Showing papers by "Cesare Castellini published in 2014"
TL;DR: Spirulina- and Thyme-supplemented diets had a significant effect on redness and yellowness of Longissimus dorsi muscle and drip loss was significantly reduced in C-T and T groups that also showed the highest content of α-tocopherol and n-3 fatty acids content and the lower lipid oxidation.
70 citations
TL;DR: Forage intake was significantly influenced by rearing system and season; chickens reared under olive trees had higher herbage ingestion, exploring the available area up to almost 50 m from the hut, and chickens showed the lowest frequency of foot and breast damage.
Abstract: SUMMARY The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of range enrichment (trees or tall grass stand) on the performance and herbage intake of free-range chicken. This trial was conducted in 2 different seasons (winter and summer) comparing a standard free-range system with 2 kinds of range enrichment: a stand of sorghum (a tall grass) and olive trees. Two hundred fifty male naked neck chickens were used in each season and system; performance, behavior, forage intake, and body lesions were recorded. Productive performance was not affected by range enrichment. However, in the presence of trees or tall grass stand, no predation losses were experienced; whereas, in the standard paddock, cases of predation by raptors or crows were registered, mainly during the first period of rearing. Consequently, mortality rate was significantly lower in the enriched environment. Control chickens stayed indoors more rather than forage in the pasture, whereas, in enriched environments, birds spent more time outdoors and widely exploited the available pasture. Forage intake was significantly influenced by rearing system and season; chickens reared under olive trees had higher herbage ingestion, exploring the available area up to almost 50 m from the hut. With the olive trees, chickens also showed the lowest frequency of foot and breast damage.
68 citations
TL;DR: Preliminary results show that Ag NPs can reach the testes, compromising sperm motility, sperm speed, and acrosome and mitochondria shape and function.
Abstract: Using the rabbit as an animal model, this study evaluated the long-term effect of silver nanoparticles (NPs) administered intravenously (0.6 mg/kg bw) on reproductive activity and sperm quality. Semen analysis was performed by optical microscopy and sperm motility evaluation by computer assisted sperm analyzer (CASA). Mitochondria oxygen consumption, light and transmission electron microscopy of rabbit testis and ejaculated sperm were also carried out. Throughout the experiment NP-treated rabbits showed higher seminal reactive oxygen species (ROS), less motile sperm, and lower curvilinear velocity and oxygen consumption than control animals. In contrast, libido, serum testosterone, sperm concentration, and semen volume were hardly affected by NPs. Transmission electron microscopy analysis did not show any evident morphological damage in testes; however, Ag NPs are visible in spermatids and ejaculated sperm. These preliminary results show that Ag NPs can reach the testes, compromising sperm motility, sperm speed, and acrosome and mitochondria shape and function.
55 citations
TL;DR: The results showed that the grass intake was largely affected by the husbandry system and highlighted the seasonal effect of grass availability on the nutritional quality of eggs produced in organic systems.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of husbandry system and season on the grass intake and egg quality in laying hens considering that characteristics of organic eggs obtained in a system with no grass in the external area are similar conventional ones. RESULTS: Three hundred and sixty Ancona hens were randomly assigned to three groups: a control group (C), with the hens keptincagesunderstandardhousingconditions;theorganicgroup(O),withthehenskeptunderanorganicproductionsystem (4 m 2 per hen) and the organic-plus group (OP), with the hens maintained under organic conditions but with a larger grass paddock availability (10 m 2 per hen). The estimated intake of forage, carotenoids and flavonoids of the OP hens was very high as the amounts deposited in eggs, mainly in the spring season. The fatty acid composition of the yolk was significantly affected by pasture. The OP eggs showed lower concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) n-6 and a higher percentage of PUFA n-3. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that the grass intake was largely affected by the husbandry system and highlighted the seasonal effect of grass availability on the nutritional quality of eggs produced in organic systems. c � 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
49 citations
TL;DR: The objective of the study was to analyse and increase the quality of rabbit meat by increasing the levels of natural bioactive compounds through providing fresh alfalfa to rabbits as complementary feed.
42 citations
TL;DR: The results suggest that sub-acute or acute inflammation may cause infertility by compromising the uterine environment and/or impairing sperm transport and that the LPS-induced -infection/inflammation experimental model is useful for studying the mechanisms involved in reproductive dysfunctions in the rabbit.
31 citations
TL;DR: It is indicated that genotype deeply affects performance, welfare and qualitative characteristics of meat, and although the inconsistency of European Commission rules which authorise the reduction of slaughtering age in less mature strains, at 70 days chickens show higher feed efficiency and thinness of carcass and meat.
Abstract: The carcass and meat quality of three different commercial chicken genotypes reared according to the organic system and slaughtered at two different ages (70 and 81 days) were compared. The used genotypes were Naked Neck (CN1), Kabir (KR4) and Ross 308 (R). All animals were raised in the facilities of a big Italian company, in production units of 3000 birds. Before slaughtering, plumage conditions, foot pad dermatitis as well as qualitative traits of carcasses, such as skin damage and the presence of breast blisters, were registered (n=50). Naked Neck birds showed the best plumage conditions at both ages; the other genotypes had similar body conditions showing a dramatically worsening at the end of rearing cycle (81 days), mainly at breast level. The carcass conformation showed differences mainly for the CN1 genotype, which was more slender with higher proportions of head, neck and legs; thus, ready-to-cook-carcass yield was lower. The meat of CN1 chickens showed lower levels of lipids, pH and brightness ...
29 citations
TL;DR: A chocolate and propolis-enriched diet showed a protective effect on the spermatogenetic process of buck rabbits following LPS treatment, and the TLR-4 mRNA expression was significantly decreased in LPS-Propolfenol® rabbits.
Abstract: The aims of the study were to evaluate the effects of chocolate and propolis-enriched diets on rabbit spermatogenesis, sperm motility, and ultrastructure following bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment. Thirty-two New Zealand White rabbits were divided into four groups. The LPS-Propolfenol® group received propolis (500 mg/kg/day) in their diet for 15 days, while the LPS-chocolate group was fed 70% cacao chocolate (1 g/1 kg/day) for the same period. Following the diet treatments, rabbits in the LPS-Propolfenol® and LPS-chocolate groups, and an LPS group received a single intraperitoneal dose of 50μg/kg LPS, and the control group received only saline. Kinematic sperm traits were evaluated with a computer assisted sperm analyzer (CASA) system, and ultrastructural characteristics were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Testicular and epididymal tissues were observed by light microscopy and TEM and multiplex real time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assa...
18 citations
TL;DR: The iv administration of Lecirelin represents an alternative method for simplifying rabbit insemination procedures and the in vitro effect on spermatozoa was tested.
13 citations
TL;DR: Pasture availability improved the meat nutritional quality and, in particular, the n-6/n-3 ratio was optimal and the total tocopherol content was suitable to assure a good oxidative stability.
Abstract: To analyse the effect of pasture availability and genotype on innate immunological status,morphological organisation of lymphoid follicles, behaviour, performance and carcass and meat characteristics, 80 growing rabbits (40 Leprino of Viterbo and 40 New Zealand White, NZW) were reared in bicellular standard cages (control) or in a wired pen, provided with an external grass pasture (pasture). Blood samples and behaviour observations (10 rabbits per group) were performed at different ages (weaning, 49 and 89 d). At the end of the trial, 10 rabbits per group were slaughtered to study meat quality/composition and vermiform appendix structure. Leprino rabbits showed higher serum lysozyme values than NZW for all ages and rearing systems. Leprino rabbits showed the highest values in caged animals (29.6 and 32.4 mg/mL, respectively at 49 and 89 d of age), while NZW animals did so in the pen (2.2 and 0.00 g/mL, respectively at 49 and 89 d of age). Haemolytic Complement Assay increased with age in Leprino (43.7 vs. 48.6 and 51.2 μg/mL, respectively for cage and pen), but decreased in NZW (68.6 vs. 25.8 and 41.1 μg/mL, respectively for cage and pen). Plasma TBARs was always higher in Leprino rabbits (16.0 vs. 7.0 μmol malondialdehyde/L at 29 d of age; 17.9 vs. 8.0 μmol malondialdehyde/L at 49 d of age; 20.0 vs. 11.4 μmol malondialdehyde/L at 89 d of age), whereas plasma tocopherol showed an inverse trend (32.9 vs. 46.6 mg/L at 29 d of age; 32.5 vs. 44.4 mg/L at 49 d of age; 31.2 vs. 42.4 mg/L at 89 d of age). Mortality rate of Leprino rabbits was highest in the cage system, while mortality was highest in NZW housed in the pen. Productive performance, carcass traits and fatty acid composition of meat were strongly affected by genotype and rearing system. Regarding genotype effect, Leprino showed lower daily gains (31.9 and 29.6 vs. 44.2 and 40.0 g, respectively for cage and pen system), live (2563 and 2418 vs. 2902 and 2650, respectively for cage and pen system) and carcass weights (1561 and 1465 vs. 1763 and 1580, respectively for cage and pen system). Pasture availability improved the meat nutritional quality and, in particular, the n-6/n-3 ratio was optimal and the total tocopherol content was suitable to assure a good oxidative stability.
13 citations
TL;DR: The results of this trial demonstrate that at older age chickens show a better fatty acid profile under a nutritional point of view even if the oxidative status worsens.
Abstract: The fatty acid profile and the oxidative status of meat of three different commercial chicken genotypes organically reared and slaughtered at two different ages (70 and 81 days) were compared. The genotypes used were Naked Neck (CN1 strain), Kabir (KR4 strain) and Ross 308 (R). All animals were raised in the facilities of a big Italian company, in field conditions. Genotype and slaughtering age affected the main fatty acids and the antioxidant profile of meat. Concerning the content of total saturated fatty acids (SFA), the highest value was observed in R chicks. The CN1 birds showed the lowest SFA values, whereas the KR4 showed intermediate values. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) showed a different trend at the two slaughter ages. At 71 days medium-growing chickens had lower values, while at 81 days CN1 birds reached the highest value. The CN1 chickens exhibited lower concentrations of linolenic acid, but higher long chain PUFA derivatives. However, the meat of these chickens showed a lower lipid stability despite a higher antioxidant content probably due to the kinetic behaviour and the resulting high oxidative metabolism. This finding is of importance since health concerns over fatty acid profile are among the main factors contributing to the decline of meat intake. Regarding the slaughtering age, the results of this trial demonstrate that at older age chickens show a better fatty acid profile under a nutritional point of view even if the oxidative status worsens.
TL;DR: The estimated Δ 5 - Δ 6 -desaturase activity was significantly higher in the Local grey rabbits, suggesting a genetic effect on the desaturase and elongase mechanisms responsible for the synthesis of long-chain n-3 fatty acids.
Abstract: To analyse the effect of rabbit genotype on fatty acid metabolism, 60 weaned rabbits (30 d old, sex ratio 1:1; 20 New Zealand White, 20 Leprino of Viterbo and 20 rabbits of a Local grey population) were reared in bicellular standard cages. At 80 d, 10 rabbits per group were selected and slaughtered. The muscle fatty acid composition and relative indexes of metabolism of the longissmus lumborum of these rabbits were determined. The New Zealand White and Leprino rabbits exhibited lower percentages of myristic acid and higher percentages of palmitic acid and palmitoleic acid, and the levels of monounsaturated fatty acids were significantly higher in these rabbits. The grey-coloured rabbits exhibited the highest values of total n-3 fatty acids. With respect to fatty acid metabolism, the New Zealand White and Leprino rabbits exhibited higher thioesterase and Δ 9 -desaturase indexes and lower elongase and Δ 5 - Δ 6 -desaturase indexes. The estimated Δ 5 - Δ 6 -desaturase activity was significantly higher in the Local grey rabbits, suggesting a genetic effect on the desaturase and elongase mechanisms responsible for the synthesis of long-chain n-3 fatty acids.
TL;DR: It was concluded that every type of muscle can develop GF, but this phenomenon is more evident in the PM especially in animals selected for increased growth rate.
Abstract: 1. The occurrence of Giant Fibres (GF) in three muscles (Pectoralis major (PM), Iliotibialis lateralis and Semimembranosus) with different types of energy metabolism was studied in slow- and fast-growing chicken strains. 2. A total of 20 one-day-old Leghorn chicks (slow-growing) and 20 broiler (Ross 508) chicks (fast-growing) were reared to 100 and 45 d, respectively. 3. A small percentage of GF was seen in pre rigor muscle samples even at 3 min post mortem in both genotypes and in all muscle types studied. 4. From 3 min to 24 h post mortem GF increased both in Leghorn and broiler chickens but to a different extent according to muscle type and genotype. 5. The highest GF 24 h post mortem value was found in the PM muscles belonging to the fast-growing broiler line. 6. It was concluded that every type of muscle can develop GF, but this phenomenon is more evident in the PM especially in animals selected for increased growth rate.
TL;DR: The Maltese Black was established in 1950 as a rustic, dual purpose breed capable of producing adequate egg and chicken for consumption and was replaced with commercially available stock, marginalising the breed and restricting its existence to small dispersed populations as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: This review is a first attempt to give a comprehensive historical account on the evolution of the Maltese Black chicken breed. The initiative consolidates available information to propose hypothesis on the origins of the breed, and to develop a comprehensive breed standard in conformity with the format of the American Breed Standard. The Maltese Black was established in 1950 as a rustic, dual purpose breed capable of producing adequate egg and chicken for consumption. In the 1960's, it was replaced with commercially available stock, marginalising the breed and restricting its existence to small dispersed populations. An initial attempt to have an in-situ conservation of the Maltese Black started in 1998 with a small flock of about 400 chickens that were later relocated to the Agricultural Research and Development Centre in Malta with the intention of maintaining a nucleus flock as a measure for a long term ex-situ conservation strategy. A recent survey highlights that the present population has drifted significantly away from standards first published in 1950. In efforts to consolidate the breed standard definition of the Maltese Black, the breed standards of related Mediterranean breeds, as confirmed by molecular markers, were consulted to translate and address the missing gaps in the previous breed standards. The updated breed standard presented will act as the bench mark against which all future breeding and selection programs are compared.