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This research aimed to determine the impact of the identical inoculant mixture of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on the silage quality of five different corn hybrids (Zea mays), which were ensiled separately. The hybrids (Pioneer Hi-Bred DuPont) differed in terms of FAO maturity group (from early H1, mid-early H2, medium H3, mid-late H4 to late H5). The inoculant consisted of a mixture homofermentative and heterofermentative LAB: Lactobacillus buchneri, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Enterococcus faecium. Ensiling was done in laboratory conditions, where the green mass of corn hybrids was ensiled with and without LAB. The process of ensiling lasted 60 days. The addition of the inoculant had a significant positive effect on the content of crude protein (CP, P<0.05) and non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC, P<0.05) in the silages obtained. Application of the inoculant also reduced acid detergent lignin, P<0.05) in the experimental silages. The chemical characteristics of the hybrids and inoculant composition affected the energy content. However, a positive influence of LAB inoculation on net energy for lactation (NEL) content was only determined in early-maturity hybrid H1 (P<0.05). This silage had the highest value for NEL concentration, with the lowest Neutral Detergent Fiber (aNDF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) content. The addition of LAB inoculates influenced the health safety of the silages by increasing the content of acetic acid, with the potential of extending the duration of their aerobic stability and resistance to microbial degradation., Cilj istraživanja bio je utvrditi utjecaj identične inokulantne smjese bakterija mliječne kiseline (LAB) na kvalitetu silaže pet različitih hibrida kukuruza (Zea mays). Hibridi (Pioneer Hi-Bred DuPont) razlikovali su se prema FAO skupini zrelosti (od ranog H1, sredine ranog H2, srednjeg H3, srednjeg kraja H4 do kasnog H5). Inokulant se sastojao od mješavine homofermentativnog i heterofermentativnog LAB-a: Lactobacillus buchneri, Lactobacillus plantarum i Enterococcus faecium. Siliranje je obavljeno u laboratorijskim uvjetima, gdje je zelena masa hibrida kukuruza odvojeno silirana sa i bez LAB-a. Proces siliranja trajao je 60 dana. Dodavanje inokulanta imalo je znakovito pozitivan učinak na sadržaj sirovih proteina (CP, P<0,05) i ugljikohidrata bez vlakana (NFC, P<0,05) u dobivenim silažama. Primjena inokulanta također je smanjila sadržaj lignina (ADL- kiselinski deterdžent lignin, P<0,05) u eksperimentalnim silažama. Kemijska svojstva hibrida i sastav inokulanata utjecali su na energetski sadržaj. Međutim, pozitivan utjecaj LAB inokulacije na sadržaj NEL (neto energija za laktaciju) određen je samo u hibridu H1 rane zrelosti (P<0,05). Ova silaža imala je najveću vrijednost za koncentraciju NEL-a, s najnižim sadržajem aNDF-a (neutralna vlakna deterdženta) i ADL-om. Dodavanje LAB inokulanta utjecalo je na zdravstvenu sigurnost silaže povećanjem sadržaja octene kiseline, s potencijalom produljenja trajanja aerobne stabilnosti i otpornosti na razgradnju mikroba.

Problem otpada je rastući problem u svetu. Većina svetskih propisa ograničava mogućnost deponovanja otpada i bezbedno upravljanje otpadom preusmerava na insineratore tj. spalionice otpada. Verovanje da će spaljivanjem otpad nestati, dovelo je do masovne insineracije kao široko rasprostranjene metode “odlaganja” svih vrsta otpada, uključujući i opasan otpad kakav je medicinski i hemijski. Insineracijom se smanjuje zapremina otpada, uništavaju se bakterije i virusi. Nažalost, spaljivanje nije “čist“ proces i pored emisije gasova dolazi do stvaranja velike količine pepela čije čestice na sebi nose veoma toksične polutante kao što su polihlorovani dibenzo dioksini (PCDDi), polihlorovani dibenzo furani (PCDFi). Radi se o nepolarnim, lipofilnim jedinjenjima koja se lako akumuliraju u životnoj sredini, veoma su postojani zbog čega predstavljaju opasnost po zdravlje ljudi. Osim u procesu insineracije mogu nastati i u toku velikih šumskih požara ili u toku nekih industrijskih procesa kao što je proizvodnja pesticida. U lanac ishrane životinja dospevaju putem kontaminarane hrane tj. zemljišta i biljaka koje ih bioakumuliraju. U lanac hrane ljudi dospevaju preko namirnica animalnog porekla kao što su jaja, meso i životinjske masti. Zbog velikog toksičnog i karcinogenog potencijala propisan je čitav niz mera kontrole prisustva ovih veoma toksičnih jedinjenja u životnoj sredini kao i hrani za ljude i životinje.

Tokom poslednjih 40 godina, upotreba dopunskih masti i ulja u obrocima visokomlečnih krava postala je standardna praksa. Masti se dodaju sa ciljem povećanja energetske gustine obroka. Povećani unos energije trebalo bi da poboljša energetsku ravnotežu, kondiciju, poveća proizvodnju mleka, poboljša reprodukciju i poveća sadržaj mlečne masti. Mlečne krave konzumiraju hranu koja pretežno sadrži polinezasićene masti (PUFA) kao deo biljnih triglicerida i glikolipida. Nezasićene masne kiseline su toksične bakterije buraga, posebno one koje su uključene u varenje celuloze. Negativni efekti nezasićenih masti na m.o. koji vare vlakna su glavni razlog zašto se velike količine „slobodnih“ biljnih ulja ne mogu davati mlečnim kravama. U mlečnoj masti krava, palmitinska kiselina (16:0) je najčešća masna kiselina, ujedno je i najzastupljenija masna kiselina u palminom ulju, po kojoj i dobija ime. Raznovrsni dodaci masti danas su dostupni za mlečne krave. Tzv „inertne masti“ imaju manji uticaj na fermentaciju buraga nego klasične masti, druga velika prednost komercijalnih masti je ta što su to „suve“ masti kojima se može lakše rukovati. Postoje tri glavne strategije za proizvodnju inertnih masti. Prva je povećanje zasićenosti masnih kiselina tako da tačka topljenja bude iznad opsega temperature okoline, ovo smanjuje rastvorljivost i potencijalnu interakciju masti sa m.o. buraga. Druga strategija je vezivanje masne kiseline sa kalcijumom da bi se formirali kalcijumovi sapuni. Budući da je slobodna masna kiselina potrebna za biohidrogenizaciju i interakciju sa m.o., vezivanje masnih kiselina u sapun sprečava ovu interakciju. Konačno, masti mogu biti „inkapsulirane“ na različite načine kako bi se fizički sprečila interakcija sa m.o. buraga. Od pomenutih strategija, samo prve dve su trenutno u komercijalnoj upotrebi. Podaci iz brojnih istraživačkih studija ukazuju na malu razliku u svarljivosti između prve dve vrste inertnih masti, sa malom prednošću za kalcijumove sapune.

U savremenoj živinarskoj proizvodnji koriste se brojni programi kojima se “namerno” izaziva ograničavanje rasta u određenom periodu, nakon čega životinja ispoljava ubrzani rast. Pored poboljšanja intenziteta porasta, na ovaj način mogu se ostvariti i drugi efekti, poput poboljšanja konverzije hrane, manjeg deponovanja masnog tkiva u telu životinje i smanjenja ukupnih troškova proizvodnje. Novija istraživanja potvrdila su i njihov pozitivan uticaj u kontroli nastanka pojedinih metaboličkih poremećaja (ascites, sindrom iznenadne smrti i tibijalna dishondroplazija). Najčešća tehnika za ograničavanje rasta brojlera predstavlja kontrolisano smanjenje unosa hrane tokom ranog perioda tova. To se postiže primenom različitih programa kvantitativne i kvalitativne restrikcije unosa hrane, odnosno hranljivih materija. Bez obzira na vrstu primenjenog programa uvek treba biti veoma oprezan, s obzirom da veliki broj faktora utiče na sposobnost jedinke da ispolji kompenzatorni rast i ostvari dobre proizvodne rezultate. Pri tome je posebno važno pronaći optimalan odnos između intenziteta i dužine trajanja ograničenog unosa hrane. Takođe, treba uzeti u obzir da, ukoliko se primenom određenog programa restrikcije ne ostvare uvek zadovoljavajući efekti u pogledu ostvarenih proizvodnih rezultata, ne treba ih odmah odbaciti kao neefikasne. Naime, potrebno je razmotriti njihovu ekonomsku isplativost, odnosno utvrditi da li tržišna cena dobijenog proizvoda (živinskog mesa) sa smanjenim sadržajem masti opravdava nižu telesnu masu brojlera ostvarenu na kraju tova.

This experimental study was conducted to determine the ability of a novel mycotoxins detoxification agent (MR) at a concentration of 0.2% to reduce the toxicity of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) or T-2 toxin, alone or in combination, and to examine its effect on performance, pathohistological changes (PH) and the residue of these toxins in the tissues of broiler chicks. A total of 96 broiler chicks were divided into eight equal groups: group C, which served as control (without any additives); group MR, which received the novel detoxification agent (supplemented with 0.2%); group E-I (0.1 mg AFB1/kg of diet); group E-II (0.1 mg AFB1/kg of diet + MR 0.2%); group E-III (0.5 mg T-2 toxin/kg of diet); group E-IV (0.5 mg T-2 toxin/kg of diet + 0.2% MR); group E-V (combination of 0.1 mg AFB1/kg, 0.5 mg T-2 toxin/kg of diet); and group E-VI (combination of 0.1 mg AFB1/kg, 0.5 mg T-2 toxin + 0.2% MR). Results indicate that feeds containing AFB1 and T-2 toxin, alone or in combination, adversely affected the health and performance of poultry. However, the addition of MR to diets containing AFB1 and T-2 toxin singly and in combination exerted a positive effect on body weight, feed intake, weight gain, feed efficiency and microscopic lesions in visceral organs. Residual concentration of AFB1 in liver samples was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased when chicks were fed diets supplemented with 0.2% of MR.

The gut of food-producing animals is a reservoir for foodborne pathogens. Thymol is bactericidal against foodborne pathogens but rapid absorption of thymol from the proximal gut precludes the delivery of effective concentrations to the lower gut where pathogens mainly colonize. Thymol-β-d-glucopyranoside is reported to be more resistant to absorption than thymol in everted jejunal segments and could potentially function as a prebiotic by resisting degradation and absorption in the proximal gut but being hydrolysable by microbial β-glycosidase in the distal gut. Previous in vitro studies showed bactericidal effects of thymol-β-d-glucopyranoside against Campylobacter, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium in the presence but not absence of intestinal microbes expressing β-glycosidase activity, indicating that hydrolysis was required to obtain antimicrobial activity. Presently, the oral administration of thymol-β-d-glucopyranoside was studied to examine the effects on intestinal carriage of Campylobacter, E. coli, and S. Typhimurium in swine. The effects of thymol-β-d-glucopyranoside or thymol on antimicrobial sensitivity of representative E. coli isolates and characterized Salmonella strains were also explored. Results from two in vivo studies revealed little antimicrobial effects of thymol-β-d-glucopyranoside on Campylobacter, E. coli, or S. Typhimurium in swine gut. These findings add credence to current thinking that hydrolysis and absorption of thymol-β-d-glucopyranoside and thymol may be sufficiently rapid within the proximal gut to preclude delivery to the distal gut. Antibiotic susceptibilities of selected bacterial isolates and strains were mainly unaffected by thymol. Further research is warranted to overcome obstacles, preventing the delivery of efficacious amounts of thymol-β-d-glucopyranoside to the lower gut.

Strategies are sought to reduce the carriage and dissemination of zoonotic pathogens and antimicrobial-resistant microbes within food-producing animals and their production environment. Thymol (an essential oil) is a potent bactericide in vitro but in vivo efficacy has been inconsistent, largely due to its lipophilicity and absorption, which limits its passage and subsequent availability in the distal gastrointestinal tract. Conjugation of thymol to glucose to form thymol-β-d-glucopyranoside can decrease its absorption, but in vivo passage of effective concentrations to the lower gut remains suboptimal. Considering that contemporary swine diets often contain 5% or more added fat (to increase caloric density and reduce dustiness), we hypothesized that there may be sufficient residual fat in the distal intestinal tract to sequester free or conjugated thymol, thereby limiting the availability and subsequent effectiveness of this biocide. In support of this hypothesis, the anti-Salmonella Typhimurium effects of 6 mM free or conjugated thymol, expressed as log10-fold reductions of colony-forming units (CFU) ml−1, were diminished 90 and 58%, respectively, following 24-h in vitro anaerobic fecal incubation (at 39°C) with 3% added vegetable oil compared to reductions achieved during culture without added oil (6.1 log10 CFU ml−1). The antagonistic effect of vegetable oil and the bactericidal effect of free and conjugated thymol against Escherichia coli K88 tested similarly were diminished 86 and 84%, respectively, compared to reductions achieved in cultures incubated without added vegetable oil (5.7 log10 CFU ml−1). Inclusion of taurine (8 mg/ml), bile acids (0.6 mg/ml), or emulsifiers such as polyoxyethylene-40 stearate (0.2%), Tween 20, or Tween 80 (each at 1%) in the in vitro incubations had little effect on vegetable oil-caused inhibition of free or conjugated thymol. Based on these results, it seems reasonable to suspect that undigested lipid in the distal gut may limit

An adequate accommodation of sport horses implies the appliance of all construction, zootechnical and hygienic norms. Stables for horses should provide optimal microclimatic conditions for horses, social contact with other horses, unrestricted access to food and water, as well as to reduce the risk to injury to a minimum. Stables are essential for wellbeing of horses, because they spend a significant part of the day in them. Lights, temperature, humidity, air flow, concentration of gases and dust, hygiene and noise intensity in the areas where the animals are, must be within limits that are not harmful for horses. Satisfying optimal microclimatic conditions in the horse stables represent one of the most important items when projecting a facility. The aim of this paper is to highlight the significance of adequate accommodation for horses in accordance with the natural ethological characteristics of horses as well as to describe the most important ambient parameters in the closed type facilities.

The aim of the research was to evaluate the carcass characteristics and meat quality from chickens fed on diets in which fish meal was substituted with raw earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus) or earthworm meal. In the trial which lasted 42-days, 100 one-day-old Hybro broilers were divided into the control and three experimental groups. The control group was fed on standard broiler feed, the first (E-I) and the second experimental groups (E-II) were fed a diet in which 50% or 100% of fish meal was substituted with earthworm meal, respectively, whilst the third group (E-III) consumed feed without fish meal, but was given raw chopped earthworms ad libitum from day 1 to day 42. The replacement of fish meal with fresh earthworms resulted in significantly lower carcass weights in the E-III group in comparison with the control group (p lt 0.05). The differences in drumstick, thigh and breast meat share relative to the carcass mass were not significant (p>0.05). The lowest fat content in thigh and breast meat was in the group in which fish meal was replaced with earthworm meal. The lightness (L*) of thigh and breast meat was highest in the broilers fed fresh earthworms ad libitum. No significant differences in pH value were detected between the experimental groups (p>0.05). The most consumer acceptable were drumstick samples from E-II group and the least acceptable samples from the control group. Earthworm meal may be considered an adequate substitute for fish meal in broiler chickens' diet since it does not impair the production performance, carcass yield and meat quality.

The aim of the research was to evaluate the carcass characteristics and meat quality from chickens fed on diets in which fish meal was substituted with raw earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus) or earthworm meal. In the trial which lasted 42-days, 100 one-day-old Hybro broilers were divided into the control and three experimental groups. The control group was fed on standard broiler feed, the first (E-I) and the second experimental groups (E-II) were fed a diet in which 50% or 100% of fish meal was substituted with earthworm meal, respectively, whilst the third group (E-III) consumed feed without fish meal, but was given raw chopped earthworms ad libitum from day 1 to day 42. The replacement of fish meal with fresh earthworms resulted in significantly lower carcass weights in the E-III group in comparison with the control group (p<0.05). The differences in drumstick, thigh and breast meat share relative to the carcass mass were not significant (p>0.05). The lowest fat content in thigh and breast meat was in the group in which fish meal was replaced with earthworm meal. The lightness (L*) of thigh and breast meat was highest in the broilers fed fresh earthworms ad libitum. No significant differences in pH value were detected between the experimental groups (p>0.05). The most consumer acceptable were drumstick samples from E-II group and the least acceptable samples from the control group. Earthworm meal may be considered an adequate substitute for fish meal in broiler chickens diet since it does not impair the production performance, carcass yield and meat quality.

Coal is produced by heating organic matter under reduced oxygen supply, during this process, volatile components are formulated in the form of gas and the base of coal remains a constant component. This process is called pyrolysis. Coal is used in agriculture, medicine, cosmetics, and feed preparation where it is added for the prevention of toxin absorption. The aim of this study was to determine if and to what extent the addition of biochar in the nutrient mixture influenced the increase, the intake and feed conversion, as well as the concentration of glucose, total proteins and albumin in blood serum. The experiment included a total of 12 female calves, divided into two equal groups, control (C) and experimental (E), and lasted for 24 days. The C group beside milk consumed the concentrated feed without the addition of biochar, while the E group was fed milk plus concentrated feed supplemented with biochar in the amount of 0.25%. Body weight was measured at the beginning and at the end of the study. Blood samples were taken at the beginning and at the end of the study, for the determination of the concentration of total blood serum proteins and albumin at the beginning and at the end of the study, and for the determination of glucose at the end of the trial. The amount of the concentrated feed consumed was weighed at the end of the study. The addition of biochar in feed significantly increased the concentration of total blood serum proteins and albumin concentrations and lowered the blood serum glucose of the calves.

BACKGROUNDNigella sativa L. (NS) is a plant containing bioactive constituents such as thymoquinone. Extracts of NS improve performance and reduce enteropathogen colonization in poultry and small ruminants, but studies with swine are lacking. In two different studies oral administration of NS extracts at doses equivalent to 0, 1.5 and 4.5g kg(-1) diet was assessed on piglet performance and intestinal carriage of wildtype Escherichia coli and Campylobacter, and Salmonella Typhimurium. RESULTSWildtype E. coli populations in the jejunal and rectal content collected 9days after treatment began were decreased (P0.05). Populations recovered from pigs treated with extract at 1.5 and 4.5g kg(-1) diet were 0.72-1.31 log(10) units lower than the controls (ranging from 6.05 to 6.61 log(10) CFU g(-1)). Wildtype Campylobacter and Salmonella Typhimurium were unaffected by NS treatment. Feed efficiency over the 9days improved linearly (P<0.05) from 3.88 with 0 NS-treated pigs to 1.47 and 1.41 with pigs treated with NS at 1.5 and 4.5g kg(-1) diet, respectively, possibly due to high glutamine/glutamic acid content of the NS extract. CONCLUSIONNS supplementation of weanling pigs improved feed efficiency and helped control intestinal E. coli during this vulnerable production phase.

The aim of this study was to emphasize the importance of conservation of the Lipe sheep, as a local endangered type of Zackel breed, and to perform a comprehensive phenotypic characterization in order to ensure a better use and preservation of this genetic resource. In addition, we compared the results of a detailed morphometric characterization of the modern Lipe sheep carried out in the present study with the morphometric parameters of the native form of this breed described in 1935. The comparative analysis revealed the development dynamics of the local Lipe sheep in the traditional habitat, over a period of nearly one century. Throughout this period, different factors affecting Lipe sheep management, such as biogeografic, agro-economic, sociocultural and others, led to significant population erosion, and to the current status of the Lipe sheep as an endangered genetic resource. Although a slight increase has been registered in some body measurements, the major body indexes of the Lipe sheep, such as body format, body compactness, body massiveness, body proportion, pelvic, and head index, remained without significant fluctuations over the last century (p>0.05). Body length of the modern type still exceeds the height at withers, which was also recorded in the native Lipe sheep nearly 100 years ago. A prominent sexual dimorphism is still evident. Therefore, our comparative analysis showed no significant differences between the native and modern form of Lipe sheep in their body format and growth potential. The slight increases in absolute body measurements of the modern Lipe type we recorded could be linked to better housing conditions and improved quality of feed, without application of strategic selection measures over the last 100 years. The importance of conservation of this ovine resource is less economical, but mostly cultural, historical and heritage oriented, and still essential for the survival of the breed.

The aim of this trial was to determine the apparent and true total tract digestibility of phosphorus from monocalcium phosphate, as an inorganic P source in a broiler diet. The trial included 300 one-day-old broiler chickens (Cobb 500), which were randomly divided into three groups - by one hundred birds each. The experiment lasted 42 days, and was divided into three periods (days 1-21 for starter, days 21-35 for grower, and days 35-42 for finisher). One group of broilers was fed a diet without the addition of MCP (basal diet), and the other two experimental groups received different monocalcium phosphates. Cr2O3 was added to the diets at a 0.5% level as an indigestible marker. The production results (average body weight, average daily gain, feed intake and feed to gain ratio) were monitored during the trial. At day 11 and day 25, 10 birds from each group were placed into individual balance cages, in order to provide the collection of faeces during 5 consecutive days. The apparent and true total tract digestibility of P, as well as the apparent total tract digestibility of Ca were determined. Results showed that apparent total tract digestibility of P was influenced by the source of inorganic P (P<0.001). It was concluded that the utilisation of P was not significantly affected by the age of broilers, and the level of digested Ca did not represent the limiting factor for P digestibility in this experiment.

The aim of this trial was to determine the apparent and true total tract digestibility of phosphorus from monocalcium phosphate, as an inorganic P source in a broiler diet. The trial included 300 one-day-old broiler chickens (Cobb 500), which were randomly divided into three groups – by one hundred birds each. The experiment lasted 42 days, and was divided into three periods (days 1–21 for starter, days 21–35 for grower, and days 35–42 for finisher). One group of broilers was fed a diet without the addition of MCP (basal diet), and the other two experimental groups received different monocalcium phosphates. Cr 2O 3 was added to the diets at a 0.5% level as an indigestible marker. The production results (average body weight, average daily gain, feed intake and feed to gain ratio) were monitored during the trial. At day 11 and day 25, 10 birds from each group were placed into individual balance cages, in order to provide the collection of faeces during 5 consecutive days. The apparent and true total tract digestibility of P, as well as the apparent total tract digestibility of Ca were determined. Results showed that apparent total tract digestibility of P was influenced by the source of inorganic P ( P<0.001). It was concluded that the utilisation of P was not significantly affected by the age of broilers, and the level of digested Ca did not represent the limiting factor for P digestibility in this experiment.

Zahvaljujući velikim tehničkim mogućnostima, optimizacija obroka upotrebom softvera našla je veoma široku primenu na farmama, u mešaonama i fabrikama hrane za životinje. Postupak preračunavanja je mnogo brži nego pri manuelnom metodu, a može se istovremeno pratiti i veći broj pokazatelja hranljive vrednosti. Linearno programiranje smatra se delom revolucionarnog razvoja koji je omogućio formulisanje glavnih ciljeva uzimajući u obzir odluke koje su nužne za postizanje optimalnog rezultata za kompleksne probleme. S obzirom da troškovi ishrane u uzgoju životinja čine preko 60% ukupnih troškova, najširu upotrebu našli su “least cost” modeli. Namena navedenih modela za sastavljanje obroka i smeša sa minimalnom cenom koštanja je utvrđivanje optimalne strukture obroka, odnosno smeše, koja zadovoljava definisane zahteve korišćenjem matematičke tehnike linearnog programiranja i simpleks metode. Iako računarski programi mogu biti odlično oruđe u formulisanju obroka ako se koriste na ispravan način, njihova primena ne eliminiše potrebu za stručnim znanjem i kvalitetnim rukovođenjem ishranom životinja.

The current study was conducted to evaluate the impact of monobasic calcium phosphate (MCP), as a source of inorganic phosphorus in broilers diet, on production performances and bone mineralization. A total of 300 1-day-old (Cobb 500) broilers, both sexes, obtained from the local hatchery, were included in the trial and divided in three groups, by one hundred birds each. During 42 days of the trial groups were fed with different experimental diets. One group of broilers was fed a diet without the addition of inorganic P (basal diet), the other two groups of broilers received diets with the addition of two different kinds of MCP (one was originating from ―Balakovo Mineral Fertilizers‖, Balakovo, Russia, and the other one was produced by ―Elixir Feed‖ DOO, Šabac, Serbia). Production results (average body weight, average daily gain, feed intake and feed to gain ratio) were monitored during the trial. At the end of experiment, on the forty-second day, right legs were collected from 12 birds in each group, in order to obtain the samples of tibia and tarsus. Bones were examined on bone breaking strength and the tissue density (mineral density). Both experimental groups that received MCP, as a P source achieved significantly higher production results compared to the group of broilers fed with basal diet (P<0.001). Furthermore, the differences were observed between the two experimental groups - production results, as well as bone tissue density of the first experimental group (fed with addition of MCP – Elixir), was significantly higher, compared to the group fed with MCP from Russia (P<0.05). Additionally, MCP in diet improved bone breaking strength (P<0.05). Results suggested that MCP has significant impact on growth, production performances and level of mineralization of bones. Furthermore, bone criteria are important criteria for estimating the P availability.

Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA) represents an objective, reproducible and reliable method of sperm quality assessment, however, not many reports exist that correlate its accuracy with bull semen fertility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between selected CASA motility parameters of cryopreserved bull semen and fertility. The total spermatozoa motility (SM %), the progressive spermatozoa motility (PSM %) as well as the percentage of spermatozoa with rapid movement (RAP %) were measured through CASA. All 12 ejaculates were collected from one Holstein Friesian bull. A total of 816 Holstein Friesian cows were used for artificial insemination (AI) and the evaluation of fertility. The fertility success was assessed by pregnancy rates per cycle (PRC %), 90 days after AI of the cows. The sperm variables that were associated with an increase in the PRC were the SM (R2 = 0. 6722), the PSM (R2 = 0. 6520) and the RAP (R2 = 0. 7103). RAP had a greater influence (P<0.001) on fertility (PRC), than SM and PSM (P<0.01). The increase of sperm motility parameters (SM, PSM and RAP) led to increased PRC, i.e. to increased fertility.

Tokom četiri proizvodne godine (2011-2014), analizirani su reproduktivni pokazatelji iz 123 laktacije 46 umatičenih grla i to 79 laktacija od 30 krava holštajnske rase i 44 laktacija od 16 krava simentalske rase, na dva porodična gazdinstva. Krave su hranjene uz dodatak različitih količina vitaminskih silaža COMBO-VIT-SIL®. Silaže su na bazi šargarepe, tri vrste bundeve i cele biljke kukuruza, svežeg repinog rezanca ili klipa kukuruza. Prva proizvodna godina, 2011. godina, uzeta je kao kontrolna, jer tada nije korišćena vitaminska silaža u ishrani krava. Najveći sadržaj β-karotina utvrđen je u silaži šargarepe i muskatne bundeve: 391,65 mg/kg suve materije. Upotrebom vitaminskih silaža u našem ogledu, postignut je porast prosečnog prinosa mleka, na farmi holštajnske rase, za 1,101 kg , a na farmi simentalske rase za 29 kg, (p>0,05). Prosečan indeks VO smanjen je kod krava holštajnske rase od oko 3,38 doza, na 2,42±1,80 doza, a kod krava simentalske rase od 1,60±1,35 na 1,40±1,26 doza. Servis period je na farmi krava holštajnske rase bio značajno kraći uz silaže sa vitaminskom bundevom (p<0,01), u odnosu na kontrolnu grupu, a na farmi krava simentalske rase, uz dodatak silaže sa muskatnom bundevom, u odnosu na dodatak silaže sa šargarepom (p<0,05). Uz pomenuto, značajno je skraćen i normalizovan međutelidbeni interval, kod krava holštajnske rase od 427±74 dana, na 372±17 dana, a kod krava simentalske rase od 480±124 dana, na 364±38 dana., During four consecutive productive years (2011-2014) reproductive parameters of 123 lactations from 46 cows on two family farms were monitored and analyzed (79 lactations in 30 Holstein and 44 lactations in 16 cows of Simmental breed). Cows were fed with the addition of different amount of vitamin silages COMBO-VIT-SIL®. Silages were produced from, carrot, three different types of pumpkins, whole corn, sugar beet pulp or corn cob with grain. The #irst production year (2011) was taken as a control; animals were fed corn silage during that year. The highest amount of β-carotene was determined in the silage of carrot and Muscat pumpkin (391.65 mg/kg of DM). By the use of vitamin silages in our study average milk yield was higher for 1.101 kg in Holstein and for 29 kg (p>0.05). Average days until #irst arti#icial insemination was shorter for vitamin silages (p<0.01), as well as for silages with Muscat pumpkin ad as well as for the carrot silage (p<0.05). Average insemination index in Holstein supplemented with vitamin silage was lower (2.42±1.80 doses compared to the control 3.38); similarly it was lower in Simmental cows fed vitamin silages 1.40±1.26 versus 1.6±1.35 doses in control. Beside mentioned, intercalving interval was shortened in both Holstein (from 427±74 on 372±17 days) and Simmental cows (from 480±124 on 364±38 days).

It is useful to determine the gestational age in sheep to provide essential information for effective flock management practices. The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy and practical aspects for using two ultrasound techniques, transabdominal and transrectal, in determining the gestational age in Wurttemberg ewes. Monitoring of embryo and fetus developmental stages during the ewes gestation was carried out with real time ultrasound using a transabdominal convex probe, frequency 3.5 MHz, and a transrectal linear probe, frequency 7.5 MHz. The size of the embryonic vesicle during the period from the 23rd to the 38th day of gestation can be used as a confirmational indicator of gestational age when the transrectal probe is used. The occipital nasal diameter correlated with the gestational age with both transabdominal (P < 0.05) and transrectal probes (P < 0.01) from the 46th to the 63rd day of gestation. The biparietal diameter of the fetal head measured by transabdominal probe during the period from the 46th to the 63rd day of gestation correlates with gestation age (P < 0.05). The diameter of the fetal eye orbit monitored by transrectal probe from the 46th to the 63rd day of gestation also correlated well with gestational age (P < 0.05).