Influence of nutritional supplements on microbiological composition of raw sheep milk

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of plant fat sources in sheep feed on somatic cells and the total number of microorganisms in raw milk samples obtained from 210 sheep, breed Pramenka in Una-Sana Canton. The research was conducted in three periods: winter, spring and summer. The herd was divided into experimental and control groups of sheep. In the experimental groups of sheep in each period of the study, omega-3 supplements were added to the diet, namely extruded flaxseed in the amount of 3.5%. The influence of added omega-3 supplements on the microbiological parameters of raw sheep milk, which was milked from experimental and control groups of sheep every fifteen days of the experiment in all periods of the study, was examined.  Analysis of variance (ANOVA) found that during the winter and summer feeding period there is a statistically very significant influence of both experimental factors (treatment and period) on the total number of microorganisms and somatic cells in raw sheep milk (p <0.001). In the spring diet in somatic cells, factor treatment did not show a statistically significant effect (ns)

An assessment of regulation, education practices and socio-economic perceptions of non-native aquatic species in the Balkans

Alongside climate change, the introduction of non-native species (NNS) is widely recognized as one of the main threats to aquatic biodiversity and human wellbeing. Non-native species and biodiversity are generally low priority issues on the political agendas of many countries, particularly in European countries outside the European Union (EU). The objectives and tasks of this study were to address the policy regulation, education level, education practices, and socioeconomic perceptions of NNS in the Balkans. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Turkey (Balkan EU candidate and potential candidate members), in Croatia and Greece (Balkan EU Member States) and Italy (non-Balkan EU Member State). The EU Alien Regulation (1143/2014) concerning NNS is implemented in EU Member States and Montenegro, whereas Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey have not reported specific policy regulations for NNS. Permanent monitoring programmes specifically designed for NNS have not yet been established in the EU Member States. Most countries tackle the issue of NNS through educational activities as part of specific projects. Education level is indicative of the implementation of NNS policy regulation, and efforts are needed for the proper development of relative study programmes. Public awareness and educational preparedness concerning NNS in the Balkans were identified as poor. Strong programmes for management and education should be developed to increase public awareness to prevent further biodiversity losses in the Balkan region