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The concept of enterprise 4.0 represents an extension of the initial industry 4.0, linked to the evolution of the industrial context towards a highly innovative and digital scenario. The use of technology contributes, through various levers, to the agro-ecological and digital transition: by improving farming efficiency (higher yield for the same environmental impact), by precision farming (adapting the different operations to the needs of vegetation or animals) and through the introduction of specialized machinery capable of helping the farmer to "close the cycle" (e.g., recycling of organic effluents) or to take advantage of biodiversity (i.e., with agro-equipment adapted to mixed crops). This research addresses these issues and aimed to understand the ability of farms to implement projects linked to the "twin transition" for improving competitiveness and capture high-value jobs in a local area. To this end 23 farmers were involved in a semi-structured interview to assess their ability to implement projects linked to green and digital transformation. The results highlight the difficulty both for farmers to welcome this innovative drive and for the local area (the north-eastern area of Sicily) to develop new skills and invest in the training of future generations to strengthen competitiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An innate 24 h circadian clock drives various behavioral processes via expression of clock genes that regulate circadian rhythmicity and temporal signals. Elucidating the gene expression in goats may contribute to improving the knowledge of the regulation of circadian rhythms in this species. Five nonpregnant and nonlactating Maltese goats with no evidence of disease were kept in an indoor pen under the natural long photoperiod (05:05–20:56 h) and natural environmental temperature (23°C and 60% RH). They were fed an Alfalfa hay and concentrate mixture provided twice a day; water was available ad libitum. Blood samples were collected every 4 h over a 48 h period into PAX gene Blood RNA Tubes and stored at −80°C until processing. Clock genes (Clock; Cry1; Cry2; Per2; Per3) were determined using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. During the experimental period, locomotor activity was monitored by an actigraphy-based data logger that records a digitally integrated measure of motor activity as a means to assess indices of discomfort during study and stability of the circadian rhythm. All of the tested genes showed daily rhythmicity in their expression in whole blood. Differences in their circadian parameters were observed. Mesor and amplitude were statistically different among the tested gene (Mesor: F(4.30) = 205.30; p <.0001; amplitude: F(4.30) = 104.80; p <.0001), with each gene showing its acrophase at a different time of day (F(4.30) = 81.17; p <.0001), and differences were observed between the two days of monitoring (F(1.30) = 10.25; p =.003). The application of two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) on robustness of rhythm values did not show statistical differences among the tested genes (F(4.30) = 1.83; p =.14) and between the two days of monitoring (F(1.30) = 1.16; p =.28). Locomotor activity data recording were in accordance with the data reported in literature, indicating the absence of discomfort or alteration of circadian rhythms during the experimental period. Our results support the presence of a cyclic transcription of clock genes in whole blood of healthy goats housed under a long light natural photoperiod and natural environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scope of the present study was to explore the features of the daily rhythms of plasma melatonin and blood glucose in goats during different natural photoperiod imposed by the four seasons. Five Sarda breed pluriparus female goats, 2 years old, with a mean body weight 40.5 ± 2.3 kg, lead to a natural pasture, were cannulated the day before the start of the study for sample collection performed during spring and autumn equinoxes, and winter and summer solstices for a 48-h period. On blood samples, melatonin and glucose concentrations were assessed. Our results indicate a daily rhythm of both parameters studied which characteristics were influenced by the different photoperiod due to season. During the experimental period, the two parameters showed a negative correlation, despite the onset of melatonin concentration was linked to the sunset, whereas the onset and offset of glucose were not linked to the photoperiod. In conclusion, we can claim that the two parameters are driven by different entrainable systems, but further studies are necessary to establish their correlation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reduction of waste is a key objective for the EU. This issue has gained a greater media interest only recently, due to its importance in terms of sustainability. Within the agri-food system, waste affects the whole chain. The main aim of this research is to identify the quantity of waste of bread and bread derivates in the analyzed sales points and to understand whether or not the variables relative to the analyzed socio-economic context affect this phenomenon. The research project aims at analyzing the behaviour of the sales point's owner regarding the food raw materials' supply procedure and frequency. The aim is also to analyze the size of the food supply and the relative sale in order to calculate the inventories; to identify the groups of foodstuffs which have a greater waste; to analyze the management of redundancies and to identify the most frequent waste disposal methods. The instrument used in this survey is a questionnaire structured with multiple-choice questions. The choice of the sample has been made by only taking into account the companies producing bread and oven-produced products. In order to obtain indications as exhaustive, truthful and consistent with reality as possible, 113 companies located in the territory of Southern Italy (Sicily) have been identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of early lactation on leptin and growth hormone (GH) during bathyphase. Forty lactating Sarda ewes were divided into two equal groups on the basis of their milk production levels: HIGH (>1100 g/day) and LOW (<900 g/day). From the 5th to the 110th day after lambing, every 15 days, body condition score (BCS) was recorded and milk samples were collected. At the same data point, blood sampling was performed and leptin, GH and, Non-Esterified Fatty Acids (NEFA) were assessed. On milk, fat and proteins were determined. Statistical differences were observed in BCS, leptin, GH, NEFA and fat concentration in milk between the two groups. BCS was lower in high group and decreased from the 20th to the 90th day of lactation. Leptin was higher in low group and increased from the 50th and the 65th day of lactation, in low and high groups, respectively. GH and NEFA were higher in high group and decreased from the mild lactation. In high group, BCS and milk yield were negatively correlated and leptin was negatively correlated with GH and NEFA. In low group, leptin was positively correlated with BCS and negatively correlated with the all studied parameters. GH and NEFA were positively correlated with both groups. In conclusion, milk yield had an effect on the leptin and GH plasma values recorded during their bathyphase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes of serum mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and leptin levels as well as of lipid and lipoprotein profiles in mares during the peripartum period. Ten pregnant mares (group A) were monitored from 15 ± 3 days of pregnancy until 15 days after foaling, and 10 nonpregnant nonlactating mares constituted the control (group B). In group A, blood sampling was performed on Days 15 ± 3 and 7 ± 3 before foaling, on the day of foaling, and on Days 7 and 15 after foaling. In group B, blood sampling was performed on the same days as in group A. Serum levels were determined for UCP1, leptin, total lipids, phospholipids, triglycerides, total cholesterol (Total-Chol), high-density lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), and very low–density lipoproteins (VLDLs). Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA was applied to evaluate the effects of peripartum period and group membership. All studied parameters except phospholipid levels (P > 0.05) showed significant changes in group A over the peripartum period (P < 0.0001). A significant effect of pregnancy was found on all studied parameters (P < 0.001), which showed lower levels in group A than in group B for most of the time points considered. Significant negative correlations were found between UCP1 and total lipids, triglycerides, VLDLs, Total-Chol, and LDL values. Positive correlations were found between leptin and total lipids, triglycerides, VLDLs, Total-Chol, and LDLs. These changes observed in mares during the peripartum period could represent a response to hormonal and metabolic adaptations occurring during specific physiological conditions such as late pregnancy and early postpartum. These changes should compensate for the energy loss occurring during these particular life phases and ensure a good body condition to protect mares against negative energy balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coffee is the second marketed product on a worldwide level, after petroleum, with a market volume equal to around 15 billion dollars. Today it represents the only real source of income for more than 20 million farmers in the South of the world. More than 25 million people perform their professional activity in the field of coffee cultivation, trade and processing. For many developing countries, coffee exports are an essential source for the growth of their economies. For these reasons, the international coffee culture has turned a commodity into a mass phenomenon. In Italy, coffee is a product consumed in large quantities and ranks 10th worldwide in terms of per capita consumption. The present survey aims at studying and investigating the identity, cultural and socio-economic aspects linked to the consumption of coffee in Italy. Therefore, the research object is to investigate whether the act of consuming coffee is not only connected with the satisfaction of basic needs, but if it implies a series of aspects linked to the individual's culture and identity, without forgetting the economic variables that the consumer must take into account at the time of purchase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the pattern of plasma melatonin during the trough and the peak of its daily rhythm. Blood samples from 8 ewes were collected every 3 h for a 48-h period. On the third day, blood samples were collected from 10:00 to 13:00 (trough) and from 20:00 to 23:00 (peak) every 20 min. Our results showed a robust daily rhythm of melatonin in both days of monitoring, with nocturnal acrophase. During the trough, a significant decrease was observed starting from the 10:40 with a progressive decrease about every 40 min. During the peak of the plasma melatonin daily rhythm, an increase was observed starting from the 20:40 with a progressive increase about every 40 min. These data could be taken in consideration to monitor the plasma melatonin variations during the 24 h, and for the administration of melatonin for breeding in ewes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the potential causal link between the rhythm of activity and body temperature, we simultaneously recorded rectal temperature and total locomotor activity in five clinically healthy female rabbits (blue Vienna breed), 12 week old and mean body weight 2.7 ± 0.3. Animals were housed in individual cages (90 × 50 × 35 cm) under natural 12/12 light/dark cycle. Total locomotor activity was monitored for 15 days by an activity data logger. On day 1, 5, 10, and 15 rectal temperature was recorded every 2 h for a 24-h period. Application of single cosinor method showed a nocturnal daily rhythm of rectal temperature with a range of oscillation of about 1 °C, acrophase after dusk and low robustness value. The daily rhythm of locomotor activity showed its acrophase in the middle of the scotophase and a high robustness value. This information improves the knowledge available on the circadian biology of rabbits useful in the evaluation of physiology of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Changes in metabolic requirements during pregnancy may produce nutritional imbalances predisposing mares to pathological conditions. Therefore, we aimed to examine changes in serum macrominerals during the peripartum period in mares. Fifteen pregnant mares (Group A) were monitored starting at the 263rd day of pregnancy until the 21st day after foaling. Seven non-pregnant and non-lactating mares were used as a control group (Group B). Group A was subjected to blood sampling within 24±12 h after parturition (P) and then 7, 14 and 21 days after foaling (+1, +2, +3 weeks, respectively). Group B was subjected to regular sampling throughout the study to ensure that seasonal changes had no significant effect on studied parameters. Serum samples were analysed for serum electrolytes including sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca++), phosphorus (P+), chloride (Cl-) and magnesium (Mg++). Two-way repeated measures of analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to evaluate significant effects of peripartum on electrolyte concentrations. Group A showed a decrease in Cl-concentrations (P = 0:011) after foaling and lower P+ concentrations (P = 0:015) compared to Group B throughout the study. The linear regression model showed an increase in NaC concentrations (P = 0:002) and a gradual decrease in serum Ca++ (P = 0:001) during pregnancy. Because the most significant changes in serum electrolytes occurred within 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after foaling, monitoring serum electrolyte concentrations would indicate whether the mare needs further mineral supplementation at this stage. The significant changes in a mare's macromineral profile that we observed over the peripartum provide enhanced knowledge about mineral interrelations and their modifications during specific physiological conditions such as late pregnancy and early postpartum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes of serum total proteins, albumin, α1-,α2-,β 1-, β2 and γ -globulins in growing foals during the first month of life. Nine clinically healthy foals (five females and four males, mean body weight 39.00±3.50 kg) were enrolled in the study. From each animal, blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture every 3 days during the first month of life starting from the day of birth. Serum concentration of total proteins, albumin, α1, α 2, β1, β2 and γ -globulins was assessed. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Bonferroni post hoc comparison test, was used to determine statistically significant effect of the day of life on studied parameters. A statistically significant effect of the day of life on serum total proteins (P < 0.0001), albumin (P < 0.0001) and γ-globulins (P < 0.005) was observed during the first month of life. Our findings emphasize the importance of establishing different reference intervals for serum electrophoretic protein profiles in growing foals based on their physiological status. This study provides useful information that could help clinicians to better interpret clinical data and diagnose equine neonatal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study using 20 Holstein Friesian cows was conducted to investigate the influence of calf gender on metabolism during the transition period in dairy cattle. Blood samples were collected at three time points: 2-4 days prepartum (time 1), and 1 week and 2 weeks postpartum (time 2 and time 3 respectively). Serum samples obtained were analysed for total proteins, albumin, urea, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) andβ-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Depending on the sex of the offspring, cows were divided into two groups: Group 1 consisted of cows with heifer offspring (n =12) and Group 2 consisted of cows with bull offspring (n=8). A two-way repeated measures ANOVA and t tests for unpaired data were used to analyse the pattern of studied parameters and differences between the two groups. The results indicate differences in metabolic parameters between the two groups. These results highlight the importance of considering fetal sex as a factor that influences maternal metabolism during the early transition period in dairy cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pregnancy represents a specific physiological status characterized by continuous adjustments that affect maternal metabolism of all nutrients. In the last trimester of pregnancy, mare's nutrient requirements greatly increase and most pregnancy-associated diseases are likely to occur. Therefore, we aimed to assess the metabolic profile of broodmares focusing on the last 3 months of pregnancy and the early post-partum. Fifteen pregnant mares (Group A) were monitored from 263 ± 3 days of pregnancy until 21 days after foaling. Seven non-pregnant mares (Group B) were used as the control group. Blood samples were collected weekly by jugular venipuncture throughout the experimental period, and additional blood samples were collected within 24 ± 12 h of foaling. Obtained sera were analyzed for urea (Ur), creatinine (Cre), total protein (TP), total, direct and indirect bilirubin (tB, dB, iB), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (tChol) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). During pregnancy, Ur (p = 0.015) and dB (p = 0.028) were higher in Group A than Group B. Serum Cre, tB, iB and TG (p < 0.001) decreased after foaling; furthermore, Group A exhibited lower tChol (p < 0.001) and higher BHB (p < 0.001) than Group B during the study. There were significant interactions of time × peripartum on Ur (p = 0.007), Cre (p < 0.001), tB (p = 0.018), TG (p < 0.001) and tChol (p < 0.001). These results can be used in the interpretation of biochemical studies in late gestation mares which develop systemic disease. The improved understanding of the metabolic profile during the peripartum might assist in monitoring the health status of the broodmares to promote foetal growth and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the circadian rhythm of melatonin in horses, sheep, and goats, and to compare this rhythmicity under the same conditions. Five female thoroughbred, five female Sarda sheep, and five female Sarda goats were housed in boxes equipped with an opening window. Animals were kept under a natural photoperiod and indoor ambient temperature (16–20?°C). Blood samples were collected every 2?h over 48?h period. Results showed a circadian melatonin rhythm with a nocturnal acrophase in the three species studied. In sheep and goats, acrophase was observed at about 2?h before respect to horses. All species studied showed a high robustness between rhythm 61.20?±?7.57 and 83.60?±?7.26, denoting a high percentage of stationarity of melatonin circadian rhythm. However, we can claim that each species has its own characteristics in melatonin secretion that must be considered in the exploration of circadian clock in different species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work is to determine the feasibility of establishing a farmer's market in Messina (Italy). For this purpose, a "motivational" snapshot was obtained through the traditional methodology of a descriptive research survey by questionnaire. The research methodology adopted was quantitative and random. Prior to conducting the survey, their search team developed the hypothesis of the study, constructed the survey questions and delimited the area of research. The questionnaire comprises 16 multiple choice questions that area series of general questions put to agricultural producers on the situation of local business, including the characteristics of conducting local business, the size of production and the local economy, agricultural products, distribution channels and marketing. The questions relate exclusively to knowledge of short chain markets in general and farmers' markets in particular. The sample size was fixed taking into account the objectives of the research and the resources available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hemostasis is a physiological process that prevents excessive blood loss and represents a protective mechanism at the time of delivery. Peripartum hemorrhage is a recurring hazardous condition to mare's health; therefore, we aimed to study mares' hemostatic profile to investigate whether physiological adjustments occur during late pregnancy and early postpartum. Fifteen pregnant mares have been monitored from the 34th week of pregnancy until the third week after foaling. Fifteen nonpregnant mares were used as control group. Jugular blood samples were analyzed for platelet count (Plt), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and fibrinogen (Fb). Platelet count showed significant changes at foaling (P < 0.05) and a negative correlation (r = −0.968; P = 0.032) with postpartum. Prothrombin time changed (P < 0.05) showing a significant correlation (r = 0.675; P = 0.016) with late pregnancy. Fibrinogen concentrations changed throughout the experimental period (P < 0.0001). The linear regression model revealed a positive correlation (r = 0.9210; P < 0.0001) between Fb and late pregnancy and a negative correlation (r = −0.9583; P = 0.042) between Fb and early postpartum. The shortening in PT recorded in the imminence of parturition along with the increase in Plt and Fb at foaling might reflect a physiological hypercoagulable state that constrains excessive bleeding, enhancing mares' odds of surviving. Our research improves the knowledge about blood coagulation in periparturient mares providing specific information on routine coagulation tests that may support in monitoring mare's hemostatic profile during late pregnancy and early postpartum. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of three-time feeding on insulin daily rhythm in horses. At this purpose, five clinically healthy Italian saddle horses were housed under natural photoperiod (L/D) followed by constant darkness (D/D). Horses were fed three times a day (6:00; 12:00; 18:00) with hay and a mix of cereals. Blood samples were collected every 3 h over 48-h period (24 h during L/D and 24 h during D/D). On each serum sample insulin concentration was assessed. Two-way for repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to investigate statistically differences due to time of day and experimental conditions. Cosinor rhythmometry was applied to investigate daily rhythmicity in the two experimental periods. Our results showed a significant effect of time of day and experimental conditions on serum insulin concentrations. Daily rhythmicity of insulin serum concentrations was observed during L/D and D/D. Statistically differences in MESOR (Midline-Estimating Statistic of Rhythm), amplitude and acrophases were observed between L/D and D/D. MESOR and amplitude statistically decreased in D/D respect to L/D, and acrophase was postponed in L/D respect to D/D. Robustness of rhythm did not change between the two experimental period. In conclusion, we can hypothesised that the daily rhythm of insulin in horses is endogenously generated; and that during the routine management of the stabled horses providing feed three times a day favourite the physiological secretion of insulin in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Contents The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different physiological phases on serum total proteins and their fractions of ten Comisana ewes housed in Mediterranean area. From each animal, blood samples were collected at different physiological phases: late pregnancy, post-partum, early, mid-, end lactation and dry period. On all samples serum total proteins were determined by the biuret method, and albumin, α-globulins, β1-globulins, β2-globulins and γ-globulins concentrations were assessed using an automated system. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance was applied to determine the significant effect of different physiological phases on the parameters studied. During the late pregnancy and post-partum, total proteins, β1- and β2-globulins and γ-globulins showed the highest values. Starting from post-partum, α-globulins increased to reach their peaks in mid-lactation. Early lactation was characterized by low γ-globulins values. The increase in serum albumin concentration and the drop in some globulin fractions determined the significant increase in albumin/globulin ratio. The obtained results contributed to improve the knowledge on electrophoretic profile during the different physiological phases in ewes, confirming that pregnancy and lactation periods affect the protein metabolism. Particularly, serum protein fractions pattern could give information about dehydration, plasma volume expansion and hepatic function, which occur during the different physiological phases. Dynamics of the protein profile - from pregnancy to dry period - which are provided by our results, could be considered as guidelines for the management strategies to guarantee the nutritional needs of these animals during the different physiological phases and to avoid a decline of productive performance and consequently an economic loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of auricular temperature (AT) recording in the determination of body temperature as well as rectal temperature (RT). For this purpose we compared RT and AT in five clinically healthy horses. Data collections were performed every 3h over 2 different 24h photoperiods, 13/11 light/dark cycle and constant darkness. Repeated measures multifactor analysis of variance (MANOVA) was applied to determine a statistical significant effect of time of day, side of temperature collection and photoperiods on AT and RT. Our finding showed a significant effect of time of day on the temperature values recorded and an influence of side of temperature collection. RT values were higher of about 4°C than the AT values, and the pattern of the two temperatures was not comparable. A daily rhythmicity of rectal temperature was observed. Auricular temperature no showed daily rhythmicity in both periods of monitoring. On the basis of these findings AT does not reflect body temperature as well as RT in horse. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Giudice, E., Giannetto, C., Gianesella, M. Effect of desmopressin (DDAVP) on immune-mediated haemorrhagic disorders due to canine monocytic ehrlichiosis: a preliminary study. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2885.2010.01196.x. To evaluate the possible use of desmopressin acetate (DDAVP) in haemorrhagic disorders consequent to canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME), three dogs infected by Ehrlichia canis, with a history of thrombocytopenia and recent bleeding, were studied. The dogs were administered desmopressin (1 μg/kg b.w. s.c.) every 24 h on three occasions. Blood samples were collected immediately before, and after 2 and 48 h the first DDAVP administration, to assess haematological, clinical chemistry and clotting time parameters. Spontaneous bleeding stopped within 1 h after the first DDAVP injection. Buccal mucosa bleeding time (BMBT) was shortened from 9.6 to 2.3 min within 2 h after the treatment. A statistically significant increase in platelet PLT count and fibrinogen, and a statistically significant decrease of PT and aPTT were observed after DDAVP administration. The haemorrhagic disorders caused by CME appear to be quickly corrected by DDAVP administration, giving the clinician the time necessary to administer appropriate chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For our study, five clinically healthy Comisana sheep, housed individually in a soundproof light-tight box, were exposed to artificial photoperiod (12/12 light/dark). Locomotor activity was continuously recorded and blood samples were collected every 3 h over a 24 h period. On blood samples, reactive oxygen metabolites (dRoms), antioxidant barrier (Oxy-ads) and thiol-antioxydant barrier (SHp) were assessed. A one-way ANOVA showed a significant effect of time on all parameters studied. Locomotor activity was mostly diurnal, with acrophase in the middle of the photophase. Oxidative stress markers showed robust daily rhythms with nocturnal acrophase. In sheep, the circadian system maintains the balance between dRoms production and removal. These rhythms are not affected by locomotor activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of light/dark (L/D) cycle, associated with restricted feeding, on total daily locomotor activity in sheep. Eight clinically healthy Comisana ewes were housed individually in a soundproof box and subjected to three different light and feeding periods. During period 1 (light on 8:00; light off 20:00) and during period 2 (light on 20:00; light off 8:00) hay and water were available ad libitum. During period 3 the animals were subjected to constant light and restricted feeding. Total locomotor activity was recorded by means of an Actiwatch-Mini actigraphy-based data loggers. The application of one-way for repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant effect of 24h (P <0.0001) on locomotor activity. The highest daily amount of locomotor activity was observed during the photophase than the scotophase (P <0.001). During all three periods locomotor activity exhibited robust daily rhythmicity with diurnal acrophases. During period 3 locomotor activity started before food supplement and it was concentrated during food availability. In conclusion, we can claim that the daily rhythm of locomotor activity in sheep is entrained by the light/dark cycle in couple with food availability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Concentrations of tryptophan (TRP) and serotonin (5-HT) in plasma were measured in 36 moderately trained Dutch warmblood horses after eight weeks on a high fibre (n=18) or high starch (n=18) diet. Samples were taken three hours after feeding, when the horse was at rest, either at 11.00 or 14.00 hours. Plasma 5-HT and pH were significantly higher in horses fed a high fibre diet than those fed a high starch diet (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively), and significantly higher levels of TRP were found in mares than geldings (P<0.05). Plasma 5-HT may therefore be a good marker of serotonergic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Body temperature reflects the animal health and/or disease conditions. During clinical examination, temperature measurement is a basic step in veterinary medicine. The conventional method used is the rectal thermometry, particularly stressful in some subjects, especially for cats. A less stressful alternative method, such as infrared thermal imaging camera, is used in various fields of medicine for diagnosis, prognosis and correct therapeutic approaches. To evaluate the usefulness of infrared thermal imaging for the assessment of ocular temperature, twenty cats of different breeds (European, Siamese and Persian, 4–6 years old, mean body weight 4.3 ± 0.30 Kg) were enrolled in the study. In order to evaluate the applicability of the ocular temperature assessment through thermal imaging as a tool for measuring the animal's body temperature, the obtained values were compared with the rectal temperature values recorded in each cat by means of a digital thermo-camera. There were no differences between left and right eye; and a difference of about 1.19 °C between the ocular and rectal temperature value was recorded (p < 0.0001). Rectal and ocular temperatures were positively correlated (p < 0.0001; r = 0.93). In conclusion, we show that ocular temperature is an alternative method for body temperature measurement that can be used in clinical evaluation of cats, especially in cases where rectal temperature recording is not possible. • Infrared thermography can be a valid method for body temperature monitoring in cats. • Surface temperature of right and left eyes were similar. • Surface temperature of the eye was 1.2 °C less than rectal temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the influence of lamb presence on the dairy ewes circadian system we monitored simultaneously 16 different parameters (insulin, glucose, total protein, urea, cholesterol, triglycerides, total bilirubine, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, rectal temperature, respiratory rate and heart rate). Sixteen clinically healthy Sarda breed dairy ewes, divided into two groups, group A with their lambs and group B without their lambs, were used. Data collection was done at 3 hourly intervals over a 24-h period. Our results indicate that lamb presence influences ewes metabolism, inducing modifications of the acrophase and robustness of the rhythm of some physiological variables. Most variables lost the rhythmicity that they show in not pregnant and not lactating ewes. Lamb presence also influenced urea circadian rhythm: the time of urea peak was shifted from 16:00 to 12:24±00:35 when ewes were housed with lambs, and on triglycerides circadian rhythm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the assessment of oxidative stress in cows during dry and lactation periods. In lactating cows, oxidative stress acts as a cellular turnover modulator at mammary gland level but excess free radicals lower milk production. High Oxy-adsorbent and SHp values show the organism's response to oxidative stress. The analysis of oxidative stress is useful as an index of animal welfare that suggests preventive alterations of the oxidative state.

Recent studies evidenced that the circadian rhythm of Per2 is involved in adaptive thermogenesis by the modulating transcription of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). For this purpose, we investigated the linkage between the daily rhythm of Per2 and UCP1 in ruminant and non-ruminant mammalian species. Five clinically healthy, not pregnant, and not lactating Maltese female goats and five clinically healthy, not pregnant, and not lactating Italian Saddle horses were enrolled in the study. All animals were housed under natural photoperiod (sunrise 05:05, sunset 20:55) and environmental temperature and humidity. Goats were kept individually in 3.0 × 2.0 m box, horses were housed individually in 3.5 × 3.5 m box; all boxes were equipped with an opening window. On each subject, blood samples were collected every 4 h for a 48-h period. The Per2 gene expression was determined on blood samples collected in PAX gene Blood RNA Tube, whereas UCP1 concentration was assessed on serum. Per2 and UCP1 levels were statistically influenced by the species (p < 0.0001) and the time of data collection (p < 0.0001), but not by the day of monitoring. Per2 showed daily rhythmicity, statistically different in mesor and amplitude between the two species, diurnal in goats, nocturnal in horses; with the same robustness. UCP1 did not show daily rhythmicity. During the experimental period the two parameters showed a negative correlation in horses. According to the findings herein obtained, we can claim that the role of Per2 in the thermogenesis induced by the beige adipocytes throughout UCP1 activation did not reflect what found in other mammal species, but further studies are required to establish their correlation in equids. • PER2 showed daily rhythmicity in goats and horses. • UCP1 no showed daily rhythmicity in goats and horses. • A negative correlation existed between PER2 and UCP1 in horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]