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The poultry industry stands as a cornerstone in securing global food stability, both in the present and foreseeable future. To continue to uphold this critical role, the exploration of innovative, low-input feed sources is imperative. Hemp emerges as a promising candidate, offering locally sourced ingredients that not only reduce feed costs but also maintain high nutritional standards for livestock. This study delved into the utilisation of whole hemp seeds in the diet of 100 Naked-neck Kabir chicks that were divided randomly into two dietary groups, one fed a control diet (CTRL) and one fed a diet deprived of soybean meal with 10% inclusion of Carmagnola hemp seeds (HEMP). Birds were slaughtered at 81 days of age. Physicochemical characteristics of breast, thigh, and liver, besides the antioxidant content and the lipid oxidative status, were investigated. The HEMP birds exhibited higher daily weight gain and final live weight compared to the CTRL group. Results revealed improvements in the fatty acid profiles and antioxidant content in the HEMP group, leading to good levels of key nutrients such as α-tocopherol, retinol, and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. These findings underscore the potential of hemp seeds as a feed ingredient, standing poised as a sustainable ally in fortifying the poultry productive chain.

This study explores the potential of rabbits as a sustainable solution for poverty alleviation and food security in Burkina Faso, a country facing socio-economic and environmental challenges. In the context of limited resources and employment opportunities, rabbits offer advantages such as small size, short generation interval and high reproductive capacity. The research focuses on characterising the morphology of Burkina Faso’s local rabbit population, comparing it with two Italian breeds: a local medium-growing breed called Leprino di Viterbo (LV) and a fast-growing hybrid (a crossbred New Zealand × California, NZC). Utilising path analysis and principal component analysis, the study identifies key morphometric traits crucial for breeding programs and examines the influence of specific traits on body weight (BW) gain and heat stress resilience through ‘Transpiration Indexes.’ Findings highlight the importance of variables like chest girth (CG), abdominal girth (AG), rump width (RW) and nose to shoulders length (NSL) in influencing body weight (BW) and reveal significant size and shape differences among the breeds. The study suggests potential climate adaptation in Burkina Faso’s rabbit population, providing practical insights for breeding programs in resource-constrained regions. This research not only advances scientific understanding but also provides practical insights for breeding programs in resource-constrained regions, emphasising the importance of certain morphological traits for heat dissipation.

In the last decade, great attention was placed on insects to increase feed-food production without negatively affecting the environment. In this research study we compare three different insect species (Alphitobius diaperinus, Tenebrio molitor, and Zophobas morio - lesser mealworm, mealworm, and superworm), fed the same substrate, on the chemical composition, fatty acid (FA) profile, antioxidant content, and microbiological loads. Superworm larvae show higher dry matter (38.06%) and ether extract (17.65%) contents followed by mealworm and lesser mealworm larvae (32.77%, 27.11% and 13.86%, 10.78%, respectively). No differences were detected in the crude protein and ash content. Superworm larvae showed the highest content of SFA (41.43% vs 39.16% and 28.52% of total FA, in lesser mealworm and mealworm, respectively), while mealworm larvae were the richest in MUFA (40.61% vs 34.38% and 32.98% of total FA, in super and lesser mealworm, respectively) and PUFA (29.05% vs 22.29% and 21.21% of total FA in super and lesser mealworm, respectively). Anyhow, in all the larvae the three more representative fatty acids were oleic acid, linoleic acid, and palmitic acid. The least beneficial ratio of n-6/n-3 was detected in Alphitobius diaperinus larvae (53.84), while Zophobas morio larvae showed the healthier ratio (16.04). The antioxidant contents determination revealed a linkage to the fatty acids content. Low differences were determined in microbiological loads of the larvae. The characteristics of the insects revealed the great potential of these three species highlighting the capacities to respond to different requests derived from the food and feed sectors.Highlights Superworm larvae showed the highest content of SFA Mealworms larvae were the richest in PUFA The fat-soluble vitamin content followed the fatty acids content

Date palm pollen (DPP) has been widely tested in vitro in preservation of spermatozoa of different farm animals except in rabbits. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of various concentrations (20, 40, 80 mg/mL) of DPP aqueous extract on epididymal and ejaculated rabbit spermatozoa during in vitro incubation at 37 °C during 120 min. NaCl Pollen Extender (NPE) and TRIS Base Extender (TPE) were respectively used in epididymal and ejaculated sperm preservation. Sperm motility parameters were objectively analysed by a Computer Aided Sperm Analyser (CASA). The results revealed that in epididymal sperm at 0 minute, sperm motility showed significant higher values (p ≤ 0.05) for all doses of DPP in comparison to the control group. After 30, 60 and 120 min, the motility rate was higher (p > .05) in all the experimental groups compared to the control. Concerning velocity traits (VCL and VAP), and trajectories parameters (LIN, ALH, BCF), the doses of 40 mg/mL and 80 mg/mL showed the highest values than Control. In ejaculated samples, the motility rate at 0 minute improved only with the dose of 80 mg/mL and DPP showed protective effect at all doses (20, 40, 80 mg/mL) up to 60 min of incubation. DPP enhanced spermatozoa velocity (VCL and VAP) and the trajectory of sperm (LIN, ALH, BCF) even from 20 mg/mL at any points of storage. In conclusion, aqueous extract of date palm pollen is a suitable supplement to the extender for rabbit sperm by protecting and improving sperm motility parameters.HIGHLIGHTS The addition of DPP extract improves the quality of epididymal and ejaculated rabbit sperm. The extender supplemented with 80 mg/mL of DPP in NPE has a beneficial effect on kinetic traits of epididymal sperm. Nevertheless, in TPE extender, 20 mg/mL of DPP was enough to improve sperm motility traits in ejaculated rabbit semen.

Nowadays most of the Italian chickens’ breeds are replaced with commercial hybrids characterised by higher productive performance. However, the safeguard of biodiversity and consequently the genetic variability are a very important issue, and for this reason, it is fundamental to include local strains in preservation programs. In Italy, the poultry Genealogic Book has been recently constituted, and includes 22 chicken breeds. The diffusion of these strains is strictly linked to the territory of origin, in particular in the Central Italy, the Ancona and Livorno chicken breeds are the mainly widespread ones. The aim of this study was to determine the consistency and the characteristics of the farms involved in the farming of Ancona and Livorno chicken breeds in Central Italy. A survey to analyse the facilities, the human resources and the chicken population consistencies was conducted in the farms of Abruzzo, Lazio, Marche, Tuscany and Umbria regions. All the investigated farms can be identified as ‘hobby-farms’ being small scale ones and leading the breeding of Ancona and Livorno chickens as a secondary business. The survey also confirmed that the presence of the strains depends on the region: 100% of Marche farms bred Ancona whereas, in Tuscany the Livorno breed is the most common.Highlights A survey in centre Italy was carried out to determine the consistency of Ancona and Livorno chicken breeds; The Ancona and Livorno chickens breed were reared in small scale farms; The widespread of the breeds depend on the region: Ancona breed is most present in the Marche region while the Livorno is mainly bred in Tuscany.

The aim of this research was to investigate the nutritional composition of raw and fried big-scale sand smelt (Atherina boyeri) from Trasimeno Lake. Four hundred big-scale sand smelts were caught with nets and analysed immediately. We created a total of 20 batches with 20 whole fish in each batch. Ten batches were analysed as raw samples, while the other 10 batches were analysed after being fried in sunflower oil at a temperature of 190 °C for 3 min (deep fat frying). The pH, proximate composition, fatty acid profile, oxidative stability and nutritional indexes of both groups were assessed. As expected, cooking strongly influenced the characteristics of the meat, mainly in terms of lipids, which were seven times greater in the fried product due to the oil. Frying also affected the fatty acid profile of the meat because oil absorption caused a significant increase in oleic and linoleic acids. Furthermore, we found a slight reduction in long chain n-3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids). Frying increased oxidative processes and decreased the nutritional value of sand smelt. The obtained results can be considered preliminary because the effects of the fishing season and different physiological phases of sand smelt require further analytical confirmation.Highlights The aim of the research was to investigate the nutritional composition of raw and fried big-scale sand smelt (Atherina boyeri) from Trasimeno Lake. The fried big-scale sand smelt had a meat lipids content 7-times greater than the control, due to the oil adsorbition. Frying increased oxidative processes and decreased the nutritional value of big-scale sand smelt.

This study aimed to assess the effect of rearing system (intensive vs. free-range under vineyard) on the qualitative characteristics of goose meat. In particular, the integration of a goose raising system with an organic grape production was evaluated. Six hundred Romagnola geese of both sexes were divided into two groups at 21 d of age: Vineyard group (V) – 480 geese (120 geese/ha) pasturing in 4 ha of vineyard, and Control Group (C) – 120 geese of the same genotype in the experimental farm of Perugia, without any access to the pasture. Live weight, feed consumption and other performance were registered weekly on 30 selected and marked animals/group. At 160 days of age, 15 geese/group were slaughtered and characteristics of carcase, breast and drumstick (physical, chemical, oxidative status, fatty acids profile) were evaluated. The chemical analysis of diet and pasture and the ingestion of crude protein, digestible energy and bioactive compounds were also estimated. Vineyard geese, showed lower productive performance than the C ones (live and carcase weight), however, due to pasture availability, the intake of bioactive compounds (vitamin E, retinol, n-3 long-chain fatty acids) was higher and positively affected the antioxidant content of breast and drumstick. The higher kinetic activity of V geese reduced the fat amount of carcase and meat, whereas increased the development of drumstick muscle (higher meat/bone ratio) and worsened the oxidative status of meat. Concluding, the free-range vineyard geese resulted in a positive payoff on the geese meat quality viewpoint.Highlights Pasture enhance the amount of VIT E in goose muscle. Pasture reduce the amount of lipid in goose carcass and meat. Pasture enhance the amount of n-3 PUFA in goose meat.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of transport on welfare traits, several haematological parameters and carcase hygiene in two different chicken genotypes (fast- and slow-growing strains) reared under free-range conditions. For this aim, two hundred male chicks, 100 from fast-growing (Ross 308, R) and 100 from slow-growing (Naked Neck, NN) strain were farmed. At the end of the rearing period, at 81 days of age, 56 birds/strain were randomly selected for slaughtering and submitted to two different pre-slaughter conditions: no transport (0h) or 4 hours of transport (4h). Tonic immobility (TI), blood parameters and carcase hygiene traits were determined. Strain and transport significantly affected TI of birds. Both experimental factors and their interaction significantly affected plasma creatine kinase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. Cholesterol and triglycerides were not different between the experimental groups, whereas glucose decreased after 4 hours of transport in both strains. A significant difference between groups for the heterophils/lymphocytes ratio after transport was also observed, with NN being higher than Ross. Concerning the oxidative stress, we observed a higher ROS production in NN chickens. The carcase microbial characteristics showed a higher level of contamination after the transport (total viable counts), but not concerning the Enterobacteriaceae counts.

Objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation of growing rabbits’ diet with 5% spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) and/or 3% (Thymus vulgaris L.), on composition and amount of rabbits caecal microbiota. After weaning, rabbits were randomly sorted to 4 groups (n = 42/group). The control group received a pellet without any supplementation, in treated groups the dietary supplementation was provided until 77 days of age. On 49, 63 and 77 days of age, six healthy animals/group were randomly selected and slaughtered. From the caecal content the amount of total bacteria, Bacteroides, Clostridium leptum and Clostridium coccoides were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), with the aid of bacterial ribosome coding DNA. The copy number of total bacteria, C. leptum, C. coccoides and Bacteroides varied between 2.75 × 1012 to 2.24 × 1013, 5.25 × 1011 to 1.82 × 1012, 2.5 × 1010 to 6.91 × 1011 and 5.89 × 1010 to 1.10 × 1012, respectively. The amount of investigated bacteria represented 0.6%-13.4% of the total bacteria. The use of spirulina and/or thyme supplements influenced the amount of the copy number of each bacteria examined between 49 and 77 days of age. Their effect on the total bacteria number was temporary. Spirulina resulted in more Bacteroides on day 63 but significantly lower amount of Clostridia at 63 and at 77 days of age. The antimicrobial effect of thyme on the absolute Clostridia number was temporary, prevailing on day 63. Thyme resulted in significantly decreasing percentage ratio (within total bacteria) of C. leptum and C. coccoides by 77 days of age.

This experiment compared the productive performance and location of growing rabbits in pens without and with two-level platforms (wire-mesh or plastic-mesh). A total of 174 rabbits of both sexes weaned at 5 weeks of age were randomly divided into three groups (n = 58 rabbits/group, 2 pens/treatment, 29 rabbits/pen). The floor area of pens was 1.0 × 1.83 m, and the floor was made of wire-mesh. Two pens were equipped with wire-mesh (WP) and two pens with plastic-mesh elevated platforms (PP) on two levels, and two pens were without platforms (NoP). Treatment had no effect on the productive performance of growing rabbits. Based on video recordings, animal density (rabbits/m2 in each location) was higher (p

The stomach content and samples of Longissimus dorsi muscle of 32 feral wild boars were collected in two different feeding areas (forest and farmland) of Umbria region (Italy). The animals from each feeding area were divided into two age classes: class 1 (12–24 months of age; 48 kg average weight) and class 2 (animals older than 2 years of age; 84 kg average weight). The major food categories consumed were hard mast and crops (89.02–75.98%). The L*(lightness) and a*(red to green colour) values of the meat were affected by the feeding area as well as the b*(yellow colour) value; the age significantly affected only the a* and the b* value of the meat. The α-tocopherol was the most abundant vitamin E homologue, ranged between 520.63 and 1881.33 ng/g and was higher in farmland areas. The index of lipid oxidation (TBARS) ranged from 0.093 and 0.140 mg MDA/kg and was higher in wild boars from farmland. The monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) ranged between 38.36 and 46.75% and were higher in wild boar of class 2. The total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) as well as PUFAn-6 were affected by age, while PUFAn-3 was only affected by feeding area and ranged from 0.91 and 1.99 in farmland and forest, respectively. The feeding area affects the intramuscular fat contents in terms of nutritional characteristics of the meat: the n-6/n-3 ratio that was lower in meat from animals hunted in the forest area (p ≤ .001), as well as the ARA/(EPA + DHA) ratio (p ≤ .01).

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of transport length on in vivo oxidative status and breast meat characteristics in two chicken genotypes reared under free range conditions. A total of 200 male chicks, 100 from fast-growing (Ross 308) and 100 from medium-growing (Naked Neck) strain were used. Fifty-six of these, 28 for genotype, before slaughtering, were randomly allocated to 2 pre-slaughter conditions: absence (0 h) or 4 h of transport. The transport length significantly affected the in vivo oxidative status of broiler greatly reducing the α and δ-tocopherol, retinol and lutein + zeaxanthin content of plasma, and increased the oxidative stress (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS) in both strains. Concerning meat quality, the pH (0, 2 and 24 h post-mortem) of breast muscles of chickens transported for 4 h, showed higher values, and respect to strains, Naked Neck had lower values. The pH values were negatively correlated with the lightness (2–24 h) and the shear force of meat. The transport length significantly affected the fatty acid profile of breast muscle, with a decrease in polyunsaturated fatty acids and an increase in TBARS value. Even the antioxidants content of breast was reduced by chicken transport (α-tocotrienol, α-, δ-tocopherol and lutein + zeaxanthin), especially in Naked Neck birds. In conclusion, the results indicate that transport for 4 h prior to slaughter, negatively affect the meat quality of poultry. Slow-growing chickens seem more sensible to stress transport due to the higher kinetic behaviour of these strains.

The aim of the study was to define poultry adaptability to organic system, through the assessment of several endpoints. Eight hundred male birds of slow-growing birds (Ancona: A, Leghorn: L, crossbreed Cornish × Leghorn: CL), medium-growing (Gaina: G, Robusta Maculata: RM, Kabir: K, Naked Neck: NN) and fast-growing strains (Ross: R) were organically reared. A and L genotypes displayed a quicker reaction time when submitted to tonic immobility test, and a great variety of behaviour and exploiting all the pasture area. Concerning feather conditions L, A, CL G and RM showed the best values for all considered body regions, as well as the absolute absence of foot pad and breast blister lesions. Static behaviour of R and G chickens did not produce a significant oxidative burst whereas, the active behaviour of A, slow-growing birds, increased the oxygen demand. Plasma α-tocopherol followed the trend of kinetic and foraging activity being higher in slow-, intermediate in medium- and lower in fast-growing birds. The adaptability index showed the best result of slow-growing strains with intermediate results in medium-growing and the worst in fast-growing ones. There is a negative linear correlation between adaptation and daily weight gain. However, within the same sub-group (slow, medium and fast), there is no correlation between daily weight gain and adaptation to an organic system. Even if R chickens had the highest productive performance, they appeared no adapted to the organic system. Daily weight gain (

The performance and the behaviour of three different chicken strains, reared according to the EEC-Regulation 1804/1999 on organic system, were compared. The strains had very slow (Robusta maculata), slow (Kabir) and fast (Ross) growing rates, respectively. The trial was carried out on 200 chickens (male and female) per strain. Rearing lasted 81 days as required by the EEC Regulation. At slaughter age, 20 birds per group were killed. Robusta maculata and Kabir chickens showed more intense walking activity and better foraging aptitude; their antioxidant capacity was also superior. Ross chickens had a good growth rate and feed conversion index, reaching an excellent body weight, but the mortality and the culling rate were high indicating that fast-growing strains do not adapt well to organic production. Robusta macula- ta showed the worst productive performance although the mortality was low and Kabir birds gave intermediate results. The carcass traits were the best in Ross and the poorest in Robusta maculata. Male chickens were heavier and leaner than females.

The effect of genotype on the oxidative stability and other qualitative traits of chicken meat was studied. Two groups of 200 chicks (Ross 205 and Kabir) were reared according to the organic farming system. At 81 d of age 20 birds per group were slaughtered and after refrigeration (24 h at 4°C) of the carcasses, Pectoralis majormuscles were excised for anal- yses. Samples were analysed after 0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours of storage at 4°C under continuous fluorescent illumina- tion (2300 lux). The analyses concerned the chemical composition and the shear force (only at time 0) and the progress of several traits as pH, CIELAB values, Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS), panel test and fatty acid com- position (at 0 and after 96 h). Genotype greatly affected the physico-chemical characteristics and the sensory evalua- tion. The meat from Ross chickens showed high TBARS values, perhaps due to selection for growth rate that reduced their adaptability to greater space allowance and to poorer environmental conditions; these higher TBARS values were also negatively correlated to lightness and yellowness. The initial level of TBARS affected the oxidative stability of breast meat during storage. The amount of TBARS showed significantly negative relationship with the sensory evaluation; breast meat of Kabir had higher scores for liking when the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was less than 2.5 mg kg-1.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible differences in the intestinal microflora composition among the different rearing systems (conventional vs organic) and the Salmonella diffusion using bacteriological techniques. The results showed that the differences between the two groups at the same age, expressed by the bacterial count, are not conclusive in showing an influence of the rearing systems. Salmonella Hadar was isolated once in caeca of conventional and once in caeca of organic ones. Though the results are preliminary and referred to a well defined geographic area in Central Italy, Salmonella detection does not seem to be common in conventional and organic chicken farms.

The ban of transgenic feed and synthetic amino acids in organic chicken diets has made necessary to find protein-rich feedstuffs which do not alter productive performance. The effect of the faba bean (Vicia faba var. minor) as a partial substitute for soybean on the performance and carcass traits of slow-growing chickens of both sexes reared under the organic method was assessed. The experiment was carried out in the spring and autumn; one thousand birds per season were split into 8 groups (4 groups of males and 4 groups of females, each duplicated) and fed a double phase diet: a common starter diet for 20 days and two different growing-finisher diets containing either soybean (24%; S) or faba bean (16%; F) till the end of the rearing period (120 d). Average values of final live weight, feed intake and daily weight gain were significantly affected by sex, being higher in males than in females; the diets affected performance only in the 21-60 days of age period when the F group grew less and had poorer feed efficiency compared to the S group. Successively, the compensatory growth eliminated differences in slaughter weight. Regarding carcass traits, the diet affected only the ready- to-cook carcass percentage and the carena length, both of which were higher in S birds. Faba beans could be a valuable protein source in the diet of organic chickens when used after the critical starter period.

Productive performance and egg characteristics of Ancona laying hens reared under three different rearing systems (conventional, organic and organic-plus) were compared during an experimental period of one year. Three-hundred-sixty Ancona female chicks at 28 days of age were divided in three groups and assigned to different rearing systems. The organic group had 4m2 pasture/hen according to the requirements imposed by the EC Regulation 1804/99, whereas the organic-plus group had a larger grass paddock (10m2/hen). The Control group was reared in cages under standard housing conditions. The following egg characteristics were recorded and analysed during the year-long cycle: egg weight and egg mass laid/d, weight of egg components, shell thickness, Haugh index and yolk colour. Egg quality was affected by the pasture available. The hens that ingested grass (organic-plus), produced eggs with higher shell weight and percentage, darker yolk colour and higher α-tocopherol, carotenoid and polyphenol contents. The other egg traits were not affected by rearing system.

The major bacteria colonizing the intestinal tract (ileum and caecum) of organic (O) and conventional (C) chickens were counted, isolated and identified by conventional methods. Chickens were obtained from 7 conventional and 7 organic chicken farms (n=203). Intestinal sampling was performed at different ages, every 10 days, starting at 20 days until 40 and from 20 days to 80 days of age, respectively, for conventional and organic birds. Statistical analysis was performed on two separate data sets (40 days of age and all ages).The comparison of C vs O systems was analyzed with univariate and multivariate procedures. There were large differences in bacterial counts in relation to the portion of intestine, the rearing system and the farms. In the ileum of conventional birds Enterobacteria were higher than in organic birds (7.03 vs 6.09 CFUxlog/g; P

This study aimed to assess the effect of rearing system (intensive vs. free-range under vineyard) on the qualitative characteristics of goose meat. In particular, the integration of a goose raising system with an organic grape production was evaluated. Six hundred Romagnola geese of both sexes were divided into two groups at 21 d of age: Vineyard group (V) – 480 geese (120 geese/ha) pasturing in 4 ha of vineyard, and Control Group (C) – 120 geese of the same genotype in the experimental farm of Perugia, without any access to the pasture. Live weight, feed consumption and other performance were registered weekly on 30 selected and marked animals/group. At 160 days of age, 15 geese/group were slaughtered and characteristics of carcase, breast and drumstick (physical, chemical, oxidative status, fatty acids profile) were evaluated. The chemical analysis of diet and pasture and the ingestion of crude protein, digestible energy and bioactive compounds were also estimated. Vineyard geese, showed lower productive performance than the C ones (live and carcase weight), however, due to pasture availability, the intake of bioactive compounds (vitamin E, retinol, n-3 long-chain fatty acids) was higher and positively affected the antioxidant content of breast and drumstick. The higher kinetic activity of V geese reduced the fat amount of carcase and meat, whereas increased the development of drumstick muscle (higher meat/bone ratio) and worsened the oxidative status of meat. Concluding, the free-range vineyard geese resulted in a positive payoff on the geese meat quality viewpoint. Pasture enhance the amount of VIT E in goose muscle. Pasture reduce the amount of lipid in goose carcass and meat. Pasture enhance the amount of n-3 PUFA in goose meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficiency of a rabbit farm is affected by many factors but the most important of them is the reproductive rhythm. In Italy the widely used production system implied the artificial insemination (AI) of does at 11 days from kindling. This protocol is well adapted to cyclization, however at time of AI, sexual receptivity is not particularly high and synchronisation hormones have often to be used to reach a satisfactory fertility rate (Castellini and Boiti, 1999). In fact, sexual receptivity in rabbit does is very high immediately after kindling, and receptivity increases only after weaning (Theau Clèment et al., 1990). In intensive farms, since reproductive activity is uninterrupted, such rhythm is too stressful and the theoretical advantages are strongly reduced by the excessive exploitation of does...

Knowledge of animal body composition is necessary in nutritional study, and during the last two decades many efforts have been made to find non-destructive methods to predict in vivo body composition in different species (Fortune-Lamothe et al., 2002). A good technique for measuring body composition should be accurate, easily utilisable, inexpensive, applicable to a wide range of ages and to live animal with minimal perturbation of behaviour...

The fatty acid profile and the oxidative status of meat of three different commercial chicken genotypes organically reared and slaughtered at two different ages (70 and 81 days) were compared. The genotypes used were Naked Neck (CN1 strain), Kabir (KR4 strain) and Ross 308 (R). All animals were raised in the facilities of a big Italian company, in field conditions. Genotype and slaughtering age affected the main fatty acids and the antioxidant profile of meat. Concerning the content of total saturated fatty acids (SFA), the highest value was observed in R chicks. The CN1 birds showed the lowest SFA values, whereas the KR4 showed intermediate values. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) showed a different trend at the two slaughter ages. At 71 days medium-growing chickens had lower values, while at 81 days CN1 birds reached the highest value. The CN1 chickens exhibited lower concentrations of linolenic acid, but higher long chain PUFA derivatives. However, the meat of these chickens showed a lower lipid stability despite a higher antioxidant content probably due to the kinetic behaviour and the resulting high oxidative metabolism. This finding is of importance since health concerns over fatty acid profile are among the main factors contributing to the decline of meat intake. Regarding the slaughtering age, the results of this trial demonstrate that at older age chickens show a better fatty acid profile under a nutritional point of view even if the oxidative status worsens.

The carcass and meat quality of three different commercial chicken genotypes reared according to the organic system and slaughtered at two different ages (70 and 81 days) were compared. The used genotypes were Naked Neck (CN1), Kabir (KR4) and Ross 308 (R). All animals were raised in the facilities of a big Italian company, in production units of 3000 birds. Before slaughtering, plumage conditions, foot pad dermatitis as well as qualitative traits of carcasses, such as skin damage and the presence of breast blisters, were registered (n=50). Naked Neck birds showed the best plumage conditions at both ages; the other genotypes had similar body conditions showing a dramatically worsening at the end of rearing cycle (81 days), mainly at breast level. The carcass conformation showed differences mainly for the CN1 genotype, which was more slender with higher proportions of head, neck and legs; thus, ready-to-cook-carcass yield was lower. The meat of CN1 chickens showed lower levels of lipids, pH and brightness values, but higher index of redness. Ross 308 genotype showed a bad welfare status even at 70 days, confirming that the rearing of this strain should not be permitted in organic systems. In conclusion, this study indicates that genotype deeply affects performance, welfare and qualitative characteristics of meat. Regarding the slaughtering age, although the inconsistency of European Commission rules which authorise the reduction of slaughtering age in less mature strains, at 70 days chickens show higher feed efficiency and thinness of carcass and meat.

The aim of the present study was to study the effect of three different types of dehydrated olive cakes on immunitary and oxidative status of growing rabbits. One hundred and sixty New Zealand White weaned rabbits, 30 day old, were divided into four homogeneous groups. To experimental groups was administered a similar diet integrated with 5% of three types of olive cake (A, B, C) obtained from local olive oil mills. The olive cakes A and C were both of high quality (C better than A), while the by-product B had the lowest level of total polyphenols, o-diphenols and oleic acid and the highest peroxide number. The aspecific immunitary and oxidative status was improved in animals fed olive cakes richer in antioxidant components.

The efficiency of the cycled production system in rabbit farms is greatly conditioned by the fertility rate of does. Nulliparous does generally exhibit high fertility rate (Castellini et al., 1998), whereas the reproductive performances of multiparous does goes down. One reason of this reduction is related to the use of intensive reproductive rhythms which implies an overlapping between lactation and insemination which often produces a severe energy deficit. As in other mammals, lactation shows a strong hormonal antagonism with the reproductive activity

To investigate the effects of genotype and rearing system on innate immunity and oxidative status, 40 weaned commercial hybrid (H) rabbits and 40 rabbits of a local population (LP) were assigned to two rearing systems: cage (17 rabbits/m2) and pen (1x2 m, 10 rabbits/m2). Rearing H rabbits in pen resulted in a higher lysozyme concentration (P

The aims of this study were to compare the hormones and metabolites serum levels and the reproductive performances of nulliparous (n=100) and primiparous pregnant does submitted to artificial insemination (AI) 11 days post-partum. On the day of AI, all the does were weighed and the sexual receptivity was evaluated. The kits were weaned at 26 day. Blood samples were collect by punc- ture of the marginal ear vein from one day before AI until few days before the kindling and assayed for hormones and metabolites. The higher sexual receptivity and the fertility in nulliparous than in primiparous does confirmed the negative effect of lactation. Nulliparous does showed higher blood con- centration of leptine than primiparous, and in both the groups such level lowered during pregnancy, probably reflecting the reduction of the fat reserve. The insuline level increased during pregnancy in either groups as a consequence of the growing of the foetuses. In nulliparous does the cortisol, NEFA and T3 concentrations were higher than primiparous does. The glucose levels were similar in both the groups probably due to the homeostatic mechanisms controlling the glycemia. Hormonal and metabo- lite analyses represent a good tool for understanding the physiological mechanisms required to meet higher reproductive performance.

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.

The aim of this research was to investigate the nutritional composition of raw and fried big-scale sand smelt (Atherina boyeri) from Trasimeno Lake. Four hundred big-scale sand smelts were caught with nets and analysed immediately. We created a total of 20 batches with 20 whole fish in each batch. Ten batches were analysed as raw samples, while the other 10 batches were analysed after being fried in sunflower oil at a temperature of 190 °C for 3 min (deep fat frying). The pH, proximate composition, fatty acid profile, oxidative stability and nutritional indexes of both groups were assessed. As expected, cooking strongly influenced the characteristics of the meat, mainly in terms of lipids, which were seven times greater in the fried product due to the oil. Frying also affected the fatty acid profile of the meat because oil absorption caused a significant increase in oleic and linoleic acids. Furthermore, we found a slight reduction in long chain n-3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids). Frying increased oxidative processes and decreased the nutritional value of sand smelt. The obtained results can be considered preliminary because the effects of the fishing season and different physiological phases of sand smelt require further analytical confirmation. The aim of the research was to investigate the nutritional composition of raw and fried big-scale sand smelt (Atherina boyeri) from Trasimeno Lake. The fried big-scale sand smelt had a meat lipids content 7-times greater than the control, due to the oil adsorbition. Frying increased oxidative processes and decreased the nutritional value of big-scale sand smelt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of transport on welfare traits, several haematological parameters and carcase hygiene in two different chicken genotypes (fast- and slow-growing strains) reared under free-range conditions. For this aim, two hundred male chicks, 100 from fast-growing (Ross 308, R) and 100 from slow-growing (Naked Neck, NN) strain were farmed. At the end of the rearing period, at 81 days of age, 56 birds/strain were randomly selected for slaughtering and submitted to two different pre-slaughter conditions: no transport (0h) or 4 hours of transport (4h). Tonic immobility (TI), blood parameters and carcase hygiene traits were determined. Strain and transport significantly affected TI of birds. Both experimental factors and their interaction significantly affected plasma creatine kinase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. Cholesterol and triglycerides were not different between the experimental groups, whereas glucose decreased after 4 hours of transport in both strains. A significant difference between groups for the heterophils/lymphocytes ratio after transport was also observed, with NN being higher than Ross. Concerning the oxidative stress, we observed a higher ROS production in NN chickens. The carcase microbial characteristics showed a higher level of contamination after the transport (total viable counts), but not concerning the Enterobacteriaceae counts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation of growing rabbits’ diet with 5% spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) and/or 3% (Thymus vulgaris L.), on composition and amount of rabbits caecal microbiota. After weaning, rabbits were randomly sorted to 4 groups (n = 42/group). The control group received a pellet without any supplementation, in treated groups the dietary supplementation was provided until 77 days of age. On 49, 63 and 77 days of age, six healthy animals/group were randomly selected and slaughtered. From the caecal content the amount of total bacteria, Bacteroides, Clostridium leptum and Clostridium coccoides were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), with the aid of bacterial ribosome coding DNA. The copy number of total bacteria, C. leptum, C. coccoides and Bacteroides varied between 2.75 × 1012 to 2.24 × 1013, 5.25 × 1011 to 1.82 × 1012, 2.5 × 1010 to 6.91 × 1011 and 5.89 × 1010 to 1.10 × 1012, respectively. The amount of investigated bacteria represented 0.6%-13.4% of the total bacteria. The use of spirulina and/or thyme supplements influenced the amount of the copy number of each bacteria examined between 49 and 77 days of age. Their effect on the total bacteria number was temporary. Spirulina resulted in more Bacteroides on day 63 but significantly lower amount of Clostridia at 63 and at 77 days of age. The antimicrobial effect of thyme on the absolute Clostridia number was temporary, prevailing on day 63. Thyme resulted in significantly decreasing percentage ratio (within total bacteria) of C. leptum and C. coccoides by 77 days of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment compared the productive performance and location of growing rabbits in pens without and with two-level platforms (wire-mesh or plastic-mesh). A total of 174 rabbits of both sexes weaned at 5 weeks of age were randomly divided into three groups (n=58 rabbits/group, 2 pens/treatment, 29 rabbits/pen). The floor area of pens was 1.0-1.83 m, and the floor was made of wire-mesh. Two pens were equipped with wire-mesh (WP) and two pens with plasticmesh elevated platforms (PP) on two levels, and two pens were without platforms (NoP). Treatment had no effect on the productive performance of growing rabbits. Based on video recordings, animal density (rabbits/m2 in each location) was higher (p<.001) on the floor than on the platforms (in WP: 12.0 vs. 5.2, in PP: 10.2 vs. 7.4 rabbits/m², respectively). Animal density on the floor was higher (p<.001) in front of the platforms than under the platforms (in WP 15.7 vs. 9.8 rabbits/m² and in PP 13.3 vs. 8.3 rabbits/m², respectively). The animal density on platforms was 1.4 times higher in group of PP than in WP (p<.001). The animal density was 1.6 and 2.9 times higher on the second floor than on the first one (p<.001), in group of PP and WP, respectively. The concentration of cortisol metabolites in faeces and the ratio of injured rabbits were similar in the three groups. The rabbits showed higher preference staying on the floor compared to the platform. Pens with platforms were not influencing productive performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stomach content and samples ofLongissimus dorsimuscle of 32 feral wild boars were collected in two different feeding areas (forest and farmland) of Umbria region (Italy). The animals from each feeding area were divided into two age classes: class 1 (12–24 months of age; 48 kg average weight) and class 2 (animals older than 2 years of age; 84 kg average weight). The major food categories consumed were hard mast and crops (89.02–75.98%). The L*(lightness) and a*(red to green colour) values of the meat were affected by the feeding area as well as the b*(yellow colour) value; the age significantly affected only the a* and the b* value of the meat. The α-tocopherol was the most abundant vitamin E homologue, ranged between 520.63 and 1881.33 ng/g and was higher in farmland areas. The index of lipid oxidation (TBARS) ranged from 0.093 and 0.140 mg MDA/kg and was higher in wild boars from farmland. The monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) ranged between 38.36 and 46.75% and were higher in wild boar of class 2. The total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) as well as PUFAn-6 were affected by age, while PUFAn-3 was only affected by feeding area and ranged from 0.91 and 1.99 in farmland and forest, respectively. The feeding area affects the intramuscular fat contents in terms of nutritional characteristics of the meat: the n-6/n-3 ratio that was lower in meat from animals hunted in the forest area (p ≤ .001), as well as the ARA/(EPA + DHA) ratio (p ≤ .01). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of transport length onin vivooxidative status and breast meat characteristics in two chicken genotypes reared under free range conditions. A total of 200 male chicks, 100 from fast-growing (Ross 308) and 100 from medium-growing (Naked Neck) strain were used. Fifty-six of these, 28 for genotype, before slaughtering, were randomly allocated to 2 pre-slaughter conditions: absence (0 h) or 4 h of transport. The transport length significantly affected thein vivooxidative status of broiler greatly reducing the α and δ-tocopherol, retinol and lutein + zeaxanthin content of plasma, and increased the oxidative stress (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS) in both strains. Concerning meat quality, the pH (0, 2 and 24 hpost-mortem) of breast muscles of chickens transported for 4 h, showed higher values, and respect to strains, Naked Neck had lower values. The pH values were negatively correlated with the lightness (2–24 h) and the shear force of meat. The transport length significantly affected the fatty acid profile of breast muscle, with a decrease in polyunsaturated fatty acids and an increase in TBARS value. Even the antioxidants content of breast was reduced by chicken transport (α-tocotrienol, α-, δ-tocopherol and lutein + zeaxanthin), especially in Naked Neck birds. In conclusion, the results indicate that transport for 4 h prior to slaughter, negatively affect the meat quality of poultry. Slow-growing chickens seem more sensible to stress transport due to the higher kinetic behaviour of these strains. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The aim of the study was to define poultry adaptability to organic system, through the assessment of several endpoints. Eight hundred male birds of slow-growing birds (Ancona: A, Leghorn: L, crossbreed Cornish x Leghorn: CL), medium-growing (Gaina: G, Robusta Maculata: RM, Kabir: K, Naked Neck: NN) and fast-growing strains (Ross: R) were organically reared. A and L genotypes displayed a quicker reaction time when submitted to tonic immobility test, and a great variety of behaviour and exploiting all the pasture area. Concerning feather conditions L, A, CL G and RM showed the best values for all considered body regions, as well as the absolute absence of foot pad and breast blister lesions. Static behaviour of R and G chickens did not produce a significant oxidative burst whereas, the active behaviour of A, slow-growing birds, increased the oxygen demand. Plasma α-tocopherol followed the trend of kinetic and foraging activity being higher in slow-, intermediate in medium- and lower in fast-growing birds. The adaptability index showed the best result of slow-growing strains with intermediate results in medium-growing and the worst in fast-growing ones. There is a negative linear correlation between adaptation and daily weight gain. However, within the same sub-group (slow, medium and fast), there is no correlation between daily weight gain and adaptation to an organic system. Even if R chickens had the highest productive performance, they appeared no adapted to the organic system. Daily weight gain (<50 g/d) is a prerequisite for chicken adaptation, but even birds with similar weight gains showed wide variations in the adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]