Fatty acid profile data are crucial for the production and promotion of sheep milk and dairy derivatives. Sheep's milk is an interesting and economically interesting product that plays a very important role in the diet of the population. Consumption of sheep's milk is growing due to its nutritional value, but also the variety of products obtained from it. The chemical composition of products of animal origin, especially the content of certain ingredients such as fatty acids, has attracted great attention of experts for years precisely because of their impact on human health. The aim of the study was to determine the fatty acid composition of sheep's milk during the lactation period with reference to the health significance of milk. The study was conducted during the lactation period on a total of 40 pramenka sheep breed in July (I) and August (II). We determined 24 fatty acids in milk. The median values of most saturated fatty acids in milk were lower in the second sampling period (II) compared to the first sampling period, which is in the case of acids C6:0 to C15:0 statistically significant. On the other side, the concentrations of monounsaturated fatty acids were found to be higher in the second, than in the first sampling period, but the difference was statistically significant only for C18: 1 cis-9 acid. The contrary was found for the fatty acid C18: 1 trans-11, whose median value was numerically lower in the second sampling period. There were no significant differences for polyunsaturated fatty acids between the two sampling periods, except for the fatty acid C18: 3n-3, whose median value was significantly lower in the second, compared to the first sampling period. Differences were considered statistically significant at p <0.05, p <0.01, and p <0.001.

Endocrinological and physiological changes associated with parturition and begining of lactation have negative effects to immune functions, dry matter intake and cows have to go through period of negative energy balance of different intensity and duration. After parturition, about 80% of dairy cows enter the period of negative energy balance in early lactation and body condition score decrease, because of great energy needs for milk synthesis, which is followed with compromising of reproductive performances. Lameness is chronical, painful and stressful condition, associated with lower reproductive performances and it represents one of three most common reason for economical losses in dairy industry. This study had included 44 Holstein Friesian cows. Status of reproductive organs and body condition has been assessed by sonography and for lameness ZINPRO method. More frequent lameness have been observed, where 59% cows had been in category 2, while 32,2% cows in category 3. Cows with insufficient body condition score (BCS) before parturition, during period of puerperium had anovulation of 25%. Farms should have calendar od routine body condition and lameness assessment, because of negative effects, they may have to many physiological functions.

Metabolism in high yield dairy cows considering their genetic predisposition for high milk production from one side and reproductive demands from other is very strained and constantly exposed to changes, which as consequence may have disorders in function of different organ systems, including reproductive system. Minerals play important role in keeping of reproductive potential, as well as maintanence of healthy genital organs in domestic animals. Research had been conducted with 46 Holstein cows in dry period from two farms, 20 cows in farm „A“ and 26 cows in farm „B“. Blood is spectometrically analysed for levels of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (p) and Magnesium (Mg). Obtained average values of Ca, P and Mg in blood were mostly within physiological range, but significant differences could be found among three categories of cows within same or different farms. Higher values of Ca, P and Mg had been found in cows with shorter open days period. 

This study aimed to investigate the concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides in the serum of sheep from the area of Livanjsko Polje and Mount Vlasic. A total of 117 sheep of the breed pramenka were included in the research. The sheep were divided into groups according to the sampling area through different periods (July, August, and September). Using an automatic analyzer (Kodak Ektachem analyzer DT 60 II, DTSC Module, and DTE Module), the concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides were determined in the serum of sheep. In the area of Livanjsko Polje, the highest established value of cholesterol in sheep serum was in the second sampling period, with statistical significance compared to the other two sampling periods. Cholesterol values in the Vlasic Mountain area were within the physiological range. The highest established triglyceride concentration in the area of Livanjsko Polje was also the second sampling period, with statistical significance (p <0.05) compared to other sampling periods, as well as the same period from the Travnik area. The results of triglycerides in the blood serum of sheep from the Vlasic mountain area show a tendency to decrease in the third sampling period, at the end of the lactation period. These results may be due to the effects of various factors, such as age, gender, health, lactation status, and sheep breed.

Spondylosis deformans (SD) is a common form of degenerative spinal disease in dogs, characterized byosseous bridging between vertebral bodies. This study focused on the lumbar and lumbosacral regions ofthe spine and analyzed radiographic records of 35 dogs of various breeds and age groups over a 12-monthperiod. Computed tomography (CT) was selectively employed in cases where radiographic interpretationwas inconclusive. The objective was to determine lesion localization and assess associations with breed, age,and gender. Findings showed that German Shepherds were most frequently diagnosed with SD, followedby Labrador Retrievers and mixed-breed dogs. Age distribution indicated that no cases were observed indogs aged 1-2 years, while the highest prevalence occurred in the 7-10-year age group. Lesion localizationdata revealed that the L4-L6 region was most commonly affected. These results highlight the age-relatedprogression of SD and its predilection for the lumbar spine, offering valuable insights for clinical assessmentand management in veterinary practice.

Red fox, Vulpes vulpes, is a globally distributed species characterized by its high adaptability to diverse habitats and a broad range of food resources. This remarkable adaptability has allowed the red fox to thrive in various environments, from urban areas to remote wilderness. In this study, we used a set of microsatellite markers for the comparative genetic analysis of red fox populations from two countries. We included populations from the Eastern Alps and the northern Dinaric Mountains in Slovenia, as well as the Central Dinaric Mountains in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We successfully isolated DNA and genotyped 118 red fox samples. Our analyses, which included Bayesian clustering techniques, revealed a weak genetic differentiation among the studied populations. However, it is noteworthy that statistically significant differences in estimates of genetic differentiation were only apparent when comparing the populations between the two countries. Further spatial genetic clustering analyses provided additional insights, unveiling a differentiation into four genetic clusters. These clusters comprised two distinct groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina and two in Slovenia. This pattern of differentiation suggests that isolation by distance is a key factor influencing the genetic structure of the red fox in this studied region. Additionally, our findings highlighted that populations from the Alps and northern Dinaric Mountains exhibit higher genetic diversity and observed heterozygosity compared to their counterparts in the Central Dinaric Mountains. The genetic diversity is also notable when compared to other European red fox populations. Studying genetic diversity is crucial for the resilience and adaptability of populations, ensuring their survival amid environmental changes and human-induced pressures.

This study investigates the prevalence of Coxiella burnetii antibodies in sheep and examines the seasonal impact on Q fever distribution. A total of 253 blood samples from sheep in Bosnia and Herzegovina during summer and winter were used, and, the research employed ELISA testing for antibody detection. Findings revealed a significant seasonal variation in seroprevalence, with 41 positive cases identified: 37 in winter and 4 in summer, indicating a higher infection rate during colder months. Statistical analysis suggests a significant association (p<0.05) between season and infection rates; winter conditions, increased indoor density, and lambing activities may elevate transmission risks. These results underscore the importance of considering seasonal factors in Q fever management and surveillance in sheep, contributing to a better understanding of its epidemiology and informing public health strategies. The study highlights the need for further systemic-epidemiological research across different geographies and management practices to elucidate the full impact of seasonality on Q fever prevalence.

Canine pyometra is a common reproductive disorder of intact diestrual bitches. The disease is associated with inflammation and infection of the uterus leading to generalized illness. The varied reactions of the host to infection, inflammation, or trauma are collectively known as the acute-phase response (APR) and encompass a wide range of pathophysiological responses. One of these systemic responses to disease is an increase in the production by the liver of a number of serum proteins, which are known collectively as the acute-phase proteins (APP). The most important APPs in dogs are C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA). When diagnosed with pyometra, the preferred and most effective treatment is ovariohysterectomy, a procedure that in itself causes systemic inflammation due to the tissue trauma caused by surgery. The purpose of this study was to identify the effect pyometra and ovariohysterectomy have on acute phase proteins and routinely measured biochemistry variables in serum of affected bitches. We achieved this by evaluating concentrations of CRP and SAA, as well as of some biochemistry parameters in serum before and after ovariohysterectomy in bitches with pyometra. Blood samples were collected from the cephalic vein immediately prior to and 24h, 72h and 168 hours after initiation of surgery. The levels of CRP, SAA and some biochemistry parameters - total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), globulin (GLOB), as well as activity of some enzymes: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (AKLP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were determined Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of pyometra and its surgical treatment, ovariohysterectomy, on acute phase proteins, specifically C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA), as well as on routine serum biochemistry variables in affected bitches. By evaluating the concentrations of CRP and SAA, alongside key biochemistry parameters before and after surgery, this research seeks to elucidate the physiological and biochemical responses to both the disease and its treatment, providing insight into the systemic effects of pyometra and the surgical stress response in dogs. Study Design:  The study design involved a cohort of twenty-seven female dogs, divided into two groups: seventeen clinically healthy intact female dogs serving as the control group, which were examined for routine health care or vaccinations, and ten female dogs diagnosed with pyometra at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo. The diagnosis of pyometra was made based on case history, clinical signs, ultrasonography, and confirmed by gross examination of the pus-filled uterus during and after ovariohysterectomy. The surgical procedure was performed using a standard mid-line approach under general inhalation anesthesia, with no post-operative complications reported. Place and Duration of Study: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, between June 2012 and September 2012. Methodology: Blood samples were collected from the distal cephalic vein into serum separating tubes (Vacutainer SST; Becton Dickinson, USA) for CRP and SAA measurement and serum biochemical evaluation just before the ovariohysterectomy (base values) as well as after 24 hours (day one), 72 hours (day three) and 168 hours (day seven). Blood samples from control dogs were collected only once. Serum samples were prepared by centrifugation (1.500 × g for 10 min) and stored in plain micro tubes (Eppendorf, Germany) at −20°C prior to analysis. Serum CRP concentrations in the dogs were measured with ELISA microplate reader (Anthos 2001 ELISA-reader, Anthos Mikrosysteme, Krefeld, Germany) using a commercial canine CRP enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (Tridelta PhaseTM Range CRP Assay, Tridelta Development Limited, County Kildare, Ireland). For SAA, the analyses were performed using also a commercially available ELISA kit (Tridelta PhaseTM Range SAA Assay, Tridelta Development Limited, County Kildare, Ireland). Total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), globulin (GLOB) concentrations and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities were determined by using standard procedures and slides by Catalyst Dx Chemistry Analyzer, Idexx. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS software package (for Windows, Version 11.5, SPSS Inc, USA). All data were shown as mean ± standard deviation. The results were analyzed using the independent t-test. A P-value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Our results indicated significantly higher concentrations of CRP and SAA in dogs with pyometra throughout the study period compared to the control group, with CRP concentrations rising up to 15-fold and SAA up to 10-fold. Notably, these increases in CRP and SAA concentrations were mostly observed before surgery, with only limited additional increases post-surgery. This suggests that while ovariohysterectomy induces a proinflammatory response, it does not significantly escalate the levels of these proteins beyond the initial disease impact. The variability observed in CRP and SAA levels points to potential interindividual differences, impacting their diagnostic value. However, on the last postoperative day, the significantly elevated levels of both proteins in dogs with pyometra suggest a persistent, though less severe, inflammatory process, with a subsequent decline as homeostasis was gradually restored. Conclusion: The role of the acute phase response is to limit inflammation, remove the damaging factor and restore homeostasis. The systemic effects of pyometra are reflected by acute phase proteins and several biochemistry parameters.

Abstract The aim of this study was to examine the seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. in dogs and red foxes in the entity of the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, after heavy rainfall and floods in 2014 and for the two years thereafter. The seroepidemiological study involved testing serum samples from dogs (n = 98) and foxes (n = 112) using MAT (microscopic agglutination test). Antibodies to at least one Leptospira spp. serovar were found in 52.04% of the tested dogs. The dog seroprevalence in 2014 (81.25%) was significantly higher than in 2015 (51.42% p <0.0001) and 2016 (22.5% p<0.05). The highest seroprevalences were for serovars Australis (76.47%), Bratislava (70.58%), Sejroe (66.67%) and Autumnalis (45.09%). Antibodies to at least one Leptospira spp. serovar were detected in 34.82% of the examined red foxes. In 2015, the fox seroprevalence was significantly higher (52.94%) than in 2016 (6.82%) (p <0.0001). The highest seroprevalences were for serovars Sejroe (64.10%), Bratislava (48.72%), Australis (43.59%) and Bataviae (25.64%). The high seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. in dogs and foxes determined during this study indicates the importance of these carnivores in maintaining leptospirosis in the study area, and the potential risk of infection for humans and other animal species that come into contact with these canids. The results obtained indicate that heavy rainfall and intense floods can result in increased Leptospira spp. infection in these canids.

Metabolizam visokomliječnih krava, obzirom na njihovu genetsku predispoziciju za visoku proizvodnju mlijeka s jedne i reproduktivnih zahtjeva s druge strane, često je opterećen te izložen promjenama koje za posljedicu mogu imati poremećaj funkcionalnog stanja pojedinih organa, a najčešće jetre i genitalnih organa. Fiziološke vrijednosti biokemijskih parametara krvi krava, koje nude različiti izvori, često znaju znatno varirati. U tom smislu, osobito su interesantni parametri metaboličkog profila u muznih krava, koji imaju višestruko značenje: od pokazatelja hranidbenog statusa i uvjeta držanja životinja do pokazatelja kliničkih bolesti. Cilj je ovog rada bio ustvrditi koncentraciju nekih biokemijskih parametara u krvnoj plazmi krava holštajn-frizijske pasmine tijekom perioda zasušenja. Ispitivanja koncentracije pojedinih sastojaka u krvnoj plazmi radi određivanja metaboličkog profila krava važna su, ne samo za postavljanje objektivne dijagnoze i određivanje težine poremećaja u životinja s izraženim simptomima, već i u prevenciji i rasvjetljavanju mehanizama nastanka novih, metaboličkih i drugih bolesti. Istraživanjem je obuhvaćeno ukupno 46 krava u zasušenju holštajn-frizijske pasmine iz dva farmska uzgoja. Istraženo je 20 krava s farme „A“ i 26 krava s farme „B“. U krvnoj plazmi su spektrofotometrijski određivane vrijednosti parametara koncentracija: glukoze, ukupnih proteina, albumina, kolesterola, triglicerida, bilirubina i ureje. Na temelju rezultata našeg istraživanja, zaključili smo da su krvni parametri koje smo pratili adekvatni za praćenje funkcionalnog stanja jetre i metabolizma u krava, a koji mogu biti od koristi i u procjeni očekivane dužine servis perioda.

There is no doubt that milk and dairy products have a high nutritional value. However, their current consumption is increasingly dependent on their dietary and health properties. It is noticeable that in recent years, increasing popularity is given to those dairy products that have a positive effect on the human body. The aim of this study was to determine the fatty acid composition of sheep's milk from the area of Livno and Travnik (Vlašić), with special reference to the content of bioactive fatty acids that have a positive effect on human health. The fatty acid composition of the tested milk samples was specific due to the content of fatty acids which have been proven to have an extremely beneficial effect on human health. Concentrations of most bioactive fatty acids varied between areas, and the differences were statistically significant for arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic, docosahexaenoic, and rumenic. Milk samples from the tested areas had an almost ideal ratio of n-6/n-3 fatty acids, which makes them very favorable foods from a health point of view.

Dairy cattle breeding is one of the most important branches of livestock production, which has been facing, for several decades, the chronic problem of declining reproductive performance. In 2005, the number of cattle worldwide was about 1,370,000,000, while in 2015 that number dropped below one billion, and in 2021 it shows a slight recovery as it was 1,000,970. This indicates the importance of applying different reproductive protocols in order to increase the number of cows in production. The type of bedding on which the animals stay, as well as the characteristics of the lying area itself, shows a significant impact on numerous physiological functions such as food intake, chewing, milk yield, but also levels of sex hormones. The type of bedding and lying area, which causes chronic pain and stress, leads to disorders of physiological and reproductive processes, since stress has direct negative impact on numerous cellular functions. A total of 66 dairy cows, 50 Holstein-Friesian cows kept on PD Butmir and 16 Simmental cows kept on a private mini farm, were included in the study. At PD Butmir, cows were kept in tie-stall housing system, while on a mini-farm they were kept free. Hormonal protocols of estrus and ovulation synchronization were used in April, May and June 2019. Cows were subjected to two estrus synchronization and ovulation protocols, Ovsynch and Cosynch72. At PD Butmir, 25 cows were subjected to Ovsynch and Cosynch72 protocols, respectively. At the mini-farm only Ovsynch protocol was applied. The Ovsynch protocol applied on PD Butmir had success in conception rate of 12% (n = 3), while the Cosynch72 protocol gave a score of 36% (n = 9). On the mini-farm, Ovsynch resulted in a conception of 25% (n = 4). Based on our results, the Cosynch72 protocol, compared to the Ovsynch protocol, was a better choice in the case of Holstein-Friesian cows kept in the tie-stall housing system. In the Simmental cows kept in the free stall system, the Ovsynch protocol proved to be better choice in achieving conception, compared to the Holstein-Friesian cows. Therefore, it is necessary to test several different protocols of estrus and ovulation synchronization, in order to find the most optimal one for a certain breed, type of keeping and breeding.

Na vrijednosti hematoloških parametara značajan utjecaj mogu imati vrijeme uzorkovanja krvi u odnosu na vrijeme analize, ali i uvjeti skladištenja, poput temperature na kojoj se krv transportira do referentnog laboratorija. Odlaganje analize krvi može dovesti do znatnih promjena koje tada direktno utječu na interpretaciju dobivenih podataka te u konačnici mogu dovesti i do pogrešno postavljene dijagnoze. Poseban izazov u veterinarskoj medicini predstavljaju habitati divljih životinja, poput smeđeg medvjeda, koji se nalaze na velikim udaljenostima od referentnih laboratorija. Stoga je cilj ovog istraživanja bio ispitati promjene nekih hematoloških parametara, i to: vrijednosti broja eritrocita, vrijednosti broja leukocita, hematokritsku vrijednost, vrijednosti sadržaja hemoglobina, vrijednosti veličine prosječnog eritrocita, srednji sadržaj hemoglobina u eritrocitu te srednju koncentraciju hemoglobina u eritrocitima u krvi smeđeg medvjeda, a koja je skladištena tijekom 48 sati na različitim temperaturama, odnosno na temperaturi hladnjaka (4 °C) i na sobnoj temperaturi (24 °C). Krv je uzorkovana punkcijom v. jugularis nakon sedacije životinja kombinacijom metomidina, tiletamina i zolazepama. Istraživanjem je obuhvaćeno devet klinički zdravih smeđih medvjeda oba spola, starosti 3-5 godina te je određena vrijednost ispitivanih hematoloških parametara neposredno nakon uzorkovanja s ciljem određivanja bazičnih vrijednosti. Tijekom ispitivanog razdoblja u trajanju od 48 sati određene su vrijednosti ispitivanih parametara u intervalima (12h, 24h, 36h i 48h) u krvi skladištenoj na različitim temperaturama (4 °C i 24 °C). Rezultati našeg istraživanja su pokazali da se vrijednosti broja eritrocita i vrijednosti broja leukocita u krvi smeđeg medvjeda nisu statistički značajno razlikovale od bazičnih vrijednosti, ukoliko je krv skladištena na temperaturi od 4 °C, a analiza uzorka izvršena unutar razdoblja od 36 sati; što je određeno i u razdoblju unutar 24 sata od uzorkovanja kada su uzorci krvi pohranjeni na temperaturi od 24 °C. Vrijednost hematokrita nije pokazala statistički značajne razlike unutar 24 sata od uzorkovanja krvi te u navedenom intervalu temperatura skladištenja nije značajno utjecala na dobivene rezultate. Vrijednost koncentracije hemoglobina se već nakon 12 sati od uzorkovanja značajno razlikovala od bazičnih vrijednosti. Vrijednosti hematoloških indeksa određene našim istraživanjem pokazuju direktan odraz promjena vrijednosti ispitivanih hematoloških parametara.

| The aim of this study was to morphologically describe the air sac system in Rosy-faced parrots (Agapornis roseicollis) and provide useful data for future veterinary care and treatment of respiratory system diseases in these pets. The research was conducted on five birds. In order to obtain the casts of the air sacs, we applied the corrosion cast technique, where we used the 26% solution of Vinylite mass. The research showed that the anatomy of the air sacs in these parrots was very similar to that in other birds, but there was some specific characteristic regarding the arrangement and connection between the air sacs. In Rosy-faced parrots we identified nine air sacs, the one unpaired, saccus clavicularis and paired saccus cervicalis, thoracicus cranialis, thoracicus caudalis and abdominalis. The casts showed that clavicular and cranial thoracic air sacs established a connection through the diverticula sternalia. These anatomical characteristics can be common to birds from Psittaciformes order and additional research need to be performed to confirm these findings.