Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (App) is one of the most important swine respiratory pathogens th... more Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (App) is one of the most important swine respiratory pathogens that causes porcine pleuropneumonia and massive financial losses in pig industry. The objective of this study was to investigate App infection in five pig herds from North Macedonia experiencing clinical respiratory infections by serological testing and a slaughterhouse pleurisy evaluation system (SPES). In total, 250 blood samples were taken from pigs aged 6, 10, 14, 18, and 22 weeks. Ten animals per age category from each farm were sampled and analyzed for presence of antibodies against App. At the slaughterhouse, 50 lungs per herd from slaughtered age pigs were scored by the SPES for the presence of lesions associated with chronic pleurisy. The overall seroprevalence to App was 65.6%, ranging from 34% to 98% at the farm level. The highest seroprevalence was found in 6-week-old pigs in all farms, while significant differences were observed between farms in the 10-, 14-, 18-, and 22-week-...
The genus Bartonella are fastidious, Gram-negative intracellular vector-borne bacteria with zoono... more The genus Bartonella are fastidious, Gram-negative intracellular vector-borne bacteria with zoonotic potential. Cats have a crucial epidemiological role in the transmission of Bartonella henselae, the primary causal agent of cat-scratch disease in humans. Here we describe the first report of B. henselae infection in a cat in North Macedonia after a suspected Bartonella infection in a 7-year-old boy. A combination of cultural and molecular methods for detecting B. henselae in the asymptomatic cat was used. A blood sample was cultured on a blood agar plate, where colonies became visible after nine days of incubation. The DNA of a single colony was extracted, and the isolate was confirmed as B. henselae by sequencing the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene and performing a Bartonella - specific PCR. The phylogenetic analysis demonstrated 100% similarity with B. henselae sequences, clustering on a single branch and establishing a distinct group. This finding indicates that B. henselae infe...
Dacryocystography is a specific method of radiological examination of the nasolacrimal apparatus ... more Dacryocystography is a specific method of radiological examination of the nasolacrimal apparatus based on the use of a positive contrast agent, which allows the assessment of morphology and patency. Pathological conditions of the nasolacrimal apparatus in rabbits are very common in clinical practice, and the disturbance of this apparatus? patency is usually a consequence of dental diseases or respiratory infections. The aim of this article is to present the most common pathological conditions that can affect the patency of the nasolacrimal apparatus in rabbits, a detailed anatomical description of the nasolacrimal apparatus in these animals, and the technique for performing dacryocystography.
Subclinical mastitis is an asymptomatic udder infection distributed worldwide with enormous losse... more Subclinical mastitis is an asymptomatic udder infection distributed worldwide with enormous losses in the dairy industry. The study’s objective was to determine the presence of this pathological condition in small dairy farms in the R. of N. Macedonia and to identify the most common associated bacteria. Milk samples were obtained from 96 dairy cows (378 udder quarters) in seven dairy farms, in 3 consecutive samplings 24–72 hours apart. The samples were cultured on routine bacteriological growth media and incubated for 24–48 hours. The isolates were identified by AximaiD Plus MALDITOF MS Platform. Subclinical mastitis was found in 49 animals (51%) and 104 infected quarters (27%). The most frequent isolated bacteria on cow level were Streptococcus uberis (19.4%), Staphylococcus haemolyticus (13.4%), Staphylococcus aureus (7.4%) and Staphylococcu ssimulans (7.4%). On quarter level, the most isolated pathogen was Streptococcus uberis (35.6%) followed by Staphylococcu shaemolyticus and S...
Patološka su stanja zuba kunića u svakodnevnoj kliničkoj praksi vrlo česta i često rezultiraju po... more Patološka su stanja zuba kunića u svakodnevnoj kliničkoj praksi vrlo česta i često rezultiraju poremećajem u funkciji organa digestivnog i respiratornog sustava, a mogu imati i letalan ishod. Da bi se omogućila pravovremena primena terapije i spriječila pojava komplikacija, posebnu pažnju treba usmjeriti na ranu dijagnostiku. Radiološka dijagnostika predstavlja jednostavan, brz i nezaobilazan postupak u procjeni stanja zubi. Za razliku od drugih vrsta sisavaca, radiološki pregled zuba kunića se odlikuje određenim osobitostima koje se, prije svega, očituju u tehnikama snimanja i interpretaciji rendgenskih snimaka koji su detaljno prikazani u ovom radu.
Hypertrophic osteopathy (HO) is a pathological condition characterized by progressive, bilateral ... more Hypertrophic osteopathy (HO) is a pathological condition characterized by progressive, bilateral and symmetrical periosteal bone hyperostosis. Hypertrophic osteopathy is considered a secondary disease that occurs as a consequence of many chronic processes, which are primarily localized in the thoracic cavity (intrathoracic lesions), and less as a result of changes in the abdominal cavity (extrathoracic lesions). We describe a case of a 3.5-year-old female unneutered short-haired cat with a history of chronic weight loss, decreased appetite, dyspnea, and wet cough. During the native X-ray examination of the thoracic cavity, a clearly limited homogeneous radiopaque shadow which covered the entire thoracic cavity was found, as well as periostitis of the front limbs, mainly on the humeri, radii and ulnae. After euthanizing the cat, a control X-ray examination and necropsy of the body was performed. The necropsy revealed a soft-tissue proliferation measuring 13 x 5 x 4 cm and weighing 22...
Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhyo) is primary pathogen involved in porcine respiratory diseases comp... more Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhyo) is primary pathogen involved in porcine respiratory diseases complex (PRDC). The objective of this study was to evaluate Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhyo) infection in five commercial pig farms by using serology and lung lesion scoring at slaughter. Five Macedonian pig herds with a history of respiratory diseases were included in the study. Blood samples were taken from pigs at 6, 10, 14, 18, and 22 weeks of age. Ten animals per age group from each farm were sampled and tested for antibodies to Mhyo. At abattoir, 50 lungs per farm were scored for lesions associated with enzootic pneumonia (EP). All farms were seropositive to Mhyo. Higher seroprevalence to Mhyo was observed in grower and finisher pigs, while significant difference (p<0.001) was detected among farms in 10-, 14-, and 22-week-old pigs. Enzootic pneumonia-like lesions were detected in 91.2% of all tested lungs with range of 82 to 98% on farm level. Mean lung lesion score (LLS) obtained fo...
The incidence of clinical mastitis (CM) in small and large-scale dairy cow farms can be highly va... more The incidence of clinical mastitis (CM) in small and large-scale dairy cow farms can be highly variable and can be affected by age, parity, post-calving status, and atmospheric conditions. The current study aimed to assess the CM-incidence and its association with the post-calving days, number of lactations, season, and number of affected udder quarters in dairy cows in small-scale dairy farms. The study was conducted within one calendar year in 177 small-scale farms with 864 dairy cows. Clinically confirmed CM cows (n=72) were sampled from each udder quarter and processed for bacteriology examination. The CM-positive samples were grouped according to the season (spring, summer, autumn, and winter), the number of days after calving (<90, 90-180, and >180), the number of lactations (1-st, 2-5-th, and >6-th), and the number of affected udder quarters (one, two, three, and four). The CM-positive samples (n=72, 8.3%) were confirmed on bacteriology examination in significantly l...
Bovine tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease in cattle caused mainly by Mycobacterium bovi... more Bovine tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease in cattle caused mainly by Mycobacterium bovis and to a lesser extent by Mycobacterium caprae. The other members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) can also cause the disease in domestic and wild animals and all of them have a zoonotic potential. The main purpose of the study was to determine the presence and distribution of the tuberculous lesions in reactor cattle, and to isolate and identify the causative agents of bovine tuberculosis in the Republic of Macedonia. Lymph nodes and affected organs from 188 reactor cattle slaughtered due to a positive intradermal comparative cervical tuberculin test were analyzed by detection of tuberculous lesions, followed by isolation and molecular identification of the isolated mycobacteria. The isolation was performed on selective media - Lowenstein Jensen with glycerol, Lowenstein Jensen without glycerol and Stonebrink medium supplemented with pyruvate. The molecular identificat...
Bacteria from the genus Brucella are causative agents of brucellosis - a zoonotic disease which a... more Bacteria from the genus Brucella are causative agents of brucellosis - a zoonotic disease which affects many wild and domestic animal species and humans. Taking into account the significant socio-economic and public health impact of brucellosis, its control is of great importance for endemic areas. The chosen control strategy could be successful only if adapted to the current epidemiological situation. This implies that a choice of appropriate diagnostic procedures for detection and typing of Brucella spp. strains are of essential importance. Significant advancement of molecular techniques and their advantages compared to classical methods, give strong arguments in promotion of these techniques as a powerful tool for comprehensive diagnostics of brucellosis. Considering this, the major tasks of the study were to select and implement molecular tests for detection and genotyping Brucella spp. and evaluate their performances using DNA from cultivated brucellae (islolates) and limited n...
The peripartal period in Holstein dairy cows is critical, due to the transition from pregnancy to... more The peripartal period in Holstein dairy cows is critical, due to the transition from pregnancy to lactation. We have studied the dynamics of biochemical parameters from day 5 before to day 60 after calving. The study included 10 multiparous Holstein cows, examined at days -5, 5, 10, 30 and 60 relative to calving. Blood samples were taken from vena jugularis. Analyzed biochemical parameters were glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, total bilirubin, albumin, total protein, urea, NEFA and BHBA. Milk production and body condition score were also estimated. Obtained results showed that cows were exposed to mild to marked metabolic distress. Energy status was changed due to increased values of NEFA and BHBA and decreased value of glucose after calving. Protein concentrations were increased at day 10 after calving, despite the decrease of the level of albumin. Urea concentrations before and after calving were within physiological range indicating an optimal protein diet. Increased va...
The objective of this work was to determine if there was a connection between stereotypical behav... more The objective of this work was to determine if there was a connection between stereotypical behaviour of high yielding dairy cows breeds and values of biochemical blood parameters. The investigation was carried out in august at loose-housing type of farms, in 30 heads of cattle from four groups: drying (15 to 7 days before calving), puerperium (up to 40 days after calving, early lactation (up to 120 days after calving) and late lactation (200 to 300 days after calving). Assessment of stereotypical behaviour (tongue rolling) was carried out by the method of careful observation of all the tested animals 2 to 4 hours after morning feeding. Blood samples were taken by puncture of jugular vein from 8 cows out of each animal group. In these blood samples there was determined the concentration of glucose, beta hydroxy-butyric acid (BHBA), total protein (TP), albumin, urea, total bilirubin (TBI), Ca, P, and Mg as well as AST and ALT activities. During the period up to 40 days after calving ...
The welfare state of cattle in dairy farms in Macedonia has never been assessed previously. The o... more The welfare state of cattle in dairy farms in Macedonia has never been assessed previously. The objective of this study was to perform screening analysis of dairy cows welfare and to test the practical implementation of the Welfare Quality® Assessment protocol for cattle in dairy farms in Macedonia. In ten small scale and large scale tie stall farms 23 measures were recorded related to 9 welfare criteria of 4 welfare principles (WP) described in the Welfare Quality® Assessment protocol for dairy cows. The mean percentage of very lean cows was 40.5±9.1%. All assessed farms were not providing access to pasture and an outdoor loafing area. Regarding cleanliness, the presence of dirty udder, upper leg/flank and lower leg was 65.2±9.0%, 85.5±8.0% and 86.5±5.8%, respectively. The overall prevalence of lameness was 5.6±5.0%, and for mild and severe alterations it was 30.8±5.8% and 54.1±4.6%, respectively. The ocular and vulvar discharge, diarrhea, dystocia, percentage of downer cows and mo...
Chios is a breed of sheep selected for milk production, with metabolic features typical for a dai... more Chios is a breed of sheep selected for milk production, with metabolic features typical for a dairy sheep breed. The energy requirements of pregnant sheep is increase in the last weeks of gestation. Metabolic imbalance in the late pregnancy in sheep, usually cause a metabolic disorder known as pregnancy toxemia. Additionally, a pregnant sheep exposed to low environmental temperatures has increased energy demands, due to its adaptation to undesirable environmental conditions. The aim of this study was to compare the metabolic profile of Chios sheep exposed to different environmental conditions.Two groups of ewes were instigated. First group included 8 pregnant ewes with clinical signs of pregnancy toxemia exposed to cold stress during the winter season. The second group included 8 non-pregnant, clinically healthy ewes, that were examined during the non-breeding period, in the spring season. Blood samples were taken and serum concentrations of glucose, beta-hydroxybutirate (BHBA), tot...
The welfare state of cattle in dairy farms in Macedonia has never been assessed previously. The o... more The welfare state of cattle in dairy farms in Macedonia has never been assessed previously. The objective of this study was to perform screening analysis of dairy cows welfare and to test the practical implementation of the Welfare Quality® Assessment protocol for cattle in dairy farms in Macedonia. In ten small scale and large scale tie stall farms 23 measures were recorded related to 9 welfare criteria of 4 welfare principles (WP) described in the Welfare Quality® Assessment protocol for dairy cows. The mean percentage of very lean cows was 40.5±9.1%. All assessed farms were not providing access to pasture and an outdoor loafing area. Regarding cleanliness, the presence of dirty udder, upper leg/flank and lower leg was 65.2±9.0%, 85.5±8.0% and 86.5±5.8%, respectively. The overall prevalence of lameness was 5.6±5.0%, and for mild and severe alterations it was 30.8±5.8% and 54.1±4.6%, respectively. The ocular and vulvar discharge, diarrhea, dystocia, percentage of downer cows and
mortality rate exceeded the warning and alarm threshold. The avoidance – distance test classified 70.4±6.8% as animals that can be touched or approached closer than 50cm, with overall score of 42.9±3.5. This screening reveals that the most welfare concerns are found in the WP Good Feeding and Good Housing. The on-farm welfare assessment using the full protocol on a representative sample of farms in the country is highly recommended for emphasizing the key points for improving the animal welfare in Macedonian dairy farms.
Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (App) is one of the most important swine respiratory pathogens th... more Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (App) is one of the most important swine respiratory pathogens that causes porcine pleuropneumonia and massive financial losses in pig industry. The objective of this study was to investigate App infection in five pig herds from North Macedonia experiencing clinical respiratory infections by serological testing and a slaughterhouse pleurisy evaluation system (SPES). In total, 250 blood samples were taken from pigs aged 6, 10, 14, 18, and 22 weeks. Ten animals per age category from each farm were sampled and analyzed for presence of antibodies against App. At the slaughterhouse, 50 lungs per herd from slaughtered age pigs were scored by the SPES for the presence of lesions associated with chronic pleurisy. The overall seroprevalence to App was 65.6%, ranging from 34% to 98% at the farm level. The highest seroprevalence was found in 6-week-old pigs in all farms, while significant differences were observed between farms in the 10-, 14-, 18-, and 22-week-...
The genus Bartonella are fastidious, Gram-negative intracellular vector-borne bacteria with zoono... more The genus Bartonella are fastidious, Gram-negative intracellular vector-borne bacteria with zoonotic potential. Cats have a crucial epidemiological role in the transmission of Bartonella henselae, the primary causal agent of cat-scratch disease in humans. Here we describe the first report of B. henselae infection in a cat in North Macedonia after a suspected Bartonella infection in a 7-year-old boy. A combination of cultural and molecular methods for detecting B. henselae in the asymptomatic cat was used. A blood sample was cultured on a blood agar plate, where colonies became visible after nine days of incubation. The DNA of a single colony was extracted, and the isolate was confirmed as B. henselae by sequencing the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene and performing a Bartonella - specific PCR. The phylogenetic analysis demonstrated 100% similarity with B. henselae sequences, clustering on a single branch and establishing a distinct group. This finding indicates that B. henselae infe...
Dacryocystography is a specific method of radiological examination of the nasolacrimal apparatus ... more Dacryocystography is a specific method of radiological examination of the nasolacrimal apparatus based on the use of a positive contrast agent, which allows the assessment of morphology and patency. Pathological conditions of the nasolacrimal apparatus in rabbits are very common in clinical practice, and the disturbance of this apparatus? patency is usually a consequence of dental diseases or respiratory infections. The aim of this article is to present the most common pathological conditions that can affect the patency of the nasolacrimal apparatus in rabbits, a detailed anatomical description of the nasolacrimal apparatus in these animals, and the technique for performing dacryocystography.
Subclinical mastitis is an asymptomatic udder infection distributed worldwide with enormous losse... more Subclinical mastitis is an asymptomatic udder infection distributed worldwide with enormous losses in the dairy industry. The study’s objective was to determine the presence of this pathological condition in small dairy farms in the R. of N. Macedonia and to identify the most common associated bacteria. Milk samples were obtained from 96 dairy cows (378 udder quarters) in seven dairy farms, in 3 consecutive samplings 24–72 hours apart. The samples were cultured on routine bacteriological growth media and incubated for 24–48 hours. The isolates were identified by AximaiD Plus MALDITOF MS Platform. Subclinical mastitis was found in 49 animals (51%) and 104 infected quarters (27%). The most frequent isolated bacteria on cow level were Streptococcus uberis (19.4%), Staphylococcus haemolyticus (13.4%), Staphylococcus aureus (7.4%) and Staphylococcu ssimulans (7.4%). On quarter level, the most isolated pathogen was Streptococcus uberis (35.6%) followed by Staphylococcu shaemolyticus and S...
Patološka su stanja zuba kunića u svakodnevnoj kliničkoj praksi vrlo česta i često rezultiraju po... more Patološka su stanja zuba kunića u svakodnevnoj kliničkoj praksi vrlo česta i često rezultiraju poremećajem u funkciji organa digestivnog i respiratornog sustava, a mogu imati i letalan ishod. Da bi se omogućila pravovremena primena terapije i spriječila pojava komplikacija, posebnu pažnju treba usmjeriti na ranu dijagnostiku. Radiološka dijagnostika predstavlja jednostavan, brz i nezaobilazan postupak u procjeni stanja zubi. Za razliku od drugih vrsta sisavaca, radiološki pregled zuba kunića se odlikuje određenim osobitostima koje se, prije svega, očituju u tehnikama snimanja i interpretaciji rendgenskih snimaka koji su detaljno prikazani u ovom radu.
Hypertrophic osteopathy (HO) is a pathological condition characterized by progressive, bilateral ... more Hypertrophic osteopathy (HO) is a pathological condition characterized by progressive, bilateral and symmetrical periosteal bone hyperostosis. Hypertrophic osteopathy is considered a secondary disease that occurs as a consequence of many chronic processes, which are primarily localized in the thoracic cavity (intrathoracic lesions), and less as a result of changes in the abdominal cavity (extrathoracic lesions). We describe a case of a 3.5-year-old female unneutered short-haired cat with a history of chronic weight loss, decreased appetite, dyspnea, and wet cough. During the native X-ray examination of the thoracic cavity, a clearly limited homogeneous radiopaque shadow which covered the entire thoracic cavity was found, as well as periostitis of the front limbs, mainly on the humeri, radii and ulnae. After euthanizing the cat, a control X-ray examination and necropsy of the body was performed. The necropsy revealed a soft-tissue proliferation measuring 13 x 5 x 4 cm and weighing 22...
Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhyo) is primary pathogen involved in porcine respiratory diseases comp... more Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhyo) is primary pathogen involved in porcine respiratory diseases complex (PRDC). The objective of this study was to evaluate Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhyo) infection in five commercial pig farms by using serology and lung lesion scoring at slaughter. Five Macedonian pig herds with a history of respiratory diseases were included in the study. Blood samples were taken from pigs at 6, 10, 14, 18, and 22 weeks of age. Ten animals per age group from each farm were sampled and tested for antibodies to Mhyo. At abattoir, 50 lungs per farm were scored for lesions associated with enzootic pneumonia (EP). All farms were seropositive to Mhyo. Higher seroprevalence to Mhyo was observed in grower and finisher pigs, while significant difference (p<0.001) was detected among farms in 10-, 14-, and 22-week-old pigs. Enzootic pneumonia-like lesions were detected in 91.2% of all tested lungs with range of 82 to 98% on farm level. Mean lung lesion score (LLS) obtained fo...
The incidence of clinical mastitis (CM) in small and large-scale dairy cow farms can be highly va... more The incidence of clinical mastitis (CM) in small and large-scale dairy cow farms can be highly variable and can be affected by age, parity, post-calving status, and atmospheric conditions. The current study aimed to assess the CM-incidence and its association with the post-calving days, number of lactations, season, and number of affected udder quarters in dairy cows in small-scale dairy farms. The study was conducted within one calendar year in 177 small-scale farms with 864 dairy cows. Clinically confirmed CM cows (n=72) were sampled from each udder quarter and processed for bacteriology examination. The CM-positive samples were grouped according to the season (spring, summer, autumn, and winter), the number of days after calving (<90, 90-180, and >180), the number of lactations (1-st, 2-5-th, and >6-th), and the number of affected udder quarters (one, two, three, and four). The CM-positive samples (n=72, 8.3%) were confirmed on bacteriology examination in significantly l...
Bovine tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease in cattle caused mainly by Mycobacterium bovi... more Bovine tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease in cattle caused mainly by Mycobacterium bovis and to a lesser extent by Mycobacterium caprae. The other members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) can also cause the disease in domestic and wild animals and all of them have a zoonotic potential. The main purpose of the study was to determine the presence and distribution of the tuberculous lesions in reactor cattle, and to isolate and identify the causative agents of bovine tuberculosis in the Republic of Macedonia. Lymph nodes and affected organs from 188 reactor cattle slaughtered due to a positive intradermal comparative cervical tuberculin test were analyzed by detection of tuberculous lesions, followed by isolation and molecular identification of the isolated mycobacteria. The isolation was performed on selective media - Lowenstein Jensen with glycerol, Lowenstein Jensen without glycerol and Stonebrink medium supplemented with pyruvate. The molecular identificat...
Bacteria from the genus Brucella are causative agents of brucellosis - a zoonotic disease which a... more Bacteria from the genus Brucella are causative agents of brucellosis - a zoonotic disease which affects many wild and domestic animal species and humans. Taking into account the significant socio-economic and public health impact of brucellosis, its control is of great importance for endemic areas. The chosen control strategy could be successful only if adapted to the current epidemiological situation. This implies that a choice of appropriate diagnostic procedures for detection and typing of Brucella spp. strains are of essential importance. Significant advancement of molecular techniques and their advantages compared to classical methods, give strong arguments in promotion of these techniques as a powerful tool for comprehensive diagnostics of brucellosis. Considering this, the major tasks of the study were to select and implement molecular tests for detection and genotyping Brucella spp. and evaluate their performances using DNA from cultivated brucellae (islolates) and limited n...
The peripartal period in Holstein dairy cows is critical, due to the transition from pregnancy to... more The peripartal period in Holstein dairy cows is critical, due to the transition from pregnancy to lactation. We have studied the dynamics of biochemical parameters from day 5 before to day 60 after calving. The study included 10 multiparous Holstein cows, examined at days -5, 5, 10, 30 and 60 relative to calving. Blood samples were taken from vena jugularis. Analyzed biochemical parameters were glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, total bilirubin, albumin, total protein, urea, NEFA and BHBA. Milk production and body condition score were also estimated. Obtained results showed that cows were exposed to mild to marked metabolic distress. Energy status was changed due to increased values of NEFA and BHBA and decreased value of glucose after calving. Protein concentrations were increased at day 10 after calving, despite the decrease of the level of albumin. Urea concentrations before and after calving were within physiological range indicating an optimal protein diet. Increased va...
The objective of this work was to determine if there was a connection between stereotypical behav... more The objective of this work was to determine if there was a connection between stereotypical behaviour of high yielding dairy cows breeds and values of biochemical blood parameters. The investigation was carried out in august at loose-housing type of farms, in 30 heads of cattle from four groups: drying (15 to 7 days before calving), puerperium (up to 40 days after calving, early lactation (up to 120 days after calving) and late lactation (200 to 300 days after calving). Assessment of stereotypical behaviour (tongue rolling) was carried out by the method of careful observation of all the tested animals 2 to 4 hours after morning feeding. Blood samples were taken by puncture of jugular vein from 8 cows out of each animal group. In these blood samples there was determined the concentration of glucose, beta hydroxy-butyric acid (BHBA), total protein (TP), albumin, urea, total bilirubin (TBI), Ca, P, and Mg as well as AST and ALT activities. During the period up to 40 days after calving ...
The welfare state of cattle in dairy farms in Macedonia has never been assessed previously. The o... more The welfare state of cattle in dairy farms in Macedonia has never been assessed previously. The objective of this study was to perform screening analysis of dairy cows welfare and to test the practical implementation of the Welfare Quality® Assessment protocol for cattle in dairy farms in Macedonia. In ten small scale and large scale tie stall farms 23 measures were recorded related to 9 welfare criteria of 4 welfare principles (WP) described in the Welfare Quality® Assessment protocol for dairy cows. The mean percentage of very lean cows was 40.5±9.1%. All assessed farms were not providing access to pasture and an outdoor loafing area. Regarding cleanliness, the presence of dirty udder, upper leg/flank and lower leg was 65.2±9.0%, 85.5±8.0% and 86.5±5.8%, respectively. The overall prevalence of lameness was 5.6±5.0%, and for mild and severe alterations it was 30.8±5.8% and 54.1±4.6%, respectively. The ocular and vulvar discharge, diarrhea, dystocia, percentage of downer cows and mo...
Chios is a breed of sheep selected for milk production, with metabolic features typical for a dai... more Chios is a breed of sheep selected for milk production, with metabolic features typical for a dairy sheep breed. The energy requirements of pregnant sheep is increase in the last weeks of gestation. Metabolic imbalance in the late pregnancy in sheep, usually cause a metabolic disorder known as pregnancy toxemia. Additionally, a pregnant sheep exposed to low environmental temperatures has increased energy demands, due to its adaptation to undesirable environmental conditions. The aim of this study was to compare the metabolic profile of Chios sheep exposed to different environmental conditions.Two groups of ewes were instigated. First group included 8 pregnant ewes with clinical signs of pregnancy toxemia exposed to cold stress during the winter season. The second group included 8 non-pregnant, clinically healthy ewes, that were examined during the non-breeding period, in the spring season. Blood samples were taken and serum concentrations of glucose, beta-hydroxybutirate (BHBA), tot...
The welfare state of cattle in dairy farms in Macedonia has never been assessed previously. The o... more The welfare state of cattle in dairy farms in Macedonia has never been assessed previously. The objective of this study was to perform screening analysis of dairy cows welfare and to test the practical implementation of the Welfare Quality® Assessment protocol for cattle in dairy farms in Macedonia. In ten small scale and large scale tie stall farms 23 measures were recorded related to 9 welfare criteria of 4 welfare principles (WP) described in the Welfare Quality® Assessment protocol for dairy cows. The mean percentage of very lean cows was 40.5±9.1%. All assessed farms were not providing access to pasture and an outdoor loafing area. Regarding cleanliness, the presence of dirty udder, upper leg/flank and lower leg was 65.2±9.0%, 85.5±8.0% and 86.5±5.8%, respectively. The overall prevalence of lameness was 5.6±5.0%, and for mild and severe alterations it was 30.8±5.8% and 54.1±4.6%, respectively. The ocular and vulvar discharge, diarrhea, dystocia, percentage of downer cows and
mortality rate exceeded the warning and alarm threshold. The avoidance – distance test classified 70.4±6.8% as animals that can be touched or approached closer than 50cm, with overall score of 42.9±3.5. This screening reveals that the most welfare concerns are found in the WP Good Feeding and Good Housing. The on-farm welfare assessment using the full protocol on a representative sample of farms in the country is highly recommended for emphasizing the key points for improving the animal welfare in Macedonian dairy farms.
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Papers by Aleksandar Janevski
mortality rate exceeded the warning and alarm threshold. The avoidance – distance test classified 70.4±6.8% as animals that can be touched or approached closer than 50cm, with overall score of 42.9±3.5. This screening reveals that the most welfare concerns are found in the WP Good Feeding and Good Housing. The on-farm welfare assessment using the full protocol on a representative sample of farms in the country is highly recommended for emphasizing the key points for improving the animal welfare in Macedonian dairy farms.
mortality rate exceeded the warning and alarm threshold. The avoidance – distance test classified 70.4±6.8% as animals that can be touched or approached closer than 50cm, with overall score of 42.9±3.5. This screening reveals that the most welfare concerns are found in the WP Good Feeding and Good Housing. The on-farm welfare assessment using the full protocol on a representative sample of farms in the country is highly recommended for emphasizing the key points for improving the animal welfare in Macedonian dairy farms.