Pollinators are animal vectors such as some insects, birds, and mammals that fulfil a biological function in most terrestrial ecosys- tems and contribute to the genetic variability of plants. Bees are the best known pollina- tors. These insects constitute a highly diverse group that depend on flowers to guarantee their survival and complete their life cycle. They are considered necessary floral visitors that pollinate many plant species. Stingless bees, called meliponines, are essential pol- linators in tropical and subtropical ecosys- tems, at elevations from sea level to 3400 metres. Their products, such as pollen and honey, have great medicinal value in human health. However, a lack of knowledge con- cerning their diversity, distribution, biology, and taxonomy has led to population declines, putting the pollination service they provide at risk. One of the strategies to promote their conservation is the development of meliponi- culture, which is considered a productive breeding practice that, when well-managed, can ensure care and conservation of these pollinators. This review aims to analyse the importance of native bees and the products obtained from their services in the balance of ecosystems.

Honey is a natural product producedby honeybees valued for its nutritional andhealth benefits. However, contaminationwith veterinary drug residues, such as ni-troimidazoles (NMZ), poses a health risk toconsumers. Nitroimidazoles, banned in theEuropean Union due to their carcinogenicand genotoxic properties, have been mis-used in beekeeping to treat diseases suchas nosemosis. The aim of this study was todetect nitroimidazole residues in rare uni-floral honey species from Croatia, Ailanthusaltissima (Mill) Swingle and Mentha spp.,using a validated ultra-performance liquidchromatography-tandem mass spectrometrymethod. Although the applied method wasoriginally developed for the determinationof NMZs in poultry muscle and eggs, the re-sults of the validation study show that it isalso suitable for determination in honey withsome modifications. For all analytes, the de-cision limit and detection capability valueswere between 0.33 and 0.71 µg/kg, which isbelow the minimum method performancerequirement for NMZs in honey of 1 µg/kgset by the European Union Reference Labo-ratories. Ten nitroimidazoles were analysedin 11 honey samples and no residues weredetected, confirming compliance with Eu-ropean regulations. These results are in linewith broader studies showing rare NMZ con-tamination in the global honey market. How-ever, they emphasise the need for continuousHoney is a natural product producedby honeybees valued for its nutritional andhealth benefits. However, contaminationwith veterinary drug residues, such as ni-troimidazoles (NMZ), poses a health risk toconsumers. Nitroimidazoles, banned in theEuropean Union due to their carcinogenicand genotoxic properties, have been mis-used in beekeeping to treat diseases suchas nosemosis. The aim of this study was todetect nitroimidazole residues in rare uni-floral honey species from Croatia, Ailanthusaltissima (Mill) Swingle and Mentha spp.,using a validated ultra-performance liquidchromatography-tandem mass spectrometrymethod. Although the applied method wasoriginally developed for the determinationof NMZs in poultry muscle and eggs, the re-sults of the validation study show that it isalso suitable for determination in honey withsome modifications. For all analytes, the de-cision limit and detection capability valueswere between 0.33 and 0.71 µg/kg, which isbelow the minimum method performancerequirement for NMZs in honey of 1 µg/kgset by the European Union Reference Labo-ratories. Ten nitroimidazoles were analysedin 11 honey samples and no residues weredetected, confirming compliance with Eu-ropean regulations. These results are in linewith broader studies showing rare NMZ con-tamination in the global honey market. How-ever, they emphasise the need for continuousmonitoring, especially as the possible use ofbanned NMZs in honey production cannot becompletely ruled out. Future studies shouldalso investigate the transfer of NMZs frombeeswax to honey, emphasising the impor-tance of good beekeeping practises to avoidcontamination.monitoring, especially as the possible use ofbanned NMZs in honey production cannot becompletely ruled out. Future studies shouldalso investigate the transfer of NMZs frombeeswax to honey, emphasising the impor-tance of good beekeeping practises to avoidcontamination.

This study aimed to evaluate two protocolsof oestrus induction, using different anti-prolac-tin dopamine agonists (cabergoline, bromocrip-tine) in domestic bitches. For this purpose, 16females previously followed were divided intotwo experimental groups: Group A, bromocrip-tine induction group (n=8; 0.05 mg/kg/day/oral-ly) and group B, cabergoline treatment group(n=8; 0.005 mg/kg/day/orally). Comparison ofthe effects of the two substances included severalparameters (oestrus induction, pregnancy, andwhelping rates, litter size, treatment duration,shortening of inter-oestrus interval, and effecton duration of the inter-oestrus interval follow-ing the induced cycle). Cabergoline was moreefficient than bromocriptine with induction,pregnancy and whelping rates of 87.5% versus25%, respectively (P<0.05). The mean duration ofcabergoline treatment was 24.43 ± 7.77 days witha range from 16.66 to 32.20 days, as opposed toa duration of 34.50 ± 6.86 days and range from27.64 to 41.36 days for bromocriptine. Moreover,cabergoline reduced the inter-oestrus intervalin normal cycled bitches by a mean duration of43.40 ± 14.30 days and a range from 29.10 to 57.70days, while no significant shortening of this in-terval was observed with bromocriptine. For lit-ter size, no significant difference was observedbetween values before and after induction treat-ments. Neither drug significantly affected theinter-oestrus interval after the induced cycle. Ca-bergoline treatment was therefore more effectiveand safer than bromocriptine for inducing ferThis study aimed to evaluate two protocolsof oestrus induction, using different anti-prolac-tin dopamine agonists (cabergoline, bromocrip-tine) in domestic bitches. For this purpose, 16females previously followed were divided intotwo experimental groups: Group A, bromocrip-tine induction group (n=8; 0.05 mg/kg/day/oral-ly) and group B, cabergoline treatment group(n=8; 0.005 mg/kg/day/orally). Comparison ofthe effects of the two substances included severalparameters (oestrus induction, pregnancy, andwhelping rates, litter size, treatment duration,shortening of inter-oestrus interval, and effecton duration of the inter-oestrus interval follow-ing the induced cycle). Cabergoline was moreefficient than bromocriptine with induction,pregnancy and whelping rates of 87.5% versus25%, respectively (P<0.05). The mean duration ofcabergoline treatment was 24.43 ± 7.77 days witha range from 16.66 to 32.20 days, as opposed toa duration of 34.50 ± 6.86 days and range from27.64 to 41.36 days for bromocriptine. Moreover,cabergoline reduced the inter-oestrus intervalin normal cycled bitches by a mean duration of43.40 ± 14.30 days and a range from 29.10 to 57.70days, while no significant shortening of this in-terval was observed with bromocriptine. For lit-ter size, no significant difference was observedbetween values before and after induction treat-ments. Neither drug significantly affected theinter-oestrus interval after the induced cycle. Ca-bergoline treatment was therefore more effectiveand safer than bromocriptine for inducing fertileoestrus in domestic bitches followed by normalpregnancy, whelping and litter size and also anormal post induction inter-oestrus interval. Italso has an easier administration protocol andfewer side effects. In addition, cabergoline wasmore efficient in inducing oestrus in femaleswith a long inter-oestrus and in those presentingprimary and secondary anoestrus with no extragonadal causes.tileoestrus in domestic bitches followed by normalpregnancy, whelping and litter size and also anormal post induction inter-oestrus interval. Italso has an easier administration protocol andfewer side effects. In addition, cabergoline wasmore efficient in inducing oestrus in femaleswith a long inter-oestrus and in those presentingprimary and secondary anoestrus with no extragonadal causes.

The domestic pigeon (Columba livia Gmelin, 1789), native to Africa and Eurasia, is extensively found across Europe, Western Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The pigeon (Columba livia) was domesticated several centuries ago and holds a privileged place as a symbol of peace, love, fidelity, and ornamentation in parks. In recent decades, an increase in the populations of these pigeons has been detected. The Spanish brought Columba livia to Colombia in the 15th century. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of the domestic pigeon using loci related to plumage coloration and patterning in Saravena. Random sampling was conducted in six colonies between March and April 2024. Through urban visits, direct observation, and photographic records, a phenotypic classification of each of the 580 pigeons from the different flocks studied was carried out. Autosomal markers associated with coloration and plumage were analysed: Grizzle, Spread, Checker, and the sex-linked locus Ash-Red. Genetic profiles were calculated using indices: allele frequency, genetic diversity, and population structure, estimated with the PopGene 1.31 program. Diversity was assessed using the FSTAT program. The dendrogram was constructed with the MEGA X program. The marker with the highest allele frequency was Grizzle (P=0.1834), while the Spread marker had the lowest values (P=0.0300). The highest HT value was 0.3002 for the Grizzle marker, GST showed figures of 0.0360, and gene flow was 20.6; the FIS and FIT statistics reported values of 0.2779 and 0.2848, and FIT was 0.0091. Moderate genetic diversity, a deficit of heterozygotes, and an excess of homozygotes were observed, along with low interpopulation genetic differentiation and high gene flow between subpopulations. Low genetic distance values were also found between the studied subpopulations. The populations are closely related genetically, which may be due to their geographical proximity, which has favoured genetic exchange.

This research was conducted with the aim of characterizing the average growth curve of French saddle horses in the geographical conditions of Eastern Antioquia (Colombia), using non-linear models. To achieve this objective, weight and height measurements were taken monthly, resulting in 1305 measurements from 49 females and 1379 measurements from 53 males of the French Saddle breed raised at the San Isidro farm located in La Ceja, Antioquia. When comparing different models, it was found that the Brody model best fit the weight growth data (AIC=26279.44, BIC=26303.02) and height growth data (AIC=15346.65, BIC=15370.22) of horses. Modelling growth curves for males and females revealed a negative correlation between adult weight and growth rate, and it was also observed that animals stabilized their weight growth at around 36 months, while maximum height growth was reached at 24 months. The main conclusion of this study is that the Brody model best characterizes the growth curve in French Saddle horses raised in the conditions of the Colombian high tropics. In this sense, it is important to understand the growth dynamics in horses raised under Colombian high tropic conditions in order to make informed decisions regarding the initiation of training for these populations of show jumping horses.

Colic in horses is an emergency frequently encountered by clinicians. Prompt and precise evaluation of each case is mandatory to determine the need for surgery. Prognosis evaluation is also a crucial part of the decision-making process regarding management options. The present study evaluates the relevance of routinely used haematology and biochemistry blood parameters at the time of patient admission as tools to determine the aetiology type and prognosis of colic cases. Clinical exams and blood analysis were drawn from 46 horses admitted with signs of acute abdominal pain. Horses were further divided into groups according to type of colic and survival. Heart rate, respiratory rate and temperature differed significantly between survivors and non-survivors. Serum albumin and lactate were also reliable prognostic factors. Similarly, heart rate, serum albumin and gamma-glutamyl transferase concentrations differed significantly between strangulating and non-strangulating colic types. Clinical exams and blood parameters can efficiently guide clinicians during the evaluation of horses with signs of abdominal pain.

Fasciolosis and dicrocoeliosis are severe parasitic infections that result in substantial economic damages to livestock farming globally as a consequence of reduced productivity and viscera condemnation. Molecular tests such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can detect Fasciola hepatica and Dicrocoelium dendriticum DNA with high sensitivity and specificity. In this study, we aimed to assess the presence of F. hepatica and D. dendriticum by PCR-based techniques in 400 small ruminant bile samples retrieved from central Portugal. Additionally, we conducted genetic characterisation of F. hepatica and D. dendriticum in these samples. Only one of the 400 bile samples (0.25%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01–1.39) examined by PCR tested positive for F. hepatica, and two samples (0.50%, 95% CI: 0.06–1.79) tested positive for D. dendriticum. Our findings indicate a low prevalence of F. hepatica and D. dendriticum in Portuguese small ruminants, underscoring the need to investigatefactors leading to meat rejection in slaughterhouses. Implementing effective parasite control measures is crucial to minimise economic losses and improve food safety. Addressing these infections and deploying targeted control strategies can enhance livestock production sustainability and ensure safe, high-quality meat products for consumers.

This study aimed to provide insights into potential work-related stressors, career satisfaction levels and their potential impact on mental health among veterinarians in Croatia. A total of 389 veterinary doctors participated in this research. The survey response rate was 21.1%, signifying the involvement and input of a specific number of veterinarians in the Republic of Croatia in this study. The questions were designed and divided into categories to assess demographic information about the participants and their mental health, including inquiries about their psychosocial environment and individual well-being. The study was designed as cross-sectional study, utilising an online survey as the main tool for data collection. The survey was available from 14 March to 30 April 2023. The findings highlight the potential increased risks for veterinary professionals who experience certain stressors related to their work. Since this is the first study of its kind, it could enable a better understanding of the specific needs and challenges related to mental health in the veterinary profession in the Republic of Croatia.

Atrial fibrillation is the most prevalent arrythmia in dogs and humans and is characterised by chaotic depolarisation of the atria, resulting in damage to the atrial myocardium. It can lead to heart failure or worsen an existing condition and cause sudden death. Electrocardiographically, atrial fibrillation is characterised by the absence of P waves and an irregularly irregular rhythm, with narrow QRS complexes. Treatment of atrial fibrillation requires knowledge of pathophysiology and the pharmacology of antiarrhythmic drugs. In contrast to human medicine, the treatment of dogs revolves mainly around rate control strategies, although new studies propose the consideration of several rhythm strategies. Considering the complexity of atrial fibrillation, there is strong need for a consensus on classification, diagnosis and treatment in dogs.

The increasing dog population in Colombia has also raised the incidence of diseases that represent human and animal health risks. Brucella canis is a pathogen that is the primary cause of infertility in canines. It is easily transmitted between canines through body fluids, causing abortions in females, perinatal death of puppies, epididymitis, and infertility in males. On the other hand, Toxoplasma gondii is an easily transmitted parasite; its transmission is the majority between canines and felines, mainly through consuming contaminated food and water, which causes a disease that commonly has a subclinical presentation in canines. However, in immunosuppressed individuals this pathogen can cause neuromuscular, gastrointestinal, and respiratory signs. Currently, due to the increase and geographical distribution of the canine population, it is important to gather information about the prevalence and possible risk factors associated with the presentation of these diseases in the departments of Risaralda and Caldas from Colombia. In this sense, a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out, and a population of domestic canines was sampled (n=93), females n=63 (67.74%), and males n=30 (32.26%). In total, 72% of animals were positive for Toxoplasma gondii, while for Brucella canis, a prevalence of 0% was estimated.