Zdravko Barać

Effect of breed on mineral composition of meat from light lambs

Abstract The proximate composition and mineral content of light lambs muscle (derived from Istrian and Dalmatian Pramenka breeds) were studied. The M. Longissimus dorsi (MLD) samples of 30 carcasses were analysed and the effects of breed and sex were studied. Although lambs of investigated breeds were similar for slaughter age (2.5 months), Dalmatian Pramenka had significantly higher carcass weights (CW; P<0.05). Breed had a significant influence on moisture and fat contents, whilst mineral composition (with the exception of selenium) was scarcely affected by breed and sex. Fat and moisture contents were significantly correlated with cold CW. The magnesium, calcium, manganese and selenium contents were significantly correlated (r=0.50, -0.46, 0.44, 0.54; P<0.05 respectively) with CW. This study contributes to characterization of lamb carcasses from Istrian Sheep and Dalmatian Pramenka breeds and provides new data on the composition of the MLD of light lambs.

The farm model production in Mediterranean Croatia

Models of farm production in the Mediterranean part of Croatia are special because they use traditional technologies and breeds at a significant level, respect consumer behaviour, and take care of the environment and its biodiversity. According to economic importance and impact on the environment, sheep production is dominant, followed by cattle production, while pig and poultry production are slightly present. Autochthonous sheep breeds of a smaller body frame are dominant and their main product is lamb meat. They produce from 70 to 300 kg milk per year. Dairy cattle production uses moderate levels of production intensification, modern technology and allochthonous genotypes. In beef production profiling of recognizable types of beef with the principles of organic production in the autochthonous breeds is noticeable. The main food sources for sheep and cattle production are Mediterranean pastures and grasslands, which partially limit the production, but on the other hand enrich the final product. Numerous recognizable animal products are part of the rural, gastronomic and touristic offer, and preserve their way of production in accordance with traditional heritage. Farm production does not distort the ecological harmony of the region, thanks to the traditional production technologies. Awareness of the need to maintain the tradition, recognition, economic vitality of rural areas, habitat quality and entire biodiversity is growing. Experiences in animal production in the Mediterranean part of Croatia point to effective models which combine traditional and new technological experiences in autochthonous breeds, with respect to consumer demands.

Sheep internal parasites on Rab and Pag

Abstract The purpose of our research was to determine which groups and species of internal parasites endanger the health of sheep on the islands of Rab and Pag. The research was carried out in 10 flocks on both islands taking the fresh dung out of 30% of the total number of sheep in each flock. It was ascertained that the gastrointestinal parasites and protozoa of Eimeria genus are present in most flocks on both islands. The presence of the fluke Dicrocoelium dendriticum was ascertained in considerably larger number of flocks on the island of Rab than on the island of Pag. On the other hand, the presence of parasites of Moniezia and Nematodirus genus was ascertained in larger number of flocks on the island of Pag. In two flocks on Rab parasites of Protostrongylus genus were ascertained while on the island of Pag they were not found in any flock.