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The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition of three maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) ecotypes (yellow, black, and red) and their in vitro fermentation characteristics and antioxidant effects on cow rumen liquor. The three ecotypes were added to a total mixed ratio (TMR) in different doses (0, 150, and 300 mg/g) and incubated in vitro under anaerobic conditions for 120 h. Methane production was recorded after 24 h of incubation. Antioxidant status and degree of lipid peroxidation were also evaluated after 24 and 120 h of incubation with the fermentation liquor. An analysis of the chemical composition showed high concentrations of non-structural carbohydrates in all maca ecotypes, particularly in the yellow ecotypes. Moreover, despite an increase in gas production, it seems that the TMR supplemented with each maca ecotype, particularly at the highest dose, increases the amount of volatile fatty acids and reduces methane production. Finally, the addition of maca can induce an antioxidant effect. Our findings suggest that the three ecotypes of maca are rich in non-structural carbohydrates which affect the in vitro fermentation kinetics and reduce methane production.

Background: In recent decades, grain amaranths have attracted attention due to their valuable combination of nutritional traits, with higher protein and oil content than conventional cereals. Before they can be proposed as an unconventional ingredient in animal feed, many aspects still need to be investigated from field production to nutritive value. The present research aimed to study the agronomic traits, proximate composition, and digestibility/degradability, fatty acid profile, antioxidant activity, and total phenolic content of two grain amaranth species, Amaranthus cruentus and Amaranthus hypochondriacus (for a total of six accessions), grown in a Mediterranean environment. Results: Both species showed seed yields comparable to or higher than the traditional cereal crops in the same environment. On the whole, A. cruentus resulted in a higher seed production than A. hypochondriacus. Mexico and Montana accessions, both belonging to A. cruentus, showed the highest yield (3.73 t ha-1 , on average). Few differences emerged in nutritive value between species and accessions: the Illinois accession of A. cruentus showed the best performance in terms of in vitro degradability and gas production, but not for volatile fatty acid production; the fermentation kinetics was slowest in the Illinois accession and fastest in the Montana accession of A. cruentus and the India accession of A. hypochondriacus. Conclusion: From a health perspective, the Nebraska accession of A. hypochondriacus represents the best accession, with the lowest saturated fatty acid content and the highest polyunsaturated fatty acid content. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

A feeding strategy that maintains high content of functional molecules in buffalo milk has been verified by giving Sorghum vulgare as green fodder, but it is not available all year round. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of former food products (FFPs) containing 87% biscuit meal (nonstructural carbohydrate: 60.1%; starch 14.7;crude protein 10.6), in the diet of buffaloes in terms of: (a) fermentation characteristics through gas production technique; (b) milk yield (MY) and quality; (c) content of some biomolecules and total antioxidant activity. The experiment was performed involving 50 buffaloes divided into two groups: Green group and FFPs group (animals fed Total Mixed Ration with either green forage or FFPs respectively). Daily MY was recorded and milk qualitative analyses were determined monthly for 90 days. Furthermore, fermentation characteristics of the diets were studied in vitro. No significant differences were recorded in feed intake, BCS and MY and quality. Similar in vitro fermentation data of two diets were found, with slight differences in terms of gas production and degradability. During the incubation, kinetic parameters showed a faster fermentation process with the diet of the FFPs group in relation to Green group (p < 0.05). Green group had higher levels (p < 0.01) of γ-butyrobetaine, glycine betaine, l-carnitine and propionyl l-carnitine in milk, whereas no differences were observed for δ-valerobetaine and acetyl l-carnitine. Total antioxidant capacity and iron reduction antioxidant assay were higher (p < 0.05) in the plasma and milk of the Green group. The administration of a diet high in simple sugars, obtained with FFPs, seems to favour the ruminal biosynthesis of some metabolites in milk, such as δ-valerobetaine and acetyl- l-carnitine, similar to green forage administration. Overall, the use of biscuit meal can be an alternative to green fodder when it is not available to ensure environmental sustainability and optimize costs without compromising milk quality.

The genus Quercus supplies a large amount of residual material (e.g., bark, acorns, leaves, wood), the valorization of which can favor a supply of antioxidant polyphenols to be used in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or cosmeceutical sector. The recovery of specialized metabolites could also benefit livestock feeding, so much so that polyphenols have gained attention as rumen fermentation modifiers and for mitigating the oxidative imbalance to which farm animals are subject. In this context, leaves of Quercus robur L. from Northern Germany were of interest and the alcoholic extract obtained underwent an untargeted profiling by means of ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS/MS) techniques. As triterpenes and fatty acids occurred, the alcoholic extract fractionation pointed out the obtainment of a polyphenol fraction, broadly constituted by coumaroyl flavonol glycosides and condensed tannins. Total phenol, flavonoid and condensed tannins content assays, as well as antiradical (DPPH● and ABTS+●) and reducing activity (PFRAP) were carried out on the alcoholic extract and its fractions. When the effects on rumen liquor was evaluated in vitro in terms of changes in fermentation characteristics, it was observed that oak leaf extract and its fractions promoted an increase in total volatile fatty acids and differently modulated the relative content of each fatty acid.

Former food products include various leftovers from the food industry which, although they have lost values for human consumption, could be safely used for livestock, thus limiting environmental impact of food waste, and reducing feeding costs. The aim of this study was to investigate the nutritional characteristics of different types of former foods from pasta industry. Four types of dry pasta refusal (wholemeal, semolina, purple, and tricolor) and whole barley grain (control) were analyzed for chemical composition and in vitro starch digestibility; the energy content was also estimated. For each product type, samples collected in three different times at a pasta plant were analyzed. All products showed higher (p < 0.001) protein contents and lower (p < 0.001) fat contents than barley. The amount of NDF varied between the samples (p < 0.001), while all samples reported high starch content (>60% DM). The energy content was higher (p < 0.05) in pasta former food compared with whole barley grain. Purple pasta showed different in vitro starch digestibility compared to the other former foods (p < 0.001). However, all products showed higher values of resistant starch, whereas barley was mainly composed by slowly digestible starch. The results indicated that dry pasta former foods could be suitable energy sources for feeding pig, but their inclusion in diets must consider the slow digestibility.

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Former food products include various leftovers from the food industry which, although they have lost values for human consumption, could be safely used for livestock, thus limiting environmental impact of food waste, and reducing feeding costs. The aim of this study was to investigate the nutritional characteristics of different types of former foods from pasta industry. Four types of dry pasta refusal (wholemeal, semolina, purple, and tricolor) and whole barley grain (control) were analyzed for chemical composition and

During haymaking and ensilage, a significant loss of sugars occurs. The addition of a total mixed ratio (TMR) with a liquid feed might provide promptly utilisable energy and recover the nutrients lost during the conservation. Interesting results were already obtained by including liquid feed in a TMR in a dairy cow. However, the possibility to also utilize them in Italian Mediterranean buffalo is not yet supported by data. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro fermentation characteristics and kinetics of different types of liquid feed, utilising bovine and buffalo rumen liquor as inocula. TMR supplemented with 0.025 g of four different liquid feeds was incubated with the TMR as control with buffalo and bovine rumen fluid using in vitro gas production technique. Considering bovine inoculum, all the experimental diets showed lower organic matter degradability and higher volatile fatty acid production than control TMR, while with buffalo rumen liquor, significant differences were observed between experimental and control diets in terms of gas production and fermentation kinetics. The tested liquid feeds can have different fermentation patterns depending on their ingredients and compositions. Supplementing liquid feeds to a standard diet seems to provide a source of energy that improves fermentation. No negative effects were observed on the in vitro fermentation at the dosage utilised.

The type of starch and fibre in the diet affects several parameters, including glycaemic and insulin response, that are involved in pig growth performance. Four experimental diets for growing pigs differing for carbohydrates source (corn, barley, faba bean and pea) were tested. The diets were analysed in vitro to assess the carbohydrates characteristics, and they were administered to 56 crossbreed growing pigs (Landrace × Large White) randomly divided into four groups (mean age of 95 ± 6 days; body weight 80 kg ± 4 days). Clinical examination and average daily gain were performed before recruitment and after 40 days of experiment. The metabolic effects were investigated by blood count and serum biochemical parameters and by the glycaemic and insulin post-prandial response. The study revealed substantial differences among the diets, suggesting that alternative feedstuffs for swine affect several parameters, including glycaemic and insulin response, with no negative effects on growing performance. The Barley group showed the highest daily weight gain (p

In recent years, animal husbandry has aimed at improving the conditions of livestock animals useful for humans to solve environmental and health problems. The formulation of animal feeds or supplements based on antioxidant plant compounds is considered a valuable approach and an alternative for livestock productivity. Forest biomass materials are an underestimated source of polyphenolic compounds whose sustainable recovery could provide direct benefits to animals and, indirectly, human nutrition. In this context, an alcohol extract from leaves of

In recent years, animal husbandry has aimed at improving the conditions of livestock animals useful for humans to solve environmental and health problems. The formulation of animal feeds or supplements based on antioxidant plant compounds is considered a valuable approach and an alternative for livestock productivity. Forest biomass materials are an underestimated source of polyphenolic compounds whose sustainable recovery could provide direct benefits to animals and, indirectly, human nutrition. In this context, an alcohol extract from leaves of Fagus sylvatica L. was first investigated through an untargeted ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS/MS) approach. Then, it was fractionated into a fatty acid-rich and a polyphenolic fraction, as evidenced by total lipid, phenol, and flavonoid content assays, with antiradical and reducing activity positively correlated to the latter. When tested in vitro with rumen liquor to evaluate changes in the fermentative parameters, a significant detrimental effect was exerted by the lipid-rich fraction, whereas the flavonoid-rich one positively modulated the production of volatile fatty acids (i.e., acetate, butyrate, propionate, etc.).

Along the coast of West Africa, grazing ruminants rely on perennial forage species remaining in uncultivated plots, roadsides, and marshlands during the dry season. To assess the quality of these forages, thirteen drought-tolerant plants were harvested at the mature stage, and the samples were evaluated for chemical composition, in vitro fermentation characteristics, and metabolizable energy (ME) content. They are ten drought-tolerant grasses, including: Andropogon virginicus, Brachiaria deflexa, Cenchorus biflorus, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Eragrostis tremula, Leptochloa caerulescens, Loudetia aroundinacea, Paspalum notatum, Paspalum vaginatum, Pennisetum purpureum, two perennial herbs, Chamaecrista rotundifolia, Zornia latifolia, and one multipurpose tree, Elaeis guineensis. Legume species had the highest nutritional value (highest crude protein and ME, and lowest neutral detergent fiber) of the species studied. In terms of the in vitro data, the gas produced after 120 h of incubation ranged from 149 mL/g in E. tremula to 185 mL/g in Paspalum. Z. latifoliaa and had the fastest rate of fermentation, producing half of the total gas in 19.5 h, whereas E. tremula required 49.9 h (p < 0.01). The production of branched-chain fatty acids (isobutyrate and isovalerate) was greatest for E. guineensis and the lowest in both Paspalum species (p < 0.01). The study suggests the need for the protein supplementation of the animals to ensure maximum forage utilization and to satisfy the nutrient requirements of ruminant livestock.

In the last few years, the popularity of industrial hemp and its products is increased. From a nutritional point of view, hemp and its products are rich in protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and useful minerals. Nowadays, the European Commission authorizes the use of hempseed and hempseed oil co-products in animal nutrition. This study is aimed to evaluate the use of hempseed cake in dogs' nutrition, comparing the effect of the supplementation of two lipid sources: swine tallow (T-diet) and hempseed cake (H-diet). A double-blind nutritional trial was performed at a municipal kennel located in Naples. Eight crossbreed neutered dogs recognized in good health were recruited and divided into two homogeneous groups (T- vs. H-group). Both diets were analyzed for chemical composition and fatty acid profile. Blood count and biochemical profile were evaluated at recruitment (T0) and the end of the trial (T30). Oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids were the most representative fatty acids in both diets; however, the H-diet contains more than double concentration of linoleic and α-linoleic acids compared to the T-diet (p < 0.01). The H-diet has shown significantly (p < 0.01) higher peroxidation index as the only negative aspect, which could compromise its shelf-life. After 30 days of administration, the H-group has shown a significant (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05) reduction of liver and renal markers [aspartate transferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and creatinine] and cholesterol, due to the healthier fatty acid profile. Hempseed cake seems a suggestable source of polyunsaturated fatty acids for dogs considering these preliminary results.

Castanea sativa Mill. (Fagaceae) is a deciduous tree grown for its wood and edible fruits. Chestnut processing produces residues (burs, shells, and leaves) exploitable for their diversity in bioactive compounds in animal nutrition. In fact, plant-specialized metabolites likely act as rumen modifiers. Thus, the recovery of residual plant parts as feed ingredients is an evaluable strategy. In this context, European chestnut leaves from northern Germany have been investigated, proving to be a good source of flavonoids as well as gallo- and ellagitannins. To this purpose, an alcoholic extract was obtained and an untargeted profiling carried out, mainly by means of ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HR MS/MS) techniques. To better unravel the polyphenol constituents, fractionation strategies were employed to obtain a lipophilic fraction and a polar one. This latter was highly responsive to total phenolic and flavonoid content analyses, as well as to antiradical (DPPH● and ABTS+●) and reducing activity (PFRAP) assays. The effect of the alcoholic extract and its fractions on rumen liquor was also evaluated in vitro in terms of fermentative parameter changes and impact on methanogenesis. The data acquired confirm that chestnut leaf extract and the fractions therefrom promote an increase in total volatile fatty acids, while decreasing acetate/propionate ratio and CH4 production.

Background. In sub-Saharan Africa, pasture is the most used practice in ruminant production, and grazing areas characteristics varied in different environment. To improve ruminants’ performances, the quality of forages represents one of the most important factors to keep under control. Objective. To quantify the effects of grazing stocking rate on the nutrient composition, energy content and in vitro fermentation characteristics including volatile fatty acids (VFA) and methane production (CH4) of two local perennial grasses Dactyloctenium aegyptium L. and Leptochloa caerulescens L. Methodology. The forage samples were collected in three locations (Zinvié, Gakpé, Adounko) characterized by different stocking rate (low, medium and high). Their chemical composition, energy content and in vitro fermentation characteristics, including CH4 production, were determined. Results. D. aegyptium showed the highest crude protein, energy content, organic matter degradability and VFA production (p4 production was recorded from the sample collected in Adounko (pL. caerulescens showed the highest level of crude protein and degradability (p4 level was obtained from the sample collected in area of Gakpé (pin vitro VFA production were recorded in samples collected in Adounko and Gakpé than in the Zinvié. Implications. The results obtained in this study highlight the significant influence of urbanization and herd concentration, as well as of other environmental conditions, on the nutritional value and potential environmental impact of the studied perennial grasses. Conclusion. Samples from high grazing stocking rate locations produced more in vitro methane. Further in vivo studies are needed to confirm these results.

In recent years, pet owners have become more interested in the ingredients, and quality of pet-food, and several studies have demonstrated that feed management could affect healthy status. Recently, some authors indicated that commercial diets formulated without cereals, or using unconventional protein, and starch sources, can cause a reduction in taurine levels in both whole blood, and plasma. Nevertheless, the specific mechanism by means of which nutritional factors determine this reduction is not completely clear. Thirty neutered half-breed dogs were recruited at a kennel in the province of Naples (Italy) to investigate the influence of carbohydrates sources, and dietary density of nutrients on healthy status of dogs in terms of blood count, and biochemical parameters. The dogs were housed in the kennel and divided into three distinct groups. Three iso-energy, and iso-nitrogen commercial kibble diets (named GF1, GF2, and CB) with different protein, and carbohydrates contents, and carbohydrates sources were chosen for the trial. The chemical composition and amino acid profile of each of the three tested diets were analyzed. Moreover, blood samples of each dog were collected to evaluate the hematological and biochemical profiles. The taurine level was determined both on plasma and whole blood. The effect of the diets was analyzed statistically, and all tested diets were compared to the control one. There were significant differences between the three tested diets as regards their chemical composition. The concentrations of all amino acids seem to reflect protein content diets. The hematological profile resulted within the ranges considered physiological for the canine species for all subjects. Compared to the control diet, the three tested diets showed significant differences in blood count for MCHC and platelets. The biochemical profile showed significant differences between the diets, particularly their AST, fructosamine, lipase, and triglycerides values. The diets did not affect the blood and plasma taurine levels. They resulted in higher than optimal reserve levels. Preliminary results showed that the sources of carbohydrates and use of balanced diets affected only some biochemical parameters and did not alter the levels of taurine in healthy adult dogs.

The close link between nutrition management and reproductive efficiency is well known, but there is very little data available concerning this topic in canine species. The present study aimed to compare the effect of two different diets upon the follicular period and gestation in bitches. Eighteen pluriparus medium and large size bitches were recruited and divided into control (CTR) and experimental (EX) groups and fed, respectively, with a commercial kibble diet and a specially formulated diet from two months before the expected onset of proestrus up to the end of the trial. It was possible to observe how the EX group had a better clinical presentation of the estrous phase, a higher number of ovarian follicles (p &lt, 0.05), a lower percentage of fetal resorption (p &lt, 0.05), and lower oxidative status, expressed by d-ROMs (p &lt, 0.01), at the moment of pregnancy diagnosis compared to CTR group. Moreover, the EX group showed a lower fetal resorption rate and higher litter size (p &lt, 0.05). These results highlight how a diet characterized by high protein and fat content and richer in essential fatty acids can improve reproductive performance in dogs.

Lipids represent a significant energy source in dogs’ diets. Moreover, dogs need some essential fatty acids, such as linoleic and α-linolenic fatty acids, because they are not able to produce them endogenously. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different dietary lipid sources on faecal microbial populations and activities using different evaluations. Hemp seed oil and swine tallow were tested as lipid supplements in a commercial canned diet at a ratio of 3.5% (HL1 and HL2, respectively). These diets were compared with one rich in starch (HS). Twelve dogs were recruited and equally divided into three groups. Faeces samples at 30 days were used as inoculum and incubated with three different substrates (MOS, inulin, and cellulose) using the in vitro gas production technique. The faecal cell numbers of relevant bacteria and secondary metabolites were analysed (in vivo trial). In vitro evaluation showed that the faeces of the group fed the diet with hemp supplementation had better fermentability despite lower gas production. The in vivo faecal bacterial count showed an increase in Lactobacillus spp. In the HL1 group. Moreover, a higher level of acetate was observed in both evaluations (in vitro and in vivo). These results seem to indicate a significant effect of the dietary fatty acid profile on the faecal microbial population.

The possibility to associate nutraceuticals, as immune-modulating tools, to the treatment of visceral leishmaniosis is a matter of great interest. In this study, we investigated whether the administration of a nutritional supplement (D&igrave, LshTM, Dynamopet SRL, Verona, Italy) was able to exert beneficial effects on the inflammatory state and oxidative stress of the dogs naturally infected by Leishmania infantum. To this purpose, specific parameters, namely Tumor Necrosis Factor -alpha (TNF), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Inteleukin-10 (IL-10), leptin, derivates of Reactive Oxigen Metabolites (d-Roms) and Biological Antioxidant Potential (BAP), as well as the haematological and biochemical profiles of the infected dogs, were investigated upon the treatment with the nutritional supplement and compared with the conventional pharmacological anti-Leishmania therapy. The animals underwent complete clinical examination and blood sample collection before (T0) and 3 months after (T90) the onset of the two treatments. The two treatments showed similar results: significant clinical improvement, ELISA positivity and IgG decrease, an increase in IL-10, and a decrease in IL-6 were observed in animals treated with the nutritional supplement. A decrease in d-Roms and an increase in BAP were also detected in both groups. On the whole, the nutritional supplement possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, suggesting that it may support animals&rsquo, health and be useful to extend the time a drug therapy is needed.

Faba bean is an important vegetable protein source for ruminant diets. This research aimed to compare the nutritional characteristics of four commercial and four local cultivars in order to better characterise the local ones and promote their use in animal nutrition. The seeds&rsquo, weight and the chemical composition, including starch and the energy, was evaluated. The in vitro fermentation characteristics were studied for 48 h using bull&rsquo, s rumen fluid as inoculum. All the varieties showed the values&rsquo, weight corresponding to the specific botanical typology. The varieties significantly differed for protein, starch and lignin (p &lt, 0.01) and structural carbohydrates (p &lt, 0.05) concentration. No significant differences were observed for energy content. All the in vitro fermentation parameters resulted significantly different among the varieties. Organic matter degradability ranged between 89.9% and 85.1% and the potential gas production from 367 to 325 mL/g. The Pearson&rsquo, s analysis showed significant correlation between morphological characteristics, chemical data and in vitro fermentation parameters. In conclusion, this investigation confirms the possibility of using local faba bean varieties (i.e., Aquino, Castrocielo, 13#5, 4#4) in ruminant nutrition with the advantage that, being local natural resources, they are better adapted to the climate and agronomic conditions and limit environmental impact.

Yeast cell wall are a source of prebiotics in animal nutrition, able to improve microbial function in the large intestine. The purpose of this paper was to compare the fermentability of six Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) cell wall obtained from three production processes (alcoholic, brewers and bakers). For each production process the two aliquots characterised by the highest the lowest carbohydrate levels were selected. In order to perform the in vitro trial, each SC substrate was incubated at 39 °C under anaerobic condition for 72 h, using cat faecal inoculum. The results showed that the production processes did not affect organic matter disappearance, while significantly (p

Simple Summary Recovery and valorization of residues are key factors for agro-industry to progress towards circular-economy models and more sustainable productions. In the vegetable oils industry, large quantities of spent seed cakes are produced downstream of the oil extraction processes, and their use as animal feedstuffs, mainly as protein supplements for ruminants, is a possible valorization strategy. In this study, we analyzed chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of spent cakes from sunflower, pomegranate, cardoon, tobacco and hemp that are multipurpose cultures emerging in Mediterranean area. The results showed that the cakes of tobacco, cardoon and hemp might be interesting alternative protein feeds for ruminants. The valorization of these cakes may potentially improve economic and environmental sustainability of the emerging vegetable-oil production chains. Abstract Fifteen oilseed cakes from sunflower, pomegranate, cardoon, tobacco and hemp were characterized with regard to chemical composition, Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) fractionation, in vitro digestibility of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, and crude protein. All the cakes presented low moisture, rather variable ether extract contents and medium to high levels of crude protein and neutral detergent fiber. The cakes significantly differed in terms of CNCPS partitioning and in vitro digestibility. Tobacco and hemp cakes presented high contents of slow degradable fractions of crude protein and carbohydrate joined to good post-ruminal protein digestibility. Cardoon cakes presented the highest rumen protein degradability. Based on crude protein content and intestinal digestibility of rumen undegraded protein, cakes of tobacco and hemp showed the better potential as alternative protein supplements for ruminants, while pomegranate appears to be the least suitable for ruminant feeding.

Simple Summary By-products are residues obtained from agriculture and/or industrial processes, considered as wastes that could be used in animal nutrition. They are considered valid instruments to reduce feeding costs and breeding environmental impact. These residues may contain beneficial molecules that could be naturally transferred to animal products. In this study, the nutritional characteristics of eight by-products derived from citrus fruit juice (three pulps and two molasses) and olive oil (three olive cake) processes are evaluated for their possible use in pig diets. The chemical composition and fermentation parameters are different when comparing the citrus fruits and olive oil by-products. The citrus by-products are rich in fermentable carbohydrates, while olive oil by-products are rich in un-fermentable carbohydrates and fat. In any case, all the by-products categories show interesting nutritional characteristics. By-products typical of the Mediterranean area could be use in pig nutrition and could be considered an effective system to reduce animal production costs and limit the environmental impact of some production systems. Abstract The purpose of the study is to determine the nutritional characteristics of some by-products derived from fruit juice and olive oil production to evaluate their use in pig nutrition. Five by-products of citrus fruit (three citrus fruit pulp and two molasses) and three by-products of olive oil (olive cake) obtained by different varieties are analysed for chemical composition. The fermentation characteristics are evaluated in vitro using the gas production technique with swine faecal inoculum. All the citrus by-products are highly fermentable, producing gas and a high amount of short-chain fatty acids. The fermentation kinetics vary when comparing pulps and molasses. Citrus fruit pulps show lower and slower fermentation rates than molasses. The olive oil by-products, compared to citrus fruits ones, are richer in NDF and ADL. These characteristics negatively affect all the fermentation parameters. Therefore, the high concentration of fiber and lipids represents a key aspect in the nutrition of fattening pigs. The preliminary results obtained in this study confirm that the use of by-products in pig nutrition could represent a valid opportunity the reduce the livestock economic cost and environmental impact.

The study aimed to compare two diets, Control (CTR) and Experimental (EX) (mainly differing as regards their ingredients, energy, and protein contents) administered to medium and large-sized bitches from two months before the expected proestrus and up to 30 days after delivery on mothers&rsquo, weight, body condition score, litter size, milk quality, and puppies&rsquo, growth. No differences were found for body weight during pregnancy, even if the BCS after delivery was significantly (p &lt, 0.01) higher in the EX group than in the CTR one. Concerning the size effect, the percentage of weight gain on the initial body weight was double in medium-sized dogs compared to large dogs (p &lt, 0.01). The number of puppies per litter was significantly higher (p &lt, 0.05) for the EX group compared to the CTR one. Concerning puppies&rsquo, weight, the CTR group showed a significantly (p &lt, 0.01) higher body weight from the 21st day of life due to the significant (p &lt, 0.01) higher daily weight gain during the suckling period. Considering the performance of bitches and puppies, both diets seem useful for these stages of their lives. In fact, after 30 days of lactation, all tested bitches showed a healthy status and both the percentage of newborns mortality and puppies&rsquo, growth kinetics fell into the normal physiological range for the species.

Simple Summary The cactus pear plant is a Cactaceae which originates from the Americas and is highly resistant to arid and hot environments. The plant is used as animal feedstuff in regions characterized by a lack of nutrient resources. In Italy, the fruits are known as prickly pears are usually eaten fresh by humans, and more recently have also started to be transformed into fruit juice. Various by-products (i.e., peel, pulp, and seeds) derived from the extraction of fruit juice are used for livestock feed due to their high amounts of fermentable structural carbohydrates. However, some of these by-products are difficult to conserve due to their high fermentability. The aim of the present study was to produce micro-silages of prickly pear by-products with different level of wheat straw (0, 5, and 10% as fed) and evaluate their chemical characteristics and fermentation kinetics using the in vitro gas production technique. Both chemical parameters (higher crude protein and lower neutral detergent fibre) and in vitro fermentation data demonstrated that the silage obtained with 5% of straw as the best-preserved (lower pH and ammonia nitrogen concentration). Abstract Cactus pear cladodes are used as forage in the most arid regions. In Italy, the human consumption of prickly pear fruits and juice is gradually increasing for their numerous health benefits. In manufacturing plants that produce prickly pear juice, several by-products (prickly pear by-products PPB) are obtained. Despite their interesting nutritional characteristics, PPB are not very usable because of their poor shelf-life which is related to their high moisture and sugar content. The aim of this study was to verify the efficacy of ensilage to preserve PPB and to compare different inclusion levels (0, 5, and 10% as fed) of wheat straw. For each treatment, four under vacuum micro-silos were prepared and, after 35 days of storage, the state of preservation was evaluated. Subsequently, the aliquots were analyzed for chemical composition and incubated with bovine rumen fluid to evaluate the fermentation kinetics. The PPB 5% of straw showed significant lower pH and ammonia nitrogen concentration, indicating a better preservation process. Moreover, PPB 5% of straw showed better nutritional parameters (higher crude protein and lower Neutral Detergent Fibre) and fermentation characteristics (higher degradability and VFA volatile fatty acids production) when compared with the other PPB silages. Ensilage with straw represents a suitable storage technique to preserve the nutritional characteristics of PPB.