Showing papers in "Italian Journal of Animal Science in 2013"
TL;DR: It can be concluded that increasing the stocking density rate from 28 to 40 kg of BW/m2 had evident impingement effects on the performance of broiler chicken and could jeopardize their welfare.
Abstract: The current study was performed to investigate the influence of different stocking density rates on the performance, thermophysiological measurements as well as blood parameters of 0 to 30 d of age female Ross broiler. A total of 96 chicks were randomly distributed in a randomized complete block design among 12 cages. Three stocking density rates were applied; low (28.0 kg/m2), medium (37.0 kg/m2) and high (40.0 kg/m2). Results revealed that cumulative body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI) were influenced (P 0.05) were observed for broilers mortality-corrected feed conversion ratio (FCR). Higher BWG (P<0.01) and FI (P<0.05) were reported for low and medium density rates broilers in comparison to the high density rate broilers. Overall means of body temperature as well as head, neck, wing, body and shank surface temperatures have displayed (P<0.05) higher values in medium and high density rates broilers compared to the low density rate broilers. Furthermore, increasing the stocking density from 28 to 40 kg/m2 induced a state of hemodilution in higher density rate broilers, which might explain the noticeable decrease in packed cell volume (PCV). Meanwhile, an increase in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was observed in the higher density group, which might indicate hepatocellular injures. It can be concluded that increasing the stocking density rate from 28 to 40 kg of BW/m2 had evident impingement effects on the performance of broiler chicken and could jeopardize their welfare.
93 citations
TL;DR: Based on presented evidences, it is recommended to substitute 3.0% of corn with green seaweed (U. lactuca) as an alternative ingredient in broiler chicken diets based on the effect on performance, carcass characteristics and serum constituents of broilers from 12 to 33 d of age.
Abstract: The current work aimed to assess the potential of the green seaweed Ulva lactuca ( U. lactuca ) as an alternative ingredient in broiler chicken diets. The effect of substituting 1.0 or 3.0% of corn with U. lactuca on performance, carcass characteristics, serum constituents and nutrients retention of broilers from 12 to 33 d of age was evaluated. Three treatments were distributed in a RCBD design: T1 = control diet (0% U. lactuca ); T2 = 1.0 % U. lactuca ; T3 = 3.0 % U. lactuca . Cumulative feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and nutrients retention from 12 to 33 d of age were not affected by treatment (P>0.05). Birds which had received T3 had a higher dressing percentage and breast muscle yield compared to those which had received T1 or T2. Serum total lipid, cholesterol and uric acid concentrations were significantly lower in birds which had received T2 and T3 (P<0.05). Serum enzymes and electrolytes were not influenced by any dietary treatment except for alanine transaminase (ALT) which was significantly lower for the treated groups. Based on presented evidences, it is recommended to substitute 3.0% of corn with green seaweed (U. lactuca) .
92 citations
TL;DR: The results suggest that a combination of R → G light may be comparable with monochromatic R light to enhance egg production in laying hens.
Abstract: We evaluated the effect of monochromatic and combined light emitting diode (LED) light colour on performance, ovarian morphology, and reproductive hormone and biochemical blood parameters in laying hens. A total of 600 Hy-line Brown pullets, 12 weeks of age, were divided (25×4×6 = birds × replications × treatments) as follows: red (R), green (G), blue (B), and combinations of R→G and R→G→B treatments. Fluorescent white light (W) was the control. The results showed that higher egg production was found under the monochromatic R and combination R→G treatments, and that heavier eggs were laid by the B and G treatments (P<0.05). Consequently, better feed conversion ratio was attained in the R→G treatment. Serum follicle stimulating hormone and 17β-estradiol levels were significantly higher in the R and R→G treatments. B treated birds came into production 15 days later than those treated with R light. Organ weight (ovary and stroma) and ovarian follicle numbers (1-3 and 4-6 mm) were significantly higher in R treated birds, as well as serum glucose and triglyceride contents. Serum IgG concentrations and the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio were not influenced by light colour. In these laying hens, 14 h R with 2 h G light in the later part of the day increased reproductive hormone levels, ovarian weight, and follicle number and hence increased egg production. Thus, these results suggest that a combination of R→G light may be comparable with monochromatic R light to enhance egg production in laying hens.
62 citations
TL;DR: Results demonstrated that chestnut tannin gave significant results even at low concentration levels in the feed, but was actually efficient in controlling necrotic enteritis at levels ≥5.0 g/kg.
Abstract: A hydrolysable tannin extracted from chestnut (SaviotaN ® ) was tested for efficacy in controlling the proliferation of Clostridium perfringens in the gut of broiler chickens challenged via oral gavage first with coccidia ( Eimeria tenella, Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria maxima) at the age of 10 days, and then with Clostridium perfringens at the age of 15 days. We randomly allocated 150 broiler chickens within 5 poultry isolators (30 birds each). Dietary treatments consisted of a basal diet (C) composed of corn [575 g/kg on dry matter (DM)] and soybean meal (100 g/kg DM), barley bran (220 g/kg DM), corn gluten feed (30 g/kg DM), soybean oil (25 g/kg DM), vitamin mineral premix (49.5 g/kg DM), and four other diets obtained by adding chestnut tannin extract (1.5, 3, 5, and 12 g/kg during week 1, 10.0 g/kg during week 2, and 8.0 g/kg during the last two weeks, respectively) to C. At the age of 20 days, 15 birds/group were euthanised and individually examined for the level of gut infection by counting Clostridium perfringens and macroscopic gut lesions. Results demonstrated that chestnut tannin gave significant results even at low concentration levels in the feed (1.5 to 3.0 g/kg), but was actually efficient in controlling necrotic enteritis at levels ≥5.0 g/kg. The treatment (12.0 g/kg during the first week and 8.0 g/kg during the last two weeks of age) resulted very efficient in controlling the proliferation of Clostridium perfringens and in reducing the severity of gut damage compared to the untreated infected group.
50 citations
TL;DR: Seleniumenriched eggs and edible tissues from organic Se sources in poultry diet could improve antioxidant status in humans and reduce possible Se deficiency-related diseases.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioavailability of ingested selenium (Se) yeast in laying hens and its effects on performance, eggshell quality, and tissue Se distribution. Forty-eight ISA brown laying hens were divided into 3 treatment groups: Group C, fed a basal diet containing 0.11 mg Se/kg of feed; Group SS, fed a basal diet plus 0.4 mg/kg of feed of Se from sodium selenite; and Group SY, fed a basal diet plus 0.4 mg/kg of feed of Se from selenium yeast. Feed intake, egg mass ratio, and production performance were not affected by Se supplementation, regardless of the Se source. Egg weight (+3.61% and +2.95%), eggshell weight (+4.26% and +5.38%), and eggshell surface (+2.43% and +1.96%) were higher (P<0.05) in SS and SY than C, whereas breaking strength was increased in SY (P<0.01). Breast muscle, liver and skin Se levels were higher in SY than in C, while kidney Se content was higher in SS hens. Eggs from SY had higher Se levels than SS. Blood metabolites were not affected in SS or SY groups than C. A higher Se level was detected in eggs and breast muscle of SY hens (P<0.05). Selenium-enriched eggs and edible tissues from organic Se sources in poultry diet could improve antioxidant status in humans and reduce possible Se deficiency-related diseases.
46 citations
TL;DR: The results confirm high fermentation by dog faecal bacteria of FOS and inulin that produced high amounts of propionate and that underwent very rapid fermentation and suggest their potential use in promoting a more distal fermentation on intestinal tract.
Abstract: Fermentable carbohydrates are an important part of the canine diet. They can improve gastrointestinal health by modifying gut microbial population and metabolic activity. The present study compared the fermentation characteristics and kinetic patterns of 10 carbohydrate sources using the in vitro gas production technique (IVGPT) with dog faecal inoculum . The substrates tested were: pure cellulose (PC), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), sugar-cane fibre (SCF), beet pulp (BP), wheat bran (WB), fructooligosaccharides (FOS), inulin, yeast cell wall (YCW), ground psyllium seed (PS), pea hulls (PH). All substrates were incubated at 39°C under anaerobic conditions with faeces collected from dogs as microbial inoculum. Gas production of fermenting cultures was recorded and after 48 h, pH, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and organic matter disappearance (OMD) were determined. The results confirm high fermentation by dog faecal bacteria of FOS and inulin that produced high amounts of propionate and that underwent very rapid fermentation. Three substrates (SCF, CMC and PC) were not able to support bacterial growth, with low gas and SCFA production, and high BCFA formation. PH and BP showed moderate OMD and SCFA production. Wheat bran B underwent rapid fermentation and generated a high proportion of butyrate. PS underwent slow fermentation with delayed gas production, supporting a high formation of SCFA, with an adequate amount of butyrate for bacterial growth while YCW, which showed a delayed fermentation, gave moderate SCFA production. The fermentation characteristics of PS and YCW suggest their potential use in promoting a more distal fermentation on intestinal tract.
42 citations
TL;DR: 3% acetic acid may be used as a feed supplement for JQ during the growing and laying period to improve the productive performance and the Haugh unit score.
Abstract: In order to evaluate the effect of acetic acid on growing and laying performance of Japanese Quail (JQ), 180 15-day-old JQ were divided into 4 groups. During the growing (15-42 days of age) and laying (43-84 days of age) periods, the groups fed the same basal diets supplemented with 0, 1.5, 3 and 6% of acetic acid. Each diet was fed to five replicates of 9 JQ (3 males:6 females) during the growing period. During the laying period, 128 birds were housed in 32 cages (4 birds per cage, 1 male and 3 females, 8 replicates per treatment). Birds were housed in wire cages (46L×43W×20H cm) in an open room. Acetic acid supplementation at 3% in the diets significantly increased the growth and laying rate and the Haugh unit score. The liver percentage significantly decreased with acetic acid at 6%. Acetic acid at 3% significantly increased hemoglobin concentrations at 6 weeks of age and increased weight of day old chicks hatched. Acetic acid affected the immune system as manifested by an excess of cellular reactions in the intestine as well as lymphoid hyperplasia in the spleen tissue. Degenerative changes in the covering epithelium of the intestinal villi were noted at the 6% concentration of acetic acid. Hepatocyte vacuolation and fatty changes were also observed at this concentration of treatment. In conclusion, 3% acetic acid may be used as a feed supplement for JQ during the growing and laying period to improve the productive performance.
42 citations
TL;DR: In conclusion, this trial demonstrated a promotion of growth performance and the reduction of lipid levels in serum and whole fish body with the supplementation of quercetin.
Abstract: This trial was conducted to investigate the effects of supplementary quercetin on growth performance, serum lipids levels and whole fish body composition in tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ). Four hundred fish were randomly divided into five treatment groups with four replicates in each group and 20 fish in each replicate. The dietary quercetin levels of the five treatment groups were: 0 (control group), 200, 400, 800, and 1600 mg/kg, respectively; the trial period was 7 weeks. Compared with the control group, specific growth rate and condition factor of quercetin groups were improved significantly (P 0.05). The triglyceride concentration in serum was decreased significantly with the increasing levels of quercetin supplementation (P 0.05). In conclusion, we demonstrated a promotion of growth performance and the reduction of lipid levels in serum and whole fish body with the supplementation of quercetin.
41 citations
TL;DR: The maternal genetic origin of five Italian local chicken breeds based on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) information is investigated and insight is provided into population structure, relatedness and variability of the five studied breeds.
Abstract: Number and population size of local chicken breeds in Italy is considered to be critical. Molecular data can be used to provide reliable insight into the diversity of chicken breeds. The first aim of this study was to investigate the maternal genetic origin of five Italian local chicken breeds ( Ancona , Livorno , Modenese , Romagnola and Valdarnese bianca ) based on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) information. Secondly, the extent of the genetic diversity, population structure and the genetic relationships among these chicken populations, by using 27 microsatellite markers, were assessed. To achieve these targets, a 506 bp fragment of the D-loop region was sequenced in 50 chickens of the five breeds. Eighteen variable sites were observed which defined 12 haplotypes. They were assigned to three clades and two maternal lineages. Results indicated that 90% of the haplotypes are related to clade E, which has been described to originate from the Indian subcontinent. For the microsatellite analysis, 137 individual blood samples from the five Italian breeds were included. A total of 147 alleles were detected at 27 microsatellite loci. The five Italian breeds showed a slightly higher degree of inbreeding (FIS=0.08) than the commercial populations that served as reference. Structure analysis showed a separation of the Italian breeds from the reference populations. A further sub-clustering allowed discriminating among the five different Italian breeds. This research provides insight into population structure, relatedness and variability of the five studied breeds.
36 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of adding different levels of selenium yeast on growth performance, slaughter performance, immune trait, oxidation resistance, and meat quality in tissue of broilers was investigated.
Abstract: Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for animal and human. Supplementation of Se usually in livestock diet has been proved as effective element. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of adding different levels of selenium yeast on growth performance, slaughter performance, immune trait, oxidation resistance, meat quality and selenium content in tissue of broilers to comprehensively evaluate the effect of selenium. A total of 540 day-old Arbor Acres (AA) broilers were selected and feeded with the diets of treatments supplemented with 0.0, 0.3, 0.5, l.0 and 2.0 mg/kg organic selenium respectively. The trial period was 42 days and divided into two periods. Our results showed that effect of different levels of selenium on growth performance, slaughter performance, the immune status, drip loss and flesh had not significant difference (P>0.05). The activities of serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total superoxide dismutase (TSOD), the abilities to inhibit hydroxyl radical (OH•), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and the content of GSH were significantly increased along with selenium level (P<0.05), whereas the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly decreased with organic selenium level (P<0.05). Our results demonstrated that organic selenium had no obvious effect on production performance of broilers, but significantly influenced the broiler oxidation resistance.
33 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that probiotic supplementation in particular, and to an intermediate extent ground thyme supplementation in diets of broiler, resulted in chicks with favorably improved blood biochemical parameters and mineral utilization, compared to the birds fed diets supplemented with avilamycin or without any supplementation.
Abstract: A trial was conducted to study the effects of the aromatic plant thyme, a commercial probiotic (Protexin) and avilamycin on broiler performance, blood biochemical parameters and also the antibody response to sheep red blood cells. A total of 750 broilers were assigned into five replicate groups for each of five dietary treatments, namely; control (C), 2.5 mg/kg avilamycin (AB), 0.1 g/kg commercial probiotic (P), 5 g/kg ground thyme (T1), and 7.5 g/kg ground thyme (T2). In general, body weight, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio were not affected by dietary treatments compared to the control birds (P>0.05). Birds fed the P supplemented treatment had the greatest serum protein levels (P<0.001) and highest albumin levels (P<0.001) when compared with control birds, while the birds fed T2 had the lowest (P<0.001). Dietary supplementation reduced (P<0.001) cholesterol and triglyceride concentration in serum of broilers, with the effect were more noticeable by P supplements. Moreover, blood calcium and phosphorus concentrations were higher (P<0.001) in birds fed the P-supplemented diet compared to the birds fed the control diets. This study suggests that probiotic supplementation in particular, and to an intermediate extent ground thyme supplementation in diets of broiler, resulted in chicks with favorably improved blood biochemical parameters and mineral utilization, compared to the birds fed diets supplemented with avilamycin or without any supplementation.
TL;DR: In this study, hatchability characteristics and some internal egg quality characteristics of 0, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 d stored Fayoumi eggs were examined and it was determined that prolonged storage time caused a decrease in the albumen weight, yolk weight, albumen index,Yolk index and Haugh unit value of FayouMI eggs.
Abstract: In this study, hatchability characteristics and some internal egg quality characteristics of 0, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 d stored Fayoumi eggs were examined. It was determined that the effect of storage time on hatchability, hatchability of fertile eggs, embryonic mortality, hatchling weight, albumen weight, yolk weight, albumen index, yolk index and Haugh unit was significant (P<0.05). There was no positive or negative effect of storage time on the fertility rates, but there was a negative effect of storage time on egg weight, hatchability, embryonic development and hatchling weight on d 4 (P<0.05). It was determined that prolonged storage time caused a decrease in the albumen weight, yolk weight, albumen index, yolk index and Haugh unit value of Fayoumi eggs. Fayoumi eggs should not be stored more than 3 d.
TL;DR: Fish fed SBMMOS and SBM-INU diets showed the highest moisture level and the lowest lipid content, and the total polyunsaturated fatty of the lipids was reduced by MOS and INU in comparison to SBM diet alone.
Abstract: One hundred forty-four sharpsnout seabream of about 100 g initial body weight were randomly stocked in 12 experiment tanks (180 L). Testing conditions included 12 fish per tank, with triplicate tanks for treatment. The experimental period lasted 150 days. Average water temperature was 21.9±1.6°C, salinity was 30.0‰ and pH ranged from 7 to 8, throughout the experiment. A control diet (FM) was made from fish meal. One similar diet (SBM) was made with approximately 40% of the protein supplied by soybean meal. The remaining two diets (SBM-MOS and SBM-INU) were formulated adding 8 g of mannanoligosaccharide (MOS) and inulin (INU) per kg of the SBM diet, respectively. The results showed that mean final weight (average values 234.4 g), specific growth rate (average values 0.585), feed conversion rate (average values 2.05) and protein efficiency ratio (average values 1.01) were unaffected by MOS or INU supplementation to SBM diet. Body proximate composition was affected by MOS and INU supplementation. Fish fed SBM-MOS and SBM-INU diets showed the highest moisture level and the lowest lipid content. Also the total polyunsaturated fatty of the lipids was reduced by MOS and INU in comparison to SBM diet alone.
TL;DR: In this paper, a 3×3 fattorial arrangement with dietary nonphytate phosphorus (NPP) levels and phytase sources (3- and 6-phytase) was conducted to evaluate the effects of NPP levels, phytases sources and their possible interactions on growth performance, serum biochemical and tibia parameters of broiler chickens from hatch to 42 days of age.
Abstract: A 3×3 fattorial arrangement with dietary non-phytate phosphorus (NPP) levels and phytase sources (3- and 6-phytase) was conducted to evaluate the effects of NPP levels, phytase sources and their possible interactions on growth performance, serum biochemical and tibia parameters of broiler chickens from hatch to 42 days of age. A total of 540 1-day-old Arbor Acres male broiler chicks were randomly allocated into nine dietary treatments, each containing 5 replicates pens with 12 birds per pen. Interaction was statistically significant in the performance till day 21 of trial, supplementation of low NPP diet decreased body weight (BW) (P<0.001), depressed average daily gain (ADG) (P<0.001) and deteriorated average daily feed intake (ADFI) (P<0.001) over day 42. During the 8-to-21-day period, even if interaction between NPP levels and phytase sources was significant (P<0.01), BW, ADG and ADFI always increased due to dietary supplementation of phytase, with source not differing. Dietary high NPP enhanced serum calcium and P concentrations on day 21 and 42 (linear contrast, P<0.01), while decreased alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity on day 42 (linear contrast, P<0.001), and interaction was not significant. Both dietary sources of phytase decreased serum AKP activities on day 42 (P<0.001), and urea nitrogen content on day 21 (P<0.01) and 42 (P<0.001). Both phytase improved ash percentage on day 21 and P content in tibia at 21 and 42 days of age (P<0.001). The results confirmed that dietary supplementation of phytase may enhance P availability during the 8-to-21-day period. Nevertheless, no difference between the two phytase sources was observed.
TL;DR: It may be concluded that three-way crossbred chickens (RLH) showed better egg traits than two-way Crossbreed chickens (RIFI and FIRI) with lower mortality and the RIFICrossbred chickens achieved sexual maturity earlier than both FIRI and RLH crossbreeding chickens with lower egg traits.
Abstract: A total of 225 hens (18 weeks of age) of each Rhode Island Red male x Fayoumi female (RIFI), Fayoumi male x Rhode Island Red female (FIRI) and White Leghorn male x FIRI female (RLH) were maintained on deep litter system for a period of 72 weeks of age. In floor pens, each crossbred chicken was randomly distributed between pens, with 21 to 24 birds of the same breed per pen (2.00 to 2.50 ft2/bird). The results revealed that the age of sexual maturity was lowest in RIFI followed by FIRI and RLH chickens. The highest egg production was obtained by three-way crossbred chickens (RLH) as compared with two-way crossbred chickens (RIFI and FIRI). The highest egg weight was observed in RLH than those of FIRI and RIFI crossbred chickens. The internal egg quality parameters included yolk weight, albumen weight, yolk + albumen weight and albumen height were same in all crossbred chickens. There was non-significant (p>0.05) difference in blood glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, calcium, protein, uric acid and ALP values among all crossbred chickens. It may be concluded that three-way crossbred chickens (RLH) showed better egg traits than two-way crossbred chickens (RIFI and FIRI) with lower mortality. The RIFI crossbred chickens achieved sexual maturity earlier than both FIRI and RLH crossbred chickens with lower egg traits.
TL;DR: The productive performance of group F was the worst, with a higher mortality rate, indicating that faba bean diets are not able to cover the nutritional requirements of birds mainly in the first rearing period.
Abstract: AbThsits rpaacpetr assesses the effect of faba bean ( Vicia Faba minor ), in partial substitution of soybean, on productive performance, carcass and meat traits of slow-growing chickens readed under the organic method. Faba bean was used in both starter (1-21 d) and growing/finisher diets (22-120 d). One thousand birds were fed two different diets containing respectively, soybean or faba bean as the main protein source for the entire rearing period. The birds of each group were slaughtered at 120 d of age. The productive performance of group F was the worst, with a higher mortality rate, indicating that faba bean diets are not able to cover the nutritional requirements of birds mainly in the first rearing period. The main carcass and meat qualitative traits, were not affected by the treatment, whereas minor modification regards saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids.
TL;DR: It was concluded that CA and MP independently exhibit positive impact on morphometery of small intestine, toward facilitating the nutrient absorption and reducing the metabolic demands of the intestinal tract in broiler chickens.
Abstract: An experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of citric acid (CA) (0, 3 and 6%) and microbial phytase (MP) (0, 500 and 1000 IU/kg) on morphology of different segments of small intestine (duodenum, jejunum and ileum) in broiler chickens fed on corn and soybean meal based diets. The effect of 9 experimental treatments (3×3 factorial design) were assessed using 270 7-d-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks in a randomized complete block design in three replicates of 10 birds each. The mean villi length (VL), crypt depth (CD) and goblet cell number (GCN) in duodenum, jejunum and ileum and villi width (VW) and VL:CD ratio in duodenum was significantly greater for the birds fed on acidified diets compared to the control birds at day 42 of age (P<0.01). Inclusion of 3% CA in diet significantly decreased the epithelial thickness (ET) in duodenum, jejunum and ileum (P<0.01). The birds received diets with 1000 IU/kg of MP showed significant increase in CD (P<0.01) and GCN in jejunum (P<0.05), and significant decrease in VL:CD ratio and ET in the duodenum (P<0.01), jejunum (P<0.05) and ileum (P<0.01) segments. No variable of interest were affected by CA × MP interaction. It was concluded that CA and MP independently exhibit positive impact on morphometery of small intestine, toward facilitating the nutrient absorption and reducing the metabolic demands of the intestinal tract in broiler chickens.
TL;DR: The study showed that early calf mortality could be strongly reduced by paying more attention to a very limited number of operations and feeding first colostrum meal beyond three hours after birth multiply the risk to have early mortality higher than 10%.
Abstract: High calf mortality is an important factor of economic loss in dairy production. At present, limited data are available on calf rearing practices and calf mortality in Italian dairy farming. The aim of the study was to identify the most important management risk factors for preweaning calf mortality in Italian dairy farms. A group of 28 intensive dairy farms from Lombardy (Italy) were visited to collect information about calf management and calf mortality. Female calf mortality showed high variability among herds and in many cases the percentage of calves dead within the preweaning period was very high. The average perinatal mortality (during calving and within 24 h after birth) was 8.82% of total females born with a maximum value of 30.8%, whereas average early mortality (from 24 h to weaning) was 8.9±7.9%, with a maximum value of 28%. The herd size did not significantly affect calf mortality although the number of calves cared per operator in the big farms was higher than in the small ones. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that feeding first colostrum meal beyond three hours after birth, group housing before 30 d of age and feeding daily less than 5 L of milk or milk replacer per calf multiply the risk to have early mortality higher than 10%. The study showed that early calf mortality could be strongly reduced by paying more attention to a very limited number of operations.
TL;DR: A reduction in dietary protein level led to inferior egg mass and feed conversion ratio during the peak production period, but egg production was not affected by protein reduction but feed efficiency, and average daily feed intake increased significantly.
Abstract: An experiment was conducted to determine the possibility of using various levels of crude protein (CP) by providing laying hens with constant levels of digestible sulfur amino acid, threonine and lysine to improve performance and egg quality. The experiment was conducted as a completely randomized block design in a factorial arrangement (4 × 2) with 8 replicates of 10 hens in each. Factors included 4 levels of CP (18.5%, 17.5%, 16.5% and 15.5%) and 2 strains (LSL and Hy-Line W-36) of laying hens. Hens were fed experimental diets from 25 to 33 weeks of age. Production performance was measured for eight weeks and egg quality characteristics were determined at 29 and 33 weeks of age. Protein reduction decreased egg weight, egg mass and hen body weight linearly (P≤0.01). Egg production was not affected by protein reduction but feed efficiency, and average daily feed intake increased significantly (P≤0.01). Lohmann Selected Leghorn laying hens showed significantly higher egg production, egg weight, egg mass, weight gain, feed efficiency and feed intake compared to the W-36 laying hens (P≤0.01). Shell thickness increased linearly as protein levels decreased (P≤0.05). There were significant differences between two strains on the egg quality characteristics (P≤0.01). Significant (P≤0.05) CP × strain interactions were observed for hen weight, albumen height, Haugh units, yolk and shell percentage. Based on the results of this experiment, a reduction in dietary protein level (from 18.5% to 15.5%), without any alteration in digestible TSAA and Thr: Lys ratio, led to inferior egg mass and feed conversion ratio during the peak production period.
TL;DR: In this article, a simplified method for estimating milk carbon footprint is presented, LatteGHG, which is an electronic worksheet dedicated to the typical Italian dairy production systems, with particular attention to background information and methodologies that are adopted for estimating greenhouse gas emissions.
Abstract: The article presents a simplified method for estimating milk carbon footprint. LatteGHG is an electronic worksheet dedicated to the typical Italian dairy production systems. The literature concerning the estimation of milk carbon footprint has been examined, with particular attention to background information and methodologies that are adopted for estimating greenhouse gas emissions. The aim is to identify the solutions that best fit an intensive production system, such as the milk production system in Italy. The article includes an indepth description of the procedures used in the estimation in order to ensure the greatest transparency. The proposed tool is also flexible because it allows the users to upload the most up-dated and suitable emission factors. LatteGHG has been tested by simulating four dairy farm models and has been shown to be able to at least point out differences due to milk productivity, the stocking rate and the manure management system.
TL;DR: Results from this study clearly indicated that SAF-Mannan could act as a replacement for antimicrobial growth promoters in broilers (AGPs) and level of 0.05% was enough to achieve a response competitive with that of the antibiotic.
Abstract: A 30-day broiler cage trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) from one commercial product (SAF-Mannan) on growth parameters, gut health and control pathogen colonization of broilers under C lostridium perfringens ( C. perfringens ) challenge. One hundred, 0-day old male Ross 308 broilers were allocated in 4 experimental treatments for 30 days. The four dietary treatments were T1, standard broiler basal diets without any medication as a control (+CONT); T2, basal diets as in T1 plus C. perfringens challenge (-CONT); T3, enramycin 0.1 g/kg of feed plus C. perfringens challenge (ENRA); T4, SAF-Mannan at 0.5 g/kg in starter and finisher diets plus C. perfringens challenge (SAF). Overall, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and body weight gain (BWG) in treatments ENRA and SAF were significantly better (P<0.01) than the –CONT treatment, whereas treatment +CONT was intermediate and not different from SAF. Feed intake (FI) was not influenced by treatment. SAF-Mannan supplementation was able to lower the ileal C. perfringens count as compared to all other treatments (P<0.05). The changes in C. perfringens count appear in parallel to observed improvement in the cumulative FCR. The results from this study clearly indicated that SAF-Mannan could act as a replacement for antimicrobial growth promoters in broilers (AGPs). SAF-Mannan level of 0.05% was enough to achieve a response competitive with that of the antibiotic.
TL;DR: The results evidenced that the meat composition of suckling lambs is affected by the feeding system of the mother rather than the management system of lambs.
Abstract: Effect of outdoor (OUT) or indoor (IND) rearing systems (RS) of 48 male and female Sarda suckling lambs on fatty acid (FA) composition and lipid oxidation of raw and cooked meat was studied. Ewes grazed daily on natural pasture for 6 hours. During grazing time of ewes, IND lambs were kept indoors whereas OUT lambs followed the mother. Slaughter age was 28 days. RS did not affect meat chemical composition, pH, cooking loss and FA profile. Microwave cooking changed markedly the concentrations of almost all meat FAs and FA classes: short (-28%) and medium chain fatty acids (-11%), saturated fatty acids (-7.6%), odd-number carbon and branched-chain FA (-11.8%), proportion of long chain fatty acids (+5.3%) and PUFAn-3 (+37.3%) and PUFAn-6 (+26.1%) class. Sex influenced significantly the concentration of the main odd-number carbon and branched chain fatty acid. OUT rearing system increased MDA concentration (P<0.01). RS ´ cooking interaction affected PUFA and MDA, which were higher in cooked samples of OUT than IND lambs. The results evidenced that the meat composition of suckling lambs is affected by the feeding system of the mother rather than the management system of lambs.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyzed the environmental impact of cow milk production in an alpine area through a cradle-to-farm-gate Life Cycle Assessment and identified farming strategies that can improve environmental sustainability without negatively affecting profitability.
Abstract: The aim of the study was to analyze environmental impact of cow milk production in an alpine area through a cradle-to-farm-gate Life Cycle Assessment and to identify farming strategies that can improve environmental sustainability without negatively affecting profitability. Data were collected from farmers in 28 dairy farms in an Italian alpine valley. The production of 1 kg of fat protein corrected milk (FPCM) needed 3.18 m 2 of land; land use on-farm was high because a large part of farm land consisted of pastures in the highland, used extensively during summer. Also the use of energy from non-renewable sources was high, 5.14 MJ kg FPCM -1 on average. Diesel for production and transportation of feed purchased off-farm was mainly used, especially concentrates which were entirely purchased. The average emission of greenhouse and acidification causing gases was 1.14 kg CO 2 -eq and 0.021 kg SO 2 -eq kg FPCM -1 . Eutrophication was on average 0.077 kg of nitrate-eq kg FPCM -1 . Farms with low producing cows had higher environmental impact per kg of milk and lower gross margin per cow compared to the others. Low stocking rate farms had the best results regarding acidification and eutrophication per kg FPCM. Farms with high feed self-sufficiency had significantly lower acidification potential than the others. Increasing milk yield per cow, by selection and feeding, and enhancing feed self-sufficiency, by higher forage production and quality and more exploitation of highland pastures, seem to be the best strategies to improve ecological performances of dairy farms in the Alps while maintaining their profitability.
TL;DR: A regular monitoring of genetic variability of the population is important and must be adopted, in order to avoid the danger of an excessive increase of inbreeding in the future, which would result in significant inbreeding depression and in significant loss of genetic variation.
Abstract: The Bracco Italiano is one of the oldest pointing dog breed, used for hunting ever since the Renaissance time. The complete electronic record of the breed was downloaded from the ENCI database [whole population (WP) = 24,613 animals registered since 1970 to 2011] with the aim to estimate genetic variability in Bracco Italiano dog breed using pedigree records. Up to 97% of the individuals had registered parents and 86% registered grand-fathers. Average generation interval was 4.68±0.545 for stallions and 4.08±0.321 year for dams. Reference population (RP) was defined as the population of interest that include living reproductive animals approaching the last three generations and include 9006 dogs of which 34% were inbreds. The number of ancestors was 564 in WP and 188 in RP, while the effective number of ancestors was 46 and 34 respectively. To explain 50% of the genetic variability, a total of 18 and 9 ancestors enough, respectively in the WP and RP. The average inbreeding coefficient in the RP resulted 6.7% while the average increase in inbreeding was estimated to be 1.29% (N e =38.86). Nevertheless a regular monitoring of genetic variability of the population is important and must be adopted, in order to avoid the danger of an excessive increase of inbreeding in the future, which would result in significant inbreeding depression and in significant loss of genetic variation.
TL;DR: The results indicate that lactulose and mannitol might largely escape rumen fermentation, suggesting their possible use as markers to test gut permeability also in ruminants.
Abstract: Soluble sugars are thought to play an important role in the fermentation processes of the rumen but their actual fermentation rate has not been fully assessed. Some sugars are also used as markers to assess gut permeability in monogastrics but their use in ruminants can be compromised by the hydrolytic activity of rumen microflora. This study aimed to evaluate the fermentability of some naturally occurring and synthetic soluble sugars. The synthetic soluble sugars were included to verify their possible use as markers for studies of gut permeability in ruminants. In vitro gas and volatile fatty acid (VFA) production from glucose, fructose, xylose, galactose, sucrose, lactose, arabinose mannitol, lactulose and sucralose were measured in a 24 h-incubation trial using ruminal fluid from heifers adapted or not-adapted to additional sugars in the diet, and with caecal content as inocula. Gas production from the same sugars was further evaluated in a 72 h-incubation trial with not-adapted rumen fluid only. Gas and VFA production were not affected by feeding additional sugars, but significant effects of inocula (ruminal vs caecal), sugars and their interaction were observed. Caecal inoculum produced less gas but higher VFA than ruminal inocula. Fructose and glucose had the highest rates of gas production (10.57% h -1 and 10.42% h -1 , respectively), and lactulose and mannitol the lowest (3.47% h -1 and 4.63% h -1 , respectively) when fermented with ruminal fluid. Sucralose seemed to have a negative effect on microbial fermentations. Our results indicate that lactulose and mannitol might largely escape rumen fermentation, suggesting their possible use as markers to test gut permeability also in ruminants. This needs to be verified in vivo .
TL;DR: In this paper, a review summarizes the importance of enteric methane (CH 4 ) emission in ruminants and relevant to the current on knowledge relevant to genetic aspects of enteringic CH 4 production, highlighting future research needs and directions.
Abstract: This review summarizes the importance of enteric methane (CH 4 ) emission in ruminants and relevant to the current on knowledge relevant to genetic aspects of enteric CH 4 production, highlighting future research needs and directions Global average temperature has increased by about 07°C in the last century The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reported that anthropogenic greenhouse gases (GHG), including carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), CH 4 , nitrous oxide (N 2 O) and halocarbons, have been responsible for most of the observed temperature increase since the middle of the twentieth century Agriculture, particularly livestock, is increasingly being recognized as both a contributor to the process and a potential victim of it Policy interventions and technical solutions are required to address both the impact of livestock production on climate change and the effects of climate change on livestock production Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), declared that in the next 50 years, the world’s farmers will be called upon to produce more food than has been produced in the past 10,000 years, and to do so in environmentally sustainable ways Therefore, the GHG reduction should be treated as a public good The United States congress is prospecting to define a price on GHG emissions Limiting the concentration of CO 2 and other GHG in Earth’s atmosphere requires a technological and economic revolution A cost-effective way could be the genetic improvement of livestock, which produces permanent and cumulative changes in performance Animal variation in enteric CH 4 emission has been reported in the literature, providing potential for improvement through genetic selection
TL;DR: Feeding high levels of PA to heavy pigs can yield more valuable carcasses without affecting meat quality, however, effects on FA composition suggest caution in adopting this practice in the Italian heavy pig production.
Abstract: Two trials were carried out to evaluate the effects of i) supranutritional doses of pantothenic acid (PA) and ii) sex on carcass, meat quality and fatty acid (FA) composition of subcutaneous adipose tissue in Italian heavy pig. In trial 1, 59 Duroc x (LxLW) pigs were fed the same diet containing either 10 [in the control (C) group] or 110 ppm [in the treatment (T) group] PA, from 107 to 168 kg live weight. At slaughtering, forty carcasses were sampled randomly. The T carcasses had lower backfat thickness (P<0.05), lower incidence of adipose cuts (P<0.05), higher lean cuts percentage (63.09 vs 60.64%; P<0.01) and lean meat yield (P<0.07). In trial 2, 42 pigs [Dumeco Cofok x (LxLW)], evenly divided into three groups, were fed the same feed containing respectively 10 (C), 60 (T1) and 110 ppm (T2) PA, from 95 to 165 kg live weight. The treatment lowered total adipose cuts yield (P<0.05) and increased lean/adipose cuts ratio (P<0.07). In the outer layer of thighs subcutaneous adipose tissue, the treatment raised polyunsaturated FA content (P<0.01), unsaturation coefficient (P<0.01) and polyunsaturated/saturated (P/S) FA ratio (P<0.05). In the inner layer, the treatment led to a lower saturated FA (P<0.05) and higher polyunsaturated FA content (P<0.01). In both trials, females generally provided leaner carcasses. In neither trials, vitamin level affected meat quality. Thus, feeding high levels of PA to heavy pigs can yield more valuable carcasses without affecting meat quality. However, effects on FA composition suggest caution in adopting this practice in the Italian heavy pig production.
TL;DR: The association of several commercially available rapid test kits proved satisfactory for determination of the veterinary antimicrobial drugs most used on dairy farms but at least five kits are required.
Abstract: This survey investigated the antimicrobials most commonly used in dairy herds and antimicrobial residues most frequently detected in milk to evaluate the suitability of rapid screening tests to determine antimicrobial residues in milk. The investigation was carried out in 45 dairy herds consulting the farm administration records and in a national dairy industry collecting milk from almost all the dairy farms studied. Data were recorded on: i) treatments with drugs containing antimicrobials during the 12 months prior to the visit; ii) antimicrobial active substances present in the drugs; iii) data from routine controls to detect antimicrobial residues (52,771 samples). The antimicrobial classes most commonly used were penicillins, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, macrolides, sulphonamides, tetracyclines, aminoglycosides and lyncosamides; the most frequently used antimicrobial not belonging to any of the previous groups was riphaximin. Sixty-four samples collected from milk trucks yielded antimicrobial residues exceeding the detection limit of the screening test used: sulphonamide residues were the most prevalent (3.4%), followed by tetracycline (0.3%) and penicillins and cephalosporins (0.03%). The antimicrobial classes most commonly used on dairy farms are the same as the residues most frequently detected in milk. The association of several commercially available rapid test kits proved satisfactory for determination of the veterinary antimicrobial drugs most used on dairy farms but at least five kits are required. Therefore, knowledge of the most frequently used veterinary drugs and periodic monitoring are required for the dairy industry to develop a targeted and effective control plan.
TL;DR: The described method may be a useful tool for determining fish larvae weight, although it requires conducting further researches in order to establish the influence of accompanying factors such as e.g. kind and concentration of anaesthetic.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate a procedure of weighing live fish larvae and to determine its impact on the survival and growth rates based on the example of ide Leuciscus idus (L.). The platform with larvae was then dried on the blotting paper and next weighed together with larvae. The weight of the larvae was calculated by deducting the weight of the platform from the total weight recorded. After weighing, the fish were returned to the rearing tank. Fish from the control group were not manipulated during the whole experiment. No significant differences were recorded in larvae survival, weight and length (91.33±4.73%; 41.69±10.70 mg; 17.56±1.44 mm and 94.00±4.00%; 49.40±10.79 mg; 18.41±1.24 mm in E group and C group, respectively). Significant differences were recorded in case of SGR that reached 15.80±0.29 in C group and 14.60±0.17 in E group. The described method may be a useful tool for determining fish larvae weight. Although it requires conducting further researches in order to establish the influence of accompanying factor such as e.g . kind and concentration of anaesthetic.
TL;DR: In this article, the current status of local chicken breeds in Turkey and Italy, and some recommendations for developing countries such as Turkey are discussed. But the authors focus on Turkey and make no mention of developing countries.
Abstract: Increased global use of highly productive breeds of farm animals has been associated with a loss of genetic diversity in most species, especially in local poultry species. Since 2000, in Italy, and most of all in Veneto region, various governmental, non-governmental and private organizations have tried to preserve the genetic diversity of poultry resources. This successful conservation effort has included various activities: improving knowledge on biological functions, conserving typical morphological characteristics, developing a selection of strategies, controlling inbreeding and, valorizing strategies to diffuse breeds in local productive systems. These activities represent a good example for developing countries such as Turkey. With the aim of helping to conservate Turkish poultry resources, this study describes the current status of local chicken breeds in Turkey and Italy, and makes some recommendations for developing countries such as Turkey.