COVID-19 and the Dairy and Meat Supply Chain

The Coronavirus health emergency and the lockdown adopted in Italy and many countries are head-hitting in the agricultural and agri-food sectors

La Sulla fresca o disidratata migliora le proprietà salutistiche dei formaggi ovini

Nel settore dell’alimentazione dei ruminanti si registra un crescente interesse verso l’uso dei polifenoli per i diversi vantaggi che ne conseguono, fra i quali, l’ottimizzazione delle fermentazioni ruminali, con conseguente riduzione della metanogenesi e mitigazione delle emissioni di metano nell'ambiente; la riduzione della degradazione delle proteine alimentari nel rumine, favorendo quindi una maggiore disponibilità di aminoacidi per l'assorbimento intestinale e la riduzione delle escrezioni di azoto nell'ambiente; la protezione degli acidi grassi polinsaturi (PUFA) dalla bioidrogenazione del rumine, e il loro successivo trasferimento nei prodotti lattiero caseari e nelle carni che così …

Milk production and gastrointestinal nematode parasitism in ewes grazing either annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam) or sulla (Hedysarum coronarium L) at different daily timing

Effect of legume grains as dietary protein source on the quality of organic lamb meat

Hormonal and metabolic adaptation to fasting: effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarianaxis and reproductive performance of rabbit does

To assess the impact of acute caloric shortage on reproduction, rabbit does were either fed ad libitum (control, AL), or fasted for 24 (STF) or 48 h (LTF) before induction of ovulation with GnRH injection. Blood samples were collected during the last 3 h of fasting, and the following 4 h after GnRH injection, when feed was provided again, to measure plasma concentrations of LH, estradiol-17β, leptin, insulin, T3, corticosterone, glucose, and NEFA. Before re-feeding, plasma leptin, insulin, and T3 concentrations were lower (P ≤ 0.01) in both fasted groups than in controls, but then gradually increased following realimentation to match those of controls. During fasting, corticoster…

Influenza della specie foraggera pascolata sulla produzione di latte ovino

Aseasonal sheep and goat milk production in the Mediterranean area: Physiological and technical insights

Abstract Aseasonal or out-of-season milk production for small ruminants raised in Mediterranean areas refers generally to milk having to be produced at a time that corresponds to summer which is when conditions are generally unfavourable with respect to both physiological aspects and nutritional factors related to seasonal climatic trends. In fact, sheep and goat milk production in the Mediterranean basin is mostly based on pasture utilization and thus follows the pasture availability pattern. This causes a strong seasonal pattern to the amount of milk processed by cheese processes plants, with the peak being in the spring, a marked reduction in early summer and nil or low availability of m…

EFFECT OF CHANGE OF CAGE AND/OR 44H MOTHER-LITTER SEPARATION ON PRODUCTIVITY OF NON-RECEPTIVE LACTATING RABBIT DOES. PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION

[EN] The effects of three different bio-stimulation methods, namely change of cage (CC), 44-hour mother-litter separation (MLS) and a combination of the two (CCMLS), for inducing oestrus in nonreceptive lactating does, were compared to the peñormance of receptive lactating does (RO). From March to July, 215 lactating does were taken to males for mating on day 9 after kindling. The 155 RO immediately mated. The does refusing to mate were divided in a balanced manner based body weight and parity and subjected to one of the three bio-stimulations. Receptivity in MLS does (72.7%) was higher than in ce (50.0%) and CCMLS groups (55.5%), and appeared more frequently (45.5%) on day 11, just after t…

Effetti del sistema di allevamento e della tecnologia di caseificazione sulla qualità del caciocavallo palermitano: prime valutazioni

Legume grain-based supplements in dairy sheep diet: Effects on milk yield, composition and fatty acid profile

With the aim to find protein sources that are free of genetically modified organisms, the effects of legume grain-based concentrates, used as alternatives of a mixed concentrate feed containing soybean, were evaluated on sheep milk production. Twelve lactating ewes were divided into four groups, fed hay and, according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design, supplied with 800 g/day of a commercial mixed concentrate feed (MCF) containing maize and soybean, or the same amount of isoprotein concentrates consisting of chickpea (CH), faba bean (FB), or pea (PE) mixed with barley. The ewes ingested more of the concentrates with legume grains than the MCF (702, 702, 678 vs 587 g/day DM for CH, FB, PE and M…

Effetti della specie foraggera e della tecnica di pascolamento sulla produzione di latte ovino.

L’obiettivo della ricerca è stato quello di valutare gli effetti del pascolamento su specie botaniche differenti, utilizzando sia il sistema continuo che quello turnato, sulla produzione di latte ovino. Le risorse foraggere utilizzate erano rappresentate dalla sulla (Hedysarum coronarium L.), da un erbaio in consociazione di trifoglio alessandrino (Trifolium alexandrinum) ed avena (Avena sativa) e da un prato di cicoria (Cichorium intybus). Sono state utilizzate 40 pecore in lattazione suddivise in 5 gruppi omogenei, ciascuno assegnato ad uno dei seguenti trattamenti: pascolamento continuo su sulleto; pascolamento turnato su sulleto; pascolamento continuo su consociazione; pascolamento turn…

Connection between body condition score, chemical characteristics of body and reproductive traits of rabbit does.

Abstract Body condition scoring (BCS) is widely used to evaluate the nutritional status of livestock (cows, ewes, sows). In intensive systems, rabbit does are generally inseminated 11 days post partum and, due to a hormonal antagonism and an energy deficit caused by concurrent lactation and pregnancy, they show low fertility. The aim of this investigation was to assess an in vivo method for scoring the body condition of does by verifying the association with the body fat depots, the chemical composition of body tissues, the ovarian status, the hormonal response and the reproductive performance. The evaluation of BCS, involving 66 multiparous lactating does inseminated at 11 days post partum…

Parity and number of repeated doe-litter-separation treatments affect differently the reproductive performances of lactating does.

[EN] Using data from three different experiments, the effects of oestrus synchronisation by doe-litter separation (DLS), applied 48 hours befare artificial insemination from day 9 to day 11 post partum, on productive performance of free nursing rabbit does and their litters in relation to parity and number of successive DLS treatments were evaluated. lnitially, 200 New Zealand White does of different parity were homogeneously and definitively distributed in two groups (DLS and Control). On the whole, DLS improved fertility (+23.9%, Ps0.001 ), but reduced the growth of young rabbits from day 9 to weaning (-1.7 g/d, Ps0.01) and their weaning weight (-38 g, Ps0.01) at day 35. DLS also increase…

Evolution of indigenous starter microorganisms and physicochemical parameters in spontaneously fermented beef, horse, wild boar and pork salamis produced under controlled conditions

Abstract The present work was carried out to evaluate the microbiological and physicochemical composition of salamis produced with the meat of beef, horse, wild boar and pork. Salami productions occurred under controlled laboratory conditions to exclude butchery environmental contaminations, without the addition of nitrate and nitrite. All trials were monitored during the ripening (13 °C and 90% relative humidity) extended until 45 d. The evolution of physicochemical parameters showed that beef and pork salamis were characterized by a higher content of branched chain fatty acids (FA) and rumenic acid than horse and wild boar salamis, whereas the last two productions showed higher values of …

Grazing sulla and/or ryegrass forage for 8 or 24 hours daily. 1. Effects on ewes milk production

L’ingestione alimentare

La gestione del pascolamento nell’allevamento della capra da latte.

Alimentazione: uno studio per l’integrazione della dieta con granelle prodotte localmente

Estudio preliminar sobre características inmunohistoquímicas e histológicas ováricas de conejas sincronizadas.

Feed intake.

Comparing quality characteristics of “Caciocavallo Palermitano” cheese from traditional and intensive production systems

The “Caciocavallo Palermitano” is a typical stretched curd (pasta filata) cheese, made mainly in the Palermo area, in the Western Sicily, from cow milk. The aim of this investigation was to verify the influence of the on-farm production system (traditional vs. intensive) on some qualitative characteristics of “Caciocavallo Palermitano” cheese, with particular regard to fatty acid (FA) profile. On June 2008, 1-month aged cheeses were sampled from 6 traditional farms (TRD) and 5 intensive farms (INT). In TRD farms, local cow breeds (Cinisara, Modicana or Siciliana) were fed pasture-based diet and cheeses were manufactured using artisanal wood tools by following the traditional technique. The …

A 3-week feed restriction after weaning as an alternative to a medicated diet: effects on growth, health, carcass and meat traits of rabbits of two genotypes

Feed restriction after weaning is widely used in meat rabbit farms to promote health and reduce mortality, but this practice impacts negatively on rabbit growth and slaughter performance. This study compared a 3-week post-weaning feed restriction with ad libitum medicated feeding, evaluating effects on feed intake, growth, health, carcass and meat quality of rabbits of two genotypes: Italian White pure breed and Hycole hybrid×Italian White crossbred. A total of 512 rabbits at 36 days of age, of both sexes and two genotypes, were divided into four homogeneous groups assigned, from 36 to 57 days of age, to different feeding programmes (FP): restricted non-medicated (R-N), ad libitum non-medic…

Effects of proteic concentrates different from soja-bean on growth performances and meat quality of 130 day lambs.

Effects of grazing Trifolium subterraneum and Lolium multiflorum in various proportions on forage intake and milk production of dairy ewes

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of grazing Trifolium subterraneum (T) and Lolium multiflorum (L), as pure or associated crops, on forage intake and milk yield and composition in Comisana ewes. The four following fenced subplots, each of 2500 m2, were used for grazing: T, 100% of surface; L, 100% of surface; TL, T and L on 66.6 and 33.3 % of surface; LT, T and L on 33.3 and 66.6% of surface, respectively. Each subplot was divided into two parcels in order to have two replicates. Forty ewes were divided into eight homogeneous groups, with regard to milk yield, days in milk and live weight. In spring for 70 days, each group grazed daily for 8 h one of the fenced parcels. M…

Effects of diet and genotype at CSN1S1 locus on the oxidative stress in lactating goats

Twenty-eight Girgentana goats were selected on the basis of their CSN1S1 genotype as follows: 14 goats homozygous for strong (AA) alleles and 14 goats heterozygous (AF). The goats were used in a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement of treatments, with the two genotypes (G) and four diets (D). The diets were: a pelleted alfalfa hay (100H), a complete feed including alfalfa hay at 65% (65H), fresh sulla (Hedysarum coronarium L.) forage (100S) and fresh sulla plus barley (65S). Each trial consisted of 15d for adaptation and 8d for sample collection, during which the goats received the scheduled diet ad libitum. Blood samples were collected at the end of pre-experimental and experimental period. Plasma …

Energy intake effects at pasture on milk production and coagulation properties in girgentana goats with different as1-cn genotypes

The aim of this study was to investigate whether proerties of milk from Girgentana goats of different as1-CN genotypes were affected by the energy intake at pasture. Thirty six goats were genotyped at as1-CN locus using several genomic techniques and milk protein analysis. Eight genotypes associted with low (FF, 2 goats), medium (AF, AN, BF, BN, 21 goats) and high (AA, AB, BB, 13 goats) as1-CN level have beed typed. The increase in energy intake (E) of goats from low (2.0 Mcal/d) corresponded to an increasing dry matter intake, diet CP percentage, milk yield and clotting parameters, and a reduction in milk fat. Depending on genotypes linked to increasign as1-CN, milk was higher in casein, c…

Effect of diet and CSN1S1 genotype on nutritional, productive and metabolic responses of milking Girgentana goats

Effect of the dam’s feeding regimen on the meat quality of light suckling lambs

In order to verify the effect of the introduction of concentrates without GMO risk and at low aflatoxin risk in the diet of grazing milk ewes on the quanti-qualitative production of meat of their milk-fed light lambs, two trials were carried out - in Sicily, on 32 Comisana lambs, slaughtered at 49±4 days (trial 1); and in Sardinia, on 28 Sarda lambs, slaughtered at 31±4 days(trial 2) - comparing the following grazing dams’ feeding regimes: High stocking rate + Organic (barley – tickbean or pea) Concentrate (HO); High stocking rate + Conventional (maize-soybean) Concentrate (HC); Low stocking rate + Organic Concentrate (LO); Low stocking rate + Conventional Concentr…

Effect of the dam’s feeding regimen on the meat quality of light suckling lambs. 6, suppl. 1, 570-572.

L’alimentazione al pascolo della capra da latte

Effects of feeding green forage of sulla (Hedysarum coronarium L.) on lamb growth and carcass and meat quality.

The nutritional effects of sulla (Hedysarum coronarium L.) forage containing condensed tannins (CT) on growth of lambs, and carcass and meat quality were investigated. Thirty-two male Comisana lambs aged 100 ± 8 days weighing 19.0 ± 2.8 kg were fed fresh forage of sulla or CT-free annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam. subsp. Wersterwoldicum) for 49 days until slaughter; in addition, each lamb was supplied with 200 g/days of concentrate. Eight lambs per diet had been previously treated with anthelmintic drugs to remove nematode parasites. Measurements of BW and feed intake, and counts of faecal nematode eggs were made. Carcass parameters were recorded after slaughter, and tissue component…

The effects of slaughter age and restricted feeding on growth, carcass and meat quality traits of dairy breed lambs

This experiment aimed to investigate the possibility to raise the carcass weight of lambs of dairy breed and produce low-fat meat by increasing the slaughter age and applying strategies to reduce feeding level. At 35d of age, 70 weaned lambs of Valle del Belice breed were divided into 2 groups and adapted to housing in multiple boxes and experimental diets over a 10-d period. The groups received ad libitum pelleted alfalfa hay and concentrates differing in the 20% inclusion of durum wheat bran (0WB, 20WB) used to reduce cost and energy level. After 45d of experiment, both groups were divided into 3 subgroups; 2 of them with 15 lambs were slaughtered at 90d of age (90L), whereas the other 4 …

Salvaguardia della tradizione casearia: indagine microbiologica sulla lavorazione tradizionale del Caciocavallo Palermitano

Ingestione al pascolo e produzione di latte di capre Girgentane in funzione della combinazione spaziale delle specie foraggere e dell'ingestione con concentrato

Body condition score and related productive responces in rabbit does.

A simplified 3-point scale method for in vivo scoring body condition is proposed as an useful and rapid tool to support experimental and on-farm management of nutrition and reproduction of rabbit does. The productive responses of lactating rabbit does scored and inseminated at 11 days post partum (pp) are verified, as well as performance of non-pregnant does scored and re-inseminated at 32 days pp when non-lactating. After their first parturition, 96 New Zealand White rabbit does were checked for 126 days over three successive 42-day reproductive cycles. The body condition scoring was based on feel by hand the loin and the rump for bone protrusions and muscle fullness. The loin was evaluate…

Impiego di granelle di leguminose in alternativa alla soia nella produzione di carne ovina biologica

Use of legume grains in substitution of soybean meal in organic lamb meat production. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of replacing soybean meal in the diet with alternative legume grains without GMO presence and at low aflatoxin risk, on the growth and carcass and meat quality traits of lambs. After weaning at 66±6 d of age, 28 male Comisana lambs were divided into 4 groups and gradually adapted to diets over a 15-d period. Until slaughter at 129±6 d of age, each group received ad libitum pelleted alfalfa hay and concentrates differing for the protein source: chickpeas (CP), faba beans (FB), peas (PE) and soybean meal (SM). Lambs growth and carcasses weight were not modified by the…

Regime alimentare e caratteristiche nutrizionali ed aromatiche del Caciocavallo Palermitano

I prodotti caseari di qualità della Provincia di Palermo. I formaggi tradizionali.

Grazing Management of Dairy Goats on Mediterranean Herbaceous Pastures

Zootecnia: uno studio per l’integrazione alimentare con granelle prodotte localmente.

Effetti del pascolamento della sulla e/o della loiessa per 8 o 24 ore sul comportamento alimentare e sulla produzione lattiero-casearia di pecore Comisane

This experiment aimed to examine the effects of the utilization of monocultures of ryegrass (R), sulla (S) or both of them (RS), and the prolongation of daily grazing from 8 h (8:00-16:00) to 24 h, evaluating behaviour, selectivity, intake and milk and cheese production of ewes at pasture. The experiment involved 42 Comisana ewes averaging 146±55 days in milk, divided into 6 homogeneous groups which, since 19th April for 42 days, continuously grazed under a stocking rate of 34 ewes/ha. Ewes involving in eating activity were higher in R and for 24-h grazing, in relation to lower intake rate. RS ewes reduced eating time and increased lying activity. During daytime, the eating gradually decrea…

Alternative methods for the synchronisation of oestrous in lactating rabbit does

Ingestione al pascolo e produzione di latte di capre Girgentane in funzione della combinazione spaziale delle specie foraggere e dell'integrazione con concentrato

La gestione dell’alimentazione dei ruminanti in produzione biologica e riflessi sulle proprietà nutraceutiche dei prodotti

Utilizzo del pisello proteico in alternativa alla farina di estrazione di soia in un allevamento biologico di bovine da latte

Utilizzazione del pisello proteico in alternativa alla farina di estrazione di soia in un allevamento biologico di bovine da latte. Nella sperimentazione è stata verificata la possibilità di impiego del pisello proteico in sostituzione totale della farina di estrazione di soia nel concentrato destinato a bovine da latte allevate in regime biologico. Sono state utilizzate 14 bovine di razza Bruna suddivise in due gruppi omogenei ognuno alimentato, per l’intera durata della prova (292 d), con uno dei due diversi concentrati. La produzione di latte non si è differenziata fra i gruppi, sebbene le bovine che ricevevano il pisello proteico abbiano prodotto, rispetto alla soia, una quantità di lat…

Effetto del regime alimentare delle bovine sulla composizione in acidi grassi del formaggio Caciocavallo Palermitano

Sono stati verificati gli effetti dell’alimentazione al pascolo e dell’integrazione con concentrato sulla composizione in acidi grassi (AG) del Caciocavallo Palermitano. Bovine di razza Cinisara suddivise in 4 gruppi sono state sottoposte ai trattamenti alimentari: PN: pascolo naturale; PMF: pascolo naturale e concentrato a base di mais e favino; POC: pascolo naturale e concentrato a base di orzo e cece; ST: fieno e concentrato in stalla. La dieta ha influenzato la produzione media di latte (P<0,05) e il suo tenore in grasso (P<0,05), ma non ha modificato la resa del latte alla caseificazione e la composizione chimica del formaggio. L’alimentazione al pascolo, con o senza il concentrato, ha…

In vivo digestibility and nutritive value of Atriplex halimus alone and mixed with wheat straw

In vivo digestibility trials were carried out using six young rams fed with Atriplex halimus biomass harvested in summer (A) and in early autumn (B), and with a mixture of mid-autumn Atriplex halimus and wheat straw (5[ratio ]1 ratio on fresh matter basis) (C). Atriplex halimus had a high protein content (139·0, 135·9 and 193·4 g/kg DM in A, B and C respectively), but was rich in sodium chloride, especially in summer (145·9 g/kg DM), limiting its use as feed. The summer forage had a higher organic matter (OM) digestibility coefficient than the autumn forage (0·663 v. 0·530) but lower digestible OM intake (16·8 v. 29·4 g/day per kg BW0·75). In autumn forage, the combination with straw did no…

Effects of feeding regime on nutritional and aromatic characteristics of Caciocavallo Palermitano cheese

Endocrine and ovarian response after a 2-day controlled suckling and eCG treatment in lactating rabbit does.

Synchronization methods are used to obtain higher fertility when artificial insemination (AI) is applied to lactating rabbit does. The most common methods are eCG administration or temporary doe–litter separation. Nevertheless, drawbacks have been reported, such as negative side effects of hormonal treatment in the doe and low litter growth due to absence of suckling, respectively. Recently, improved reproductive performance (without visible consequences on young rabbit growth), has been obtained by applying a 2-day controlled nursing method before AI, by allowing for a 10 min nursing of the litter 24 h of separation. The present study was undertaken to examine the pituitary (PRL, LH, FSH) …

ORGANIC SHEEP MILK PRODUCTION AND QUALITY BY USE OF LEGUME GRAINS AS DIETARY SUPPLEMENT

The aim of this study was to evaluate the sheep milk yield and quality as affecting by concentrate dietary supplements prepared on farm by mixing locally produced barley and legume grains, used as alternative to a commercial feed. A total of twelve milking ewes, averaging 92±9 days in milking and 56±6 kg of live weight, were housed in individual pens and divided homogeneously into four groups. Each group was fed ad libitum with a grass-legume hay and received, according to a 4x4 Latin square design with periods comprised of 21 days, one of the following isonitrogenous concentrates: 500 g chickpea and 300 g barley (CP); 450 g faba bean and 350 g barley (FB); 550 g pea and 250 g barley (PE); …

Influence of fresh forage-based diets and αS1-casein (CSN1S1) genotype on nutrient intake and productive, metabolic, and hormonal responses in milking goats

Abstract Polymorphism at the α S1 -casein locus ( CSN1S1 ) in goats influences several milk production traits. Milk from goats carrying strong alleles, which are associated with high α S1 -casein (α S1 -CN) synthesis, has higher fat and casein contents, longer coagulation time and higher curd firmness than milk from goats with weak alleles linked to low α S1 -CN content. Nutrition also affects these milk properties; therefore, it is important to better understand the interaction between dietary characteristics and the CSN1S1 genotype in goats. This study aimed to investigate the effect of fresh forage based diet or energy supplement on feeding behavior, milk production, and metabolic and ho…

Razze autoctone siciliane e prodotti caseari tipici, un binomio da valorizzare

Enhancement of Sicilian autochthonous breeds and their typical dairy products. With regard of the valorization of local Sicilian dairy breeds, the authors focus on some aspects of management based on which to qualify their dairy products, and drive their enhancement and promotion in the market. It is noted the beneficial effects of feeding of local cows on pasture and of the traditional farming system on nutritional and health properties of Caciocavallo Palermitano cheese. It is shown, in organic farms and in conventional ones, the possibility to integrate the diet of grazing animals with concentrates based on locally produced grains, safer and less expensive than maize and soybean. It is p…

Effetto della tecnica di pascolamento sulla produzione di latte ovino

Latte tutto l'anno, con gli ovini conviene

Effects of αs1-casein and k- casein genotypes on nutrient intake and milk production in Girgentana goats: a further investigation

The influence of polymorphism at αs1-casein locus (CSN1S1) on goat milk properties is adequately known, whereas the knowl- edge is limited on the effects of κ-casein gene variants (CSN3), C-093 and the association between variants of CSN1S1 and CSN3 Milking technique in jenny: effects on milk production genes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of some CSN1S1-CSN3 composite genotypes (CG) on feed intake and milk production of 95 Girgentana goats from 6 experiments (551 Rossella Di Palo, Diana Neri, Barbara Ariota, Rosanna Serafini, observations). Goats, genotyped using specific PCR protocols at DNA level and IEF technique at milk protein level, were equal at αs2-casein and β-casein …

Il Caciocavallo Palermitano tra tradizione e innovazione del sistema produttivo

Effetti della dieta sul profilo acidico del latte di capre con diverso genotipo per l’αs1-CN.

L’alimentazione della capra.

GRAZING SULLA AND/OR RYEGRASS FORAGE FOR 8 OR 24 HOURS DAILY. 1. EFFECTS ON EWES FEEDING BEHAVIOUR

Integrazione con granelle di leguminose per la produzione di latte ovino biologico

The maturity stage of the grass affects milk fatty acids of cows grazing a mountain grassland

International audience; We aimed to quantify the effect of the growth stage of a mountain grassland pasture on the fatty acid (FA) composition of grass and milk. In June (growth) and October (regrowth), a mountain pasture was continuously grazed by six dairy cows in a strip grazing system. During June, the grass C18:3n-3 content decreased while C16:0, c9-C18:1 and C18:2n-6 content increased. During October, the grass FA composition was similar to that observed in the first part of June. During June, milk saturated FA (SFA) content increased while the sum of the trans FA and polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) content decreased, mainly due to the decrease in C18:3n-3 and c9t11-CLA percentages. At the …

Effects of short- and long-term fasting on the ovarian axis and reproductive performance on rabbit does.

Latte ovino e caprino in estate con il pascolamento notturno

EFFECT OF A 48H DELAYED INSEMINATION WITH OR WITHOUT A 48H DOE-LITTER SEPARATION ON PERFORMANCE OF NON-RECEPTIVE RABBIT DOES

[EN] The effectiveness of delayed artificial insemination (DAI) of non-receptive (R-) does, with or without oestrus synchronisation by doe-litter separation (MLS), was studied and compared with receptive (R+) does. During 10 months, 105 NZW does, in three homogeneous groups (A, B, C), were artificially inseminated (Al) according to a 42-day reproduction rhythm in two batches. Every 21 days, two Al were effected, the second 48 hours alter the first. The R+ does of ali groups were inseminated al the first Al, while the R- does were treated, in relation to theirgroup, as follows: inseminated at the first Al (A); 48-hour DAI (B); 48-hour MLS by closing the nestbox before Al, when lactating, and…

Gli ovini al pascolo sulle stoppie producono più latte

Analisi degli isotopi stabili e della composizione acidica per l’identificazione dei formaggi ovini biologici

Le razze caprine d’Italia

Effects of ewes grazing sulla or ryegrass pasture for different daily durations on forage intake, milk production and fatty acid composition of cheese

Sulla (Sulla coronarium L.) forage is valued for its positive impact on ruminant production, in part due to its moderate content of condensed tannin (CT). The duration of daily grazing is a factor affecting the feed intake and milk production of ewes. In this study, the effects of grazing sulla pasture compared with annual ryegrass, and the extension of grazing from 8 to 22 h/day, were evaluated with regard to ewe forage intake and milk production, as well as the physicochemical properties and fatty acid (FA) composition of cheese. During 42 days in the spring, 28 ewes of the Comisana breed were divided into four groups (S8, S22, R8 and R22) that grazed sulla (S) or ryegrass (R) for 8 (0800…

Effects of Diets Supplemented with Medicinal Mushroom Myceliated Grains on Some Production, Health, and Oxidation Traits of Dairy Ewes

The beneficial properties of mushrooms’ bioactive compounds indicate their potential for use as performance-enhancing natural additives for livestock animals. A study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of diets supplemented with mushroom myceliated grains (MMGs) fed to dairy ewes on intestinal parasite load, milk production, milk fatty acid (FA) composition, and cheese oxidative stability. During an 8-week experimental period, 21 lactating Valle del Belice ewes were divided into 3 groups named MMG20, MMG10, and MMG0. Ewes in each group were fed hay ad libitum and 1.3 kg/day/head of 1 of 3 concentrates with MMGs at 20% (MMG20), 10% (MMG10), or 0% (MMG0). The ewes fed MMG20 had comparable…

Condizione corporea delle coniglie allattanti. Un metodo per la valutazione in vivo.

Dietary factors associated with the concentration of milk urea nitrogen in grazing goats

Transfer of milk fatty acids to Pecorino Siciliano cheese

In previous studies it was observed that milk fatty acid (FA) composition is mainly affected by diet, and when ruminants graze pasture the percentages of polyunsaturated FA and conjugated linolenic acid (CLA) are higher than in milk from preserved forage. The maintenance in the cheese of the beneficial FA profile of milk from grazing ruminants is advisable. Little number of study exists concerning the effect of milk processing conditions on cheese FA profile, but no study was done with regard to Pecorino Siciliano cheese. The aim of this study was to evaluate the transfer of FA from ewes milk to cheese manufactured according to the Pecorino Siciliano technology, in order to verify if the ch…

Effets de sources protéiques alternatives au soja sur les performances de croissance et sur la qualité de la viande d'agneaux à 130 jours.

Effet du système d’élevage et de la technologie fromagère sur les caractéristiques sensorielles du fromage Caciocavallo Palermitano.

Effects of restricted feeding during rearing, combined with a delayed first insemination, on reproductive activity of rabbit does.

Valutazione dell'adattabilità, produttività e persistenza di alcune leguminose autoriseminanti in ambiente mediterraneo

Effect of muscle type and animal category on fatty acid composition of bresaola made from meat of Cinisara cattle: preliminary investigation

The bresaola could represent an alternative commercial opportunity for autochthonous dairy cattle farms. Therefore, a study was carried out to investigate the fatty acid (FA) composition of bresaola made using Semimembranosus (SMm), Semitendinosus (STm), and Biceps brachii (BBm) muscles from grazing young bulls (GB), housed young bulls (HB) or grazing adult cows (AC) of Cinisara breed. Animal category, fat content, feeding system, and type of muscle influenced the FA composition of bresaola. Fatter products, made from AC and HB meat, or with STm and BBm muscles showed lower polyunsaturated/saturated FA ratio. The bresaola from young bulls fed pasture-based diet showed an increased polyunsat…

Feeding and management techniques to favour summer sheep milk and cheese production in the Mediterranean environment

Sheep milk production in summer can lead to a diversification of milk products and to a more regular product distribution in the market throughout the year. However, in Mediterranean countries small ruminant production cycles are subjected to seasonal variations in forage resources. During summer, a key period for out of season production systems, nutrition plays a fundamental role in regulating the quantity and quality of milk production. In this review, feeding strategies and techniques that could be applied for out of season production in dairy ewes under different Mediterranean conditions are described for intensive, pasture-based and mixed systems. The most common feeding strategies us…

Il carico animale influenza la selettività e la produzione di latte di capre Girgentane al pascolo su erbai.

Influenza del genotipo per l'alfa s1 caseina sulla qualità del latte di capre Maltesi

INTRODUZIONE I numerosi studi sui polimorfismi lattoproteici della capra hanno evidenziato per il gene che codifica per l’alfa (s1)-caseina (CSN1S1) 17 alleli: A, B1, B2, B3, B4, C, D, E, F, G, O1, O2, H, I, L, M, N. Tali alleli sono stati associati a differenti tassi di sintesi di caseina e classificati in quattro gruppi quantitativi: alleli forti (A, B1, B2, B3, B4, C, H, L, M) intermedi (E ed I) e deboli (D, F e G) che sintetizzano rispettivamente un alto (circa 3,5 g/l), medio (circa 1,1 g/l), e basso (0,45 g/l) quantitativo di alfa (s1)-caseina, più alleli nulli (01, 02 e N) che non sintetizzano alfa (s1)-caseina (1, 2). Le varianti genetiche per l’alfa (s1)-caseina influenzano in misu…

Effect of stocking rate on selective behaviour and milk production of Girgentana goats grazing a ryegrass and berseem clover mixture

Evaluation of in-farm versus weather station data for use as heat stress indicator in dairy sheep

AbstractHeat stress is a limiting factor in dairy production in hot climates impairing growth, milk production and reproduction. The most widely investigated climatic factors related with heat stress are: air temperature and relative humidity. Previously dairy sheep studies of heat tolerance depended on measurements of physiological functions on individual animals such as rectal temperatures, respiration rates or volumes of air inhaled; unfortunately, such measurements are costly and not feasible on a large scale. This study aims to evaluate in-farm (IF) versus weather station (WS) data to be used as heat stress indicator in dairy sheep. Data were collected in three farms in November 2002 t…

Effects of grazing on welfare and production traits of organic dairy cows

In organic livestock systems, grazing is the preferred feeding source, especially for animal welfare and health implications, but it is not an obliged practice. In order to contribute on this topic, in an organic dairy farm, grazing was compared with permanent free-stall housing using two homogeneous groups of eight Bruna cows allocated to the following regimes: (G) grazing on barley grass for 5 h/d, and then kept in a free-stall structure and fed with unifeed, composed of hay and concentrate; (S) kept in a free-stall building for 24 h/d and fed with a diet based on the same unifeed. Comparison was based on milk production, behaviour, immune responses, metabolic status and oxidative stress …

Comportamento alimentare al pascolo per 8 o 24 ore in funzione della risorsa utilizzata

La produzione lattiero-casearia ovina in funzione della durata del pascolamento giornaliero

Assessment of a method for evaluating the body condition of lactating rabbit does: preliminary results

Effetto del sistema di allevamento e della tecnologia di caseificazione sulla qualità del caciocavallo palermitano.

Effects of livestock system and cheese making technique on the quality of Caciocavallo Palermitano cheese - Caciocavallo Palermitano is a typical stretched curd cheese produced in the Central and Western Sicily. It is traditionally obtained from whole milk of indigenous cows breeds and by the original cheese making technology in which wooden tools, source of inoculum of autochthonous lactic bacteria, are used. Recently, Caciocavallo Palermitano cheese is also obtained in dairy intensive farms of specialized breeds where milk is processed mainly using stainless steel equipment and commercial selected lactic ferments. The aim of this investigation was to verify the influence of cheese making …

Indagine microbiologica sulla lavorazione artigianale del Caciocavallo Palermitano.

In vivo evaluation of the body condition of lactating rabbit does and relations to reproductive performance and body traits

Le proprietà nutrizionali e salutistiche del formaggio in funzione della stagione di pascolamento

Il consumo alimentare si è notevolmente modificato negli ultimi anni. L’alimento, oltre a rappresentare una fonte di nutrienti, è diventato anche espressione dello stile di vita ed un mezzo di interazione e distinzione tra le persone. Il consumatore moderno, in risposta ai modelli alimentari che nei paesi industrializzati hanno generato gravi problemi di salute (obesità, malattie cardiovascolari, tumori), tende ad essere più informato, critico ed esigente sotto il profilo salutistico. Inoltre, cresce nel consumatore l'interesse per il cibo sostenibile proveniente da sistemi che, contribuendo alla mitigazione delle emissioni di CO2 e limitando lo sfruttamento delle risorse naturali, producon…

The timing of daily grazing on annual ryegrass or sulla forage: the effects on the milk yield and composition of Comisana ewes

Le granelle di leguminose alternative alla soia nell’alimentazione dei ruminanti in produzione biologica

Etude pour l’application du Protocole Welfare Quality® dans des élevages bovins laitiers en Sicile

Effect of the inclusion of fresh lemon pulp in the diet of lactating ewes on the properties of milk and cheese

This study investigated the effects of fresh lemon pulp (FLP), as a natural antioxidant in the diet, on the intake of feed and the production of milk and cheese of Valle del Belice lactating ewes during the hot summer in Sicily. A total of 15 second-lambing ewes, kept individually in 3 × 3 m pens, were divided into 3 homogeneous groups fed with 3 diets in a 3 × 3 Latin square design, with 3 experimental phases of 21 days each. The diets were: mixed hay ad libitum plus 600 g/day of concentrate (FLP0); mixed hay ad libitum plus 400 g/day of concentrate and 1 kg/day of FLP (FLP1); and mixed hay ad libitum plus 200 g/day of concentrate and 2 kg/day of FLP (FLP2). Nine experimental Pecorino chee…

Valutazione degli effetti del pascolamento su trifoglio sotterraneo (Trifolium subterraneum L.) in coltura pura o in combinazione con loiessa (Lolium multiforum Lamb.), in differenti proporzioni, sulla quantità e qualità delle produzioni zootecniche (latte, formaggi e carne) di ovini di razza Comisana

Quality evaluation of cheese from raw or pasteurized milk of ewes grazing sulla forage (Hedysarum coronarium L.) for different daily time

Pasteurization is the more effective method for eliminating pathogens contaminating milk. However, the high temperature of pasteurization destroys either pathogens or lactic endemic flora, this latter involved in cheese ripening, thus impairing the development of sensory properties of cheese. It was previously observed that longer permanence at pasture allows the ewes to spend more time for eating; accordingly, ewes increase feed intake and milk yield. Aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of the prolongation of ewes daily grazing from 8 to 24 h and the effect of the milk pasteurization process on milk and cheese quality, with particular regard on fatty acid (FA) composition. In…

Effects of nutritional level on lactating response of Girgentana goats with different CSN1S1 genotype

Goat polymorphism at αs1-casein loci (CSN1S1) influences milk yield and composition. Milk of goats with strong alleles associated to high αs1-casein shows higher fat and casein, longer coagulation time, firmer curds and variation in fatty acids than milk from goats with weak alleles linked to low αs1-casein. Since these milk properties are also affected by nutrition, the aim of this study was to investigate the impact of nutritional level on milk production traits of Girgentana goats with different CSN1S1 genotype. From a group of goats genotyped using PRC protocols at DNA level, 12 goats having the same genotype at αs2, β and κ- casein loci and differing for CSN1S1 genotype were selected: …

Persistence of wild Streptococcus thermophilus strains on wooden vat and during the manufacture of a traditional Caciocavallo type cheese

The present work was undertaken to evaluate the influence of the wooden dairy plant equipment on the microbiological characteristics of curd to be transformed into Caciocavallo Palermitano cheese. Traditional raw milk productions were performed concomitantly with standard cheese making trials carried out in stainless steel vat inoculated with a commercial starter. Milk from two different farms (A and B) was separately processed. The wooden vat was found to be a reservoir of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), while unwanted (spoilage and/or pathogenic) microorganisms were not hosted or were present at very low levels. All microbial groups were numerically different in bulk milks, showing higher lev…

Bresaola made from Cinisara cattle: effect of muscle type and animal category on physicochemical and sensory traits

The physicochemical characteristics and sensory traits of Cinisara bresaola were investigated, to explore a new commercial opportunity for autochthonous dairy cattle farms. Semimembranosus, Semitendinosus and Biceps brachii muscles, from adult cows (AC) and grazing (GB) or housed (HB) young bulls of Cinisara breed, were processed to made bresaola. Differences due to animal category and muscle type were observed. Bresaola from AC was richer in fat and volatile organic compounds. The bresaola from Semitendinosus showed higher colorimetric parameters, fat and, when from grazing animals, Warner-Bratzler shear force than those made from other muscles. In general, all bresaola were well appreciat…

Both 48-hour doe-litter separation and 2-day controlled suckling improved fertility of 11-day lactating does similarly to 20 IU of PMSG

Use of green sulla forage for feeding 2. Effects on lamb carcass and meat quality

The Girgentana Goat Breed: A Zootechnical Overview on Genetics, Nutrition and Dairy Production Aspects

In recent years, there has been a great interest in recovering and preserving local livestock breeds. An interesting situation is represented by the Girgentana goat, an ancient local breed reared in Sicily. Over recent years, this breed has become almost extinct, in part as a consequence of the marked decrease in fresh goat milk consumption. On the basis of these considerations, several studies on its genetic structure and management aspects have been conducted in order to protect the Girgentana goat from the risk of extinction and recover its genetic and economic value. In this context, information on genetics, nutrition and dairy production aspects may have a crucial role in the improveme…

Effect of refrigerated storage on microbiological, chemical and sensory characteristics of a ewes’ raw milk stretched cheese

This study aimed to describe the effects of refrigerated storage up to 180 days on microbiological, chemical, physical, and sensory characteristics of a PDO ewes’ raw milk stretched cheese. To this aim, a total of 224 cheeses were manufactured in four consecutive production weeks, and series of 32 of them were examined before packaging and after 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 d of storage at 4 ± 2 °C in the dark, respectively. Lactic acid bacteria cocci displayed the highest levels (7.8 Log CFU*g−1) during early storage and decreased progressively over time (7.4 Log CFU*g−1), while the opposite trend was observed for lactic acid bacteria rods (from 6.5 to 7.3 Log CFU*g−1). TMC and enterocci s…

Effect of farming system and cheesemaking technology on the physicochemical characteristics, fatty acid profile, and sensory properties of Caciocavallo Palermitano cheese

Abstract Caciocavallo Palermitano is a typical stretched-curd cheese that has been produced over the centuries in Sicily according to traditional cheesemaking technology and using raw milk from autochthonous cow breeds reared at pasture. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of the farming system and processing technology on the characteristics of Caciocavallo Palermitano cheese, with particular regard to the fatty acid profile. The farming system was either extensive, using autochthonous cows fed a pasture-based diet, or intensive, with specialized dairy cow breeds fed mainly hay and concentrate. The cheese-processing technology was either artisanal, using traditiona…

Relationships among diet, plasma and milk total polyphenol content in milking goats.

Effetti della tecnologia tradizionale di caseificazione sulle caratteristiche microbiologiche e organolettiche del Caciocavallo Palermitano

Microbiological characteristics of traditional Caciocavallo Palermitano cheese making

The individual contribution of starter and non-starter lactic acid bacteria to the volatile organic compound composition of Caciocavallo Palermitano cheese

Abstract The contribution of two starter ( Lactobacillus delbrueckii and Streptococcus thermophilus ) and nine non-starter ( Enterococcus casselliflavus , Enterococcus faecalis , Enterococcus durans , Enterococcus gallinarum , Lactobacillus casei , Lactobacillus paracasei , Lactobacillus rhamnosus , Pediococcus acidilactici and Pediococcus pentosaceus ) species of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of Caciocavallo Palermitano cheese was investigated. The strains used in this study were isolated during the production/ripening of the stretched cheese and tested in a cheese-based medium (CBM). The fermented substrates were analyzed for the growth of the single …

Effect of farming system and cheese making technology on quality traits and fatty acid profile of Caciocavallo Palermitano cheese at different ripening time

The Caciocavallo Palermitano is a typical stretched curd cheese made from cow milk, mainly in the Western Sicily. The aim of this investigation was to verify the influence of farming system and cheese making process (traditional with wood tools and natural endemic flora vs. innovative with modern stainless steel tools and selected lactic bacteria) on qualitative characteristics, including fatty acid (FA) profile, of Caciocavallo Palermitano at different ripening time. Cheeses were obtained from bulk milk from two farms: one extensive rearing a local breed fed at pasture and one intensive rearing a specialized dairy breed fed mainly hay and concentrate. Milk and cheese properties and FA prof…

La destagionalizzazione della produzione lattiero casearia degli ovini in Sicilia

Milk fatty acids of cows grazing a mountain diversified grassland is highly affected by the maturity stage of the grass.

Effect of β-lactoglobulin (LGB) and k-casein (CSN3) alleles on some characteristics of milk produced by Cinisara cows

It is well known that β-lactoglobulin (LGB) and k-casein (CSN3) alleles affect milk cheese making properties. The purpose of this study was to analyse the A and B allele distribution at the LGB and CSN3 loci in Cinisara breed and their influence on milk and cheese making production traits. The Cinisara is a Sicilian breed which, according to DAD-IS database (FAO), consists of about 5,000 individuals and is reared mainly for milk production which is usually transformed into Caciocavallo Palermitano, a typical stretched-curd cheese. We typed 314 lactating cows at the LGB and CSN3 loci by means of RFLP-PCR analyses. The frequencies of LGB A and B alleles were 0.22 and 0.78, respectively; the f…

Valorisation des productions laitieres et fromageres ovines fermieres en dessaisonnalisant des agnelages

Effet de la pasteurisation sur les caractéristiques du lait et du fromage de brebis “Comisana” conduites au pâturage de Sulla pendant des durées différentes

Effect of saffron addition on the microbiological, physicochemical, antioxidant and sensory characteristics of yoghurt

The impact of added saffron on the characteristics of yoghurt was evaluated during storage. The fat content was lower in the saffron yoghurt. All colour variables were significantly affected by saffron and storage. From the 15th day of storage, bacterial numbers in the saffron yoghurt were higher than those of the control yoghurt. Sensory analysis data suggested that colour, odour and texture impacted consistently on the overall acceptability of the saffron yoghurt. Saffron addition significantly increased polyphenol content and antioxidant activity, providing evidence that the enrichment of natural yoghurt with saffron yields an innovative fermented product useful for supplementing antioxi…

L’impiego alimentare di orzo germinato nella produzione di latte ovino biologico

Food use of barley sprouts in organic sheep milk production. Hydroponic forage, used when fresh forage is scarce, represents a good alternative feed for milking ruminants, also in organic farming systems, where it can reduce the forage/concentrate ratio. This study evaluated the effect of barley sprouts (BS) in the diet on nutrients utilization and milk production from organic ewes. Eighteen ewes were divided into 3 groups and fed with 3 diets. Animals was fed with hay ad libitum and supplemented by: 0.6 kg/d of concentrate and 4 kg/d of BS (B100); 0.9 kg/d of concentrate and 2 kg/d of BS (B50); 1.2 kg/d of concentrate (C). Supplied and residual feeds and milk yield were recorded and sample…

Effect of controlled nursing with one-day fasting on rabbit doe performance.

This work studied whether the expected better subsequent reproduction for permanent controlled nursing versus free nursing could be further improved by a caloric biostimulation with temporary fasting and re-feeding of does before artificial insemination (AI) and how it influences the development of current litters. A total of 240 females were randomly assigned at first day of lactation to one of three groups each with 80 does in a balanced manner according to the number of kits, litter weight, newborn kit weight after adjusting to 8 rabbits per litter, doe body weight and parity. Rabbits in the control group (C) were fed ad libitum and nursed freely up to weaning at 35 days of age. In the g…

ATTIVITÁ DI RICERCA PER LO SVILUPPO DELLA ZOOTECNIA BIOLOGICA IN SICILIA

Con l’intento di contribuire allo sviluppo del settore zootecnico biologico, gli autori hanno realizzato, attività di ricerca rivolte: - allo studio della possibilità di inserire, nella razione alimentare delle bovine e delle pecore in lattazione, fonti alternative al mais e alla soia, con la finalità di superare il problema degli OGM e di ridurre il rischio di contaminazione degli alimenti con micotossine; - alla valutazione degli effetti del carico animale al pascolo, finalizzato ad una maggiore efficienza produttiva dei sistemi pascolivi destinati agli ovini; - alla individuazione dei riflessi della dieta, variabile in funzione del concentrato utilizzato e del carico al pascolo, sulla qu…