Showing papers in "Italian Journal of Animal Science in 2012"
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of three different levels (1.25, 2.5 and 5.0%) of black cumin seeds (BCS) on five hundred chicks was evaluated.
Abstract: A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of 3 different levels (1.25, 2.5 or 5.0%) of black cumin seeds (BCS) on five hundred chicks. A basal diet was supplemented with either 0 (negative control), or 0.1% antibiotic (positive control), or 3 levels of BCS. At day 28 and 42 of age, the 2.5 and 5.0% BCS groups had significantly greater body weight gain (BWG) than the 1.25% BCS and the antibiotic group. The same groups had feed efficiency significantly improved (P<0.05) compared to the 1.25% BCS group and the controls. At both ages, measurement of the dressing percentage showed no marked variation between BCS supplementation and antibiotic. The 2.5 and 5.0% BCS groups showed an increase (P<0.05) in total protein and higher (P<0.05) haematological values than the 1.25%, antibiotic or unsupplemented diet group. The activities of blood enzymes were lower (P<0.05) and caecal coliform and Escherichia coli populations decreased (P<0.05) in BCS and antibiotic groups. Serum and tissue cholesterol concentration decreased (P<0.05) as the levels of BCS increased. The geometric means haemagglutination inhibition (HI) titres of the BCS and the antibiotic group were always higher than the negative control. The mean lymphoid organs weight/body weight ratio of the negative control was significantly (P<0.05) lower than BCS and antibiotic groups. In conclusion, including up to 2.5 or 5.0% BSC in the diets of broilers has no deleterious effects on their performance, immunity, serum biochemical constituents nor haematological indices. In fact, it may lead to the development of low-cholesterol chicken meat.
59 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that EOB and MOS could act as free radical scavengers that enhance performance and also increase eggshell weight.
Abstract: The role of dietary supplemental mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) and an essential oil blend (EOB) on performance of laying hens, and susceptibility of egg yolk and hen liver to lipid oxidation were examined. Four hundred and thirty-two 52-week old Lohmann laying hens were divided into three groups and fed a basal diet containing no antioxidant as control (CNT), basal diet plus 1 g/kg MOS and basal diet with 24 mg/kg EOB, for a 10-week experimental period. Supplementation of diet with MOS and EOB improved egg production rate and eggshell weight, but did not influence other performance or egg quality traits. MOS and EOB provided higher antioxidant activity in egg yolk than the control regimen at all storage time periods. EOB also retained the oxidative stability of liver by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Liver antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathion peroxidase (GSH-Px), were higher in birds fed the additives. MOS and EOB tended to increase serum glucose concentration (6.2% and 8.8%, respectively) while they slightly decreased triglycerides (11.0% and 4.8%, respectively) without affecting cholesterol level. Relative weight of pancreas and spleen were not affected by dietary treatments whereas diet supplemented with EOB significantly increased liver weight. The findings of this study suggest that EOB and MOS could act as free radical scavengers that enhance performance and also increase eggshell weight.
51 citations
TL;DR: Crumble feed supplemented with multienzyme resulted in the highest performance and nutrient digestibility of broilers during days 1–20 of age.
Abstract: A total of 210 unsexed 1-day old Arbor Acres broiler chicks were wing banded and randomly distributed among 30 cages of 7 birds per cage keeping equal initial BW during days 1-20 of age. A factorial design (2×3) was used in which there were two feed forms (mash vs crumble diet) and three enzyme treatments (unsupplemented, phytase, phytase plus multienzyme). Each treatment was replicated 5 times with 7 chicks per replicate. Body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of fed chicks were significantly improved when the crumble diet was administered. However, feed intake of chicks fed on the crumble feeds was significantly lower than those fed the mash diet. Digestibility of ether extract and crude fiber was significantly greater in groups fed the crumble diet than those fed the mash diet. Enzyme supplementation significantly and similarly increased growth and production index, and improved FCR. Also greater digestibility of crude protein and crude ash was observed but growth during days 8-14 days of age and crude fibre digestibility were significantly greater in those chicks receiving the multienzyme plus phytase supplement than those receiving phytase alone. Crumble feed supplemented with multienzyme resulted in the highest performance and nutrient digestibility of broilers during days 1-20 of age.
49 citations
TL;DR: AGP or EOM supplementation to the laying hen diet significantly increased the egg production rate and egg weight as compared to the control diet alone, but egg mass output, feed consumption, and feed conversion ratio were not affected by the dietary treatments.
Abstract: One thousand two hundred 1-day-old Lohmann LSL white and Lohmann Brown layer chickens were fed diets supplemented with either an antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) or an herbal essential oil mixture (EOM) till 58 wk of age to reveal the long-term effects of those additives on growth, performance and wholesome egg quality parameters The study was arranged in a 2x3 factorial design with two layer strains and three feed additive regimens Thus, the layer birds of both strains were randomly assigned to the three dietary treatments, ie, standard basal diet (control), control with AGP (specifically, avilamycin, 10 mg/kg diet) and control with EOM (24 mg/kg diet) The data regarding egg production were recorded between 22 to 58 weeks of age Neither the dietary treatments nor the bird strain influenced the body weight and mortality of the birds in both the growing and laying period AGP or EOM supplementation to the laying hen diet significantly increased the egg production rate and egg weight as compared to the control diet alone, but egg mass output, feed consumption, and feed conversion ratio were not effected by the dietary treatments Neither dietary treatment created any statistically significantly differences in egg quality parameters with the exception of Haugh unit The research findings have confirmed the beneficial effects of supplementation with feed-grade EOM on the laying rate and egg weight of both white and brown layers Indeed, EOM, being a novel feed additive natural origin, proved to be as efficacious as AGP in promoting egg yield
41 citations
TL;DR: The aim of the present study was to determine heavy metal reference levels for exposure and risk assessment studies on a local scale and the results obtained have been validated on the basis of the scarce and inconsistent Italian literature available and on international studies.
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to determine heavy metal reference levels for exposure and risk assessment studies on a local scale. The average levels of cadmium recorded in 75 wild boars were 0.085, 0.079 and 1.052 mg Cd kg -1 wet weight (w.w.) in the liver, muscle and kidney, respectively. The majority of the muscle samples and some of the liver samples contained levels of heavy metal that were over the legal limit [EU Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs)] for pigs. Our data are similar to or lower than the values reported in most of the available literature. For Pb concentration, the average values recorded were 0.318, 0.126 and 0.298 mg kg kg -1 ww.w. in the liver, muscle and kidney, respectively. The samples that were non-compliant with regulatory limits (MRLs) for pigs were registered only for muscle. Available data on the presence of Pb content in game meat report lower values than ours, most likely because the area around the bullet path was avoided while sampling. The average values of total Cr were 0.141, 0.139 and 0.097 mg Cr kg -1 w.w. in the liver, muscle and kidney, respectively. For Zn, the mean values were 49.76, 53.21 and 32.46 mg kg -1 w.w. in liver, muscle and kidney, respectively. Cu content was 46.12, 12.20 and 5.64 mg kg -1 w.w. in the liver, muscle and kidney, respectively. The results obtained have been validated on the basis of the scarce and inconsistent Italian literature available and on international studies.
39 citations
TL;DR: Evidence is provided that appropriate handling of raw milk, maintaining low temperatures, together with consumer education concerning boiling raw milk before consumption are key factors in preventing foodborne infections linked to raw milk consumption, and helps assess the risk of foodborne infection linked toRaw milk consumption.
Abstract: The direct sale by farmers of raw milk for human consumption has been allowed in Italy since 2004. The aim of this study was to evaluate the behaviour of selected foodborne pathogens in raw milk sold in vending machines, in field handling conditions, and during shelf-life from production to consumption. Temperature of storage of raw milk in 33 farms authorized to produce and sell raw milk were investigated from farm to vending machine delivery, together with consumer habits in one province of the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. Failure to maintain appropriate low temperatures during shelf-life was recorded and 43% of consumers did not boil milk before consumption. Listeria monocytogenes , Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium and Campylobacter jejuni strains were inoculated into raw milk samples, and the best (4°C as established by law) and worst temperature storage conditions detected (variable temperature) were simulated. Boiling tests were performed for each pathogen considered at high and low levels of contamination. Results showed an increase in L . monocytogenes in milk stored at 4°C and at variable temperatures recorded in shelf-life monitoring, an increase in E. coli O157:H7 and S. Typhimurium at variable temperatures but not at 4°C, and a decrease in C. jejuni in all storage conditions. Boiling milk is effective in making it safe for consumers. This study provides evidence that appropriate handling of raw milk, maintaining low temperatures, together with consumer education concerning boiling raw milk before consumption are key factors in preventing foodborne infections linked to raw milk consumption, and helps assess the risk of foodborne infection linked to raw milk consumption.
38 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a randomized complete block design for a period of five weeks was used to evaluate the effect of citric acid (CA) and microbial phytase (MP) on the performance of broiler chicks.
Abstract: A total of 270 Ross 308 male broilers were used in a randomized complete block design for a period of five weeks. The experiment included nine treatments, three replicates with 10 birds in each replicate of 3×3 factorial design. Two main factors of citric acid (CA) (0, 3 and 6%) and a microbial phytase (MP) (0, 500 and 1000 IU/kg) were used. The results indicated that diets containing 3% CA caused significant increase in P content in tibia ash, ileal digestibility of crude protein, apparent metabolizable energy, total phosphorus and body weight (P<0.01). Addition of 6% CA to diets compared with diets without acid and the diets having 3% CA, significantly decreased (P<0.01) body weight, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, Ca content in tibia ash, ileal digestibility of crude protein, apparent metabolizable energy and total phosphorus. Also, 6% CA diet caused significant increase in measured GI-tract organs (P<0.05). The different levels of MP significantly increased ileal digestibility of nutrients, tibia ash, Ca and Mg contents in tibia ash (P<0.01), but had no significant effect on measured GI-tract organs. The diets having 1000 unit of MP caused a significant improvement on performance factors (P<0.05) and P content in tibia ash (P<0.01). These results demonstrated that addition of MP and 3% CA to the diet caused improvement in ileal nutrients digestibility, growth performance and increased minerals retention of broiler chickens.
38 citations
TL;DR: The effects of ARG and NCG on rumen fermentation were numerically relatively similar, suggesting that ARG should be spared from rumen degradation, while NCG could be fed to ruminant without need for coating.
Abstract: The objective of this experiment was to determine the degradation of L-arginine (ARG) and N-carbamoyl glutamate (NCG) and to examine their effect on rumen fermentation. Rumen fluids were collected from 3 rumen-fistulated cows and then incubated with ARG or NCG at 1 mmol/L in a glass syringe system at 39°C for 24 h. The control treatment was given neither ARG nor NCG. Gas production (GP) was recorded, and pH at 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h was also determined. At 12 and 24 h, the measurements were also made for ammonia-nitrogen (N), volatile fatty acids (VFA) and microbial crude protein (MCP) yield on purine quantification basis. At 24 h, the proportion of ARG and NCG degradation in rumen fluid was 100.0 and 17.8%, respectively. Gas production and the acetate to propionate ratio increased in groups treated with ARG and NCG, compared with the control (P<0.01). Ammonia nitrogen concentration was higher (P<0.01) in the ARG group than in the NCG and control groups. Microbial crude protein concentration diminished in ARG and NCG groups, in comparison with the control (P<0.01). In conclusion, the effects of ARG and NCG on rumen fermentation were numerically relatively similar. Rapid degradation of ARG in rumen is a nutritionally wasteful process. Thus, ARG should be spared from rumen degradation, while NCG could be fed to ruminant without need for coating.
37 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of prebiotic and organic zinc alone and in combination in broiler diets on the live weight gain (LWG), feed consumption, feed consumption ratio (FCR), carcass yield, some relative organ weights and blood parameters were investigated.
Abstract: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of prebiotic and organic zinc alone and in combination in broiler diets on the live weight gain (LWG), feed consumption (FC), feed consumption ratio (FCR), carcass yield, some relative organ weights and blood parameters. A total of 160 Ross 308 one-day old male chicks were assigned to 4 treatment groups with 4 replicates of 10 birds each. Treatment for each group consisted of: first group (control group) received basal diet without supplementation; second group received 1 g/kg Mannanoligosaccharide (MOS); third group received 80 mg/kg organic zinc (OZn); and fourth group received 80 mg/kg organic zinc + 1 g/kg Mannanoligosaccharide (MOS+OZn). The study lasted 42 days. The supplementation of MOS and OZn had no effect on the LWG, FC, FCR, carcass yield, serum, aspartate aminotranferase, (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and triglyceride levels during the experiment (P>0.05). Relative organ weights (liver, spleen, pancreas) were significantly higher in OZn group than those in the other groups (P<0.001). There was a significant difference in serum total cholesterol and glucose levels between treatment groups and control group (P<0.001). Serum Zn and Fe levels were significantly lower in control group than those in OZn and MOS+OZn groups (P<0.001). The highest and the lowest Cu levels were in the MOS+OZn and control groups, respectively (P<0.001). These data suggest that OZn with MOS combination may have a beneficial effect on serum mineral level in broilers.
35 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the characteristics of LCA studies on milk production in order to understand how the variability of results can be explained and compared the different methodologies adopted.
Abstract: Twenty-four life cycle assessment studies which estimated the carbon footprint of milk production in countries with modern dairy farming were examined. It proved difficult to compare the studies because of the strong discrepancies between them. The aim of this review was to examine the characteristics of LCA studies on milk production in order to understand how the variability of results can be explained. The main reason is the different methodologies adopted. However, other variables were considered: production system, stocking rate, milk productivity, mitigation strategies. Life Cycle Assessment is a promising tool for benchmarking carbon footprint among different countries or production systems. This approach could also be used as a mitigation indicator in the enforcement of political decision. Two major factors are needed for a practical application: i) a widely accepted methodology and ii) direct measurements of greenhouse gases in specific contests.
34 citations
TL;DR: The results showed that donkey milk could be a good healthy ingredient for feeding where good hygienic procedures are applied and storage is kept at temperature lower than 3°C.
Abstract: Microbiological quality of raw milk from eight healthy donkeys reared in Campania Region was investigated. A total of 152 samples were analyzed in order to evaluate the milk safety status trough monitoring mesophilic total bacterial count (TBC) at 32°C and 20°C, psychrophilic TBC at 5°C, Enterobacteriaceae, Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and somatic cell count (SCC). The ranges for mesophilic bacteria at 32°C, 20°C and psy- chrophilic bacteria at 5°C were, respectively, 2.80–4.00 Log CFU/mL, 2.84–3.92 Log CFU/mL and 1.27–2.12 Log CFU/ml. Enterobacteriaceae showed a load ranging between 0.68–1.93 Log CFU/mL. No pathogenic bacteria were isolated. Estimated SCC values were always under 50.000 cells/mL. Additionally quantitative changes of bacterial population in raw bulk milk during eight storing days at 8°C and 3°C, were evaluated. Firstly, fresh bulk milk was contaminated by bacteria with a mean TBC at 32°C and 20°C of 2.71 Log CFU/mL and 2.64 Log CFU/mL, respectively, where...
TL;DR: It may be concluded that crossbred chickens gained better body weight than Fayoumi and moderate than RIR chickens with lower mortality.
Abstract: A total of 2001 unsexed day-old-chicks of each Fayoumi, Rhode Island Red (RIR), RIR × Fayoumi (RIFI) and Fayoumi × RIR (FIRI) were obtained from hatchery of Poultry Research Institute, Rawalpindi. The birds were maintained on deep litter system for a period of 20 weeks. The results revealed that the average day old weight was highest in RIR and FIRI, intermediate in RIFI and lowest in Fayoumi chickens. The RIR breed consumed more feed and gained maximum (P 0.05) difference among pure and crossbred chickens. There was non-significant (P>0.05) difference in haematological values among all chickens. The total erythrocyte number, haemoglobin and packed cell volume increased with the advancement of age. However, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular haemoglobin values decreased gradually with the advancement of age. It may be concluded that crossbred chickens gained better body weight than Fayoumi and moderate than RIR chickens with lower mortality. The crossbred chickens of FIRI showed better performance in all traits than crossbred chickens of RIFI.
TL;DR: Plasma and yolk cholesterol were significantly lower in groups fed diets containing either 3% or 6% BMA than in the control group, but high-density lipoprotein (HDL) significantly decreased as BMA concentration increased.
Abstract: The effect of different concentrations (0%, 3% and 6%) of brown marine algae (BMA, Sargassum dentifebium ) prepared according to different methods (sun-dried, SBMA; boiled, BBMA; autoclaved, ABMA) on plasma and yolk lipid profiles, carotene, and lutein plus zeaxanthin in egg yolks was studied in hens aged from 23 to 42 weeks (30 hens per treatment). We determined the fatty acid profiles in BMA and in the egg yolk of hens fed different levels of BMA prepared according to different methods. In addition, plasma and yolk lipid profiles, yolk total carotene, and lutein plus zeaxanthin were determined at week 42 of age. Plasma and yolk cholesterol were significantly lower in groups fed diets containing either 3% or 6% BMA than in the control group, but high-density lipoprotein (HDL) significantly decreased as BMA concentration increased. There was a significant similar decline in yolk triglycerides with inclusion of either 3% or 6% BMA in the laying hen diet. Palmitic acid was the main saturated fatty acid (SFA) found in BMA and oleic acid (omega-9) and linoleic acid (omega-6) were the main unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), while there was a significant increase in palmitic acid in egg yolk when BMA was included at 6%. There was a significant increase in oleic acid (omega-9) when feed containing 3% BMA was given compared to the control group, but this decreased with a further increase in BMA. Linoleic acid (omega-6) also significantly decreased with inclusion of either 3% or 6% BMA. There was a significant increase in total carotene and lutein plus zeaxanthin in the laying hen eggs as a result of feeding diets containing 3% and 6% BMA.
TL;DR: Results suggest that it is possible to feed heavy pigs a soybean-free diet without impairing fattening performance or the quality of meat and Italian PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) hams.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a diet containing non-conventional (i .e. alternative to soybean meal) vegetable protein sources on fattening performance, and meat and dry-cured ham quality of heavy pigs. Fifty-six (Landrace x Large White) castrated males with an initial average body weight of 50 kg were allocated to two experimental groups: a control group in which pigs received a traditional soybean meal-based diet, and a treatment group in which soybean meal was replaced by vegetable protein sources ( i.e. sunflower meal, potato protein, corn gluten feed, faba beans and dehydrated alfalfa meal), mainly locally grown and not genetically modified. Pigs were slaughtered at approximately 160 kg body weight. Dietary treatment had no significant effect on fattening performance, or meat, fat or dry-cured ham properties. Results suggest that it is possible to feed heavy pigs a soybean-free diet without impairing fattening performance or the quality of meat and Italian PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) hams.
TL;DR: The atherogenic (AI) and thrombogenic (TI) indexes and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolesmic ratio in subcutaneous fat were more favorable in females compared with males and in the January hunting season than in November and December.
Abstract: The study examined the influence of weight, sex and month of hunting on the fatty acid composition of intramuscular and subcutaneous fat from 49 free ranging wild boars hunted in Lithuania during the winter season. A total number of 27 and 25 fatty acids were identified in the intramuscular fat and subcutaneous tissue of wild boars, respectively. The weight of the wild boar had mainly affected only the levels of separate fatty acids both in the intramuscular and subcutaneous fat. Higher levels of saturated fatty acids (SFA) were found in the intramuscular and subcutaneous fat of males compared with females. The effect of both weight and sex on the levels of fatty acids was higher in the subcutaneous fat than in the intramuscular fat. Weight, sex and hunting month had no effect on PUFA/SFA and n-6 PUFA/n-3 PUFA ratios in the intramuscular and subcutaneous fat. The atherogenic (AI) and thrombogenic (TI) indexes and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio in subcutaneous fat were more favorable in females compared with males and in the January hunting season than in November and December.
TL;DR: In this article, a multivariate multi-model REML estimation of variance components for casein and genetic correlations of casein with production and type traits considered in selection were estimated from a sample of 200,484 test day records for 26,279 BS cows and 376,652 for 41,543 HF cows.
Abstract: Over 2,000,000 records of casein contents were collected from herds of Brown Swiss (BS) and Italian Holstein Friesian (HF) dairy cows in northern Italy during routine milk recording. Variance components for casein and genetic correlations of casein with production and type traits considered in selection were estimated from a sample of 200,484 test day records for 26,279 BS cows and 376,652 for 41,543 HF cows. A multivariate multi-model REML estimation of variance components was made. Models for production included the fixed effects for herd-test day, year of evaluation, days in milk, month of calving and age at calving within parity. Models for type traits were defined accordingly to the model officially used for each breed for breeding value estimation. Breeding values for casein yield and content were calculated from estimated heritabilities (Brown 0.12; Holstein 0.09). Estimates were similar for protein and casein yield and content while genetic correlations with traits in the actual selection indexes differed between breeds. These differences, together with the greater emphasis now given to protein in the selection index of the Brown Swiss than in the Italian Holstein Friesian, suggest that a direct selection for casein could be more advantageous in Brown than in Holstein cows. The Brown breeders association could soon include casein yield and content directly in their selection criteria while that of Holstein cows would wait for a longer term casein data collection.
TL;DR: The year and its interactions had no effect on water buffalo performance in relation to dairy production and PKM index of mozzarella efficiency and no interaction was observed between the year and the season.
Abstract: This research was carried out to evaluate the influence of the year and calving season on the production, composition and mozzarella cheese yield index (PKM) of Murrah water buffalos. We analyzed a data set of 514 lactations collected from 2004 to 2008, recorded and archived in software of a farm located in Taipu, in the eastern region of Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil. To assess the effects of calving season, the year was divided into a rainy season (from March to August) and a dry season (from September to February). Results showed that the year influenced daily production and PKM (P<0.05). However, no effects were observed on logarithm somatic cell count (LSCC), fat, protein and total dry extract (TDE). The season had no influence on the variables analyzed and no interaction was observed between the year and the season. The season and its interactions had no effect on water buffalo performance in relation to dairy production and PKM index of mozzarella efficiency.
TL;DR: EOM positively influenced body weight gain and efficiency of feed conversion in broiler chickens and birds receiving the corn-based diet were more efficient in converting feed to body mass as com-pared to those fed on the wheat- based diet.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of diet type, supplementation diet with an essential oil mixture (EOM), and bird gender on the growth performance, carcass yield, internal organ weight, immune response, and small intestine histology of broiler chickens. To do this, a 2x2x2 factorial arrangement was designed. The variables used were: two diet types (based on either wheat or corn), 2 feed additives (with or without EOM), and gender (male or female). EOM supplementation in the diet decreased body weight in corn-fed male birds at Days 21 and 42, but not in those fed the wheat-based diet, signifying a diet x EOM x gender interaction. Cumulative feed intake was not influenced by either the diet type or EOM. The feed conversion ratio was not affected by diet type, whereas EOM improved feed conversion ratio over the 42-day growth period. Feeding birds on wheat decreased the carcass yield while it increased relative small intestine and large intestine weight. Relative weights of liver, bursa fabricius and serum infectious bursal disease (IBD) and Newcastle disease (ND) titers were not affected by any of the variables studied. EOM supplementation and feeding birds on corn increased jejunal villus height at both 21 and 42 days of age, while bird gender showed no effect. In general, EOM positively influenced body weight gain and efficiency of feed conversion in broiler chickens. Birds receiving the corn-based diet were more efficient in converting feed to body mass as compared to those fed on the wheat-based diet.
TL;DR: While there are many comprehensive reviews of gamete and embryo cryopreservation in vertebrate species, the publications relating to the impact of cryop Reservation on the genome of sperm, embryos and oocytes are reviewed.
Abstract: Cryopreservation techniques allow the long-term storage of a wide variety of biological material without significant deterioration in quality. Immediate post-thaw survival is most often used to assess the effect of the freeze-thaw process on cells. However, this parameter provides no information on possible subtle effects of cryopreservation, including DNA damage, alteration of mRNA levels and protein function that may not be evident immediately post thaw. These potential adverse effects don’t necessarily result in cell death. While there are many comprehensive reviews of gamete and embryo cryopreservation in vertebrate species, we review here the publications relating to cryopreservation impact on the genome of sperm, embryos and oocytes.
TL;DR: The great variability observed in the LP could allow to improve the productive performances, however maintaining animal rusticity, in conclusion, LP showed good slaughter traits and favourable meat quality.
Abstract: To evaluate the effect of genotype on carcass traits and meat quality, sixty-four rabbits belonging to two genotypes (slow growing local population, LP; commercial hybrids, HY) were used. Rabbits were weaned at 35 days of age and slaughtered when they reached 2500 g of live weight, corresponding to 103 and 87 days of age for LP and HY, respectively. Comparing the slaughter traits of two genotypes, LP provided higher dressing out (59.4 vs 56.2%, P<0.01) and skin percentage (16.0 vs 14.2%, P<0.05), lower incidence of full gastrointestinal tract (18.5 vs 22.3%, P<0.01) and higher incidence of head (9.5 vs 8,9%, P<0.05) and kidneys (0.99 vs 0.86%, P<0.05) than HY. Reference carcasses from LP had greater incidence of perirenal fat (2.04 vs 1.12%; P<0.01), loin (21.5 vs 19.2%; P<0.01) and hind leg (34.4 vs 31.6%; P<0.01) than HY. Hind leg meat-to-bone ratio was significantly higher in HY than LP (4.7 vs 3.8%; P<0.01). The comparison between the variances of slaughter weight, chilled carcass weight, kidneys perc...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors measured total gas and methane (CH4) production from 30 total mixed rations (TMRs) fed to dry and lactating cows in 20 commercial dairies in the Po Plain (Italy).
Abstract: The aim of the study was to measure total gas and methane (CH4) production from 30 total mixed rations (TMRs) fed to dry and lactating cows in 20 commercial dairies in the Po Plain (Italy). Samples were analysed for chemical composition, in situ 48 h fibre digestibility (NDFD) and in vitro gas production (GP) and CH4 concentration at 24 h of incubation. NDFD of TMRs from dry and lactating cows was identical (52.1%; P=0.995). The TMRs fed to dry and lactating cows differed for GP (43.0 and 54.4 mL/200 mg DM, respectively; P<0.001) and CH4 (7.24 and 8.85 mL/200 mg DM, respectively; P=0.001), but not for CH4 as percentage of GP (24.3 and 23.7%, respectively; P=0.286). The data were analysed dividing the TMRs into quartiles depending on starch:ADF ratio; the average ratios of the groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 were 37, 77, 116 and 138, respectively. Increasing starch:ADF ratio determined a higher GP: 42.2, 51.4, 55.1 and 56.2 mL/200 mg DM for groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively (P<0.001), whilst CH4 (mL/200 mg DM) was lower (P<0.001) for group 1 (7.12) in comparison with the others (8.82 on average). Acetate (% on total VFA) decreased for increasing starch:ADF ratio (P=0.009), whereas butyrate tended to increase (from 8.11 to 9.23% on total VFA; P=0.069) and the acetate:propionate ratio to decrease (from 3.35 to 3.09; P=0.082). The lack of a higher CH4 concentration in GP from diets richer in fibre might be attributed mainly to the relatively short time of incubation.
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of strain and age on phytate phosphorus utilization and intestinal phytase activity (IPA) in two strains of laying hens, Hy-line Brown (HB) and Hyline White W-36 (HW), at 32, 52 and 72 weeks of age were examined.
Abstract: The first aim of this study was to examine the effects of strain and age on phytate phosphorus (PP) utilization and intestinal phytase activity (IPA) in two strains of laying hens, Hy-line Brown (HB) and Hy-line White W-36 (HW) at 32, 52 and 72 weeks of age. A digestion trial was conducted using the indicator method and birds were sampled to measure IPA. The second aim was to examine the effect of feed grade exogenous phytase enzyme on total (TP), water soluble (WSP) and phytate phosphorus (PP) excretion in the HW strain fed varying levels of phosphorus. Hens were fed three concentrations of available P (AP): 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4%. Each level of P was supplemented with three levels of commercial feed grade exogenous phytase enzyme (0, 300, and 600 FTU/kg) and the amount of TP, WSP and PP in excreta per 100 g of feed consumed was calculated. The HB retained more PP as compared to HW. Intestinal phytase activity showed a significant (P<0.01) age effect with the highest activity occurring at 32 weeks. There were significant differences in the amount of TP and SP excreted between birds receiving the 3 levels of phosphorus with 300 units phytase (P<0.01). The results of this study showed that layers are capable of utilizing PP, and that utilization is regulated by IPA and varies with age. Exogenous phytase improved PP utilization but it increased the amount of TP and WSP in excreta.
TL;DR: Lysine requirements of broilers for performance were lower than breast yield percentage and immune responses, and broken-line analysis showed that the concentrations of plasma free lysine were useful physiological indicators for determining the digestible lysines requirement of male and female broilers.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to estimate the requirement for digestible lysine for broilers from 35 to 49 days of age. Two hundred and forty chicks with a mean weight of 44±1 g were used in a completely randomized design, made up of male and female chicks and 6 digestible lysine levels. Experimental diets were formulated to be isoenergetic and isonitrogenous. Fitted broken lines on different responses indicated break points at 0.93, 0.93 (for body weight), 0.98, and 0.92 for feed conversion ratio for male and female, respectively. The results showed that the digestible lysine requirement of male broilers for maximum breast yield percentage, plasma free lysine and antibody titer against Newcastle disease virus exceeded the range of lysine levels tested. Dietary lysine had a significant effect in increasing the plasma free lysine, albumin, total protein, immunoglobulin, antibody titer against sheep red blood cell, Newcastle disease virus and heterophil to lymphocyte ratio. In conclusion, lysine requirements of broilers for performance were lower than breast yield percentage and immune responses. Broken-line analysis showed that the concentrations of plasma free lysine were useful physiological indicators for determining the digestible lysine requirement of male and female broilers. Our results suggest that the estimated requirements based on exponential response curves were higher than estimated requirements obtained using a broken-line model.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that high densities of grazing deer may seriously impact on forage production and quality in Pian Cansiglio, north-eastern Italian Pre-Alps.
Abstract: This study aimed at estimating the impact of red deer grazing on the productivity of meadows located in Pian Cansiglio, north-eastern Italian Pre-Alps. These meadows (383 ha; average elevation 1000 m asl are managed for hay/silage production (1-2 cuts per season) and are included in a protected area that hosts a high density of deer (around 30 heads/100 ha). In 2008 and 2010, dry matter (DM) production and loss due to deer grazing were estimated with exclusion cages (1 m2; 48 exclusion cages in 2008 and 52 in 2010). Night counts with spotlights were conducted to index deer use of meadows plots. DM production inside the cages was fairly good for the area (first and second cut: 5079 - 2193 Kg DM/ha in 2008, and 4200 - 2615 Kg DM/ha in 2010). DM production outside the cages was significantly lower (first and second cut in 2008: 4314-1389 Kg DM/ha, and in 2010: 3376-2052 Kg DM/ha). Therefore, the magnitude of losses was of 15-20% in the first and 25-40% in the second cut. DM losses in the different meadow plots were positively correlated with index of deer use, which in some plots was as high as 7-8 heads/ha. Deer grazing reduced also crude protein (CP) content of forage (15.6±4.4% DM inside exclusion cages and 13.8±3.5% DM outside), with losses being greater where CP content was higher. This study demonstrates that high densities of grazing deer may seriously impact on forage production and quality.
TL;DR: The potential for culturing several different invertebrate species, including the European flat oyster Ostrea edulis, the grooved carpet shell Venerupis decussata (Ruditapes decussatus), the razor clams Ensis minor and Solen marginatus, the cephalopod Octopus vulgaris, and the purple sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus in this country is discussed.
Abstract: Shellfish aquaculture is a widespread activity in the Italian peninsula. However, only two bivalve species are mainly cultured along the coastline of that country: the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis and the Manila clam Venerupis philippinarum ( Ruditapes philippinarum ). By contrast, just a few other mollusc species of commercial interest are scarcely reared at a small-scale level. After analysing the current status of Italian shellfish production, this paper reports and discusses the potential for culturing several different invertebrate species [i.e ., the European flat oyster Ostrea edulis , the grooved carpet shell Venerupis decussata ( Ruditapes decussatus) , the razor clams Ensis minor and Solen marginatus, the cephalopod Octopus vulgaris , and the purple sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus ] in this country. In addition, a detailed overview of the progress made in aquacultural techniques for these species in the Mediterranean basin is presented, highlighting the most relevant bottlenecks and the way forward to shift from the experimental to the aquaculture phase. Finally, an outlook of the main economic and environmental benefits arising from these shellfish culture practices is also given.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the effect of feeding frequency on milk production, dry matter intake (DMI) and cow behaviour on two dairy farms with conventional and automatic milking systems (AMS) in different environmental conditions.
Abstract: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of feeding frequency on milk production, dry matter intake (DMI) and cow behaviour on two dairy farms with conventional and automatic milking systems (AMS) in different environmental conditions. Cows on two farms were monitored. On the first farm, 96 primiparous cows were milked in a herringbone parlor while on the second a group of nearly 50 cows were milked in two AMS with a forced traffic. On each farm, treatments consisted of two different frequencies of total mixed ration (TMR) delivery (2 vs 3 on the conventional farm; 1 vs 2 on the AMS farm) replicated in two different periods of the year with THI of 72.6 and 60.7, respectively. The behaviour of the cows was monitored by continuous video recording. Statistical analysis was performed separately for the two farms. Increasing the frequency of TMR deliveries did not result in any variation in DMI but significantly improved milk yield on both farms. The increase in feeding frequency at the bunk in the AMS farm mitigated the negative effect of hot conditions on production with a 7.6% increase in milk yield. Feeding frequency did not influence cow behaviour on either farm. Hot conditions showed a depressive effect on DMI (nearly 8% on both farms) compared with thermoneutral conditions but caused a reduction in milk yield (an average 17%) only on the farm with multiparous high-producing cows milked automatically. In the hot period, cows on both farms showed a reduction in daily lying time and an increase in daily standing time.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the evolution of the fatty acid profile, with particular attention to conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and to C18:1 isomers, during ripening of sheep cheese.
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to investigate the evolution of the fatty acid profile, with particular attention to conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and to C18:1 isomers, during ripening of sheep cheese ( Pecorino Toscano cheese) produced with raw milk. After 60 days of ripening the total concentration of C18:1 isomers and that of CLA pool content decreased. In particular, if isomers profile is considered, the percentage of trans 11 C18:1, trans 10 C18:1 and cis 9, trans 11 CLA decreased as consequence of biohydrogenation or of double bonds isomerisation, while the concentration of trans 10, cis 12 CLA increased.
TL;DR: The results showed better performance of the ploughing both as pastoral value of recovered pasture and as botanical composition, and different behaviour in feeding preferences for wild ungulates in comparison to domestic stocks, giving a better evaluation of the real forage availability for wild herbivores.
Abstract: The diminution of pastoral activities in marginal areas, and consequently of livestock grazing, implies a strong encroachment of invasive vegetation. The conservation of the open areas is however particularly important for wildlife management. With this aim, this paper describes the results obtained in a protected area on the Apennine mountains (Italy), encroached by Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn. Two restoration practices were carried out by the Administration of the Regional Park of the Laghi di Suviana e Brasimone (Bologna, Italy), in order to reverse the infestation of bracken and restore pastures within the park. The pasture, only grazed by wild animals, was improved through different treatments (ploughing followed by cuttings vs harrowing), each followed by seeding of a forage mixture. Our results showed better performance of the ploughing both as pastoral value of recovered pasture and as botanical composition. Some differences in the effects of the two restoration techniques were also found on the biodiversity index and on floristic richness. Data about grazing selection of the single botanical species have also been collected. The tesults also showed different behaviour in feeding preferences for wild ungulates in comparison to domestic stocks, giving a better evaluation of the real forage availability for wild herbivores.
TL;DR: The imported cattle breeds had better growth performance, carcass traits and economic benefits compared with the local cattle breeds at 18.5 months old under the typical Chinese feeding conditions whereas, in this study, the local breeds may have some advantage in terms of meat quality.
Abstract: This study compared the finishing performance carcass characteristics and economic benefits of two imported (Limousin and Simmental) and three local (Luxi, Jinnan and Qinchuan) cattle breeds slaughtered at 18.5 months of age under thetypical Chinese beef production system. All cattle (n=71) were reared under the same production system and fed the same finishing diet for 105 days. Eight bulls from each breed were randomly selected for slaughtering. Compared with the three local breeds, the two imported breeds had higher average daily gain, dry matter intake and gain efficiency. Regarding carcass characteristics, the two imported breeds had higher carcass weight, bone weight, net meat weight, and ribeye area (P<0.001). However, the local breeds had higher (P<0.01) marbling scores than the imported breeds. The imported breeds showed higher economic benefits (P<0.001) than the local breeds. In conclusion, the imported cattle breeds had better growth performance, carcass traits and economic benefits compared with the local cattle breeds at 18.5 months old under the typical Chinese feeding conditions whereas, in this study, the local breeds may have some advantage in terms of meat quality.
TL;DR: It was concluded that although dietary SFP consumption can improve the performance of broiler chickens during the starter period under heat stress, it does not affect the performance during grower period or the blood antioxidant indices at week 6 of age.
Abstract: The effects of different levels of 0.0 sumac fruit powder (Z-SFP), 0.25 (L-SFP), 0.50 (M-SFP) and 1% (H-SFP) along with 100 mg/kg alpha tocopherol acetate (VE) were investigated on performance and blood antioxidant status of broiler chickens under heat stress condition. L-SFP, M-SFP and VE birds showed higher body weight gain (BWG) than Z-SFP and H-SFP birds during the starter period (P 0.05). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) of M-SFP and VE birds were lower than that of H-SFP birds during the starter period (P 0.05). The blood total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA) content and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) enzymes were not affected by dietary treatments at week 6 of age (P>0.05). It was concluded that although dietary SFP consumption can improve the performance of broiler chickens during the starter period under heat stress, it does not affect the performance during grower period or the blood antioxidant indices at week 6 of age.