horses and successful sport horses. This implies synchronized work through long period of time, respecting institutional and breeding rules.

It is widely accepted that autochthonous cattle breeds can be important genetic resources for unforeseeable environmental conditions in the future. Apart from that, they often represent local culture and tradition and thus assist in the awareness of ethnic identity of a country. In Croatia, there are only three indigenous cattle breeds, Croatian Busa, Slavonian Syrmian Podolian and Istrian Cattle. All of them are threatened but specialized in a particular habitat and production system. We analysed 93 microsatellites in 51 animals of each breed to get thorough information about genetic diversity and population structure. We further set them within an existing frame of additional 16 breeds that have been genotyped for the same marker set and cover a geographical area from the domestication centre near Anatolia, through the Balkan and alpine regions, to the north-west of Europe. The cultural value was evaluated regarding the role in landscape, gastronomy, folklore and handicraft. The overall results recognize Croatian Busa being partly admixed but harbouring an enormous genetic diversity comparable with other traditional unselected Busa breeds in the Anatolian and Balkan areas. The Podolian cattle showed the lowest genetic diversity at the highest genetic distance to all remaining breeds but are playing an important role as part of the cultural landscape and thus contribute to the tourist industry. The genetic diversity of the Istrian cattle was found in the middle range of this study. It is already included in the tourist industry as a local food speciality. Current and future conservation strategies are discussed.

The genetic variability for a sample of 107 animals from three autochthonous Croatian horse breeds was estimated using 20 microsatellites. The average number of alleles per locus (6.3) and proportion of heterozygosity (0.732) indicated a moderate variability. The expected heterozygosity was similar among all breeds and ranged between 0.724 in the Posavina horse, and 0.737 in the Croatian Coldblood and Murinsulaner horse. The inbreeding coefficient FIS was low and non-significant over the three populations. The genetic differentiation among the three populations was low (FST=0.026), suggesting that only 2.6% of the total genetic variability was due to differences between the breeds, and 97% to individual differences. The results of pairwise genetic differentiation suggest that the Posavina horse and the Croatian Coldblood were the most closely related populations (FST=0.016). These results are confirmed by Nei’s genetic distances with the highest value observed between the Posavina horse and the Murinsulaner (0.082) and the lowest between the Posavina horse and the Croatian Coldblood (0.044). An assignment test correctly assigned 82% of individuals to the correct breed. Strategies for preserving the original native genes in the Croatian native horse breeds should be considered in order to prevent these breeds from becoming extinct and include them in the future breeding programmes.

Genetic variation in three Croatian coldblood horse populations was analysed using a sequence analysis of the proximal part (nt 15 498-15 821) of the D-loop region of mtDNA. Twenty unrelated horses were chosen from the Posavina horse and the Croatian Coldblood breeds and fifteen horses from the Murinsulaner horse population. Sequencing of the proximal part of the mtDNA D-loop region revealed 26 polymorphic sites representing thirty haplotypes which were clustered into eight haplogroups. A wide variety of mitochondrial haplotypes of the analysed horse breeds were clustered into eight different haplogroups. Two haplogroups (D and F) were specific to Posavina horse, five haplogroups were shared among the Croatian Coldblood and Murinsulaner horse, the fact that can be explained by selection strategy at the beginning of the 20 th century and possible gene flow between the two populations. These results indicate the presence of many ancient maternal lineages with high diversity in mtDNA. The genetic information based on mtDNA typing has a great importance for the future breed conservation strategy, especially for the critically endangered breed such as Murinsulaner horse.

Pravilno izbalansiran obrok kobile nakon ždrijebljenja pozitivno će se odraziti na oporavak kobile, sljedeći spolni ciklus, vraćanje u prvobitnu kondiciju, napredak ždrjebeta te sastav i količinu kobiljeg mlijeka. Razdoblje u kojem se kobila treba vratiti u prvobitno kondicijsko stanje, a ujedno namirivati uzdržne i produktivne potrebe za hranjivim tvarima, iznimno je zahtjevno. Kobile u prva tri mjeseca laktacije proizvedu mlijeka u količini oko 3% tjelesne mase dnevno, te u tom razdoblju imaju znatno veće potrebe za hranjivim tvarima, dok kasnija razina proizvodnje mlijeka pada na 2% tjelesne mase dnevno. Dnevne potrebe toplokrvne kobile u laktaciji od 600 kg tjelesne mase za probavljivim bjelančevinama u prvom mjesecu laktacije su 1.275 g, te se postupno smanjuju do petog mjeseca laktacije za 30,6%. Dnevni obroci u prvom mjesecu laktacije trebaju zadovoljavati 135 MJ metaboličke energije koja se u petom mjesecu laktacije smanjuje za 11,8%, a najveća je u trećem mjesecu laktacije (142 MJ). Važno je namiriti potrebe za makro-elementima: kalcijem (61 g), fosforom (46 g), natrijem (16 g), klorom (54 g), kao i elementima u tragovima (željezom 1.250 mg, bakrom 125 mg, cinkom 625 mg i magnezijem 500 mg). U hranidbi kobila u laktaciji treba osigurati i vitamine topive u mastima: vitamin A (90.000 IJ), D (12.000 IJ) i E (600 mg). Sastavi obroka koji bi zadovoljavali dnevne potrebe kobila u laktaciji za hranjivim tvarima ovise o sustavu držanja, godišnjem dobu, raspoloživim krmivima i zdravstvenom stanju jedinke. Pristupi li se individualnoj hranidbi kobile nakon ždrijebljenja, vodeći računa o uzdržnim i produktivnim potrebama za hranjivim tvarima i pravilno ih balansirajući u obroke kobila, u laktaciji brzo će se vratiti u prvobitno kondicijsko stanje, te će se dugo koristiti u uzgoju konja., Properly balanced mare’s diet after foaling will reflect positively on the mare’s recovery, following sexual cycle, restoring the body condition, foal’s progress, as well as on the composition and quantity of mare's milk. The period in which the mare should be returned to her original body condition, and also settled maintenance and productive needs for nutrients, is extremely challenging. Mares during the first three months of lactation produce milk in quantity about 3% of their body weight per day, hence in that time they have significantly greater needs for nutrients. Later in lactation milk production levels decrease to 2% of mare’s body weight per day. Daily needs for digestible protein of lactating warm-blooded mares weighing of 600 kg are 1275 g in the first month of lactation, after which the weight gradually decreases by 30.6% until the fifth month of lactation. Daily diet in the first month of lactation should meet the 135 MJ of metabolic energy. The highest needs for metabolic energy are in the third month of lactation (142 MJ), while reduction in the amount of 11.8% occurs in the fifth month of lactation. Also, it is important to satisfy the needs for macro-elements: calcium (61 g), phosphorus (46 g), sodium (16 g), chlorine (54 g), and elements in trace (iron, 1250 mg, copper 125 mg, zinc 625 mg and magnesium 500 mg). The lactating mare’s diet should contain fat-soluble vitamins in the amount as follows: vitamin A (90,000 IU), D (12,000 IU) and E (600 mg). Diet composition that would satisfy the daily needs of lactating mares for nutrients depends on the keeping system, the season, the available fodder and health status of individual animal. Individual approach to the mare’s diet after the foaling taking into account the maintenance and the productive needs, applying properly balanced diet will result in mare’s fast return to initial body condition, long life and breeding use.

Hrvatsko konjogojstvo ima dugu tradiciju, a upravo ta tradicija otvara mogućnosti za razvoj konjičkog turizma na području cijele Hrvatske. Organiziranje turističkih aktivnosti, savjetovanje, povezivanje interesnih skupina te organizacija, koordinacija i promocija konjičkih turističkih staza i konjičkog turizma općenito, potrebni su preduvjeti za razvoj konjičkog turizma u budućnosti. Cilj ovog rada je utvrditi mogućnosti razvoja komercijalnog konjičkog turizma u Samoboru i njegovoj okolici temeljenog na rezultatima pilot istraživanja stanja i potencijala konjičkog kluba Mirnovec te potencijala okruženja u kojem se klub nalazi. Za potrebu analize stanja, interesa i potreba dizajnirana su dva upitnika za dvije skupine ispitanika. Upitnik „Mladi i konjički sport“ (MKS) sadrži ukupno šest pitanja zatvorenog tipa, a namijenjen je mlađoj dobnoj skupini jahača, dok upitnik „Roditelji za klub“ (RZK) sadrži osam pitanja zatvorenog tipa namijenjenog roditeljima polaznika škole jahanja. Na osnovi mišljenja korisnika i posjetitelja konjičkog kluba predloženi su sadržaji nadopune turističke i sportske ponude kluba, kao i sadržaji turističkog razvoja područja Samobora i okolice., Croatian horse breeding has long tradition, and this tradition opens opportunities for development of equestrian tourism in the entire Croatia. Organizing tourist activities, counseling, association groups of interest and the organization, coordination and promotion of equestrian trails and equestrian tourism in general are needful prerequisites for the development of equestrian tourism in the future. The aim of this study was to determine the possibilities of development of commercial equestrian tourism in Samobor and the surrounding area based on the results of the pilot survey and potential of equestrian club Mirnovec as well as environment potential in which the club is located. For the purpose of analysis of situation, interests and needs the two questionnaires are designed for two groups of examinee. Questionnaire "Youth and equestrian sports" (YES) contains six questions (closed type), intended to younger group of riders, while the questionnaire "Parents for club" (PFC) contains eight questions (also closed type) designed for parents of students in riding school. Based on the opinions of users and visitors of equestrian club, facilities for amendments tourist and sport club offer are proposed, as well as facilities for tourism development of Samobor and surrounding areas.

Osjetilna percepcija konja vrlo je složena u podražajnom i reakcijskom iskazivanju. Izoštrenost osjetila evolucijska je prilagodba koja je osigurala precima konja hitrost reakcija nužnih za njihovo preživljavanje. Razumijevanje osjetilne percepcije konja neophodno je za usklađen rad s konjem. U radu s konjem nužno je uvažavati značajnu širinu vidnog polja, te osobitosti percepcije dubine i oštrine vida. Sluh konja prilagođen je otkrivanju širokog frekvencijskog raspona zvukova te su sposobni obje uške neovisno okretati za gotovo 180°. Osjetilo mirisa ima veliku ulogu u otkrivanju predatora, spolnom ponašanju, te je bitno za socijalni kontakt životinja i čovjeka. Taktilna percepcija osim u održavanju socijalnog kontakta s drugim konjima, glavno je osjetilo interakcije konja i jahača. Za uspješan rad s konjem nužno je treningom postići određenu desenzibilizaciju osjetilne percepcije konja. Različitim vrstama treninga konji se izlažu očekivanim situacijama kako bi se ublažile instinktivne reakcije i ojačalo njihovo povjerenje u jahača., Sensory perception in horses is very complex due to expression of stimuli and reactions. Sharpening of the senses is an evolutionary adaptation which provided for the ancestors of horses quickness of reactions necessary for their survival. Understanding sensory perception of the horse is essential for synchronised work of human and horse. Working with horse it is necessary to respect a notable width of vision and specificity of depth and acuity perception. Horse hearing is adapted to detect a wide frequency range of sound and horses are capable rotated both ears independently almost at 180°. The sense of smell plays an important role in detection of predators, sexual behavior, and it is essential for social contact between human and the animal. Tactile perception, except in maintaining social contact with other horses, has the main role in interaction between the horse and the rider. For successful training is necessary to achieve a certain desensibility of horse sensory perception. With different types of training, horses are exposed to expected situations which mitigate their instinctive reaction and strengthen their confidence in rider.

Hormonalni status tijekom gravidnosti kobile značajno se razlikuje naspram drugih domaćih životinja. Tijekom cijele gravidnosti kobile vrlo je izražena hormonalna interakcija između ploda i majke. U ranoj trudnoći javlja se u obliku majčinskog prepoznavanja takvog stanja, jer zametak određenim signalima „obavještava“ majku o svojoj prisutnosti i time produžuje život žutom tijelu. Također, proizvodnja placentarnog estrogena i progestagena, u srednjoj fazi gravidnosti, ovisi o prekursorima sinetiziranima u povećanim gonadama fetusa i u nadbubrežnim žlijezdama fetusa. U zadnjoj fazi gravidnosti, upravo se fetus smatra inicijatorom partusa. Sam, mehanizam nije u potpunosti razjašnjen, no smatra se da je povezan s povišenim količinama kortikosteroida u amnionskoj tekućini koju proizvode nadbubrežne žlijezda fetusa. Potrebno je potpuno razumjevanje hormonalnih osobitosti gravidnosti kobile kako bi čovjek mogao pozitivno utjecati na trenutno prenisku stopu plodnosti konja., Hormonal status of the mares during pregnancy is significantly different in relation to other domestic animals. Throughout the pregnancy the mare and fetus hormonal interacts with each other. During early pregnancy developing embryo signals its presence to the maternal organism to prolong the lifespan of the primary corpus luteum. Also, the production of placental estrogen and progestagens in later stages of pregnancy, dependes on the precursors synthesized in increased fetal gonads and in adrenal glands of the fetus. In the last stage of pregnancy, it is fetus who initiates parturition. Mechanism of parturation is not fully understood, but is considered to be associated with increased amounts of corticosteroids in the amniotic fluid produced by the adrenal glands of the fetus. Fully understanding of the hormonal features of pregnancy in mares is vital, because only than man could inhance fertility rate in a horse wich is currently very low.

In our previous study (Kusza et al., 2008) interesting and suprised genetic relationship was found among local sheep breeds from Southern and Eastern Europe. Therefore in this study our aim was to determine further analyzes to determine genetic structure of thirteen local sheep populations from Romania, Albania, Croatia, Turkey and Serbia with new statistical methods. The findings obtained suggest the need to set up monitoring and to organize mating plans with the aim of increasing the genetic variability that is being compromised by the high level of inbreeding.

In the present study, microsatellite data of 20 loci were generated and utilized to evaluate genetic variability of the Croatian Spotted goat. Genetic variability was high, with means for expected gene diversity of 0.771, observed heterozygosity of 0.759, and 8.1 for the total number of alleles per locus. There are no indications for deviations from random breeding within the population. Level of inbreeding was only 2% and non-significant. The population was found to deviate significantly under infinitive allele model (IAM) and two phase model (TPM), while stepwise mutation model (SMM) and qualitative mode-shift test of allele frequencies indicate the absence of genetic bottleneck in the recent past in the population of the Croatian Spotted goat. High level of genetic diversity, as it is presented in this study, may be seen as an initial guide for conservation decisions in the future.

Milk urea nitrogen concentration is a reliable indicator of protein energy balance in dairy cows. Concentration of milk urea nitrogen is mostly affected by nutritional factors, but also its concentration can be influenced by some non-nutritional factors. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of season, parity and stage of lactation on concentration of milk urea nitrogen, as well as its association with daily milk yield, milk fat and protein content and somatic cell count. For that purpose, milk control data were collected for 5061 Holstein dairy cows from four dairy farms during five-year period (between January 1999 and December 2005). When milk urea nitrogen was associated with season, the higher concentration was found in the summer and autumn period, while significantly lower concentration was found in the winter and spring period. Milk urea nitrogen was the lowest in first lactation (27.34 mg/dL) and significantly increased with parities. The highest milk urea nitrogen concentration was recorded during mid-lactation stage (100-200 days), while the lowest concentration was found during late lactation stage (>200 days). Daily milk yield increased notably until above 35.00 mg/dL concentration of milk urea nitrogen, and above that level daily milk yield decreased. Milk fat and protein, content and somatic cell count had negative relationship with milk urea nitrogen concentration. The highest value of milk protein (3.41 %) was recorded when milk urea nitrogen ranged from 15 to 25 mg/dL, while milk fat percentage was the highest (4.06 %) when milk urea nitrogen ranged from 15 to 20 mg/dL. Cows with milk urea nitrogen concentration, Sadržaj uree u mlijeku pouzdan je pokazatelj uravnoteženosti odnosa bjelančevina i energije u obroku mliječnih krava. Različiti hranidbeni, ali i neki nehranidbeni čimbenici utječu na udjel uree u kravljem mlijeku. Cilj ovog rada bio je utvrditi utjecaj sezone, redoslijeda i stadija laktacije na udjel uree u mlijeku, kao i povezanost između udjela uree, proizvodnje mlijeka, udjela mliječne masti i bjelančevina te broja somatskih stanica u mlijeku. U tu svrhu su provedene mjesečne kontrole mliječnosti na četiri velike farme mliječnih krava Holstein pasmine (ukupno 5061 krava u razdoblju od siječnja 1999. do prosinca 2005. godine). Sezona je značajno utjecala na udjel uree u mlijeku, čija je koncentracija tijekom ljeta i jeseni bila viša nego zimi i u proljeće. Udjel uree bio je najniži u prvotelki (27,34 mg/dL) te se značajno povećavao u krava višeg reda laktacije. Sredinom laktacije (100-200 dana) zabilježen je najveći, a krajem laktacije (>200 dana) najmanji prosječni sadržaj uree u mlijeku. Proizvodnja mlijeka znatno se povećavala do razine od 35,00 mg uree po 1 dL mlijeka, nakon čega je uslijedio pad. Udjel mliječne masti i bjelančevina te broj somatskih stanica u mlijeku bili su u negativnoj korelaciji sa sadržajem uree. Najviši udjel bjelančevina (3,41 %) zabilježen je u mlijeku s rasponom udjela uree od 15 do 25 mg/dL, dok je najviši udjel mliječne masti (4,06 %) zabilježen kad je urea bila u rasponu od 15 do 20 mg/dL. Najveći prosječni broj somatskih stanica (333x103 mL-1) utvrđen je u mlijeku sa

Veal fatty acid composition in M. Longissimus thoracis was investigated in different calf breeds (Simmental, Holstein, Simmental x Holstein). Calves were reared on the same farm under identical feeding and handling conditions. Simmental calves had higher polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) but lower saturated fatty acid (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) values than Holstein and crossbreed calves (P

The aim of this research was to determine effect of genotype (Holstein, Simmental and their crossbreeds), sex and slaughter weight groups (SW1= 150-160 kg and SW2=190-200 kg) on veal longissimus muscle area (LMA). Between the12th and the13th rib, two ultrasound LMA (ULMA) images were taken from each animal and carcass LMA (CLMA) traced on transparent foil was measured by planimeter. For both measures, Simmental calves had larger LMA than Holstein (P

Konformacija konja od izuzetne je važnosti za njegovu uporabnu i uzgojnu vrijednost. Istraživanja su ukazala na nisku razinu hereditarnosti linearno ocjenjivanih svojstava, međusobne umjerene korelacijske veze, te moguću selekcijsku iskoristivost u protežiranju poželjnih uzgojnih varijanti unutar populacije. Istraživanjem je obuhvaćeno 258 odraslih konja autohtonih pasmina u zemaljskom uzgoju. Srednja dodijeljena linearna ocjena hrvatskom hladnokrvnjaku je 5,64, međimurskom konju 5,56, te posavskom konju 5,59. Posavski konj linearno je ocijenjen većom ocjenom između ostalog za mišićavost vrata, spoj vrata s trupom, nagib lopatice, širinu sapi, visinu korijena repa, ocjenu kopita, ispravnost i snagu koraka. Imaju zamjetno maju glavu, manju konveksnost profila glave, kraća leđa, nježnije kosti, dobru mišićavost te poželjnu građu sapnog dijela. Hrvatski hladnokrvnjak ocijenjen je većom ocjenom, posebice za dužinu sapi i obujam cjevanice, dočim je međimurski konj većom ocjenom ocijenjen za spoj glave s vratom i širinu prsa. Autohtone pasmine konja u Hrvatskoj morfološki i strukturno prilično su heterogene, što je i za očekivati budući da su u fazi profiliranja. Na uzgojnim je institucijama, primarno krovnim Savezima uzgajivača, da se u provedbenom uzgojnom pogledu odrede prema linearnoj konformacijskoj ocjeni kao o metodi kojom će objektivnije pratiti i kreirati uzgojne trenove., The horse conformation is of significant importance for its use and breeding value. Research show the low level heredities linearly scored traits, interacting moderate correlations relations, and possible selection usability in favoring breeding variant inside the population. Investigates is included 258 adult horse of autochthonous breeds. The middle assigned linear evaluation to the Croatian Coldblood is 5.64, Murinsulaner horses 5.56, and Posavina horse 5.59. Posavina horse has been linearly larger evaluated among others for the muscularity, connection neck with chest, shoulder incline, chest length, width and depth, stride correctness and power. Autochthonous horse breeds in Croatia are morphologic and structurally quite heterogeneous. On breeding institutions, primarily Associations of breeders, that in the implementation breeding sight define linear conformation the evaluation as about method whom more objectively will accompany and create breeding moments.

Istarsko govedo je jedna od autohtonih hrvatskih pasmina goveda na koju se krajem XX. stoljeća usredotočio interes stručne i šire javnosti, nakon što se ustanovilo da je postala veoma rijetka. Cilj istraživanja je utvrđivanje reproduktivnih odlika istarskog goveda, umatičenih u bazi Hrvatskog stočarskog centra za razdoblje od 1994. do 2004. godine. Obrađeni su pokazatelji za 401 kravu s evidentiranim teljenjem. Prva koncepcija nastupila je u prosječnoj dobi od 20,3 mjeseci, a prvo teljenje je uslijedilo s 29,8 mjeseci. Gravidnost je prosječno trajala 291,8 dana. Kod krava koje su nosile žensku telad gravidnost je bila kraća za 1,4 dana. Prosječno trajanje servisnog razdoblja iznosilo je 156,2 dana, a interval teljenja 448,2 dana. Prosječna životna dob krava izlučenih iz uzgoja je 14 godina, dok je svaka izlučena krava prosječno u svom životu dala 7 teladi., The Istrian cattle is one of the autochthonous Croatian cattle breeds which, at the end of XX century, was attracting attention of profesional and scientific public after it was established that it had become rare. The aim of this research was to determine reproduction traits of the Istrian cattle breed registered in the herdbook of the Croatian Livestock Centre from 1994 to 2004. The total of 401 Istrian cows, with at least one calving registered, were analyzed. The first fertilization was on average at 20.3 months of age, while the first calving was on average at 29.8 months of age. The pregnancy lasted on average 291.8 days. Female calves were carried slightly shorter (1.4 days). The average duration of the service period was 156.2 days and the calving interval was 448.2 days. The average maternal age of cows at the Istrian cattle breed is 14 years, while the average number of calvings per cow is 7.

Akhaltekinski punokrvnjak je pasmina nastala na području srednje Azije, odnosno Turkmenistana. Smatra se najstarijom čistokrvnom pasminom konja na svijetu čije oblikovanje traje više od tri tisućljeća. Akhaltekinski konji uzgajaju se u čistoj krvi i uglavnom koriste kao oplemenjivači. Od sportskih disciplina najčešće se koriste u dresurnom i preponskom jahanju, zatim za utrke (osobito na duge staze), a pogodni su i za rekreativno jahanje. Dominantni dio uzgoja akhaltekinskog konja nalazi se na području Turkmenistana i Rusije, no zbog svestranosti i skromnosti cijenjeni su i u drugim dijelovima svijeta. Uzgoj akhaltekinskog konja u Hrvatskoj započelo je 1995. godine uvozom pastuha i dvije kobile, a aktualnu populaciju čini šesnaest akhaltekinskih konja različite dobi. U uzgoju su zastupljene tri linije: 719 Kaplan, 213 Sapar Han i 448 Kir Sakar. Morfometrijskim izmjerama utvrđeno je da se populacija akhaltekinskih konja u Hrvatskoj značajno ne razlikuje od populacije akhaltekinskog konja u Turkmenistanu. Postojeća genetska osnova dobar je temelj za daljnji uzgoj kvalitetnog i prepoznatljivog akhaltekinskog konja u Hrvatskoj. Nužno je promovirati ovu pasminu kroz sport i rekreaciju čime bi se otvorio put njenom širenju u ukupnoj populaciji konja u Hrvatskoj.

Cilj istraživanja bio je utvrditi neke proizvodne odlike ovaca kupreške pramenke, nastale u planinskim uvjetima s oštrom i hladnom zimom te obilnom pašom tijekom vegetacije, u ekološkim uvjetima otoka Brača. Istraživanje u trajanju od 2 godine (2001. i 2002.) provedeno je na jednom obiteljskom poljoprivrednom gospodarstvu na otoku Braču koje se tradicionalno bavi uzgojem ovaca za meso i mlijeko. U istraživanje je bila uključena 161 ovca (78 u 2001., 83 u 2002. godini) i njihova janjad (93 u 2001. i 99 u 2002. godini, ukupno 192). Prosječna plodnost ovaca iznosila je 119% i nije utvrđen signifikantan utjecaj godine na plodnost (P>0,05). Prosječna porodna masa muške janjadi iznosila je 4,51 kg, a ženske 4,36 kg, dok je prosječna tjelesna masa muške janjadi u dobi od 35 dana iznosila 12,25 kg, a ženske 11,7 kg. Janjad je na kraju tova (58 dana) težila prosječno 18,50 kg. Prosječni dnevni prirast muške i ženske janjadi bio je gotovo identičan, a iznosio je 248,7 g u muške i 240,6 g u ženske janjadi., The aim of the research was to determine some production characteristics of kupreska pramenka on the island of Brac, kept in highland environmental conditions with sharp and cold winter and plenty of pasture during the vegetation. The research was conducted on the family farm Salamunovic on the island of Brac, during 2001 and 2002 year. The Salamunovic family traditionally breeds sheep for lamb meat and milk production. 161 ewes (78 in 2001, 83 in 2002) and lambs (93 in 2001 and 99 in 2002, 192 in all) were included in this research. The average prolificacy of ewes was 119% and the influence of year was not found significant for prolificacy (P>0,05). The average birth weight of male lambs was 4.51 kg, and female lambs 4.36 kg. At the age of 35 days the average body weight of male lambs was 12.12 kg and females 11,7 kg. At the end of the fattening period (58 days) the final weight of lambs was 18.50 kg. Average daily gains of lambs were almost the same; male lambs weiched 248.7 g and females 240.6 g.