Showing papers by "Cesare Castellini published in 2011"

Effect of fast-, medium- and slow-growing strains on meat quality of chickens reared under the organic farming method.

Abstract: The characteristics of meat quality, chemical and fatty acid composition, from fast-growing (FG) and medium-growing (MG) meat-type and slow-growing (SG) egg-type chickens reared under organic conditions were compared. Three-hundred and sixty 1-day-old male chicks, equally divided into three experimental groups represented by strains (FG: Cobb 700, MG: Naked neck Kabir and SG: Brown Classic Lohman) were housed into three poultry houses with outdoor pasture availability of 10 m(2)/bird located in the same Research Centre of the University of Perugia. All the birds were fed ad libitum the same diets formulated according to the European Union (EU) Regulations by using organic raw materials. Birds from the FG and MG groups were raised until 81 days, whereas birds from the SG group were raised until 96 days in order to achieve an acceptable market live weight. SG birds showed significantly (P < 0.01) higher breast meat drip and cook losses, Allo-Kramer shear values and collagen content. In comparison with FG and SG, MG exhibited a higher breast meat pH (5.86% v. 5.79% and 5.78%, respectively; P < 0.01) and a lower lightness (54.88% v. 57.81% and 56.98%, respectively; P < 0.05). Genotype dramatically affected the lipid content as well as the fatty acid composition of both breast and thigh meat. SG exhibited the lowest content of lipid, both in breast and in thigh meat, the lowest proportions of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and the highest proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The total n-3 PUFA of SG breast meat was double that of FG meat and intermediate with respect to MG birds (8.07% v. 4.07% v. 5.14% total fatty acids; P < 0.01). The fatty acid composition of thigh meat is similar to that of breast meat, but the differences among genotypes are less pronounced. Total saturated fatty acids were not affected by the genotype. In conclusion, meat functional properties of FG and MG strains appeared much more attractive both for industry and consumer (lower drip and cook losses and higher tenderness), whereas from a nutritional point of view, meat from SG appeared healthier (less fat and higher content of n-3 PUFA) and thus might better fit with the consumer's expectations of organic products.

Effect of Genotype and Husbandry System on Blood Parameters, Oxidative and Native Immune Status: Welfare and Implications on Performance of Organic Laying Hens

Abstract: The aim of the present work was to compare the effect of organic production vs standard cage system on welfare and performance of a pure breed (Ancona) vs a commercial strain (Brown Hy-Line) of laying hens through a multifunctional approach (behaviour, tonic immobility, feathers score, antioxidant status of the body, blood parameters, innate immunity and mortality). The trial was carried out in farm of the Dpt. of Applied Biology (University of Perugia), where 17-weeks-old females of Ancona breed (n=200) and Brown Hy-Line (n=200) were divided in 2 homogenous groups of 100 birds each and assigned to cage or organic rearing systems. The genotype of the hens affected in a degree which depends on rearing system almost all the variables. The feeding and resting activities were higher in caged whereas moving activities were higher in organic hens and especially in Ancona birds. Social relationships showed genotype and rearing system effects being higher in Brown Hy-Line hens particularly when reared in cage. The TI duration was affected by genotype and rearing system being the immobility time longer in Brown Hy-Line. The plumage condition showed a great rearing system effect and genotype effects was observed only between organic groups where Ancona hens showed the better feathers condition. Regarding native immune status serum bactericidal activity showed the highest values in organic hens and mainly in Ancona ones. On the contrary, lysozyme showed greater value in caged hens. The haptoglobin value was lower in organic Ancona group, the same hens showed about 30% greater reactive oxygen substances, but accompanied by highest the antioxidant power. Organic rearing system, mainly in the Ancona hens, induced the highest red blood cells, haemoglobin and hematocrite values. Lymphocytes were higher in Organic birds thus reducing the H/L ratio in Organic hens. As expected, organic birds showed the worst feed efficiency and percentage of deposition, but the lowest mortality rate. In conclusion, on the basis of all these information together with the low mortality rate, Ancona hens showed the better welfare status, mainly when they were organically reared.

Evaluation of body condition in pregnant rabbit does by ultrasound scanner

Abstract: Knowledge of animal body composition is necessary in nutritional study, and during the last two decades many efforts have been made to find non-destructive methods to predict in vivo body composition in different species (Fortune-Lamothe et al., 2002). A good technique for measuring body composition should be accurate, easily utilisable, inexpensive, applicable to a wide range of ages and to live animal with minimal perturbation of behaviour...

Distribution of α- and δ-tocopherols in seminal plasma and sperm fractions of men with normal and abnormal semen parameters.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of the different isoforms of tocopherol (T) in seminal plasma (P) and in the sperm fractions of individuals with abnormal (group 1) and normal (group 2) sperm parameters; the relationships between these isoforms and conventional sperm parameters were also explored. Two vitamin E homologues, α-T and δ-T, were identified in the semen of all participants. Although α-T and δ-T concentrations were similar in the semen of the 2 groups, group 1 showed a lower α-T ratio (S/P) (0.90 vs. 1.20, P < .001) and δ-T ratio (0.86 vs 1.13, P = .007) than group 2. In addition, both T ratios were correlated with the percentage of viable cells, detected by eosin staining. These results suggested that α-T and δ-T are not homogeneously distributed in the semen fractions; in normal semen they are more concentrated in the sperm membrane, whereas in abnormal semen the damaged sperm cells may release both Ts in the plasma. To verify whether sperm membrane breakage could alter α-T and δ-T distribution between the seminal plasma and the spermatozoa, normal sperm samples were sonicated; after sonication a consistent sperm plasma membrane fragmentation, highlighted by transmission electron microscopy, and a concomitant release of α-T and δ-T were observed. In conclusion, the Ts coupled directly with the sperm membrane seem to play the main protective role in the semen, and the release of α-T and δ-T in the P fraction is probably an index of lower antioxidant power and sperm quality.

Dietary effect of short-chain organic acids on growth performance, mortality and development of intestinal lymphoid tissues in young non-medicated rabbits

Abstract: This work aimed to test the effect of a dietary inclusion of formic and citric acids on growth performance, mortality, jejunal histology and development of intestinal lymphoid tissues in growing non-medicated rabbits For that purpose, a diet including the acids (diet A) was compared to a control diet (diet C) Sixty rabbits weaned at 28 days were submitted to each diet At 56 and 77 days, ten rabbits were slaughtered to assess caecal traits, jejunal histology and follicular development in the caudal ileal Peyer’s patch and in the appendix In the 56-77 d period, average daily gain of rabbits fed diet A was greater than that of control rabbits (480 vs 439 g, P=0019) Mortality rate was not affected by the diet (612% on average) Caecal pH was lower at 77 than at 56 days (602 vs 619, P=0016) The concentration of ammonia in the caecal contents increased from 962 to 142 mmol/l (P=0003) when rabbits reached 77 days of age The appendix was heavier (975 vs 430 g, P<0001), longer (133 vs 104 cm, P<0001) and wider (174 vs 145 cm, P=0006) at 77 than at 56 days Rabbits of 56 days of age fed diet C had shorter villi than the mean value of the other three treatments (662 vs 807 µm, P<0001) In the Peyer’s patch, the average follicle area was greater at 77 than at 56 days of age (118 vs 884 x 103 µm2, P<0001) and was also greater in rabbits fed diet C than in those fed diet A (109 vs 975 x 103 µm2, P=0049) In the appendix, no differences on the average follicle area were found at 56 days of age (115 x 103 µm2) whereas, at 77 days, the area increase was higher for rabbits fed diet C than for those fed diet A (955 vs 508%, P<0001) In conclusion, including formic and citric acids in growing rabbit diets improves weight gain, has a trophic effect on the jejunal mucosa and controls the development of gut-associated lymphoid tissues

Dietary effect of short-chain organic acids on growth performance and development of intestinal lymphoid tissues in fattening restricted rabbits

Abstract: This work aimed to test the effect of a dietary inclusion of formic and citric acids on growth performance, mortality, jejunal histology and development of intestinal lymphoid tissues in growing non-medicated rabbits. To this end, a control diet (diet C; 35.9 and 34.7% NDF and 18.9 and 19.1% CP, on DM basis, in the 28- 55 d and 56-77 d periods, respectively) was compared with the same diet supplemented with a blend of microencapsulated formic and citric acids (diet A: diet C enriched with 0.4% and 0.2% in the 28-55 d and 56-77 d periods, respectively). Sixty rabbits weaned at 28 d were assigned to each diet. At 56 and 77 d, 5 rabbits per diet and age were slaughtered to assess caecal traits, jejunal histology and follicular development in the caudal ileal Peyer's patch and the appendix. No dietary effects were observed on growth performance in the 28-55 d period. In the 56-77 d period, average daily gain of rabbits fed diet A was greater than that of control rabbits (48.0 vs. 43.9 g; P=0.019). Mortality rate was not affected by the diet (11.8% on average). Caecal pH, volatile fatty acids and ammonia concentration, and appendix size were not affected by diet. Caecal pH was lower at 77 than at 56 d (6.02 vs 6.19; P=0.016). The concentrations of ammonia (P=0.003) and volatile fatty acids (P<0.001) in the caecal contents increased, respectively, from 9.62 and 70.5 to 14.2 and 81.9 mmol/L when rabbits reached 77 d of age. At 77 d the appendix was heavier (4.30 vs. 3.21 g/kg BW; P<0.001), longer (13.3 vs. 10.4 cm; P<0.001) and wider (1.74 vs. 1.45 cm; P=0.006) than at 56 d. At 56 d, villi of control rabbits were shorter than those of rabbits fed diet A and than those of rabbits aged 77 d, irrespective of the dietary treatment (662 vs. 807 µm; P<0.001). In the Peyer's patch, the average follicle area was greater at 77 than at 56 d of age (118 vs. 88.4 x 10 3 µm 2 ; P<0.001) and was also greater in rabbits fed diet C than in those fed diet A (109 vs. 97.5 x 10 3 µm 2 ; P=0.049). In the appendix, no differences in the average follicle area were found at 56 d of age (115×10 3 µm 2 ), whereas at 77 d the area increase was higher for rabbits fed diet C than for those fed diet A (95.5 vs. 50.8%; P<0.001). In conclusion, including formic and citric acids in growing rabbit diets improved weight gain in the 56-77 period, had a trophic effect on the jejunal mucosa at 56 d and controlled the hypertrophy of gut-associated lymphoid tissues.

In Vitro Effects of Tire Debris Organic Extracts on Human Spermatozoa

Abstract: Background & objectives: Environmental pollutants have detrimental effects on the reproductive function of human being and of animals. This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of tire debris, a fraction of particulate matter derived from tire wear, on motility and morphology of human spermatozoa. Methods: spermatozoa from ten healthy men were incubated for 4 hours with 10, 50 and 75 μg/ml of tire debris organic extract (TDOE). Sperm motility and morphology were evaluated according to WHO guidelines; the presence of apoptosis and necrosis was assessed by the AnnexinV/Propidium iodide assay. Ultrastructure of sperm organelles was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Results: incubation with 10 � g/ml of TDOE did not affect sperm quality, except for the value of apoptosis (median: 8% vs. 6%; P<0.01). Sperm motility and sperm morphology percentages (P<0.01)decreased when sperm were treated with 50 and 75 μg/ml TDOE and the percentage of apoptotic and necrotic sperm (P<0.01) increased concomitantly. At the same concentrations TEM analysis showed an increased percentage of reacted and swollen acrosomes, disrupted chromatin and altered axonemes. Interpretation & conclusions: the organic part of tire debris is potentially harmful to spermatozoa, particularly at a concentration of 50-75 μg/ml, inhibiting motility and compromising morphological integrity. Nevertheless, these results cannot yet be extrapolated to the in vivo outcome due to the lack of studies focused on this issue.

Effect of PM10 on Human Spermatozoa: An In Vitro Study

Abstract: This study was aimed at evaluating the in vitro effects of particulate matter (ranging from 2.5-10 � m in an aerodynamic diameter, PM10) from an urban area on the motility of human spermatozoa. Samples of swim up selected human spermatozoa from three healthy men with normal semen parameters, according to WHO guidelines, were incubated for 4 hours with 10, 50 and 75 μg/ml of PM10. Kinetic parameters were evaluated with Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA) and the presence of apoptosis and necrosis was assessed by AnnexinV/Propidium iodide assay. Data was statistically elaborated. Incubation of sperm with 10 � g/ml PM10 for 4 hours did not affect sperm motility. On the contrary, a decrease in progressive motility was evident at 50 � g/ml and 75 � g/ml PM10. Among the kinetic parameters assessed with CASA system, the linearity variable was significantly lower in sperm treated with 50 � g/ml and 75 � g/ml PM10 vs controls (P<0.0001) and the amplitude of the lateral head displacement variable was significantly higher in sperm treated with 50 � g/ml vs controls (P=0.0211). A substantial increase in necrosis, in up to 30% of sperm, was evident only in samples treated with 75 � g/ml PM10. In conclusion, this preliminary study could indicate that PM10 is not potentially harmful to spermatozoa in vitro, except above a very high threshold (50-75 μg/ml) that is difficult to reach in vivo and that motility and viability are only partially affected.