The objective of the study is to determine the share of eggs from non-cage production systems compared to eggs from cage systems, in the year when the extended transitional period expires (December 2023) for Serbian producers to comply with the welfare legislation, mandating the transition from the conventional cage breeding system to permitted systems (enriched cage system and non-cage systems (floor, aviary, free breeding - free ranges, organic production). Also, the objective of the study is to determine the structure of consumers within the group valueing the breeding system, which declares that it prefers free range eggs and organic eggs. The examination of the Belgrade market supply of eggs, including supermarkets (11), green markets (5) and specialized stores (5), and consumer attitudes was conducted through a survey (247 respondents in the Belgrade region). According to the results of the survey, it can be concluded that the supply of eggs from non-cage systems is minor, compared to eggs from the cage system, which have a share of 100%, it is 81.82% for eggs from the floor system, 54.54% for eggs from free range and 9.10% for organic eggs. The supply of organic eggs on the market is insufficient and mainly associated with specialized stores. For about 30% of consumers, the egg production system is very important, whereby the majority of consumers (53.45%) would prefer the eggs from free ranges, and among them the largest share are women (76.03%), consumers with higher education (67.10%), employed (78.38%), aged 36-55 and with higher monthly incomes. Based on the research results, it can be concluded that the process of harmonizing egg production with welfare regulations has an impact on the egg market, i.e. resulting in changes in the sense of greater share of eggs from non-cage systems compared to similar research in the earlier period. At the same time, although there is a growing awareness among consumers about the importance of the production/rearing system, it is still insufficient compared to certain European countries. The development of non-cage systems, as more favourable from the point of view of welfare and consumer expectations, should be given greater attention in the coming period, by acting through regulatory measures, education of producers and consumers, research and support in terms of incentives, subsidies and loans to producers who switch to alternative systems of raising laying hens.

The increasing global consumption of processed meat, which often contains nitrite as a preservative, raises health concerns due to potential adverse effects from its metabolites, such as nitric oxide and N-nitroso compounds. The study sought to evaluate the food safety of processed meat products within the Serbian market, specifically in the Belgrade region. Nitrite levels were analysed in cooked sausages, both in their raw state and after undergoing the manufacturer's recommended thermal processing prior to consumption, if applicable. Additionally, thus far, there has been a lack of research exploring the potential influence of residual nitrite levels in the meat products prepared as per manufacturer recommendations prior to the consumption of meat products, as well as their contribution to acceptable daily intake (ADI), which provides crucial insights into the overall dietary safety of processed meats. During a three-year period, the study performed analysis on a total of 77 cooked sausages, following the standard ISO methodology. Boiling the cooked sausages led to a major reduction in this meatproduct additive, whereas frying led to a comparatively smaller decrease in nitrite concentration. Additionally, the greatest exposure to nitrite compounds occurs when consuming meat products without prior preparation, i.e., without thermal treatment by consumers before ingestion. In summary, the assessment of the ADI for nitrites revealed a high level of food safety, with all values noticeably below the maximum permitted levels specified by national legislation (150 mg/kg).

Microclimatic conditions in facilities for housing and rearing young category of breeding dairy cattle at the first 30 days after birth, have a significant impact on the quality of welfare, especially in intensive production. The parameters most often taken into account when evaluating microclimate conditions are: temperature and air humidity, the mutual relationship of which represents the THI (temperature-humid index) index; speed of air flow; air quality (presence of dust and ammonia) and level of light in the facility. The quality of the microclimate in the facilities is directly influenced by the climatic conditions in the external environment, therefore study period on 2 farms (A and B) with an intensive production system was divided into 4 seasons (autumn, winter, spring and summer). Holstein Friesian calves were observed in the period from birth to 30 days of age. The worst microclimatic conditions were recorded during the summer season on both farms (1129 on farm A and 1114 calves on farm B suffered), while the situation was more favorable during the colder period. Also, the best conditions, on both farms, were provided for calves in the first 7 days of life. The most unfavorable impact was the high air temperature, while the air flow, paradoxically, improved the air quality, especially during that period. The overall welfare quality score was similar on the observed farms, 2.25 on farm A and 2.12 on farm B, which can be considered acceptable. At the same time, it indicates the presence of serious problems, the solution of which must be approached most seriously.

Consumer demand for healthier foods has led the industry to look for alternatives to reduce high-fat levels. Dietary fibers such as inulin have emerged as promising substitutes for fat, increasing nutritional value and reducing fat absorption. The aim of this research was to formulate chicken cooked sausages in which the fat was replaced by inulin suspension at different levels. Four groups of sausages participated in the experiment: group K without fat replacement and groups 50%IN, 75%IN, and 100%IN with 50%, 75%, and 100% fat replacement, respectively. The results show a significantly higher process and cooking loss in the experimental groups compared to group K (p<0.05). Groups K and 50%IN had significantly better emulsion stability (p<0.05). Increasing inulin content significantly affected color characteristics, including L* (lightness), a* (redness), and b* (yellowness) (p<0.05). The experimental groups of sausages had a lighter color. By reducing fat, the caloric value of sausages decreased significantly and differed between groups (p<0.01). Inulin can be used to produce cooked sausages with reduced fat content and optimal physical and chemical properties. In addition to the reduced energy value, this meat product also has good nutritional characteristics.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of total aflatoxins (AFs) and type-B fumonisins (FBs) in 65 maize grain samples collected during harvest in 2018 (13 samples), 2019 (11 samples), 2020 (9 samples), 2021 (14 samples) and 2022 (18 samples) from different locations in suburb of Belgrade (Republic of Serbia). The average levels of AFs and FBs in mycotoxin-positive samples were 5.43 and 2910 ?g kg-1 (2018), 5.28 and 2710 ?g kg-1 (2019), 2.35 and 10980 ?g kg-1 (2020), 6.81 and 4950 ?g kg-1 (2021) and 5.32 and 20310 ?g kg-1 (2022), respectively. In 23.08% (2018), 18.18% (2019), 22.22% (2020), 64.29% (2021) and 27.78% (2022) of maize samples, the co-occurrence of AFs and FBs was established. The maximum limits of 10 ?g kg-1 for AFs in maize and 4000 ?g kg-1 for FBs in unprocessed maize prescribed by regulations of Serbia and the European Union were exceeded for AFs in 14.29% (2021) and 5.56% (2022) of maize samples and for FBs in 7.69% (2018), 66.67% (2020), 28.57% (2021) and 41.67% (2022) of maize samples. Multiple linear regression analyses showed a statistically significant influence of climate factors (air temperature, relative humidity and total rainfall) in July-September (2018-2022) on FBs levels. These results indicate the need for continuous monitoring of the health status of harvested maize grains and risk assessment of the potential presence of mycotoxins in the food chain to avoid adverse effects on human and animal health.

Slow growth rate and acute heat stress are among the major constraints to indigenous chicken production in Nigeria. Characterization of heat-tolerance genes is a requisite for selective breeding of poultry for improved heat-tolerance and productivity. Therefore, this study investigated variation in HSP70 gene and its association with heat-tolerance traits of Nigerian locally adapted chickens. One-day old chicks comprising 118 Yoruba Ecotype Chicken-YEC and 138 FUNAAlpha Chicken-FAC were tagged and fed ad-libitum on starter (0-6 weeks) and grower (7-24 weeks) diets. At week 12, blood was sampled, DNA was extracted, amplified and electrophoresed following standard procedures. HSP70 gene was genotyped using MmeI restriction endonuclease. At week 23, 36 chickens (six chickens per identified HSP70 genotypes) selected from each of YEC and FAC were exposed to 40?1?C for one hour. Cloaca temperature, respiratory rate (RR) and pulse rate (PR) were recorded and heat stress index (HSI) calculated. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA. Alleles A and B with genotypes: AA, AB, and BB were detected. After acute heat-stress, YEC with BB had higher RR value compared to those with AA and AB. The PR value of FAC with genotype BB was significantly higher (p<0.05) than those of AA, but similar to chickens with AB. Within FAC, HSI of BB-HSP70 was lower than AA-HSP70 but similar to AB-HSP70, while within YEC HSI of BB-HSP70 was similar to those of AA-HSP70 and AB-HSP70. The HSP70 gene was polymorphic in the studied chickens and genotype BB-HSP70 was associated with thermo-tolerance.

For evaluation of growth traits' genetic progress, pedigree information of 39408 Moghani sheep, between 1986 to 2016, at the breeding station of Moghani sheep was used. Studied traits included birth weight, weaning weight, six months weight, nine months weight, and one yearling weight. Variance components and genetic parameters of traits were estimated by restricted likelihood and six animal models using Wombat software. Direct heritability of birth weight, weaning weight, six months weight, nine months weight, and one yearling weight was (0.07, 0.09, 0.15, 0.13, and 0.20 respectively). Breeding values for the calculation of genetic trends for each trait were estimated by using the univariate best animal model. Phenotypic, genetic, and environmental trends of traits were estimated via regression of phenotypic average, breeding value average, and difference of breeding value from phenotypic value divided by birth year. The calculated genetic trends of birth weight, weaning weight, six months weight, nine months weight, and yearling weight were 0.008, 0.012, 0.054, 0.74, and 0.145 kg/year respectively, except for birth weight, the others were significant (p<0.01). The genetic gain of traits including birth weight, weaning weight, six months weight, nine months weight, and one yearling weight was estimated (0.213, 1.071, 1.171, 1.164, and 1.324 kg respectively). At evaluated years, many fluctuations were observed in the genetic trend of traits. In other words, it seems at the studied years, there wasn't a comprehensive plan for genetic breeding and improvement of body weight traits in Moghani sheep.

The aim of this research was to examine the influence of the year (production cycle) and laying age on the quality of eggs for consumption. Examination of certain properties of egg and shell quality was carried out over a period of three years continuously and in four evenly spaced time intervals (24, 35, 46, and 57 weeks of age). Determining the external quality of eggs included determining the weight and shape index. Examination of the internal quality of eggs included the determination of albumen height and Haugh units. At the same time, the quality of the eggshell involved the determination of the following properties: (weight, thickness, deformation, breaking force, and color of the shell). The obtained results showed that during three production cycles, the genetic progress of this hybrid was confirmed, which is primarily reflected in a statistically significantly higher (p<0.05) value of egg weight, egg white height, and Haugh's units in the third year compared to the first year examinations. Also, under the influence of this factor, statistically significantly higher values of weight and shell thickness and a darker shell color were determined in the third compared to the first year of research. No statistically significant differences were found for other examined parameters under the influence of this factor. In the presence of statistically significant influence (p<0.05), various laying ages were systematically examined for internal and external egg quality attributes alongside shell quality properties, excluding shell deformation. Egg weight increased significantly with increasing laying age, while shape index values, contrary to egg weight, decreased. The parameters of internal egg quality were worse with increasing laying age. Regarding the shell quality properties, it was found that the shell weight and thickness, similar to the egg weight, increased with the age of the layers, while the breaking force was found to be the lowest in the oldest layers. The interaction of both tested factors did not cause a statistically significant effect on tested egg quality traits.

Gene expression at the phenotypic level varies due to a number of influences from the environment in which the animals are reared. Ignoring this reality or due to insufficient knowledge, farmers are often disappointed when choosing a population of sheep when they do not get the production results that the breed achieves where they bought it. The investigation of the reproductive and production characteristics of parent herds of Sjenica sheep was conducted on four farms. In the research, it included a total of 921 lambs and 474 sheep. The influence of sheep body weight on the weight of lambs at birth within a farm was analyzed. Based on the research conducted on the sheep population and after the obtained and processed data, we can state the following: certain differences were found in the fertility of sheep depending on the farm and body weight. We also perceived that certain differences in the body weight of the lambs are evident depending on the weight group of the sheep and the farm where the sheep were raised. All of the above leads us to the general conclusion that management is extremely important in sheep farming. If the selection of the breeding population is carried out correctly and adequate measures of keeping, nutrition and reproduction are applied, success is guaranteed.

This study aims to evaluate the genetics of imported semen and assess the genetic trend of production traits in Holstein cows during their first lactation in Iran. The data was collected from 28 different herds in Isfahan province between 2011 and 2020. Variance-covariance components were estimated by the restricted maximum likelihood method and the single and multi-trait animal model. The correlation between breeding values for bulls reported in catalogs and estimated in this was calculated. The mean of the least squares by countries shows that the daughters of Spanish bulls have the highest average for milk production, and the daughters of German, French, Spanish, and American bulls have the highest average percentage of fat and protein and the amount of fat and protein, respectively. Estimated heritability for milk production, fat, and protein percentage, and the amount of fat and protein were 0.34?0.011, 0.48?0.021, 0.41?0.016, 0.40?0.090, and 0.39?0.010 respectively. The mean genetic trend of milk production, fat percentage, protein percentage, fat content, and protein content were 92, 0.010, 0.004, 1.73, and 2.52, respectively. The correlation between the estimated and reported breeding value of bulls for milk production trait, percentage of fat and protein, and the amount of fat and protein was estimated at 0.48, 0.67, 0.69, 0.14, and 0.26, and all of the estimated correlations are statistically significant at the level of 0.05. Based on the results for the most critical production trait in Isfahan herds, milk production, American bulls have the best performance and genetic trend.