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Simple Summary: Animal welfare assessment is crucial for farm animal health and productivity. New standardized biomarkers are needed to gain a complete picture of the ethological, physiological, and psychological needs of animals. With this study, we wanted to investigate potential biomarkers for measuring the physical and mental health of dairy cows. Since the stress induced by housing conditions can give rise to multisystem alterations, we compared the effects of three different farming systems. Plasma levels of hematological and inflammatory markers and more than 130 metabolites were investigated by magnetic bead panel multiplex assay and mass spectrometry assay, in addition to brain and plasma levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neurotrophin involved in neuroplasticity and synaptogenesis, and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, an enzyme whose dysregulated activity in humans has been correlated with mood disorders. Our findings suggest that because BDNF level, kynurenine pathway, and lipid-profiling alterations may modulate a depression-like state in tie-stall cattle, they may be potential biomarkers for monitoring dairy cattle welfare. Complete animal welfare evaluation in intensive farming is challenging. With this study, we investigate new biomarkers for animal physical and mental health by comparing plasma expression of biochemical indicators in dairy cows reared in three different systems: (A) semi-intensive free-stall, (B) non-intensive tie-stall, and (C) intensive free-stall. Additionally, protein levels of mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF) and its precursor form (proBDNF) and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1) specific activity were evaluated in brain samples collected from 12 cattle culled between 73 and 138 months of age. Alterations in plasma lipid composition and in the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism were observed in the tie-stall-reared animals. The total plasma BDNF concentration was higher in tie-stall group compared to the two free-housing groups. Brain analysis of the tie-stall animals revealed a different mBDNF/proBDNF ratio, with a higher level of proBDNF (p < 0.001). Our data are similar to previous studies on animal models of depression, which reported that inhibition of the conversion of proBDNF in its mature form and/or elevated peripheral kynurenine pathway activation may underlie cerebral biochemical changes and induce depressive-like state behavior in animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early in this century, the crisis connected to the spread of bovine spongiform encephalopathy caused a great concern related to the use of animal by-products (ABPs). According to the Commission Regulation (EU) No 1069/2009, these materials are classified in three categories according to their related risk. In 2011 Commission Regulation (EU) No 142/2011 established that meat and bone meal (MBM) and fat deriving from ABPs not intended for human consumption (category 1 and 2) are required to be permanently marked with glyceroltriheptanoate (GTH), at a minimum concentration of 250 mg kg–1 of fat, while category 3 processed animal proteins (PAPs) must not contain this compound. PAPs are bio resources, which could be used in a renewable and regenerative way in a circular economy model for a conscious usage of raw materials. The aim of this study was to provide information on GTH occurrence in MBM and, if any, in PAPs. Samples were collected from 2017 to 2021 and analysed by GC-MS. Detected non-compliant samples were exclusively of MBM category 1 and 2, probably due to the addition of an inadequate amount of GTH during the manufacturing processes. These results highlighted the importance of National Monitoring Programs as a useful tool to minimise safety related risk due to the misuse of GTH. Thus, investigating the critical points in feed supply-chain and sharing the information on its occurrence may help to improve animal and human wellness and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to determine trace elements in Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from an experimental pilot farm of the Calich Lagoon, a typical Sardinian brackish area (Italy). Two sampling sessions were scheduled in February and May 2019 and the occurrence of 24 metals (Hg, Ag, Al, As, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ga, In, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Se, Sn, Ti, V, Zn) in bivalves was considered. Environmental conditions of water (temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and chlorophyll a) were also measured in situ. A high significant (P<0.001) difference was reported for temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen. Our results showed a significant sessional variation of Mo (P<0.001); Cd, V (P<0.01); Ni, Pb and Co (P<0.05) in examined M. galloprovincialis samples; as all values were higher in February than those for May session samples, meanwhile the highest levels were reported for Mg (mean±s.d. 1151±263 mg kg-1 wet weight), Al (mean±s.d. 341±192 mg kg-1 w.w.), and Fe (mean±s.d. 212 ±75 mg kg-1 w.w.) in February samples. The European Union uppermost values (EC Reg. 1881/2006) for Cd, Hg, and Pb were never overpassed. The results confirmed the role of M. galloprovincialis as one of the most appropriate biological indexes to track the presence of trace elements in brackish environments. It could be concluded that the current ecology of the Calich Lagoon suggests that compatibly with the transitional ecosystem, the classification as a bivalves' production area and the implementation of extensive shellfish farming can improve its production capacities. The knowledge of the lagoon ecology is an essential tool for its sustainable exploitation, preserving biodiversity, and mitigating the effects of anthropogenic activities on public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this research were, first, to determine the concentrations of certain heavy metals in the edible tissue of wild brown trout (Salmo trutta trutta) from two different rivers located in the Abruzzi region (Italy), and then, to investigate the levels of variation in vitellogenin (VTG) associated with the presence of metalloestrogens. VTG is an effective indicator for endocrine disturbance, and an increase in the vitellogenin levels in male fish is widely employed as a biomarker of estrogenic contamination in the aquatic environment. The muscles of the trout were analyzed for As, Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, Pb, Al, and Zn using an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS), and Hg was measured using a direct mercury analyzer (DMA-80). The calculated values of the condition factor confirmed a healthy status for this species, indicating that the aquatic habit in both rivers is suitable for brown trout life. No significant difference in the concentrations of each metal were reported between the trout from the two rivers, and no significant difference for VTG levels were found between male and female fish. It is interesting to note the high concentrations of Al/Zn, while the Pb, Cd, and Hg concentrations in all of the samples were lower than those established by the European Commission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2013, the European Union (EU) lifted the feed ban restriction, authorizing the use of non-ruminant (NR) processed animal proteins (PAPs) as ingredient in aquafeed. A further relaxation is soon expected, and NR PAPs will be allowed in next future in poultry and pig feed, avoiding cannibalism. Other potential hazards linked to PAPs as raw material should be evaluated. Antibiotics administered along the lifecycle of animals may leave residue in tissues and bones and still be present in PAPs. This monitoring study aimed to determine tetracyclines (TCLs), known to cumulate in bones, in PAPs and their possible residual antibiotic activity (RAC). A sensitive Liquid Chromatography coupled to Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the quantification of TCLs in PAPs was developed and applied to 55 PAPs from EU manufactures. Most PAP samples (n = 40) contained TCLs (concentrations 25.59 ÷ 456.84 µg kg−1). Among samples containing more than 25 µg kg−1 for at least three TCLs, three PAPs were chosen for RAC test before and after TCLs extraction procedure applying an in vitro acidic digestion: in two out of those three samples, RAC was observed after in vitro digestion. TCLs were determined in the digested PAPs (concentrations 26.07 ÷ 64.55 µg kg−1). The detection of TCLs in PAPs should promptly target the risk assessments of this unconsidered way of exposure to antibiotic residues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the biological and sanitary conditions of alien fish in a high-mountain lake (Balma Lake) located in the Cottian Alps. A single fish sampling session (August 2018) using gillnets collected 90 specimens of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). Sex and age were determined (59 females and 31 males, age class 0+ to 4+). Regression analysis showed no difference in total weight and total length between males and females (ANCOVA: F = 0.453; p = 0.954). The mean condition factor (Kmean) decreased with increasing age for males and females. Terrestrial insects were the main prey found in the fish stomachs. The parasitological exam was negative, and the bacteriological exam was positive for Carnobacterium maltaromaticum and C. divergens in 33% of specimens. The total mercury, cadmium, and lead concentration in muscle tissue was within the maximum limit established by the European Commission for human consumption. The brook trout population was found to be well structured; these findings may help local administrations in the implementation of eradication measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]