Cattle farming, as one of the most important branches of livestock production, has longbeen confronted with the chronic problem of the decline in reproductive performances. In 2005, thenumber of cattle around the world amounted to about 1,370,000,000 heads of cattle, while in 2012this number was just over a billion, which indicates the importance of applying differentreproductive protocols in order to increase production. Heat stress leads to disorders of thephysiological and reproductive processes, as the rise in body temperature caused by heat stress hasdirect negative consequences on numerous cell functions. The study included a total of 54 Holstein-Friesian cows, 28 experimental and 26 control cows from PD Butmir farm with 5 lactations onaverage. Hormone protocols for estrus and ovulation were used in June and July 2013. Cows in theexperimental group were subjected to a Presynch + 5dCoS2 protocol. Cows that did not conceiveafter this protocol were immediately subjected to resynchronization with Cosynch -72 protocol. Thesuccess rate of the Presynch + 5dCoS2 protocol was 19%, while in the case of Cosynch 72 it was33%, which was statistically significant (p <0,05). The first presynchronization and synchronizationprotocol (5dCoS2) did not significantly help to improve the conception rate after the firstinsemination postpartum, but it is evident that they had a positive effect on another protocol (COS72)in the form of reduction in embryonic mortality in the summer months when embryonic loss is thegreatest.The COS72 protocol provides satisfactory results in the summer, but good fitness and healthmanagement, as well as heat stress reduction in accordance with the location and farm design arethe preconditions for a successful estrus and ovulation synchronization program prior to artificialinsemination.

: During puerperium phase in cows, uterus goes through involution process, while ovaries restore supressed cyclicity as a result of gestation. After 10-20 days postpartum (PP) luteinizing hormone (LH) levels begin to raise and renewal of cyclicity after parturition is probably most important factor for cows to successfuly conceive again. observed in right ovaries of cows in both groups, while corpora lutea were bigger in multiparous cows. Numbers and sizes of corpora lutea, may give an insight in quality of restoration of ovarian cyclicity and a solid base for prediction on future reproductive performances.

Clinical and subclinical disorders and diseases cause reproductive failures and decline in milk production. Etiology of disorders is mainly because of pathological effect of microorganisms, lapses in nutrition and lodging, as well as in management. After partrition, body is under stress and milk yield is highest, which favors appearance of metabolic and infective diseases. Status of puerperium, number of lactation, body condition score and season of parturition, have highest effect to cyclic ovarian activity. Regular development of dominant follicles, ovulation, formation of corpus luteum and luteolysis is necessary for establishment of regular cyclic ovarian activity, which leads to better fertility. Experiment had included 50 cows during first 52 days of lactation. Cows were separated in two main groups, those with normal puerperium NP (n=32) and abnormal puerperium AP (n=18). Examinations have been performed during period of 6 to 52 days postpartum. Ovarian dominant follicles have been observed using diagnostic ultrasound linear scanner. The highest number of dominant follicles are present during first two examinations, then their number declines and later in last two examinations rise again. Decrease in number of dominant follicles in both groups is most expressed in period of 14-30 days. During first examination, left ovaries have more dominant follicles, compared with right ovaries, while during later examinations, it is changed in favor of right ovaries. Increased number of vital dominant follicles from period 38-45 days postpartum and absence of abnormal uterine content in lumen in same period postpartum is sign of upcoming fertile estrus. Benjamin Čengić et al. 182

________________________________________________________________________________________ KRKALIĆ, L., E. ŠATROVIĆ, N. VARATANOVIĆ, P. DŽAJA, K. SEVERIN: Seroprevalence of Chlamydia abortus in sheep in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Vet. arhiv 86, 373-381, 2016. ABSTRACT An epidemiological study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of Chlamydia abortus (C. abortus) in sheep in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This was the fi rst systematic study of this kind carried out in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Samples were collected during 2012 and 19 sheep fl ocks, located in the different parts of the country and with a recorded history of reproductive failures (abortion, stillbirths and infertility) were involved. A representative sample from each fl ock was taken by a simple random sampling allowing the detection of seropositive animals within a fl ock with 95 % confi dence, with expected prevalence rates of 20 %, using the recommendations for determining the required necessary sample size to detect the presence of disease. In total 178 sheep blood sera were tested for the specifi c antibodies against C. abortus, with the use of enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (CHEKIT* Chlamydophila abortus Antibody Test Kit). The results showed that 77 (43.3 %) out of 178 ovine sera were seropositive for C. abortus infection, as indicated by the manufacturer’s interpretation of the results. The fl ock was considered to be positive if at least one animal was seropositive. The fl ock prevalence of C. abortus in the examined fl ocks was 84.2 % (16/19 fl ocks). The results of the present study indicate that C. abortus infection occurs frequently in sheep in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Udder and udder diseases in cows have significant importance in dairy industry and reproduction. Because of intensive selection breeding in last several decades for high milk yield and management systems, udder in cows is under everyday's intensive straining, which makes it more susceptible to harmful inner and outer factors. Those are the reasons for development of various pathology conditions in mammary gland, which cause decrease in milk quality and yield, economy losses and stagnation in planned production. In general, mastitis is recognized as one of the biggest problem in dairy cattle, appeared in subclinical or clinical form. Because of previously mentioned problematic in dairy sector, this book describe various pathological conditions in udder and milk, as well as ways of prevention, therapy and eradication.

– Detection of subclinical mastitis in five different breeds of cows were done on the territory of a municipality Ključ, through all four year seasons by using the California mastitis test, at the level of the udder’s quarter with a certificate of bacteriological findings in order to justify their application in the diagnosis of mastitis. In total, 2150 cows of different breed composition: Simmental 1090, red Holstein 322, Holstein-Friesian 340, montafon 108 and various crossbreeds of 290 in total. After 1978 tested cows, 56.02% of cases had positive reactions to the California mastitis test. The most common positive reaction we found in the milk was in one or two quarters with the intensity of the reaction of one and two plus. The most common causes of mastitis were staphylococci, streptococci and mixed infections. Continuing use of these methods it is possible to timely detect the presence of subclinical mastitis and get satisfactory results in the prevention and treatment of mastitis as well as increasing the quantity and improving the quality of milk.

Honey, pollen and propolis have been used since the ancient times in the treatment of infected wounds. These substances express antimicrobial activity even against microorganisms resistant to conventional antibiotics and antiseptics. The goal of the research is to answer the question of whether these substances could help in healing of the udder wounds under the real field conditions. Substances subject to research were mixed in a remedy, which was applied directly into the udder wounds once daily. The wounds were treated with “Apimelem” during May and June, 2012. “Apimelem” applied into the udder wounds gave good results in elimination of infection, prevention of reinfection and faster tissue healing. Prepared “Apimelem” proved efficient, nontoxic and financially affordable, this is especially important for poor or natural disaster- affected areas. Key words: infected wound, “Apimelem”, antimicrobic activity, udder, cow

Goal of this research was to explore the efficiency of intrauterine application of 4% solution of Lotagen ® in the treatment of chronic endometritis of different severity, and to examine the effects of therapy to the breeding-reproductive parameters in animals treated under the real field conditions. Research was conducted between May 2005 - March 2007 by analyzing the data from the protocol of artifitial insemination and treatment of sterility in the county of Sanski Most. Research included dairy cows from 95 stables when chronic endometritis was diagnosed by clinical examination (n=126) at the earliest 21 day postpartum. Animals were treated intrauterinelly with 100 to 180 ml (primiparous and multiparous) of 4% solution of Lotagen ® during puerperium or in estrus, after puerperium. Out of total of 126 dairy cows with chronic endometritis treated with Lotagen ® once or more times, including a group of non-treated animals, clinical healing was noted in 117 animals (92,8%), artificial insemination was performed in 115 (87,3%) and 95 animals had conception (86,3%). Due to the lack of clinical healing, fertility loss or some other reasons, 31 cows were excluded (24,6%) from breeding and this research. The treatment results as well as some fertility parameters were affected by severity of chronic endometritis and time of therapy introduction. The more time elapsed from parturition, the severity of endometritis decreased. Consequently, the percentage of cured animals after the first treatment increased from 59,5% to 79,6% (P < 0,05). Percentage of healing in E 1-2 ( endometritis catarrhalis et mucopurulenta ) was 68,2% after the first treatment and was significant in relation to 44,4% in E 3-4 ( endometritis purulenta et pyometra ). Taking into consideration the conception accomplished in two examined groups, obvious differences are shown: experimental group - 91,5%, control group - 76,9% (P<0,05). The effects of treatment to the breeding-reproductive parameters were also evalauted with high conception rates noticed in treated animals. Key words: chronic endometritis, dairy cows, Lotagen ®

Success in cattle breeding is one of the most important goals in livestock farming and it requires particular attention when it is about securing unobstructed reproduction. Final goal in cattle breeding is to produce one live calf per year, which will likewise enhance milk production through successful pregnancy. The aim of our research was to monitor uterine involution speed with aid of ultrasound device and make records when cows are ready to be inseminated again, which cows need more time to complete involution and how many cows will have uterine disorders and require therapy. The experiment was carried out from October 2009 until the end of January 2010. In our experiment 50 cows were included and 412 transrectal ultrasound examinations were performed. Cows were transrectally examined, starting from 6th day postpartum until 52 days postpartum. Speed of uterine involution has been monitored through decrease of uterine horn diameter and wall thickness. Cows with normal puerperium have completed involution in the period from 38 - 45 days postpartum, while those with abnormal puerperium needed more time to complete it or required therapy of disturbed uterine status. In total 48% of cows had normal uterine involution, 52% of cows had some abnormalities in involution and 10% of cows in experiment required therapy. With continuous monitoring of reproductive tract in cattle with ultrasound it is possible to timely detect right time for first insemination postpartum, decrease period of open days or to detect abnormalities in uterine health status and treat it.

Glandulla mammae is a secondary sexual characteristic. The composition and structure of the mammary gland depends on the functional state of the gland and is affected by hormones. The mammary gland reaches its full development during gestation and it becomes functional and secretory upon delivery. Lactocytes of the mammary gland may be squamous in shape, low or high prismatic, depending on the phase of the glandular cycle. Lactocytes are affected by LTH hormones due to which they are called prolactin. The function of the mammary gland is also affected by STH, and indirectly by TTH. Examined material was taken from Central Bosnia Canton, under field conditions of veterinary practice. The assay of histological features of the mammary gland of Dubska pramenka was conducted during the dry period as well as during lactation. The total number of animals was 16, eight (8) during the dry period and eight (8) during lactation period. Following the development of histological preparations, we conducted a descriptive overview - interpretation of the histological structures. The study of histological preparations of the mammary gland of Dubska pramenka during the dry period and lactation shows that the parenchyma is well developed, more or less, with reduced intersticium. Histological appereance of the lactocytes resembles that of the perifollicular tissue, the presence of different cells is higher during the lactation - the onset of glandural cycle. Well-developed lactiferous ducts with cavity, with or without secretion, but with preserved epithelium are the characteristics of both periods. The glandural tissue is well-developed and the secretion was present regardless of the examination period.

Assessment of energy reserves in the organism made through evaluation of body condition, basically represents the nutritional status of animal, valued by deposited adipose tissue, when body frame and weight have secondary importance. At the farm of high producing Holstein-Friesian cows with tie stall housing and average milk yield of 7000 liters, we followed the relation between the evaluation of body score condition and the conception rate. Total of 29 Holstein-Frisean cows were included in the study, aged between the first and fifth lactation. Cows were assessed on the basis of three major body areas examination (loin, pin bones and tail head). The evaluation was performed visually and ultrasonically by measuring backfat. Assessment of body condition and backfat measuring were performed at the same day as arteficial insemination. The cows were later divided into two experimental groups, pregnant and non-pregnant. The success rate of conception was 34.5%. The results of ultrasound backfat measurements were compatible with the visual assessment of body condition. As such, it represents a simple and objective method. Body condition score for both groups averaged 2.75. The average thickness of backfat was 16 mm in the group of pregnant cows, and 16.8 mm in the group of non-pregnant cows. Energy status of cows in this research seems to have had no significant effect on the conception rate. Key words: cow, body condition, backfat, ultrasonography, conception

We have performed diagnostics of sub clinical mastitis in three different cow breeds with comparison of California mastitis test results, somatic cells count at quarter level and with bacteriological findings confirmation in order to justify their appliance in mastitis diagnostics. In total, 90 cows or 360 quarters of mammary gland have been examined. In 63.3 % of the examined cows, with different racial origin, positive reaction to California mastitis test have been established. Usually, positive reaction have been found in milk of one and two quarters, with reaction intensity of one and two plus. SSC higher than 200.000 in 1 ml is established in 60 % of cases and the most often causes of mastitis were staphylococcae, streptococcae and mixed infections. With continuous use of this methods it is possible to timely detect presence of sub clinical mastitis and so to obtain satisfactory results in prevention and therapy of mastitis, as well as improvement in amount and quality of milk.

With 268 heifers in farm breeding, udder examination has been performed for clinical mastitis during 14 days after calving. From each quarter we took secretion samples and performed bacteriological analysis. From total number of heifers, 56 of them had shown clinical signs of inflammation, and 12 were bacteriologicaly positive. By bacteriological analysis mastitis pathogens had been found, even in 14 heifers without inflammation signs, at least until the end of test period. From the total number of tested heifers in 3,35% of cases Streptococcus agalactiae have been found, 4,85% coagulase positive staphilococcae (CPS) and 1,49% Corynebacterium pyogenes. Because coagulasa positive staphilococci were the most present bacteries in the period of 14 days, we made opinion that the same are the most often mastitis pathogen. Heifers with intramammarian infections like these, represent source of infection fot other non-infected animals in herd.

Health control of the mammary gland was conducted comparing results of CMT (California Mastitis Test) and bacteriological findings of milk samples during one year. A total of 3863 secretion samples of mammary glands were collected. There were 85.3% matches for CMT and bacteriological findings. The most frequently isolated causative agents were: staphylococci (52.4%), streptococcus bacteria (23.5%), mixed infections (13.1%), and enterobacteria (10.3%). Secretions disorder and inflammations of mammary gland are most common for the warm period of the year, and very rare for the winter period. With permanent use of these two methods it is possible to obtain satisfactory results in order to get better milk production and health condition of the mammary gland. .