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MONITORING WILD POLLINATORS IN SERBIA USING CITIZEN SCIENCE PRINCIPLES
No full textAs part of the two-year citizen science project “Bee is a Key,” the first phase of “wild” pollinator biomonitoring was conducted using bee hotels made of reed stems to attract native solitary bees. Over 100 hotels were distributed to schools, fruit growers, beekeepers, protected areas, and interested citizens across 26 districts in Serbia. Preliminary results show that more than 70% of the hotels were inhabited by at least one pollinator species, with detailed taxonomic analysis planned for the autumn. In addition, an online survey (with 91 respondents: 41.8% professionals and 58.2% amateur producers) assessed the use of managed pollinator use in fruit production. The current survey results show a noticeable trend in the last period of decreasing pollinator diversity, which has led to poor fruit pollination. Also, over 44% of fruit growers use managed pollinators, of which 80% are honey bees and 15% mason bees. The answers indicate that fruit yield is noticeably better (in terms of amount and fruit quality) by between 10% and over 50% when using pollinators. Some of the challenges related to the honey bee include pesticides and low temperatures during the early fruit blooming. On the other hand, mason bees offer an advantages of being more efficient pollinators of fruit crops, easier to breed, more active during colder weather and not exhibiting aggressive behavior. About 40% of respondents expressed interest in subsidized pollination services, and almost all responses were affirmative regarding their interest in learning more about controlled pollination in their orchards
Characterization of Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium vorosii originated from small cereals grain in Serbia
No full textIn the present study, the species diversity of Fusarium graminearum
species complex was investigated based on morphological, pathogenic, toxicological
and genetic characteristics. Fifty-two isolates, derived from small grains from 20
different locations in Serbia, were studied. The phylogenetic analysis of seven selected
sequences of three gene regions, translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF-1α), histone
H3, and β-tubulin, revealed that six isolates were identified as F. graminearum sensu
stricto and one as Fusarium vorosii. The TEF-1α and histone H3 genes were found to
be sufficiently informative to distinguish the species F. vorosii. These species are of
particular concern due to their ability to synthesize mycotoxins that affect both human
and animal health. In this study, it was confirmed that all isolates tested belong to the
15ADON chemotype. Since previous investigations have shown that climate change
is the leading cause of the appearance of new, potentially more toxic species, future
research must pay special attention to changes in the population of this complex. Given
that there is little information in the literature about the damage of the F. vorosii species
in the production of small grains, this work aimed to examine its aggressiveness and
toxicity and thus determine the potential danger of its spreading. Results of the present
study showed that the genetic diversity of isolates of F. graminearum species complex
(FGSC) in Serbia, as well as their potential for toxin production and aggressiveness,
indicate that continuous study of this species is necessary, both in Serbia and the world
outside
Comparison of the chemical composition of wild boar (sus scrofa) meat harvested in different European countries
No full textThe wild boar (Sus scrofa) is a popular game animal throughout the world. Boar
populations in Europe and Asia are numerous and widespread. However, these animals cause many problems
- they cause damage to agricultural crops, spread infectious diseases dangerous to pigs, (African swine fever
ASF), encroach on human settlements causing traffic accidents and are becoming an increasing threat to
humans. Attempts to reduce the number of feral pigs have a low success rate, since, thanks to their rapid
reproduction, their herds quickly recover after periods of intensive shooting. In addition, they do very well
even in unfriendly environments and easily conquer new areas. Hunting and systematic culling of wild boars
are aimed at reducing the numbers and reduce the population density of this species. In 2019 -2023, the
annual harvest of wild boar carcasses ranged from 221,000 to 420,000. After mandatory veterinary
inspection, wild boar meat can be a more environmentally friendly, low-cost alternative to pork. Previous
studies show that wild boar meat is nutritionally valuable - among other things, it contains significantly more
omega-3 fatty acids than pork. Despite its darker color and higher intramuscular fat content, it has a unique
flavor. The purpose of the conducted research was to analyze the chemical composition of wild boar meat
harvested in Poland and to compare the obtained results with those of other authors on the composition of
wild boar meat harvested in other European countries, including Serbia. The aim of the study was to analyze
the quality of meat of wild boars hunted in the Polish Carpathians (Subcarpathian, Lesser Poland and
Silesian Voivodeships) in the autumn-winter season of 2021-2022. Raw meat (m. longissimus dorsi
lumborum) from 20 carcasses of adult wild boars (boars) weighing approximately 100 kg was analyzed. The
raw meat (m. longissimus dorsi lumborum between 13th and 14th rib) were minced and average samples
obtained were subjected to physicochemical analyses. The content of dry matter, ash, total proteins and fats
were determined according to AOAC International (2019), colour of meat samples were obtained in CIELab
system (Konica Minolta CM - 600d spectrophotometer). The fatty acid and amino acid profile was
determined. The results were analyzed with ANOVA and present as means with standard deviation. In the
accredited laboratory of the Veterinary Inspectorate the contents of heavy metals (As, Cd, Pb, and Hg), were
determined and concentration radioactive Cs-137 and Cs-134 radionuclides. In the fatty tissue of boars the
content of PCB congeners and the content of plant protection substances. Wild boars are good indicators of
environmental pollution, so monitoring wild boar meat seems justified. The results obtained show that the
chemical composition of meat, especially the fatty acid profile of the fat of wild boars obtained in different
countries differs and depends on the feed base the boars use
The influence of seasonal factors on daily milk production and chemical composition of milk in dairy cows
No full textThe production characteristics of dairy cows are subject to the
influence of numerous environmental and management factors, among which
seasonal changes play an important role. The aim of this study was to analyze the
influence of the seasons on the amount of milk produced daily and the amount and
proportion of milk fat and protein in the milk. Data collected during regular milk
control were used, and statistical analysis was performed at the level of more than
one million records for each characteristic. The results showed a pronounced
seasonal variability of production parameters. The highest daily milk yields were
recorded in spring and winter (23.50 kg and 23.00 kg respectively), while these
values were lower in summer and autumn. The milk fat and protein content also
varied depending on the season - the highest fat and protein contents were recorded
in the colder months, while the lowest were recorded during summer, which can be
associated with heat stress and reduced feed intake. Seasonal variability in
production indicates the need for seasonally adapted herd management strategies,
including ration optimization, thermal comfort, and technological adaptation. The
research provides an important contribution to understanding the dynamics of
production traits throughout the year and provides a basis for further modelling of
effective management systems that would enable more sustainable and stable dairy
farming under climate change
CRITICAL POINTS IN SWINE PRODUCTION: TOWARDS HARMONIZATION WITH EU STANDARDS
No full textThis paper explores key challenges facing pig production in Serbia, highlighting critical control points necessary for sector sustainability and competitiveness. The study emphasizes effective biosecurity practices aligned with European standards to tackle diseases such as African swine fever. It also examines the challenge of balancing intensive production systems, known for higher productivity, with extensive systems that enhance animal welfare. The potential for Serbia to develop niche markets like organic pork production and improve the international reputation of local pig breeds is discussed. Recommended actions include further harmonizing regulations, investing in new technologies, and continuous training of producers to ensure efficiency, competitive market positioning, and overall food safety
Presence of Aspergillus species in Serbia
No full textAspergillus species are important fungi that cause various plant diseases and also produce mycotoxins that can be harmful to human and animal health. In Serbia, maize and small grains are key crops, so studying the occurrence of Aspergillus species on these crops is of particular importance for agricultural production and food safety. The aim of this study was to identify Aspergillus species present on maize and small grains in different agro-ecological conditions in Serbia, as well as to assess their impact on crop quality and potential mycotoxin production. Samples of maize and stubble grains from various locations in Serbia were tested during the growing season in the period 2022-2024, especially during the ripening and harvest phases. From the isolated samples, standard molecular methods (PCR, sequencing) were used to identify the species of the genus Aspergillus present. The results showed that the most abundant species were Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, which are notable for their high ability to synthesize aflatoxins. Aspergillus flavus was most abundant on maize, while species of the genus Aspergillus section Nigri were more common on small grains, such as wheat and barley. These results suggest a high incidence of crop contamination by Aspergillus species, which poses a potential risk to food safety, as the mycotoxins produced by these species can cause serious health problems. Given climate change, which may increase the frequency of droughts and high temperatures, the risk of Aspergillus contamination is expected to increase, indicating the need for the implementation of effective preventive and control strategies in maize and small grain production in Serbia
Kalupsko dobijanje voštanih čaura na segmentisanim drvenim letvicama u pčelarskoj proizvodnji
No full textIntenzivna proizvodnja matica, matičnjaka i matične mleči spada u veoma složene i operativno zahtevne apitehničke poslove. Ovakva proizvodnja iziskuje veliko znanje i iskustvo od strane odgajivača, kao i detaljnu pripremu plana proizvodnje. Kako bi se povećala produktivnost tokom aktivnog dela sezone, komercijalni proizvođači unapred pripremaju sav neophodan materijal za proizvodnju. U prvom redu, pripreme podrazumevaju dobijanje, lepljenje i skladištenje voštanih čaura na letvicama, u kojima će se kasnije vršiti presađivanja radiličkih larvi. Dosadašnjim metodama i načinom njihove pripreme, ovi poslovi zahtevaju dosta vremena i truda, jer postojeće metode nisu namenjene zahtevima ozbiljne pčelarske prakse. Našim tehničkim rešenjem znatno se olakšava proces dobijanja, lepljenja, manipulacije i čuvanja voštanih čaura za potrebe masovne proizvodnje gde se vrše intenzivna presađivanja pri proizvodnji matica, matičnjaka i matične mleči. Ovaj nov tehničko-tehnološki postupak kalupskog dobijanja voštanih čaura (osnove matičnjaka) bazira se istovremenom izlivanju i lepljenju čaura na posebno dizajniranim (laserski sečenim) segmentisanim letvicama, koje omogućavaju istovremeno i jednopotezno stavljanje i skidanje svih matičnjaka, uz jednostavnu mogućnost razdvajanja svakog pojedinačnog matičnjaka. Ovaj metod olakšava, ubrzava i pojednostavljuje mnoge apitehničke poslove u navedenoj pčelarskoj proizvodnji
Correlation between ejaculate characteristics and sperm abnormalities in boars exposed to summer heat stress
No full textSeasonal heat stress is a well-known factor that negatively affects boar fertility, primarily by reducing semen quality and increasing the incidence of abnormal spermatozoa. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between ejaculate characteristics and sperm morphological abnormalities in boars during the most sensitive period of the year. Between August and October, a total of 129 ejaculates were collected from 17 boars. The analyzed semen traits included ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total and functional sperm counts, motility (in native and diluted semen), viability, and the presence of morphological abnormalities, specifically head, tail, acrosomal defects, and protoplasmic droplets. The results showed that only sperm motility and the number of produced doses significantly correlated with abnormal sperm forms. A weak but consistent positive correlation (rf>0.200; p 0,200; p<0,05 ili p<0,01) između određenih kategorija anomalija, naročito između sekundarnih oblika (protoplazmatska kapljica) i primarnih defekata na repu i akrosomalnoj regiji. Među primarnim anomalijama zabeležene su uglavnom slabe povezanosti. Ovi rezultati ukazuju na značaj praćenja pokretljivosti i morfologije spermatozoida kao ranih pokazatelja toplotnog stresa kod nerasta
Synbiotics as functional additives in broiler diets: Production and slaughter performance
No full textTo enhance the safety and efficiency of broiler nutrition, this study investigated the effects of a synbiotic product containing both probiotic and prebiotic components, administered through drinking water. The experiment was conducted on 600 Cobb 500 broilers divided into control and treatment groups. Over a 42-day fattening period, key production parameters – including feed intake (FI), average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and the European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF) – as well as slaughter traits were monitored. Synbiotic supplementation significantly improved growth performance, feed efficiency, and overall production outcomes. A higher carcass yield and a trend toward an increased proportion of breast muscle were also observed in the treated group. The findings suggest that synbiotics can be a valuable functional additive in broiler production, contributing to improved growth and carcass quality without adverse effects on animal health
Production traits of Simmental bull dams in first lactation across different districts of Serbia
No full textMilk yield and composition are among the most important traits
in cattle production. The aim of this study was to analyse the production traits of
Simmental bull dams in their first lactation in Serbia and to evaluate the influence
of the district (breeding region) on the variability of these traits. The study included
408 Simmental cows selected as bull dams from eight districts: Kolubara,
Podunavlje, Braničevo, Šumadija, Zaječar, Rasina, Nišava and Belgrade. Milk
production traits in the first lactation were standardised to 305 days and included
milk yield (kg), milk fat content (%), milk fat yield (kg), protein content (%) and
protein yield (kg). The data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance
(ANOVA) with the district as a fixed factor. The average milk yield in the first
lactation was 6093 kg, with an average milk fat content of 4.00% and protein
content of 3.25%, confirming that these cows represent a highly productive
segment of the Simmental population in Serbia. Highly statistically significant
differences (p < 0.001) were found between the districts for all analysed traits. The
highest average milk yield was recorded in the Nišava district (6792 kg), the lowest
in the Podunavlje district (5735 kg). The highest milk fat content (4.30%) and the
highest milk fat yield (288.89 kg) were recorded in the Zaječar district, while the
highest protein content (3.35%) was recorded in the Šumadija district. The results
presented indicate the need to optimise selection criteria and improve rearing
conditions in districts with lower production levels in order to support the
sustainable development of milk production in Serbia