Structure and Dynamics of Sheep Systems in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The paper presents the analysis of dynamics and structure of the sheep systems in Bosnia and Herzegovina assuming that they suffered a decrease of animal and farms consistency in the last 6 decades. Since 1991 neither a general nor agricultural censuses were made to provide information about the present state of sheep farming in the country. An analysis of the available statistical records of agricultural trends related to the sheep sector was performed. In addition, a depth questionnaire by consulting national experts was performed in order to obtain relevant information on the spatial distribution, consistency, feeding management, production and environmental impact on the present structure of sheep production systems. A decrease in sheep number was observed over the last six decades, but less than in other species. Six main sheep systems in three biogeographical regions were identified. Differences in animal spatial distribution, production purpose and other characteristics of the systems indicate that the environmental and socio-economic factors throughout the country strongly influence the choice of breeding methods and management. All consulted experts indicated the lack of support for sheep systems in relation to agro environmental management, landscape conservation and biodiversity preservation

Derivation of dual horizon state-based peridynamics formulation based on euler-lagrange equation

The numerical solution of peridynamics equations is usually done by using uniform spatial discretisation. Although implementation of uniform discretisation is straightforward, it can increase computational time significantly for certain problems. Instead, non-uniform discretisation can be utilised and different discretisation sizes can be used at different parts of the solution domain. Moreover, the peridynamic length scale parameter, horizon, can also vary throughout the solution domain. Such a scenario requires extra attention since conservation laws must be satisfied. To deal with these issues, dual-horizon peridynamics was introduced so that both non-uniform discretisation and variable horizon sizes can be utilised. In this study, dual-horizon peridynamics formulation is derived by using Euler–Lagrange equation for state-based peridynamics. Moreover, application of boundary conditions and determination of surface correction factors are also explained. Finally, the current formulation is verified by considering two benchmark problems including plate under tension and vibration of a plate

Assessment of genetic diversity of Busa cattle from Bosnia and Herzegovina using microsatellite DNA markers

The variability of 21 microsatellite loci was analyzed in order to estimate the genetic diversity of the Buša cattle breed. A total of 50 animals involved in the study were divided into two groups: Buša from eastern Herzegovina and Buša from western Herzegovina. The mean number of alleles per locus was 6.6. The average expected heterozygosities were 0.6885 and 0.6212 in the eastern and western populations, respectively. The observed heterozygosity values were 0.6579 and 0.6336, in eastern and western population, respectively. The degree of population differentiation (FST) ranged from 0.008 (for ILSTS006 locus) to 0.242 (for BM1818 locus), with a mean of 0.112. Cluster analysis showed that the two populations were clearly clustered into two distinct clades. This report represents the first genetic characterization of pure Buša cattle from Bosnia and Herzegovina. The obtained results are important for the future development of conservation and management strategies for this cattle breed

Genetic diversity and structure of the West Balkan Pramenka sheep types as revealed by microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA analysis

v2008okBEL/GD