Ivan Ćosić

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.

Bardoka and Karakachan sheep are primitive regional transboundary Pramenka-type sheep autochthonous to the Balkan Peninsula, whose populations have been reduced to a critically small size in Serbia. We genotyped 105 Bardoka animals (97 ewes and 8 rams from three flocks) and 97 Karakachan sheep (86 ewes and 11 rams from four flocks), along with 28 Ile-de-France (IDF) animals used for a comparison (25 ewes and 3 rams), using 14 nuclear microsatellites to assess their genetic status and establish a foundation for their genetically informed conservation. We utilized genetic data to assess inbreeding values of individuals (I) and pairwise relatedness (r) traditionally inferred from the pedigree data, which are incomplete in the studied autochthonous breeds. We used these data to assemble a data set of unrelated individuals for subsequent genetic analyses. Low but statistically significant genetic differentiation of Bardoka and Karakachan sheep (F_ST = 0.031, p < 0.01) demonstrates that these phenotypically distinct breeds differ at the genetic level as well. The I and r in ewes were higher in the Karakachan sheep (I = 0.09, r = 0.07) than in Bardoka (I = 0.06, r = 0.06). Contrary to the IDF rams, Bardoka and Karakachan sheep rams were genetically heterogeneous and those of the latter breed displayed higher average r values (0.01 vs. 0.08, respectively). Rams of both local breeds had identical I values of 0.02. Although Bardoka and Karakachan sheep still harbor rather high levels of genetic diversity (H_E = 0.761 ± 0.028 and 0.761 ± 0.021, respectively), the overall genetic data demonstrate that the genetic consequences of the population decline were more severe in the latter breed. A genetic structure presenting a general trend of differentiation of flocks with low genetic exchange into separate genetic entities was observed, indicating the effects of genetic drift. The implementation of the genetically informed conservation, together with the ongoing efforts of the state to enlarge the Bardoka and Karakachan sheep populations, would increase the prospects for the long-term survival of both breeds in Serbia.

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.

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 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.

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.

Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis, the scientific journal of the Mendel University in Brno, Czech Republic