The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of hormone-vitamin-mineral treatment on the repro-ductive efficiency of Wurttemberg ewes in deep off-season. The experimental group and the control one consisted of 35 ewes each. Housing conditions, diet, hormonal treatment and insemination were identical for both groups. The difference between the experimental group and the control group was in the use of vitamin-mineral treatment. Ewes were treated with progestagens (30 mg FGA), using intravaginal sponges for 12 days. On the day of sponge removal, all ewes were treated with 700 IU eCG. On the day of the first insemination ewes were treated with 250 IU hCG. In-semination was performed twice with freshly diluted sperm. The experimental group had fertility of 94.29%, fecun-dity of 137.14% and prolificacy of 145.45%. In the control group these values were 70.59%, 105.78% and 150.00%, respectively. Using the described hormonal treatment, estrus can be successfully induced and synchronized in deep off-season. By applying additional vitamin-mineral treatment reproductive efficiency can be improved, compared to the hormonal treatment only.

MijatoviC, R., S. jotanoviC, M. vekiC, G. SaviC, M. PodZo and B. StanCiC, 2012. The influence of hormone-vitamin-mineral treatment on reproductive efficiency of Romanov ewes in deep off-season. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 18: 501-505

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.

Udder health control has been conducted in three different cow breeds by comparing the California Mastitis Test results in order to justify its use in detecting subclinical mastitis. The test examined 75 cows, or 228 quarters in total. In 76% of the cows of different breeds, the results of California Mastitis Test were positive. The tests were positive in one or two quarters with the intensity level of one, two and three. The test showed much higher percentage of positive reaction in the rear quarters. According to the results of our research, the continuous application of this test enables the early detection of subclinical mastitis resulting in its prevention and also improvement in quantity and milk quality. Key words: mastitis, California Mastitis Test, cow

The seasonal influence, i.e. the influence of climatic changes on the dog semen was investigated. Dog age varied between 2-4. German-shepard-type dog body weight was about 25 kg, and the other mixed breed dogs about 9 kg. All were kept in good zoo-hygienic conditions (sunny, ventilated and dry rooms). Dogs were served ready-made pellet food with the daily meals adjusted to their body mass. Experimental researches were mainly performed before and during the sexual season. Sperm from the dogs was taken manually every 5-6 days. After obtaining the ejaculate, the sperm-sampler was inserted in pre-heated cotton, and brought to the andrologic laboratory. Tools and instruments used for ejaculate sampling were heated to +35°C before use. Quality control was performed with the devices and instruments heated to  +38°C in order to avoid detrimental effect of rapid cooling to sperm movement, metabolism, etc. Sampled native ejaculates were anylized for the volume, motility, concentration, etc. Key words: dog, sperm, sexual season