Freezing technology is one of the most well established long-term preservation techniques for producing high-quality, nutritious foods with prolonged shelf-life. Frozen foods (FFs) are a significant section of the global food market experiencing rapid growth. It also represents an alternative to small producers in developing countries to add value to their products in a competitive market. However, unfairly, FFs are often perceived as less qualitative than fresh produce, although studies have shown that some FFs have higher nutritional values than fresh products. This study’s aim is to analyze consumers’ perceptions in the two Balkan countries towards FFs. A total of 380 questionnaires were completed in both countries (182 in Kosovo and 198 in Albania). Consumers’ perceptions towards FFs were measured through eleven items using a five-point Likert scale. The items addressed issues related to the quality and safety of FFs, information on FFs, and the impact of origin on the perception of FFs. The differences between populations were tested with the t-test and correlation analysis with the bootstrapping method for sociodemographic factors. The results show that Kosovo consumers generally show a higher positive attitude toward FFs than Albanian consumers. Albanian consumers prefer fresh foods over FFs. The lack of trust in food safety institutions was expressed with concern for the conditions of the frozen chain applied both on the imported and domestic frozen products. Similarly, the findings show that Albanian consumers are willing to pay more than the baseline price to obtain fresh products instead of frozen compared with Kosovo consumers. Additional studies are needed to explore whether the lack of trust in food safety institutions inhibits the successful development of FFs in Albania and Kosovo. In both countries, responsible authorities should help consumers to have a more profound knowledge of the quality of FFs and boost these activities to increase farmers’ incomes and play an active role in reducing food loss and waste.

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.

This study examines the potential of agricultural by-products such as residues from tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, watermelons, melons, and apples as a sustainable feed source for insect farming, contributing to circular bio-economy efforts in Kosovo. By assessing the availability of these by-products in two key agricultural regions, Dukagjini and Kosovo Plain, the research identifies significant variations in yield, with tomatoes plants producing the highest amount (8.1 t/ha), followed by watermelon, apple, potato, and melon. The findings suggest that these often-discarded agricultural residues, typically overlooked due to market constraints, can be repurposed as insect feed, providing an eco-friendly approach to waste reduction and nutrient recycling. This approach not only addresses the environmental challenges posed by organic waste, but also supports the production of value-added products like insect-based proteins. The study underscores the feasibility of integrating agricultural side-streams into insect farming, contributing to a closed-loop system that aligns with circular bio-economy goals. This research is novel in its focus on Kosovo’s agricultural context, providing localized data and insights that can inform sustainable practices in similar regions. By transforming agricultural waste into valuable resources, the study offers a pathway to enhance sustainability, reduce environmental impact, and promote economic resilience in the agricultural sector.

Osteoporosis is a major cause of bone fragility and musculoskeletal pain, conditions that substantially reduce quality of life. Vitamin D plays a central role in calcium homeostasis and bone mineralization, while Vitamin B12 deficiency has been associated with impaired bone health and neuromuscular symptoms. However, their combined impact on Bone Mineral Density (BMD) and pain remains incompletely understood. We conducted a cross-sectional study at the Rheumatology Clinic of the University Clinical Center of Kosova (January 2022–August 2024). A total of 136 patients (aged 18–75 years) with chronic musculoskeletal pain underwent Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) to assess BMD in the lumbar spine and femoral neck. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and Vitamin B12 levels were measured, and pain intensity was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Osteoporosis was highly prevalent, affecting 59.6% of patients in the right femur, 65.4% in the left femur, and all patients in the spine. Patients with lower Vitamin D levels reported significantly higher pain scores (r = -0.55, p < 0.01), while elevated Vitamin B12 levels showed a positive correlation with pain (r = 0.59, p < 0.01). BMD values in all skeletal sites were negatively correlated with pain severity, with the strongest association observed in the spine (r = -0.73, p < 0.01). Vitamin D deficiency was strongly associated with both lower BMD and greater musculoskeletal pain, whereas Vitamin B12 variations showed complex correlations requiring further study. Early detection of osteoporosis and systematic monitoring of vitamin status may support more effective management of pain and bone health in affected patients.

Given the importance of healthy nutrition during the early stages of life when among others, also eating habits are sharpened, the current study aimed to provide an overview of the nutritional status of Kosovo kindergarteners. This study involved 301 preschool children of both genders aged 2 to 6 years old, from five randomly selected kindergartens in Kosovo. A two-week surveillance was conducted at each of the five involved kindergartens, where data such as age, sex, and anthropometric measurements were collected to calculate body mass index (BMI) such as height and weight. Moreover, their menu, the quantity and types of foods consumed are analyzed. Then, it was calculated for each child: mean calorie intakes and means of macronutrient intakes (protein, fat and carbs), and compared to Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) recommendations for each age group. The findings of this study on BMI demonstrated a decrease in stunting occurrences and a tendency toward increased obesity in Kosovo children compared to previous studies. Also, it has been ascertained lack of balanced nutrition of children throughout their stay in kindergarten with a significant deviation (p<0.05) in total calories, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats intake from the FAO/ WHO recommendations.