The composition and properties of the milk fat of mares’ milk is interesting from a nutritional standpoint. The aim of this study was to determine the nutritional value of Lipizzaner mare’s milk for possible human consumption and identity the influence of the parity and stage of lactation on its fatty acid (FA) composition. This study was conducted on 17 Lipizzaner mares from a state stud farm in the Slavonian region (eastern Croatia). Mares were hand-milked twice during lactation in the fourth and sixth months. Significantly higher contents of MUFAs (monounsaturated fatty acids) and PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids) and lower ratios of n-6/n-3 were found in the fourth month of lactation. This parity significantly affected the PUFA/SFA ratio (polyunsaturated fatty acids/saturated fatty acids), with lower values found in older mares. The fatty acid composition of mare’s milk that is especially high in UFAs (unsaturated fatty acids) is considered to be beneficial for consumers.

The aim of this paper was to highlight the most recent findings from research that utilized infrared thermography in diagnosing hoof disease and lameness in dairy cows. Scientific references were selected from databases based on their application of infrared thermography in detecting and preventing diseases in cattle. Studies have established that measuring view, leg position, and the presence of disease or different levels of lameness significantly affect the temperature values of cow’s feet. Additionally, the timing of measurements is also important, while factors such as lactation stage, animal activity, and ambient temperature substantially impact the infrared readings. The potential of using infrared thermography has been recognized. However, further research is needed to develop optimal combinations of different diagnostic methods to improve the accuracy and efficiency of detecting hoof disease and lameness.

The aim of this study was to compare the production, health and fertility traits of Holstein Friesian (HF) and their F1 crosses with Norwegian Red cows (HF x NRF F1). Only the production data’s from finished first lactations of the total 57 HF x NRF F1 crosses and 401 HF cows, and for health and fertility traits of 120 HF x NRF F1 crosses and 255 HF cows, were used. The differences in production traits were tested by a least square means using the GLM procedure in SAS. The milk yield in both lactation (standard 305 days and full lactation) were higher in HF x NRF F1 crosses for approximately 400 kg, but without significance. The differences in production traits (fat and protein (kg and %)) were significant (p<0.001; p<0.05) with higher values for HF x NRF F1 crosses comparing to HF cows, with exception of protein in full lactation. Regarding the fertility traits, HF x NRF F1 crosses had a better conception rate (+1.58 %), a lower number of the insemination per pregnancy (-0.43) and a shorter duration of the service period (-22.2) comparable to HF cows. F1 crosses had better health traits (with except for hoofs problem) comparing to HF cows, they had less cows with mastitis (-11.9 %), ketosis (-0.5 %), retained placenta (-4.8 %) and dislocation of the abomasum (-1.0 %), respectively. Because of the fact that all results were obtained on the basis of data from the first lactation cows, it is necessary to do more analyses of all studied traits in subsequent lactations, in order to get a much clearer insight into the studied issues.

This paper aimed to analyze the use of digital media, and the research was conducted via a web survey sent by e-mail to equestrian clubs in Croatia. Social media has significantly altered the way of communication and the availability of information in all segments of life and work, including horse breeding. Within digital media, an extremely large amount of information is available that is not necessarily relevant and true. To prevent the use of inadequate information, in 60% of equestrian clubs in Croatia, certain persons are responsible for the content. Less than 50% of the respondents follow influencer posts. Furthermore, 90% of the respondents believe that digital media is an excellent tool that can help in the work of equestrian clubs, while 80% of the respondents believe that it is currently underutilized.

Cilj rada bio je prikazati utjecaj temperature okoliša na rad srca 14 konja koji se koriste u preponskom sportu prije, tijekom i nakon treninga. Istraživanja su provedena u privatnom uzgoju na pastusima pasmine Holstein i uzgojnog tipa hrvatskog sportskog konja. Konji su uzgajani i trenirani u istim uvjetima. Mjerenje rada srca provedeno je 60, 30 i 15 minuta te neposredno prije treninga, tijekom i nakon treninga (neposredno nakon, 5, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120 i 180 minuta). Konji su istim intenzitetom bili lonžirani, trenirani na traci za trčanje i skakali prepone u parkuru, u dva ponavljanja, uz nadzor jedne osobe, pri temperaturi od 20 do 25 °C u prvom i od 25 do 30 °C u drugom ponavljanju, a relativnoj vlazi zraka 60-70%. Na temelju dobivenih rezultata istraživanja može se zaključiti da povišene temperature okoline utječu na rad srca tijekom i neposredno nakon treninga. Daljnja istraživanja potrebno je proširiti i na utvrđivanje drugih fizičkih pokazatelja kondicije konja u različitim mikroklimatskim uvjetima

The objective of this research was to demonstrate how horse breeding is impacted by climate change. Horse breeding and equestrian sports are natural activities that can greatly contribute to the conservation of animal and plant species. Due to the development of technology and the widespread application of practical knowledge, horse breeding has evolved into an impressive industry, although it faces numerous challenges associated with climate change. Given that climate change is already a reality, we must learn to manage extreme and unpredictable weather patterns. Adapting to climate change and its impacts on horses necessitates the involvement of a large number of individuals with diverse knowledge and skills, who must work together to develop adaptive strategies that can be refined and adapted over time.