{"title":"Economic Aspects Of Plum Production In The Republic Of Serbia And Worldwide","authors":"Danilo Gazdić, Damir Nađ, Z. Sredojević","doi":"10.2478/contagri-2024-0005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/contagri-2024-0005","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000 Plums are the predominant fruit crop in Serbia. In the period under consideration (2012–2021), the Serbian plum area accounted for, on average, 42.52 % of the total fruit area in the country, far surpassing all other fruit crops. The Republic of Serbia is one of the leading plum producers in the world. With an average annual plum production of 440.91 thousand tons, Serbia ranks third in the world (following only China and Romania), contributing 3.77% to the world’s total plum production. Nevertheless, the country faces challenges such as low yields per unit area, approximately 5.35 t/ha (FAO, 2023). Presently, the economic significance of plum production is not as high as in previous decades, and cultivation potential remains underutilized. To revitalize plum production in Serbia and reclaim its historical prominence, it is imperative to assess the current state of plum production both globally and regionally and implement appropriate measures to enhance economic performance in this traditional fruit sector.","PeriodicalId":221412,"journal":{"name":"Contemporary Agriculture","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141116048","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. Ninković, J. Žutić, Marija Pavlović, N. Jezdimirović, O. Radanović, Marko Nikolić, N. Zdravković
{"title":"Antimicrobial Susceptibility in Clinical Mastitis Cases on Simmental Farms in the Mačva Region (Serbia)","authors":"M. Ninković, J. Žutić, Marija Pavlović, N. Jezdimirović, O. Radanović, Marko Nikolić, N. Zdravković","doi":"10.2478/contagri-2024-0001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/contagri-2024-0001","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000 The battle against mastitis remains an enduring challenge in contemporary animal farming. This paper presents the frequency of bacterial pathogens isolated from milk samples collected on 3 farms with a previous history of clinical mastitis in the Mačva region during the year 2022. A total of 77 Simmental cows were enrolled in the study, ranging from the first to sixth lactation and managed in a tie-stall system. The results obtained indicate that the frequency of clinical mastitis in the animals considered was 16.9%. Of a total of 13 pathogenic isolates with clinically present mastitis, Staphylococcus aureus was recorded in 5 (38.4%), Streptococcus uberis in 3 (23.1%), Escherichia coli in 2 (15.4%), Klebsiella pneumoniae in 2 (15.4%), and Streptococcus dysagalactiae in 1 (7.7%). Notably, the largest number of clinical mastitis cases (namely 8, or 61.5%) was recorded during the winter period. Both cases of mastitis caused by K. pneumoniae were detected in the summer, the occurrence of which was implicated in changes in the bedding straw. According to the stage of lactation, the highest frequency of mastitis was found in the early stage of lactation totaling 8 cases (61.5%), followed by 4 (30.8%) in the middle phase of lactation, and only 1 (7.7%) in the late stage of lactation. The causative agents of the Streptococcus genus showed susceptibility to β lactamates in all the cases, whereas all of the E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates were found resistant to ampicillin, amoxicillin with clavulanic acid.","PeriodicalId":221412,"journal":{"name":"Contemporary Agriculture","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141115830","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Impact of the Sudden Ban on Chemical Fertilizers and Other Agrochemicals on Smallholder Tea Production in the Ratnapura District, Sri Lanka","authors":"Punchi Hewage Nadeeka Kumari, Sudu Hakuruge Pushpa Malkanthi","doi":"10.2478/contagri-2024-0003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/contagri-2024-0003","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000 In April 2021, the government of Sri Lanka abruptly banned chemical fertilizers and other agrochemicals in a bid to safeguard the country’s agricultural industry, particularly its farmers and consumers, from various health and environmental concerns. Therefore, it is critical to assess the impact of prohibiting chemical fertilizers and other agrochemicals on the smallholder tea production in the country. Additionally, understanding the smallholders’ awareness of agrochemicals and their attitudes toward transitioning to organic farming is essential, as these factors hold significant importance for various aspects of the economy. The Ratnapura district was selected as the research area, owing to its extensive tea cultivation across numerous Divisional Secretary (DS) divisions. For this study, a sample of 120 tea smallholders was randomly chosen from three DS divisions (Balangoda, Opanayaka, Imbulpe), representing the entire district, who supply green leaves to the ABC tea factory in Balangoda. Research data were collected through a field survey conducted between September and November 2022. Descriptive statistics and paired t-tests were employed for data analysis. Additionally, the costs incurred for chemical fertilizers and other agrochemicals, the total cost of production, as well as tea production before and after the implementation of the fertilizer policy, were analyzed using paired t-tests. The results obtained indicate that the majority of tea smallholders possess a high level of education, with most owning tea lands ranging from 0.5 to 1.0 acre. Furthermore, a vast majority of them demonstrate understanding of both the positive and negative aspects of agrochemicals. Notably, the analysis reveals a significant increase in the cost of chemical fertilizers and other agrochemicals, as well as the total cost of production, following the implementation of the fertilizer policy. Conversely, tea production has shown a significant decrease. Moreover, farmers express willingness to transition gradually from conventional farming practices if suitable alternatives are available. However, they currently face a myriad of challenges due to the lack of effective alternatives for chemical fertilizers and agrochemicals. Consequently, there is a pressing need to identify and implement better alternatives to address their concerns.","PeriodicalId":221412,"journal":{"name":"Contemporary Agriculture","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141115171","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Comparative Floristic Analysis (2004 and 2022) Of The Natural Monument “Stari Park” In Temerin, Serbia","authors":"Milena Lakićević, Anja Đoković, Olivera Kalozi","doi":"10.2478/contagri-2024-0008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/contagri-2024-0008","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000 This paper presents the results of research on the dendroflora of the Natural Monument (NM) “Stari park” in Temerin, Serbia. The park’s natural values are intricately linked to the characteristics of its dendrofloristic elements, i.e. the large dimensions and age of its trees. To gain insight into changes in diversity, the flora recorded in 2004 and 2022 was compared. In 2022, a field study was conducted to provide a detailed dendroflora analysis, including taxonomic analysis, species origin analysis, assessment of the presence of autochthonous, allochthonous, and invasive species, as well as the biological spectrum. Although Celtis occidentalis L. remained the most represented species eighteen years later, its percentage decreased from 34% to 21%. This decline can be attributed to the emergence of new dominant species such as Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl. (15%), Ulmus effusa Willd. (13%), and Acer platanoides L. (9%). These four species now collectively constitute 58% of the trees in the park.","PeriodicalId":221412,"journal":{"name":"Contemporary Agriculture","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141113473","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. Erdeljan, I. Davidov, Tijana Kukurić, Slobodan Stojanović, Dragoljub Marić, M. Radinović, Jelena Aleksić Radojković, B. Blagojević, Annamaria Galfi Vukomanović
{"title":"Morphometric Study of Erythrocytes in Donkeys and Horses","authors":"M. Erdeljan, I. Davidov, Tijana Kukurić, Slobodan Stojanović, Dragoljub Marić, M. Radinović, Jelena Aleksić Radojković, B. Blagojević, Annamaria Galfi Vukomanović","doi":"10.2478/contagri-2024-0010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/contagri-2024-0010","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000 The aim of this study was to examine morphometric values of erythrocytes in donkeys and horses. While the hematological and biochemical profiles of horses and donkeys have been previously documented in literature, there are no precise morphometric data regarding erythrocytes in donkeys. Given the increasing presence of donkeys in the world, the need exists to improve knowledge about this species. Balkan donkey is a large autochthonous breed found in Serbia. Blood cell parameters such as red blood cell count (RBC), Mean Corpuscular Volume or Mean Cell Volume (MCV) are well documented in horses. However, papers examining blood morphometry in donkeys, especially erythrocyte size, are scarce. The clinical examination in this study included a total of 72 horses and donkeys. All animals were adults, located in Vojvodina, Northern Province of Serbia. Blood samples were evaluated and analyzed using ImageJ program. Following the analysis of the morphometric diameters of erythrocytes in donkeys and horses, it can be concluded that donkeys have the largest erythrocyte diameters. The precise reason for this phenomenon is still unknown.","PeriodicalId":221412,"journal":{"name":"Contemporary Agriculture","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141114321","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Olga Jokanović, D. Radonjić, Milena Đokić, S. Mirecki, Božidarka Marković
{"title":"Proteolytic Changes During Ripening Of Kučki Cheese","authors":"Olga Jokanović, D. Radonjić, Milena Đokić, S. Mirecki, Božidarka Marković","doi":"10.2478/contagri-2023-0031","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/contagri-2023-0031","url":null,"abstract":"Summary Production of various traditional dairy products, particularly cheese, has a long history in Montenegro. White-brined cheeses are the most well-known. One of them is Kučki cheese, with distinct flavor and higher level of proteolysis. The aim of this research was to analyze the proteolysis process during ripening of Kučki cheese. The cheese is produced using traditional technology. FTIR Spectrophotometry was used to calculate the amount of total protein in cheese (IDF141C: 2000). The degree of proteolysis was determined by SDS PAGE (Laemmli, 1970). The cheese was examined for their water-soluble nitrogen (WSN) content using Kuchroo and Fox’s method from 1982, as well as their 5% phosphotungstic acid soluble nitrogen (PTAN) content using Stadhouser’s method from 1960. The results were expressed as percentages of WSN and PTAN of the total nitrogen matter (WSN/TN and PTAN/TN), as well as PTAN as a percentage of WSN (PTAN/WSN). All analyses were done on 10th, 20th and 30th day of cheese ripening. Four samples of cheese were analyzed for each ripening period. The content of proteins increased during the ripening period. The parameters that determine the process of proteolysis increased during the first 30 days of ripening. The WSN/TN ranged from 13.33 to 44.32%. Also, PTAN/WSN varied from 3.79 to 21.57%. The initial results show that uneven ripening conditions have a direct impact on how proteolytic changes develop throughout ripening. Due to the absence of established cheese-making procedures, Kučki cheese has a considerable degree of heterogeneity in their protein content and proteolysis parameters. However, it is not possible to strictly define the optimal values of the degree of ripening for Kučki cheese. In order to reach certain conclusions, it is necessary to carry out further studies focusing on analyzing a larger number of samples.","PeriodicalId":221412,"journal":{"name":"Contemporary Agriculture","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139014965","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
V. Dosković, S. Bogosavljević-Bošković, Z. Škrbić, M. Lukić, Božidar Milošević, S. Rakonjac, V. Petričević, Siniša Bjedov
{"title":"Effects of Protease and Sex on Skin, Bone and Muscle Yields and Percentages of Major Primal Cuts in Broilers","authors":"V. Dosković, S. Bogosavljević-Bošković, Z. Škrbić, M. Lukić, Božidar Milošević, S. Rakonjac, V. Petričević, Siniša Bjedov","doi":"10.2478/contagri-2023-0021","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/contagri-2023-0021","url":null,"abstract":"Summary This study aimed to assess the effects of different dietary levels of the protease enzyme and sex on skin, bone and muscle yields and percentages of breast, drumsticks and thighs as the most valuable carcass parts of broilers. A total of 300 one-day-old, mixed-sex broiler chickens (Cobb 500) were randomly divided into 3 dietary treatments with different levels of protease supplementation (group C: a standard diet without Ronozyme ProAct; group E-I: a diet with 200 mg/kg Ronozyme ProAct and a 4% crude protein reduction compared to the standard diet; and group E-II: a diet with 300mg/kg Ronozyme ProAct and a 6% crude protein reduction compared to the standard diet). All diets were maize- and soybean meal-based. Feed and water were provided ad libitum throughout the 49-day feeding trial. The results obtained indicate that the dietary treatments had no significant effect on skin, bone and muscle yields and percentages of the drumsticks, thighs and breast (P > 0.05), except for the breast muscle weight in the female chickens (especially between the E-I and E-II groups), and the drumstick bone percentage in the males between the C and E-2 groups (P < 0.05). In all three groups, the male chickens exhibited higher weights of skin, muscle and bone in breast, drumsticks and thighs than the female chickens, and the differences were not significant only in the skin weight of drumsticks and thighs (P > 0.05). The females had a higher yield of muscle tissue in breast and drumsticks, a higher percentage of skin in drumsticks and thighs, and a lower percentage of bone in drumsticks and thighs than the males (P < 0.05). Major differences resulted from the effect of broiler sex, whereas the dietary treatments containing 3 levels of protease supplementation had a very small effect on the yields and percentages of skin, bone and muscle in breast, drumsticks and thighs.","PeriodicalId":221412,"journal":{"name":"Contemporary Agriculture","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139016800","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Influence of Environmental Pollution on Animal Behavior","authors":"R. Relić, Mirjana Đukić-Stojčić","doi":"10.2478/contagri-2023-0029","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/contagri-2023-0029","url":null,"abstract":"Summary Animals, like humans, act according to physiological patterns of behavior that change in response to various internal and external stimuli. Environmental pollutants represent “negative” stimuli and stressors. Air pollution is among pollution sources that pose the greatest threat to the environment and all living organisms. Exposure to pollutants causes behavioral changes in animals and disruption of organ functions and structures, which are often identical to those of humans working or living under the same conditions as animals (e.g., on a farm or in a city). Aside from a shorter life span and possible premature death, there are some diseases which commonly occur as a result of the exposure. Symptoms indicative of a disease or irritation, such as coughing, lameness, diarrhea, eye discharge and the like, cause the animal to make movements (actions) that are not part of their normal physiological routine and are considered behavioral changes. Behavioral changes are the earliest indicator that the animal is suffering from physical or mental disorders that can negatively affect its health and, in the case of livestock, production results. Various animal species serve as indicators of pollution, and domestic animals, including farm animals, can also serve this purpose. Behavioral changes resulting from exposure to various pollutants include disorientation, problems interacting with humans and other animals, reproductive problems, respiratory, digestive symptoms, etc. This review compiled data from a number of studies on changes in animal behavior after short or long exposure to various environmental pollutants. The focus was on the effects of air pollutants on animals, which are of particular importance to humans as they share living or working space with the animals or breed them for economic interest.","PeriodicalId":221412,"journal":{"name":"Contemporary Agriculture","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139015261","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Vesna Gantner, I. Jožef, Vera Popović, Dragan Solić, Jovana Popović, K. Potočnik
{"title":"The Effect of Age of Cows on Variability in Mastitis Prevalence Risk and its Concomitant Impacts on the Successive Daily Milk Yield","authors":"Vesna Gantner, I. Jožef, Vera Popović, Dragan Solić, Jovana Popović, K. Potočnik","doi":"10.2478/contagri-2023-0022","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/contagri-2023-0022","url":null,"abstract":"Summary The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of age of cows on variability in mastitis prevalence risk and its concomitant impacts on their successive daily milk yield by analyzing test-day records of dairy cows collected in the period 2005–2022. The results obtained indicate a correlation between the age and breed of cows enrolled in the study and mastitis prevalence risk alongside its concomitant impacts on their successive daily milk yield. The findings demonstrate a progressive increase in mastitis prevalence risk with the advancing age of cows, notably more pronounced in the Holstein breed than in the Simmental breed. The Simmental cows exhibited a lower increase in daily milk yield, experiencing a substantial decrease in overall yields (namely milk, fat, and protein) in contrast to the Holstein cows. The primiparous cows of both breeds displayed the highest total increase in daily milk yield. This study underscores the significance of monitoring dairy herd health as a pivotal component of successful dairy herd management. Moreover, the daily lactose content was found a valuable and cost-effective indicator for ensuring the economically and environmentally sustainable operations of dairy farms.","PeriodicalId":221412,"journal":{"name":"Contemporary Agriculture","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139022895","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ljuba Štrbac, N. Dedovic, S. Trivunović, D. Janković, Momčilo Šaran, D. Stanojević, R. Đedović, Doni Pracner
{"title":"Heritability and Repeatability Estimates for Milk Production Traits Using Phenotypic, Pedigree-Based and Genomic Data of Serbian Holstein Cows","authors":"Ljuba Štrbac, N. Dedovic, S. Trivunović, D. Janković, Momčilo Šaran, D. Stanojević, R. Đedović, Doni Pracner","doi":"10.2478/contagri-2023-0034","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/contagri-2023-0034","url":null,"abstract":"Summary This research aims to estimate heritability and repeatability based on the data on milk production traits (MY – milk yield; FY – milk fat yield; FC – milk fat content; PY – milk protein yield and PC – milk protein content) as well as pedigree and genomic information. A total of 6,041 animals were included in the research, while 2,565 of them had data for milk production traits. In order to form a genomic relationship matrix, 58K SNP data were used for a total of 1,491 cows. Several software tools were used in the preparation and analysis of data, which were provided by the Central Breeding Organization, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad. PreGSF90, in combination with RENUMF90, was used for quality control of genomic information. Genetic analysis was performed in WOMBAT software by the REML using standard repeatability univariate analysis (BLUPpe) and repeatability models for genomic prediction (GBLUPpe and ssGBLUPpe). In all three analyses, the highest heritability (0.410, 0.378 and 0.389, respectively) and repeatability (0.449, 0.429 and 0.440, respectively) were calculated for FC. Heritability estimates for all other traits were lower. Heritability ranged from 0.158 to 0.185 for MY, from 0.166 to 0.178 for FY, from 0.141 to 0.154 for PY and from 0.135 to 0.221 for PC. Heritability estimates indicate that it is possible to achieve genetic improvement but it is necessary to introduce the best model for prediction of breeding values of cow.","PeriodicalId":221412,"journal":{"name":"Contemporary Agriculture","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138988674","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}