Economic values for production traits for different sheep breeds in Kosovo

There is a growing concern about the loss of animal genetic resources. The aim of this study was to analyze the genetic diversity and potential peculiarity of the endangered Kosovar sheep breed Balusha. For this purpose, a dataset consisting of medium-density SNP chip genotypes (39,879 SNPs) from 45 Balusha sheep was generated and compared with SNP chip genotypes from 29 individuals of a second Kosovar breed, Bardhoka. Publicly available SNP genotypes from 39 individuals of the relatively closely located sheep breeds Istrian Pramenka and Ruda were additionally included in the analyses. Analysis of heterozygosity, allelic richness and effective population size was used to assess the genetic diversity. Inbreeding was evaluated using two different methods (F_IS, F_ROH). The standardized F_ST (d_i) and cross-population extended haplotype homozygosity (XPEHH) methods were used to detect signatures of selection. We observed the lowest heterozygosity (H_O = 0.351) and effective population size (Ne₅ = 25, Ne₅₀ = 228) for the Balusha breed. The mean allelic richness levels (1.780–1.876) across all analyzed breeds were similar and also comparable with those in worldwide breeds. F_ROH estimates (0.023–0.077) were highest for the Balusha population, although evidence of decreased inbreeding was observed in F_IS results for the Balusha breed. Two Gene Ontology (GO) TERMs were strongly enriched for Balusha, and involved genes belonging to the melanogenesis and T cell receptor signaling pathways, respectively. This could result from selection for the special coat color pattern of Balusha (black head) and resistance to certain infectious diseases. The analyzed diversity parameters highlight the urgency to preserve the local Kosovar Balusha sheep as it is clearly distinguished from other sheep of Southeastern Europe, has the lowest diversity level and may harbor valuable genetic variants, e.g., for resistance to infectious diseases.

Food loss and waste (FLW) is a chronic problem across food systems worldwide, with meat being one of the most resource-intensive and perishable categories. The perishable character of meat, combined with complex cold chain requirements and consumer behavior, makes the sector particularly sensitive to inefficiencies and loss across all stages from production to consumption. This review synthesizes the latest advancements in new preservation technologies and supply chain efficiency strategies to minimize meat wastage and also outlines current challenges and future directions. New preservation technologies, such as high-pressure processing, cold plasma, pulsed electric fields, and modified atmosphere packaging, have substantial potential to extend shelf life while preserving nutritional and sensory quality. Active and intelligent packaging, bio-preservatives, and nanomaterials act as complementary solutions to enhance safety and quality control. At the same time, blockchain, IoT sensors, AI, and predictive analytics-driven digitalization of the supply chain are opening new opportunities in traceability, demand forecasting, and cold chain management. Nevertheless, regulatory uncertainty, high capital investment requirements, heterogeneity among meat types, and consumer hesitancy towards novel technologies remain significant barriers. Furthermore, the scalability of advanced solutions is limited in emerging nations due to digital inequalities. Convergent approaches that combine technical innovation with policy harmonization, stakeholder capacity building, and consumer education are essential to address these challenges. System-level strategies based on circular economy principles can further reduce meat loss and waste, while enabling by-product valorization and improving climate resilience. By integrating preservation innovations and digital tools within the framework of UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, the meat sector can make meaningful progress towards sustainable food systems, improved food safety, and enhanced environmental outcomes.

Considering about 13.9 percent of total surface under pastures and meadows and big demand for milk and meat, sheep are considered as an important livestock species in Kosovo. Hence, the overall objective of this study was to provide the characterization of autochthonous sheep breeds and sheep production systems in Kosovo. Breed characterization and proper economic management schemes, selection for most economically important traits and best animals in the flock will assist farmers in increasing the feeding efficiency, reproduction and productive traits and thus profit. Including Bardhoka (BAR), Balusha (BAL), Sharri (SHA) and Kosva (KOS) sheep breeds, for a period of 1 year (September 2009–August 2010) the study was concentrated in 20 sheep farms in different regions of Kosovo. The least-squares means show that for milk yield and milk content, breed differences were significant (P < 0.05). The highest average daily milk yield for BAR (0.63 kg) exceeded the milk yield of BAL, KOS and SHA with 0.09, 0.14 and 0.18 kg milk per day, respectively. For milk butterfat and protein SHA ewes obtained the highest rate compared with other three breeds for 9.4–19.9 percent. Milk dry matter among different breeds ranged between 18.4 and 19.3 percent. Voluntary disposal of ewes mainly occurred at lactation 4 and 5. Considering a standard yield at 1st lactation specific to the breeds, the highest production is reached at 3rd lactation. Compte tenu du fait que près du 13.9 pour cent de la superficie totale correspond à des pâturages et des prairies et qu'il existe une grande demande en lait et viande, les moutons constituent une espèce animale importante au Kosovo. Ainsi l'objectif principal de cette étude a été de caractériser les races ovines autochtones et les systèmes de production ovins au Kosovo. La caractérisation des races, la description des schémas de gestion économique les plus pertinents et la sélection des paramètres les plus importants sur le plan économique et des meilleurs animaux du troupeau serviront aux éleveurs pour augmenter l'efficience alimentaire, les performances reproductives et productives, et par là même les bénéfices. L'étude, qui a duré un an (de septembre 2009 à août 2010) et a été menée sur 20 exploitations ovines de différentes régions du Kosovo, a compris les races ovines Bardhoka (BAR), Balusha (BAL), Sharri (SHA) et Kosva (KOS). Les moyennes par moindres carrés ont décelé des différences significatives (P < 0.05) entre les races pour la production laitière et la composition du lait. La production moyenne journalière de lait la plus élevée de la race BAR (0.63 kg) a dépassé de 0.09, 0.14 et 0.18 kg journaliers de lait la production laitière des races BAL, KOS et SHA, respectivement. Pour ce qui est des taux butyreux et protéique du lait, les brebis SHA ont atteint les pourcentages les plus élevés, qui ont dépassé de 9.4 à 19.9 pour cent les trois autres races. La matière sèche du lait a varié entre 18.4 et 19.3 pour cent selon la race. La plupart des brebis sont retirées du troupeau à la quatrième ou cinquième lactation. Si la première lactation est considérée comme étant la production standard propre aux races, la production la plus élevée est atteinte à la troisième lactation. Teniendo en cuenta alrededor de un 13.9 percent de la superficie total bajo pasturas y praderas y gran demanda de leche y carne, ovino son considerados como una importante especie de ganado en Kosovo. Por lo tanto, el objetivo general de este estudio es proporcionar a la caracterización de las razas ovinas autóctonas y sistemas de producción ovina en Kosovo. Sistemas de gestión económica adecuada caracterización de razas y la selección de rasgos económicamente más importantes y sus mejores animales en el rebaño serán ayudar a los agricultores a aumentar la eficiencia de la alimentación, la reproducción y las características productivas y por lo tanto los beneficios. Incluyendo Bardhoka (BAR), Balusha (BAL), Sharri (SHA) y Kosva (KOS) razas ovinas, por un período de un año (09 2009 hasta agosto 2010), el estudio se concentró en 20 granjas de ovejas en diferentes regiones de Kosovo. Los medios mínimos cuadrados muestran que para la producción de leche y el contenido de la leche, las diferencias entre razas fueron significativas (P < 0.05). La producción diaria de leche promedio más alto para BAR (0.63 kg) superó la producción de leche de BAL, KOS y SHA, con 0.09, 0.14 y 0.18 kg de leche por día, respectivamente. Para la grasa de mantequilla leche y proteína de ovejas SHA obtener la tasa más alta en comparación con otras tres razas de 9.4 a 19.9 percent. Leche de materia seca entre diferentes razas varió entre 18.4 y 19.3 percent. Entrega voluntaria de las ovejas se produjo principalmente en la lactancia 4 y 5. Considerando un rendimiento estándar en primera lactación específica a la cría, la producción más alta se alcanza a tercera lactancia.

Minerals play many important functions in plant and animal metabolism. Therefore, we investigated the concentration of Se and other minerals and their relationships in soils and fodder plants in Kosovo. Seventy-three samples of each soil and fodder plants (grass, maize, and wheat) from 30 farms were collected. Both soil and plant samples, after processing and digestion, were analyzed for mineral concentration by ICP-MS. Mineral concentrations in soil and fodder crops, and the best predicting/explanatory models for micro minerals concentration, achieved by stepwise linear regression, are presented. Results showed very low concentration of Se in most of the soil and all fodder samples. In addition, the concentration of Co, Zn and Fe was not sufficient to satisfy requirements for all categories of farm animals. Plant Se concentration showed a positive relationship with Se concentration in soils. Plant Zn, Mo, Mn, Fe and Pb, in general, showed no significant relationship with their concentration in soil, while plant Co and Cd showed positive relationship only in maize, and Cu in wheat grain. Among the soil properties, pH had the highest effect on the concentrations of Co, Mo, Mn, Cd and Pb in fodder crops.