Nevena Maksimovic

This study evaluated population trends and biochemical parameters of Sjenica sheep in central and southwestern Serbia to assess their adaptive capacity under extensive systems. Population data (2020–2025) and biochemical analyses of 30 adult sheep from the Pešter Plateau, Valjevo, and Zlatibor were used. The population increased by about 68%, with females comprising over 96%. Most biochemical parameters were within reference ranges, indicating preserved metabolic balance. Moderate variability reflected individual physiological differences. The results confirm good metabolic health and strong adaptation of Sjenica sheep, emphasizing the importance of coordinated breeding and genetic monitoring for long-term conservation.

This study investigated the effects of?slaughter weight and breed on?carcass characteristics, meat quality, and technological properties in?purebred Balkan and F1 crossbred (Balkan?נSaanen) male goats. A?total of?48?animals, divided into four...

One of strategic goals in the field of improving our sheep breeding is to preserve sheep genofund. An important aspect in that context is genetic characterisation of our locally adapted breeds. The present research was conducted in summer season on 30 Krivovirska Pramenka sheep aged about 3 years on average and raised in 3 different localities. The blood of these animals was taken by venepuncture of v.jugularis into 5 mltest-tubes that were properly marked and samples stored at 4?C in a refrigerator and transported to a laboratory.Isolation of total genomic DNA was performed by a commercial kit for the isolation of DNA from blood for which 100 ml blood per animal was used. For genotyping a set of 12 nucleus microsatellites recommended by the International Society for Animal Genetics -ISAG was used. Molecular data obtained by amplifying nucleus microsatellites were processed by means of following standard bioinformatics packages: GenAlEx 6.5 (Peakall and Smouse 2012), HP-Rare 1.0 (Kalinowski 2005), Coancestry v.1.0.1.9 (Wang 2011) and STRUCTURE 2.3.4. (Pritchard et al. 2000). On the basis of the research conducted a relatively high level of genetic diversity was determined in studied population as well as a small number of animal pairs whose level of relatedness was higher than expected one. At the same time, a low and positive inbreeding coefficient not statistically significant was detected what indicates that examined population of Krivovirska Pramenka sheep is not burdened by inbreeding. The results obtained are informative and with an application of additional markers can serve for obtaining the guideliness for preserving and sustainable breeding of Krivovirska Pramenka sheep in Serbia.

Sheep farming in Serbia plays an important role in the preservation of rural communities, cultural heritage and landscapes. However, depopulation, declining flock sizes and pressure from imports require a shift to sustainable models. This paper presents integrated approaches combining environmental, economic and social principles and focus on product quality and environmental responsibility. The study includes a literature review, and interviews with farmers. The results show that appropriate genotypes, rotational grazing, renewable energy and value-adding strategies such as certification, branding and agritourism improve both environmental sustainability and market competitiveness. Indigenous sheep breeds are superior to imported ones in grazing systems as they offer better adaptability, resource efficiency and linkage with traditional products. Rotational grazing reduces winter feed and fertilizer costs by up to 40%, while the average daily gain in European systems reaches ~193 g/day. Pasture-raised meat has a higher omega‑3 content (up to 146 mg/100 g). Solar and biogas systems improve energy self-sufficiency and reduce emissions. Innovative uses for wool support the goals of the circular economy. Sustainable sheep farming is therefore a viable model for resilient, market-oriented rural development.

Tannins are complex plant-derived polyphenols that are increasingly being investigated in ruminant nutrition due to their protein binding capacity, bioactive properties and potential to support sustainable production goals. They can modulate fermentation in the rumen, reduce protein degradation and alter the dynamics of nutrient absorption dynamics - but their dual role as functional and potentially antinutritive agents requires differentiated evaluation. This paper discusses the broader functional importance of tannins in ruminant diets based on a comprehensive literature review, focussing on their mechanisms of action, influence on digestibility, animal performance and metabolic responses. Within this framework, a practical model of lamb fattening will be analysed to investigate the controlled use of chestnut tannins under different feeding conditions and protein balances. The model serves to illustrate the general challenges of implementing tannin research in commercial feeding systems. The importance of dosage, tannin type, feed matrix and animal-specific factors that determine efficacy and safety is emphasised. Whilst the integration of tannins offers promising routes to nitrogen efficiency and reduced environmental impact, practical implementation requires a clear understanding of the economic trade-offs and variability at farm level. The findings presented will serve as a basis for future research designs and practical implementation strategies for plant additives in small ruminant diets.

Lipa Pramenka sheep, an endangered but resilient breed in Serbia, has seen a 4.8-fold increase in population in recent years, although numbers are not yet sufficient for long-term stability. This study examines population trends and biochemical parameters and shows that total protein (69.34–77.56 g/L), albumin (30.45–34.02 g/L) and glucose (2.69–3.50 mmol/L) are within physiological ranges, while AST (112.94–153.37 IU/L) and calcium (2.32–2.72 mmol/L) vary significantly between farms, reflecting differences in diet and management. The results underline the need for targeted maintenance, optimized feeding and sustainable breeding strategies.

The objective of the present study was to characterize the chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) tannin product, Farmatan Plus^® (Tanin Sevnica d.d., Sevnica, Slovenia), and to subsequently examine its effects on the blood metabolic parameters of fattening lambs, particularly in relation to their health status. Thirty lambs were randomly divided into three treatment groups: a control group without added tannin and two groups that received 9.46 g of the tannin product/kg of the diet dry matter (DM) and 18.87 g of the tannin product/kg of the diet DM. Metabolic parameters such as contents of total protein, globulin, urea, and liver enzymes (AST and GGT) were measured over a trial period of 60 days to evaluate the effects of tannin supplementation. This study represents the first in-depth characterization of Farmatan Plus^®, demonstrating its richness in bioactive compounds such as vescalin and castalagin. The results showed no significant adverse effects on lamb health, with all parameters remaining within normal physiological ranges (p > 0.05). These results support the safe inclusion of chestnut tannins in the diet of lambs and underline their potential as a functional feed additive that can positively influence the health and growth performance of ruminants.

The global demand for sustainable lamb production is increasing due to the need for high-quality meat with minimal environmental impact, making the choice of feeding systems crucial. This study investigates the effects of supplemented pasture feeding during the last 60 days of rearing on the meat fatty acid profile, pH value, colour characteristics, and mineral composition of lambs, highlighting the benefits of such feeding systems. Ninety lambs (MIS sheep breed) were divided into three distinct feeding regimes: Group I (alfalfa and concentrate feeding), Group II (white clover [Trifolium repens] pasture with concentrate supplementation), and Group III (birds’ foot trefoil [Lotus corniculatus] pasture with concentrate supplementation). The results have shown that supplemented pasture feeding improves the fatty acid profile by increasing n-3 content and desirable fatty acids, while reducing the n-6/n-3 ratio and atherogenic index (p < 0.05), particularly in lambs finished on an L. corniculatus diet. However, forage-supplemented feeding also reduces meat colour lightness and redness (p < 0.05). On the other hand, it enhances the meat’s mineral profile, with higher calcium, selenium, and iron levels, especially in lambs fed L. corniculatus. These findings underscore the benefits of moderate grazing with supplemental concentrates in optimising lamb meat quality. Importantly, they also highlight the potential of forage legumes like T. repens and L. corniculatus to significantly enhance the nutritional profile of lamb meat, offering a promising outlook for the future of sustainable lamb production. Additionally, this research provides valuable insights that could guide the development of future agricultural practices, dietary guidelines, and environmental policies to advance sustainable and nutritious food systems.

This study investigated the possibility of using morphometric measurements to differentiate the autochthonous Serbian White goat breed from Saanen and Balkan goats, which were used as sire and dam breeds in its creation. For this purpose, a multivariate discriminant analysis was used. A total of 11 morphometric traits were measured in 98 does of 3 breeds: Saanen (n = 28), Balkan (n = 28), and Serbian White (n = 42), aged 2 to 7 years, in 4 different locations. Univariate analysis of variance revealed a significant difference in body measurements of all three breeds, with Saanen goat being the largest in format and Balkan the smallest. Discriminant analysis extracted six out of eleven tested morphometric traits with the strongest discriminatory power: heart girth, head length, chest depth, head width, pelvic width, and body length. Mahalanobis distances were significant between all three genetic groups. The discriminant function correctly classified 95.24% of the Domestic White goats investigated to their source group. The classification accuracy of the function was cross-validated and indicated an overall success rate of 91.84%. The results of this research showed that there was a clear separation between Serbian White, Saanen, and Balkan goats. The present findings could help a more rapid field assessment of Serbian White goats.

Meat colour was evaluated in 36 goat kids of both genders equally from three breeds: Alpine, Balkan and Serbian white breed. Animals were slaughtered at 18 kg of body weight and three muscles were analysed for colour characteristics and pH value: m. longissimus lumborum, m. psoas major (tenderloin) and m. semimembranosus. pH values differ significantly only for m. longissimus lumborum muscle, whereas Balkan kids had a significantly higher pH value than Alpine and Serbian white (p<0.001). The goat breed significantly affected meat CIEL*a*b* values for all muscles analysed. Lightness (L*) was generally the highest for Balkan and lowest for the Alpine breed. The differences in redness (a*) and Chroma values (C*) were not significant, while the yellowness only differed for m. longissimus lumborum muscle, whereas Serbian white kids had higher b* values compared to Alpine kids. As a colour saturation characteristic, the hue angle was higher in meat from indigenous breeds (Balkan and Serbian white) than in the Alpine breed.