No abstract

SUMMARYThe aim of the present study was to test whether there are morphological differences between individuals of the golden jackal (Canis aureus L.) from two distant populations living in eastern Croatia and eastern Serbia. Measurements of 28 morphometric characters were done on total of 82 male and female individuals, of which 66 from eastern Croatia and 16 from eastern Serbia. Based on performed data analyses it was confirmed that difference in body morphology exists between populations of the golden jackal from eastern Croatia and eastern Serbia. Individuals from eastern Serbian population are characterized in significantly higher values for: total body length, median ear span, lateral ear span, lateral eye span and neck circumference. Individuals from eastern Croatian population are characterized in higher values for: height at withers, ear length, median eye span, front paw length and carpometacarpal length. Head length was significantly longer in males than in females in both studied populations.

The investigation included 37 pheasant chickens divided into three groups (control and two experimentals groups) which were all fed with a standard starter feed mixture (28% crude protein and 11.7 MJ ME/kg) for the first 28 days and then with a grower for pheasant chickens (24% of crude protein and 12.1 MJ ME/kg). Sel-Plex® was added to the first experimental group in a concentration of 0.2%. A biochemical investigation of the blood samples on the 70th day of the trial showed a significantly (P<0.05) lower concentration of creatinine and triacylglicerol (P<0.01), a significantly (P<0.05) higher level of band heterophils and a significantly lower (P<0.05) skin and offal weight (P<0.01). The highly valuable parts of the carcasses between groups were with no significant differences. Bio-Mos® (2 g/kg feed) was added to the second experimental group. These chickens had a higher level of glucose, triacylglicerol, lymphocites and monocytes, but with no statistical significance (P>0.05), when compared to the control

The objective of the present study was to compare estradiol/progesterone ratios of different age categories of red deer hinds and use it as a predictor of estrus synchronization success and consequently conception rate. To accomplish this we used 38 red deer hinds to establish serum progesterone and estradiol levels in young (21 animals), mature (10 animals) and old (7 animals) hinds during the estrus synchronization procedure (transvaginal/cervical AI). The following estrus synchronization was used: at the start of the experiment each hind received a controlled intravaginal drug-releasing device (CIDR, Pharmacia&Upjohn, New Zealand) containing 0.3 g of progesterone. The device was removed on day 11, simultaneously with an application of 250 IU of Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotropin (PMSG, Folligon® Intervet International, Boxmeer, Holland). Transvaginal/ cervical AI (artificial insemination) was performed 48 hours after CIDR withdrawal (day 13). Blood samples were obtained from the jugular vein using a Venoject® vacutainer without an anticoagulant for hormonal tests on the same experimental day (0, 11th and 13th day). A statistically (p<0.01) higher progesterone level was found in young hinds on the 11th day after controlled intravaginal drug-releasing device insertion. A significantly higher (p<0.01) estrogen level was observed in the young in regard to mature and old hinds on the expected day of estrus (13th day). Estradiol/progesterone ratios showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.01) on insemination day (13th day) between old and young hinds (98.67 : 46.59) and between old and mature hinds (98.67 : 51.79). Out of a total of 38 hinds only 9 had their offspring, 6 of the young and 3 of the mature hinds

SUMMARYHunting is an important socio-economic activity, particularly in rural areas. Characteristics and quality of habitat are important in the sustainable management of game animals and wildlife conservation. Three hunting grounds were analysed and their habitat composition was compared with regard to abundance of main game animal species. Hunting ground VIII/2 "Bjelolasica" is located in Gorski kotar region; XVII/6 "Maglaj-Cista" in the inland of middle Dalmatia; and hunting ground "Dragišnica" is located in northern part of Montenegro.