Institute for Animal Husbandry
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The role of extensive and semi-extensive production systems in preserving local pig breeds in Republic of Serbia
No full textIn recent years, traditional pig breeds have regained popularity in Serbia. Native breeds are once again common in rural households, enhancing the country’s biodiversity. Their revival has given rise to diverse production systems and feeding practices, ranging from fully intensive methods with commercial feed mixtures to entirely extensive systems where pigs rely solely on natural forage. The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in these systems and to assess the role of extensive and semi-extensive production in conserving local pig breeds (Mangalitsa, Moravka, and Resavka). We divided the production systems into four categories: semi-intensive systems based on commercial feed mixtures, semi-intensive systems relying on cereals, vegetables, and fruits, extensive systems where cereals, vegetables, and fruits are used as supplements, and fully extensive systems. The analysis focused on the main benefits and drawbacks of each approach, with special attention to economic aspects. Findings showed considerable differences in animal size, investment needs, and economic performance. Interestingly, farms with fully intensive systems required the lowest investments, since they often repurposed, old concrete facilities previously used for commercial breeds. In contrast, fully extensive farms faced the highest costs, largely due to land expenses. A clear link was observed between feed type and animal size: pigs fed commercial mixtures were nearly twice as large and heavy as those raised in extensive systems. Feed costs strongly influenced farmers’ choices of cereals, vegetables, and fruits in the pigs’ diets. In semi-extensive systems, animal health and welfare were notably poorer compared to fully extensive approaches. Beyond these welfare concerns, it remains unclear how different production systems influence the quality of products derived from these breeds. Moreover, it will be valuable to study how each breed adapts to the different systems, and how production methods affect the market value of the final products
MONITORING AND DETECTION OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED SOYBEAN IN ANIMAL FEED USING REALTIME PCR (2019–2024)
No full textThe detection and monitoring of genetically modified organisms
(GMOs) in animal feed is becoming increasingly important due to legal
requirements related to labeling and control of authorization for placing GM
products on the EU market. This study focuses on the presence and diversity of
GM sequences in soybean meal samples collected between 2019 and 2024. A total
of 94 samples were analyzed using sensitive molecular methods, including
qualitative and quantitative PCR (Real-time PCR), in accordance with validated
international protocols. DNA extraction was carried out using the CTAB method,
and GM sequences were detected using specific primers for the most common
promoters, terminators, and transgenes, including P-35S, T-nos, GTS 40-3-2, and
A5547-127. The analysis was further improved by the use of the GMO Matrix tool
and reference materials for result validation. The results showed a clear trend of
increasing numbers of analyzed samples and greater diversity of detected GM
sequences during the observed period, especially in 2023 and 2024. Although the
GTS 40-3-2 sequence remained the most frequently detected, more complex
combinations of transgenes such as Cry1Ab/Ac and CTP2-CP4-EPSPS, along with
Pat and Bar genes, were also identified. These findings indicate the presence of
modified soybean lines MON87701, MON877051-7, DAS44406, DAS81419-2,
and MON87708-9, pointing to a growing diversity of GM traits in animal feed.
These results highlight the importance of continuous GMO monitoring in animal
feed, as well as the necessity of maintaining high standards of analytical accuracy.
Systematic testing contributes to the safety of the food chain, the protection of
animal and human health, and sustainable food production
Status and prospects of livestock breeding and animal feed production in the Republic of Serbia in the context of climate change
No full textAnimal husbandry is the most important branch of agriculture because it produces the most important food for people. Forage plants, grasslands and pastures are a cheap and high-quality source of food for animals. They create a large vegetative mass and are rich in proteins, carbohydrates and other nutrients. The climatic condition in Serbia is favorable for forage production of most important forage crops. The crop structure on arable land is very unfavorable, primarily from the aspect of animal feed production and sustainable land use. The trend of decreasing areas under arable forage plants, meadows and pastures coincides with the trend of
decreasing numbers of all types of domestic animals, especially cattle, sheep and pigs. One of the main reasons for the decline in livestock production is the low competitiveness and accumulative nature of this production
FERTILITY CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SWALLOW-BELLY MANGALITSA
No full textThe aim of this research was to examine the reproductive characteristics of Swallow-belly
Mangalitsa sows from a herd located in Srem, Republic of Serbia. This indigenous strain, known as the Srem
black Mangalitsa, originated in the village of Buđanovci. It is a late-maturing breed with typically low
fertility and small litter sizes but is valued for its high disease resistance, adaptability to extensive systems,
and longevity. The study included 1873 litters recorded from 2015 to 2024, with yearly distribution as
follows: 2015 (75), 2016 (117), 2017 (141), 2018 (189), 2019 (232), 2020 (258), 2021 (248), 2022 (265),
2023 (296), and 2024 (46). The analyzed traits included gestation length, number of live-born piglets (by
sex), stillbirths, and total number of piglets per litter. It investigated how the year of farrowing and parity
order affected the variability of the mentioned traits. The average gestation period was 114±1.78 days. The
mean total number of piglets per litter was 4.15±0.96, with an almost equal sex ratio (males: 2.04±0.87;
females: 2.11±0.95). The average number of stillborn piglets was very low (0.03±0.24). Both year of
farrowing and parity had a significant effect on litter size traits (p<0.0001), indicating variability influenced
by environmental and management factors. Despite lower reproductive output, the breed’s resilience and
adaptability justify its role in sustainable pig farming. Understanding these reproductive traits enables
breeders to optimize management practices and improve productivity while preserving the genetic value of
this autochthonous breed
Characterization of Fusarium graminearum species complex originated from maize kernels in Serbia
No full textThe species Fusarium graminearum Schwabe is one of the most important and widespread species of the genus Fusarium both in the world and in Serbia. This species can directly affect yield reduction as well as grain quality because it has the ability to synthesize a large number of mycotoxins, of which the most important are trichothecenes type B deoxynivalenol (DON), its acetyl-ester derivatives (3ADON and 15ADON), nivalenol (NIV) and zearalenone (ZEA). Using phylogenetic analysis and the GCPSR method (genealogical matching of phylogenetic species), 15 different phylogenetic species were discovered within the Fusarium graminearum species complex (FGSC) (Sarver et al., 2011. Fungal Genetics and Biology 48:1096). The aim of this research was to determine the species within the FGSC in Serbia. In this research, 37 isolates of this complex, isolated from maize kernels from 10 different locations in Serbia were studied. Phylogenetic analysis of four selected sequences of two genomic regions of TEF-1α (MF974400, MF974405, MF974408, MF974409) and histone H3 gene (MF999140, MF999145, MF999148 MF999149), revealed that three isolates were identified as Fusarium graminearum sensu stricto and one isolate as F. boothii. (MF974409, MF999149). It was found that these two genomic regions were sufficiently informative to distinguish the F. boothii species within FGSC. Based on chemical and molecular analyses, it was confirmed that all tested isolates belonged to chemotype 15ADON. Since previous research has shown that climate change is the main cause of the appearance of new and potentially more toxic species, future research must pay special attention to changes within the FGSC population
Fumonisin B1 in cereals grain in Serbia
No full textFumonisins contamination of wide commodities variety have mostly been reported in maize and maize based foods and feeds. Just a few scientific researches were conducted to obtain results on natural contamination of wheat and barley with these mycotoxins. First report on the presence of fumonisins on naturally infected wheat in Serbia was recorded in 2009, which indicated the growing importance of these mycotoxins and the need to pay attention to it. This survey was conducted to evaluate fumonisin B1 contamination in wheat and barley grain in Serbia. A total of 100 wheat and 50 barley samples were obtained from different local warehouses between October 2023 and June 2024. Concentration of FB1 were analysed by the HPLC method. Positive results were found in 40.6% and 23.1%, wheat and barley samples, respectively. FB1 concentration varied from 750 to 2,300 μg/kg (mean levels 653.7 μg/kg in wheat and 568.2 μg/kg in barley grain). Mycotoxin contamination of cereals was affected by factors such as origin resistance, drought stress, and insect damage. Results showed that agroecological conditions in Serbia favoured the natural incidence of FB1, not only in maize, but also in grain of wheat and barley. This fact, as well as 10.1-17.8% of samples having a higher maximum level of FB1 than feed adopted by the EC, point out that it is necessary to take measures for lowering concentrations of this mycotoxin in grain of cereals important for agriculture in Serbia
Minisilos – nova laboratorijska posuda za siliranje
No full textMinisilos je inovativna laboratorijska posuda za siliranje koja omogućava pripremu (proizvodnju), uzorkovanje, čuvanje i analizu silaže u uslovima koji oponašaju proces siliranja u silosima, uz kontrolisano praćenje fermentacionih procesa i kvaliteta silaže. Na taj način se obezbeđuju standardizovani uslovi čuvanja i uzorkovanja, čime se postiže veća reproduktivnost i uporedivost rezultata. Zahvaljujući modularnom dizajnu, može se neograničeno koristiti u eksperimentima bez gubitka funkcionalnosti. Modularni dizajn omogućava praćenje različitih parametara pomoću senzora za temperaturu, pH, vlagu, pritisak, sabijenost, koncentraciju O2, CO2, etanola i isparljivih jedinjenja u zavisnosti od istraživačke namene. Takođe, nema narušavanja anaerobnih uslova i dodatne manipulacije uzorkom.
Ovo tehničko rešenje prevazilazi ograničenja dosadašnjih sistema, omogućava standardizaciju eksperimentalnih uslova i doprinosi razvoju inovativnih tehnologija u ishrani životinja, cirkularnoj ekonomiji i održivoj poljoprivredi. Rezultati dobijeni minisilosem su validni, reproduktivni i međunarodno prepoznatljivi, što ih čini pogodnim za akreditovane laboratorije i naučne publikacije.
Doprinos globalnim naučnim istraživanjima se ogleda kroz metodološku harmonizaciju, razvoj novih tehnologija, podršku održivoj poljoprivredi i cirkularnoj ekonomiji, povećanju naučne kredibilnosti i povezivanju fundamentalnih i primenjenih istraživanja
Morphometric Analysis and Sex Dimorphism of the Autochthonous Lipe Sheep
No full textLipe sheep is an autochthonous and endangered breed endemic to a limited area in Serbia,
representing an important element of national livestock biodiversity. As a locally adapted genetic
resource belonging to the Pramenka group of sheep, it holds ecological, cultural, and productionrelated value. However, population decline and exclusion from intensive breeding programs have made the population vulnerable to genetic erosion. This study evaluated sexual dimorphism of the Lipe sheep through body measurements, craniometric, and pelvimetric morphometry. A total of 19 adults (10 ewes and 9 rams, aged 2.5 to 3.5 years) were analyzed. Results showed highly significant differences between sexes for body traits (p < 0.001), with rams consistently exhibiting greater values. Significant dimorphism was observed in cranial traits, with rams displaying more pronounced characteristics. Rams also had yellowish to dark, large, triangular, and spirally twisted horns, a key feature of sexual dimorphism. In contrast, no significant differences were found for pelvic traits, suggesting a well-developed pelvis in ewes, ensuring easy lambing and uniform pelvic conformation. These findings indicate that the Lipe sheep exhibits stronger sexual dimorphism in body and cranial morphology while maintaining functional uniformity in pelvic structure. The study contributes to a broader characterization of the Lipe sheep and provides a foundation for targeted conservation and breeding strategies. Preserving this breed helps maintain agrobiodiversity and strengthens its role as a valuable genetic resource
Ascophyllum nodosum EXTRACT AS A TOOL TO REDUCE AMMONIA CONCENTRATIONS IN POULTRY PRODUCTION
No full textAmmonia is the most widespread alkaline gas in the atmosphere. Ammonia (NH₃) is a
colorless, water-soluble gas that is generated in poultry housing facilities as a byproduct of the microbial decomposition of organic nitrogen compounds in manure. Due to its solubility in water, NH₃ readily penetrates mucous membranes and eyes, and it can also bind to dust particles (Wathes, 1994). Since NH₃ carries no ionic charge, it is easily released into the atmosphere in gaseous form. Elevated concentrations of ammonia in poultry houses exert harmful effects, including reduced feed intake, impaired growth rates in poultry, decreased egg production, damage to the respiratory tract, increased susceptibility to viral and bacterial infections, and overall disturbances in poultry welfare and human health (Ritz et. al., 2004). Ascophyllum nodosum (A. nodosum), an edible brown seaweed, contains high levels of total
polysaccharides (up to 70%), including alginic acid, fucoidan, laminarin, and mannitol. A. nodosum also have the potential to serve as an excellent source of essential nutrients and valuable bioactive compounds, such as antioxidants, unsaturated fatty acids, proteins, essential amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and pigments such as carotenoids.Studies have demonstrated that seaweeds can absorb catabolic gases, particularly ammonia produced during digestion and nitrogen conversion. However, research is lacking on the application of environmentally friendly A. nodosum extracts for reducing the production of volatile inorganic compounds such as ammonia.In our study, supplementation with brown seaweed ultrasound extract at a concentration of 0.2% in drinking water resulted in a significant reduction in ammonia volatilization from animal manure, particularly after 20 days of poultry rearing, while the experimental group also showed improved production performance. Therefore, we consider A. nodosum extract a promising natural agent for mitigating environmental pollution by ammonia emissions from poultry facilities
Полазишта и стратешки правци у сточарству Србије
No full textСрбија располаже свим агроеколошким, људским и другим пратећим ресурсима за организовање сточарства. Вековима је живот српског становништва зависио од традиционалне производње сточарства. Природни ресурси обезбеђују одрживи развој сточарства само ако се испоштују традиција гајења, рејонизација и гајење организује у повезаном односу са биљном производњом, подржани развојном пољопривредном политиком државе. Улагати у сточарство значи развијати село, задржати младе на селу, развијати прехрамбену индустрију, запошљавати сеоско становништво, очувати село и смањити одлазак сеоског становништва у градове.
Наше сточарство треба организовати у фармском систему у агроеколошким условима производње, тржишно оријентисано, конкурентно, које води посебну бригу о квалитету и здравственој безбедности производа, остварује одрживи приход фармера, фарма се наслеђује и чува природна околина.
У условима тржишне конкуренције и јаког протекционизма наше сточарство може да се развија и опстане само ако је подржано државним субвенцијама и подстицајима из буџета државе и ако се заснива на савременој организацији, добром менаџменту фарме, оствареном профиту, квалитету добијених производа и очувању агроеко система. Средства која се обезбеђују из буџета државе (аграрни буџет) морају да буду дугорочна, позната, на време коришћена и стимулативног карактера.
У организованој производњи сточарства, вођеној знањем, подржаној редовним субвенцијама државе, наша земља може годишње да оствари вредност производа (месо, млеко, јаја) од преко 560 милијарди динара или око 4,5 милијарди евра и да оствари извоз преко једне милијарде евра, као и потрошњу меса од 80 кг по становнику и потрошњу млека и млечних производа од 250 кг по становнику.Зборник радова са Научно - стручног скупа одржаног 7. јуна 2023. године
Примљено на VI скупу Одељења хемијских и биолошких наука одржаном 22. септембра 2023. годин