122 results on '"Brecchia,G"'
Search Results
2. Consequences of rearing feeding programme on the performance of rabbit females from 1st to 2nd parturition
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Martínez-Paredes, E., Savietto, D., Ródenas, L., Cervera, C., Blas, E., Brecchia, G., Boiti, C., and Pascual, J.J.
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- 2019
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Catalog
3. Performance and egg quality of laying hens fed flaxseed: highlights on n-3 fatty acids, cholesterol, lignans and isoflavones
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Mattioli, S., Ruggeri, S., Sebastiani, B., Brecchia, G., Dal Bosco, A., Cartoni Mancinelli, A., and Castellini, C.
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- 2017
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4. Effects of feeding programme on the performance and energy balance of nulliparous rabbit does
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Martínez-Paredes, E., Ródenas, L., Martínez-Vallespín, B., Cervera, C., Blas, E., Brecchia, G., Boiti, C., and Pascual, J.J.
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- 2012
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5. Comparison of Female Verzaschese and Camosciata delle Alpi Goats' Hematological Parameters in The Context of Adaptation to Local Environmental Conditions in Semi-Extensive Systems in Italy
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Agradi, S., Menchetti, L., Curone, G., Faustini, M., Vigo, D., Villa, L., Zanzani, S.A.G., Rezart, P., Tana, S., Riva, F., Draghi, S., Sebastiano, L., Ivonne, A., Brecchia, G., Manfredi, M.T., and Gazzonis, A.L. more...
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Verzasca goat ,reference intervals ,Settore VET/06 - Parassitologia e Malattie Parassitarie degli Animali ,Alpine goat ,biodiversity ,inter-breed genetic variability ,melatonin ,Settore VET/02 - Fisiologia Veterinaria ,Settore VET/05 - Malattie Infettive degli Animali Domestici - Abstract
Local livestock breeds are pivotal to ensure sustainable agriculture and represent a real genetic resource in the context of genetic variability reduction. This study aimed at broadening the knowledge about hematological values in female Verzaschese and Camosciata delle Alpi goats (an Italian local and a cosmopolitan goat breed, respectively) and investigating factors affecting them (i.e., breed, age, season). Blood samples were collected monthly from 34 Verzaschese and 37 Camosciata delle Alpi female goats kept under the same semi-extensive farming system for a whole year. The main hematological parameters were evaluated, and descriptive as well as inferential statistical analyses were performed. Reference intervals for complete blood cell count were established and several inter-breed differences were found. In particular, most of the red blood cell parameters were higher in Verzaschese than Camosciata delle Alpi ( more...
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- 2022
6. Effect of dietary n-3 source on reproductive traits (semen quality, spermatogenesis, fatty acid profile, oxidative stability) of rabbit bucks
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Noto, D., Signorini, C., Castellini, C., Moretti, E., Brecchia, G., Cotozzolo, E., Mattioli, S., Belmonte, G., and Collodel, G.
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- 2019
7. Effect of chocolate and propofenol® on rabbit testis and ejaculated sperm after a bacterial LPS administration
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Terzuoli, G., Moretti, E., Del Vecchio, M. T., Biagi, M., Cardinali, R., Mazzi, L., Brecchia, G., Maranesi, M., Boiti, C., Manca, D., Castellini, C., and Collodel, G.
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- 2012
8. Genetic and non-genetic factors affecting rabbit doe sexual receptivity as estimated from one generation of divergent selection
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Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Francia, Theau.Clément, M., Sécula, A., Saleil, G., Monniaux, D., Brecchia, G., Boiti, C., Bodin, L., Brun, J.M., Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Francia, Theau.Clément, M., Sécula, A., Saleil, G., Monniaux, D., Brecchia, G., Boiti, C., Bodin, L., and Brun, J.M. more...
- Abstract
[EN] Sexual receptivity of rabbit does at insemination greatly influences fertility and is generally induced by hormones or techniques known as “biostimulation”. Searching for more sustainable farming systems, an original alternative would be to utilise the genetic pathway to increase the does’receptivity. The purpose of the present study was to identify genetic and non-genetic factors that influence rabbit doe sexual receptivity, in the context of a divergent selection experiment over 1 generation. The experiment spanned 2 generations: the founder generation (G0) consisting of 140 rabbit does, and the G1 generation comprising 2 divergently selected lines (L and H lines) with 70 does each and 2 successive batches from each generation. The selection rate of the G0 females to form the G1 lines was 24/140. The selection tests consisted of 16 to 18 successive receptivity tests at the rate of 3 tests per week. On the basis of 4716 tests from 275 females, the average receptivity was 56.6±48.2%. A batch effect and a test operator effect were revealed. The contribution of females to the total variance was 20.0%, whereas that of bucks was only 1.1%. Throughout the experiment, 18.2% of does expressed a low receptivity (< 34%), 50.7% a medium one and 33.1% a high one (>66%). Some does were frequently receptive, whereas others were rarely receptive. The repeatability of sexual receptivity was approximately 20%. The results confirmed the high variability of sexual receptivity of non-lactating rabbit does maintained without any biostimulation or hormonal treatment. A lack of selection response on receptivity was observed. Accordingly, the heritability of receptivity was estimated at 0.01±0.02 from an animal model and at 0.02±0.03 from a sire and dam model. The heritability of the average receptivity of a doe was calculated as 0.04. In agreement with the low estimated heritability, the heritability determined was no different from zero. Nevertheless, the occurrence of pseudopregn more...
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- 2015
9. Effects of rearing feeding programme on the young rabbit females’ behaviour and welfare indicators
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Martínez-Paredes, E., primary, Ródenas, L., additional, Pascual, J.J., additional, Blas, E., additional, Brecchia, G., additional, Boiti, C., additional, and Cervera, C., additional
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- 2015
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10. Genetic and non-genetic factors affecting rabbit doe sexual receptivity as estimated from one generation of divergent selection
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Theau.Clément, M., primary, Sécula, A., additional, Saleil, G., additional, Monniaux, D., additional, Brecchia, G., additional, Boiti, C., additional, Bodin, L., additional, and Brun, J.M., additional more...
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- 2015
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11. Influence of different eCG doses on sexual receptivity and reproductivity of rabbit does
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Theau Clement, Michele, Lebas, François, Boiti, C., Brecchia, G., Mercier, P., Station d'Amélioration Génétique des Animaux (SAGA), Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Association Cuniculture, Università degli Studi di Perugia (UNIPG), and Génétique Expérimentale en Productions Animales (GEPA) more...
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RABBIT ,eCG ,RECEPTIVITY ,FERTILITY ,PROLIFICACY ,PRODUCTIVITY ,[SDV]Life Sciences [q-bio] ,ComputingMilieux_MISCELLANEOUS - Abstract
International audience
- Published
- 2008
12. Induction of ovulation in rabbits by adding Lecirelin to the seminal dose: In vitro and in vivo effects of different excipients.
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Dal Bosco, A., Cardinali, R., Brecchia, G., Garcia Rebollar, Pilar, Fatnassi, M., Millán, P., Mattioli, S., Castellini, C., Dal Bosco, A., Cardinali, R., Brecchia, G., Garcia Rebollar, Pilar, Fatnassi, M., Millán, P., Mattioli, S., and Castellini, C. more...
- Abstract
This study evaluates the effect of Lecirelin (Dalmarelin®, Fatro, Italy) diluted in different excipients (benzilic alcohol, benzoic acid and paraben) added to a seminal dose on LH concentrations, progesterone concentrations and ovarian status in rabbits. The in vitro effect on spermatozoa was also tested. A total of 100 multiparous female rabbits were divided into 5 groups, which at the moment of AI, received 0.2 mL (5 μg/dose) intramuscular (im) inoculation of Lecirelin (control) or the same Lecirelin dose administered intravaginally (iv) with the seminal dose alone (Lecirelin group) or with benzilic alcohol (Lecirelin BA group), benzoic acid (Lecirelin BAc group) or parabens (Lecirelin PA group) as an excipient. After 7 days, 10 rabbits per group were euthanized to analyze their ovarian status. In the control group, a high LH peak was detected 30 min post AI, while in the iv groups a slight increase in LH occurred after 120 min. The ovulation and fertility rate was similar in control and Lecirelin groups, while the lowest fertility rate was detected in the Lecirelin BA group. In a second experiment, the semen samples collected from male rabbits were diluted in TALP (control) or mixed with the 5 μg of Lecirelin solutions used in the first experiment. The highest percentage of capacitated sperm (68.3%) was recorded in the Lecirelin PA. The lowest percentages were observed in the Lecirelin BA and BAc groups. In conclusion, the iv administration of Lecirelin represents an alternative method for simplifying rabbit insemination procedures. more...
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- 2014
13. Acute fasting before conception affects metabolic and endocrine status without impacting follicle and oocyte development and embryo gene expression in the rabbit
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García García, Rosa María, García Rebollar, Pilar, Arias Álvarez, María, Sakr, Osama G., Bermejo Álvarez, Pablo, Brecchia, G., Gutiérrez Adán, Alfonso, Zerani, M., Boiti, C., Lorenzo González, Pedro Luis, García García, Rosa María, García Rebollar, Pilar, Arias Álvarez, María, Sakr, Osama G., Bermejo Álvarez, Pablo, Brecchia, G., Gutiérrez Adán, Alfonso, Zerani, M., Boiti, C., and Lorenzo González, Pedro Luis more...
- Abstract
Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia (España), Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Sección Deptal. de Fisiología (Veterinaria), Fac. de Veterinaria, TRUE, pub
- Published
- 2011
14. Milk production of pseudopregnant multiparous does
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Szendrö, Zs., Matics, Zs., Brecchia, G., Theau-Clément, M., Nagy, Z., Princz, Z., Biró-Németh, E., Radnai, I., Nagy, I., Szendrö, Zs., Matics, Zs., Brecchia, G., Theau-Clément, M., Nagy, Z., Princz, Z., Biró-Németh, E., Radnai, I., and Nagy, I. more...
- Abstract
The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the milk production of pseudopregnant does. In this experiment, data of multiparous, inseminated, pregnant (IP, n=15) does and two groups of presumably pseudopregnant multiparous does: inseminated, non-pregnant (INP, n=17) and induced to ovulation by GnRH (1.5 microgram per animal) at the day of insemination (11 d after parturition) (non-inseminated, ovulating: NIO, n=15) were analysed. The progesterone level was measured at the 12th d after treatment to determine if females were pseudopregnant. All IP and NIO does were pregnant and pseudopregnant, respectively. Within the INP group, 10 and 7 does were diagnosed as positive (INPO) or negative (INPNO) for pseudopregnancy. Two of the INPNO does perished during lactation. The average milk production of groups IP, INP and NIO was 212, 92 and 72 g/d, respectively (P<0.001). The proportion of rabbit does reaching daily milk yields of <10, 10-50, 50-100, 100-160, >160 g in the various groups were: IP=0, 0, 0, 0 and 100%, NIO=20, 13, 27, 40 and 0%, INP=15, 15, 15, 55 and 0%, respectively. The daily milk yield of the 5 INPNO does was 2, 6, 27, 84 and 139 g, respectively. These results demonstrated that multiparous empty does, pseudopregnant or non-pseudopregnant, can produce milk, but in lower quantities than multiparous does after kindling. more...
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- 2010
15. Influence of different eCG doses on sexual receptivity and productivity of rabbit does
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Theau-Clément, M., Lebas, F., Boiti, c., G. Brecchia, G., Mercier, P., Theau-Clément, M., Lebas, F., Boiti, c., G. Brecchia, G., and Mercier, P.
- Abstract
[EN] The aim of this study was to examine sexual receptivity and productivity of does injected 48 h before insemination with 8 or 25 IU of eCG (groups 8 and 25, respectively) in comparison with a control group (no injection, group 0). One hundred twenty four does were inseminated during 11 consecutive cycles (reproduction rythm: 35 d; inseminations: 4 d post partum and weaning: 28 d post partum). In comparison with the control group, eCG signifi cantly improves the receptivity of does (60.3 vs 80.5 and 79.8%; P<0.001), kindling rate (70.4 vs 80.9 and 79.4%; P=0.030) and the number of weaned rabbits/insemination (5.9 vs 7.1 and 7.1; P=0.008) for group 0, 8 and 25 respectively, during the whole experiment. eCG effi ciency is not obviously demonstrated for primiparous and non-lactating does. Authors conclude that only an 8 IU dose is able to improve 62% the productivity (measured as weaned rabbits per insemination) of multiparous and lactating does inseminated 4 d post partum. more...
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- 2010
16. Performance and behaviour of rabbit does in a group-housing system with natural mating or artificial insemination
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Rommers, J.M., Boiti, C., de Jong, I.C., Brecchia, G., Rommers, J.M., Boiti, C., de Jong, I.C., and Brecchia, G.
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This study compared reproductive performance and behaviour of does raised in a group-housing system and in a regular cage system. The group-housing pen was divided into different functional areas for suckling, resting, and eating and special hiding areas for kits when they had left the nest-boxes and does to favour the species specific behavioural traits. Does had access to their nest-box by means of an individual Electronic Nest-box Recognition System (ENRS) activated by a coded transponder placed in their eartags. Eight does were housed in each pen. Natural mating (NM, with a buck in the group) or artificial inseminations (AI) were applied. Litter size, kit mortality and kit weight at 14 d of age were similar for group-housing and cages when NM were applied. With a natural reproduction rhythm group-housing led to an increase of +38% of litters. However, from a management point of view, a cycled production system with AI is preferred. With AI and group-housing, a lower kindling rate and a lower kit weight at weaning were found. The lower kindling rate was partly caused by pseudo-pregnancies that were found in 23% (P <0.01) of the does in the group-housing system against 0% in the control group. Sixteen to 20% of the does in the group-housing system had skin injuries, which is an indicator for aggression among does. Most of the injuries were seen on the body and most of them were superficial bites. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that group-housing of rabbit does seems possible, but more research is needed to solve the problems of the decreased kindling rate and occurrence of pseudo-pregnancies, the lower weight at weaning and aggressiveness among does. more...
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- 2006
17. Metabolic adaptation and hormonal regulation in young rabbit does during long-term caloric restriction and subsequent compensatory growth
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Rommers, J.M., Boiti, C., Brecchia, G., Meijerhof, R., Noordhuizen, J.P.T.M., Decuypere, M.P., Kemp, B., Rommers, J.M., Boiti, C., Brecchia, G., Meijerhof, R., Noordhuizen, J.P.T.M., Decuypere, M.P., and Kemp, B. more...
- Abstract
An experiment was performed to assess the metabolic adaptation and hormonal regulation in young female rabbits during long-term food restriction and subsequent compensatory growth during rearing. Feeding level was either ad libitum (AL, no. = 52) or restricted (R, no. = 52). From 6 to 12 weeks of age, food intake of R was kept at a constant level. This resulted in an increase in relative restriction as compared with AL to 0.54of AL intake at 12 weeks of age (restriction period). Thereafter food intake gradually increased to 0.95 of AL at 17 weeks of age (recovery period). During the last 5 days before insemination at 17.5 weeks of age, all animals were fed to appetite. Blood samples were taken weekly from 6 to 17 weeks of age from 11 animals in each group. Growth rate of R was reduced during the restricted period (29 (s.d. 2) v. 44 (s.d. 5) g/day for R and AL, respectively; P <0.05), but was higher in the recovery period (30 (s.d. 3) v. 27 (s.d. 4) g/day, respectively; P <0.05). At first insemination, AL rabbits were heavier than R (4202 (s.d. 388) v. 3798 (s.d. 220) g, respectively; P <0.001). During the restricted period, plasma glucose was constantly lower (P <0.05) in R. Insulin levels paralleled those of glucose, being lower (P <0.05) in R than in AL. Restriction reduced CP <0.05) circulating corticosterone and tri-iodothyronine (T3) levels in R. Leptin, non-esterified fatty acids, and plasma urea nitrogen levels were similar for AL and R during food restriction, whereas triglycerides were similar until 10 weeks of age, after which the levels were lower in R. During the recovery period, the food intake of the R but not AL rabbits increased. Insulin was the only hormone in R rabbits that had returned to levels found in AL rabbits by the 2nd week of the recovery period. Glucose, T3, and corticosterone levels returned to levels found in AL rabbits between 3 to 4 weeks after refeeding. Non-esterified fatty acids, triglycerides, and leptin were higher (P <0.05) in A more...
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- 2004
18. THE EFFECTS OF ALFAPROSTOL (PGF2a analogue) AND eCG ON REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCES IN POSTPARTUM RABBITS
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Mollo, A., Veronesi, M.C., Battocchio, M., Cairoli, F., Brecchia, G., Boiti, C., Mollo, A., Veronesi, M.C., Battocchio, M., Cairoli, F., Brecchia, G., and Boiti, C.
- Abstract
[EN] The aim of this study was to verify the effectiveness of post partum pharmacological oestrus synchronisation with alfaprostol or eCG in improving rabbit doe reproductive performances and to evaluate the incidence of pseudopregnancy in this species. One hundred and eighty commercial hybrid rabbit does, multiparous and lactating, were randomly divided into three groups (n=60) and treated on day 8 post partum (pp) as follows: Group A, 1 mL s.c. vitaminic solution with 200 mg alfaprostol, a synthetic analogue of PGF2a; Group B, 1 mL sc vitaminic solution with 20 I.U eCG; Group C (Control) 1 mL sc vitaminic solution. On day 11 pp (3 days after treatment), all the rabbits were artificially inseminated (AI), and injected with 0.8 mg of buserelin i.m. to induce ovulation. Concurrently, blood samples were taken for progesterone (P4) analysis by RIA with the following schedule: day 8 pp (before treatment), day 11 pp (before AI and the induction of ovulation) and day 16 pp (5 days after AI). Fertility was not influenced by hormonal treatments (71.7% and 71.2% respectively) compared to control (66.1%). Conversely, both PGF2a and eCG hormonal synchronisation treatments increased (P<0.05) litter size. P4 values before treatment on day 8 pp testify to the absence of functional CL (P4<2 ng/mL) in the early post partum period in 98.9% of the does in this breeding farm. Before AI and the induction of ovulation on day 11 pp 5.6% of the does had P4 concentrations, indicating non-oestral status (P4>1 ng/mL). On day 5 after insemination 95.5% had P4 values, which attest to the presence of functional corpora lutea (CL) (P4>2 ng/mL). The results of this study show that as long as rabbitry is properly managed zootechnically and sanitarily, drugs such as alfaprostol and eCG, while not ameliorating fertility rate when used for post partum oestrus sychronisation, can increase litter size. more...
- Published
- 2003
19. Milk production of pseudopregnant multiparous does.
- Author
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Szendrő, Zs., primary, Matics, Zs., additional, Brecchia, G., additional, Theau-Clément, M., additional, Nagy, Z., additional, Princz, Z., additional, Biró-Németh, E., additional, Radnai, I., additional, and Nagy, I., additional more...
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- 2010
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
20. THE EFFECTS OF ALFAPROSTOL (PGF2a analogue) AND eCG ON REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCES IN POSTPARTUM RABBITS
- Author
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Mollo A., , primary, Veronesi M.C.,, additional, Battocchio M. Cairoli F.,, additional, Brecchia G.,, additional, and Boiti C,, additional
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- 2010
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21. Intraluteal regulation of prostaglandin F2α-induced prostaglandin biosynthesis in pseudopregnant rabbits
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Zerani, M, primary, Dall’Aglio, C, additional, Maranesi, M, additional, Gobbetti, A, additional, Brecchia, G, additional, Mercati, F, additional, and Boiti, C, additional
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- 2007
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22. Effect of LPS-induced inflammatory state on some aspects of reproductive function of rabbit does
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Castellini, C., primary, Cardinali, R., additional, Brecchia, G., additional, and Dal Bosco, A., additional
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- 2005
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23. Regulation of nitric oxide synthase isoforms and role of nitric oxide during prostaglandin F2alpha-induced luteolysis in rabbits
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Boiti, C, primary, Guelfi, G, additional, Zampini, D, additional, Brecchia, G, additional, Gobbetti, A, additional, and Zerani, M, additional
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- 2003
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24. Regulation of nitric oxide synthase isoforms and role of nitric oxide during prostaglandin F[sub 2 alpha]-induced luteolysis in rabbits.
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Boiti, C., Guelfi, G., Zampini, D., Brecchia, G., Gobbetti, A., and Zerani, M.
- Subjects
NITRIC-oxide synthases ,GENE expression ,PROSTAGLANDINS ,PSEUDOCYESIS ,RABBITS - Abstract
Examines total activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and the gene expression of both endothelial NOS and inducible NOS isoforms in corpora lutea of pseudopregnant rabbits during prostaglandin F[sub 2 alpha]-induced luteolysis. Expression of mRNA encoding eNOS and iNOS; NOS activity after treatment; Effect of long-term administration of N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester. more...
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- 2003
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25. Effects of Diets Enriched in Linseed and Fish Oil on the Expression Pattern of Toll-Like Receptors 4 and Proinflammatory Cytokines on Gonadal Axis and Reproductive Organs in Rabbit Buck
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Federica Riva, Olimpia Barbato, Gabriele Brecchia, Simona Mattioli, Daniele Vigo, Laura Menchetti, Monica Sforna, M. Tecilla, Giulio Curone, Menchetti L., Barbato O., Sforna M., Vigo D., Mattioli S., Curone G., Tecilla M., Riva F., and Brecchia G. more...
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Male ,0301 basic medicine ,Aging ,Interleukin-1beta ,Biochemistry ,Testis ,Receptor ,Epididymis ,chemistry.chemical_classification ,Seminal Vesicles ,Linseed, Fish Oil, TLR4,Proinflammatory Cytokines, Gonadal Axis, Reproductive Organs, Rabbit Buck ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,General Medicine ,Spermatozoa ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Pituitary Gland ,Rabbits ,medicine.symptom ,Research Article ,Polyunsaturated fatty acid ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Linseed Oil ,Article Subject ,Hypothalamus ,Inflammation ,Biology ,Proinflammatory cytokine ,03 medical and health sciences ,Fish Oils ,Immune system ,Internal medicine ,Fatty Acids, Omega-3 ,medicine ,Animals ,Innate immune system ,QH573-671 ,Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ,0402 animal and dairy science ,Cell Biology ,Animal Feed ,040201 dairy & animal science ,Diet ,Toll-Like Receptor 4 ,030104 developmental biology ,Endocrinology ,chemistry ,TLR4 ,Cytology - Abstract
Infections of the genital tract can perturb the fertility in humans and animals. Pathogen recognition and activation of innate immunity onset through the pattern recognition receptor activation, such as Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), leading to the production of proinflammatory cytokines and mediators. TLR4 is expressed both on leukocytes and nonimmune cells. Rabbit TLR4 shows great similarity to its human counterpart. Moreover, the TLR4 signalling pathway could be modulated by long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA). The objectives of this study were (i) to determine the expression levels of TLR4 and proinflammatory cytokines in the reproductive hypothalamic-gonadal axis of the male rabbit and (ii) to evaluate if the n-3 PUFA-enriched diets can modify their expression levels in the tissues and LC-PUFA profiles in seminal plasma. Fifteen rabbit bucks (n=5/experimental group) were fed with different diets: commercial standard (group C), rich in extruded linseed (10%, group L), and in fish oil (3%, group FO) for 110 days. TLR4, TNF-α, and IL-1βmRNA were ubiquitously expressed throughout the hypothalamic-gonadal axis. However, TLR4 mRNA expression was lower in the hypothalamus than the epididymis (P<0.01), seminal vesicles (P<0.01), and pituitary gland (P<0.05). Dietary enrichment in PUFA did not modify the gene expression profile nor the histological characteristics of the tissues. Conversely in seminal plasma, rabbits fed with L and FO had lower n-6 (P<0.05), LC-PUFA n-6 (P<0.05), and n-6/n-3 ratio (P<0.05) but higher n-3 (P<0.001) and LC-PUFA n-3 (P<0.01) compared to the control group. Our study builds a map of the gene expression of TRL4 and proinflammatory cytokines in the reproductive hypothalamic-gonadal axis of the male rabbit, fundamental step for understanding the immune defence mechanisms. Diets enriched in LC-PUFA did not affect basal gene expression but modulated sperm fatty acid composition. Finally, rabbit may be an excellent animal model to study the relationship between inflammation and infertility, and the nutritional modulation of immune functions. more...
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- 2020
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26. Impact of Goji Berries (Lycium barbarum) Supplementation on the Energy Homeostasis of Rabbit Does: Uni- and Multivariate Approach
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Gabriele Brecchia, Claudio Canali, Alessandro Troisi, Angela Polisca, Egon Andoni, Bernard Fioretti, Giulio Curone, Laura Menchetti, Daniele Vigo, Olimpia Barbato, Michela Codini, Menchetti L., Curone G., Andoni E., Barbato O., Troisi A., Fioretti B., Polisca A., Codini M., Canali C., Vigo D., and Brecchia G. more...
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principal component analysis ,medicine.medical_treatment ,rabbit ,Principal component analysi ,goji berries ,lactation ,Non‐esterified fatty acids ,leptin ,Article ,Animal science ,food ,Insulin resistance ,Lactation ,insulin resistance ,lcsh:Zoology ,medicine ,Weaning ,lcsh:QL1-991 ,non-esterified fatty acids ,pregnancy ,body condition score ,Goji berrie ,lcsh:Veterinary medicine ,General Veterinary ,biology ,Leptin ,Insulin ,Goji berry ,biology.organism_classification ,medicine.disease ,Non‐esterified fatty acid ,food.food ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,lcsh:SF600-1100 ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Lycium ,Hormone - Abstract
This study examined the effects of goji berries dietary supplementation on the energetic metabolism of doe. Thirty days before artificial insemination, 75 New Zealand White does were assigned to three different diets: commercial standard diet (C) and supplemented with 1% (LG) and 3% (HG) of goji berries, respectively. Body conditions, hormones and metabolites were monitored until weaning. Body weight and BCS were higher in HG than C (p <, 0.05). LG showed lower T3/T4 ratio and cortisol concentrations (p <, 0.05) and tended to have lower indices of insulin resistances (p <, 0.1) than HG. Compared to control, leptin was higher in HG at AI (p <, 0.01) and in LG during lactation (p <, 0.05). Two principal components were extracted by multivariate analysis describing the relationships between (1) non-esterified fatty acids, insulin and glucose levels, and (2) body conditions and leptin metabolism. The first component highlighted the energy deficit and the insulin resistance of the does during pregnancy and lactation. The second one showed that leptin, body weight and Body Condition Score (BCS) enhance as levels of goji berries in the diet increase. Thus, the effects of goji supplementation are dose-dependent: an improvement on energy metabolism was achieved with a low-dose while the highest dose could determine excessive fattening and insulin resistance in does. more...
- Published
- 2020
27. Impact of Dietary Supplementation with Goji Berries (Lycium barbarum) on Microbiological Quality, Physico-Chemical, and Sensory Characteristics of Rabbit Meat
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Castrica, Menchetti, Balzaretti, Branciari, Ranucci, Cotozzolo, Vigo, Curone, Brecchia, Miraglia, Castrica M., Menchetti L., Balzaretti C.M., Branciari R., Ranucci D., Cotozzolo E., Vigo D., Curone G., Brecchia G., and Miraglia D. more...
- Subjects
lcsh:TP1-1185 ,Goji berrie ,Microbiological quality ,lcsh:Chemical technology ,Goji berries ,Article ,Sensory characteristics ,Rabbit meat - Abstract
Forty-two New Zealand White rabbits (n = 21/group) were fed with two different diets: a commercial diet (control group) and a diet supplemented with goji berries (3% w/w). After slaughtering, the effect of dietary supplementation on microbiological, physico-chemical, and sensory characteristics of the rabbit loins, packed in an oxygen-permeable package, was evaluated at 6 h post mortem (day 0), after 4 and 10 days of refrigerated storage. No relevant results were obtained for pH and total volatile basic Nitrogen (TVBN) values but with regards to the color, some significant differences were observed between the groups. The goji berries (GBs) dietary supplementation had positive effects by reducing thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values in all the observations (p <, 0.001). Moreover, microbiological results showed that the supplementation had a significant impact on Lactobacillus spp. (p <, 0.001) prevalence, indeed the goji group had higher means on day 0 (p <, 0.05) and on day 4 (p <, 0.001) than the control group. Lastly, with regards to the consumer&rsquo, s test, the tasters assigned a higher score to GBs rabbit meatballs and the purchase interest increased when the rabbit diet was known. Overall, these results indicate that the goji berries inclusion in the rabbit diet could represent a valuable strategy to improve quality and sensory traits of meat. more...
- Published
- 2020
28. Determination of fatty acids profile in original brown cows dairy products and relationship with alpine pasture farming system
- Author
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Valerio Bronzo, Laura Menchetti, Tanja Peric, Daniele Negroni, Doina Danes, Gabriele Brecchia, Luca Maria Chiesa, Sara Panseri, Stella Agradi, Giulio Curone, Daniele Vigo, Agradi S, Curone G, Negroni D, Vigo D, Brecchia G, Bronzo V, Panseri S, Chiesa LM, Peric T, Danes D, and Menchetti L more...
- Subjects
Conjugated linoleic acid ,Biology ,Pasture ,Article ,cheese ,lipids ,03 medical and health sciences ,Rumen ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,lcsh:Zoology ,Grazing ,grazing ,lcsh:QL1-991 ,Food science ,Fatty acids ,030304 developmental biology ,0303 health sciences ,geography ,milk ,lcsh:Veterinary medicine ,geography.geographical_feature_category ,General Veterinary ,business.industry ,0402 animal and dairy science ,food and beverages ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,040201 dairy & animal science ,De novo synthesis ,Original Brown cow ,chemistry ,Agriculture ,lcsh:SF600-1100 ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Fermentation ,lipids (amino acids, peptides, and proteins) ,Gas chromatography ,fatty acid ,business ,alpine pasture ,Alpine pasture ,Cheese ,Lipids ,Milk - Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the relationships between fatty acids and the pattern that most contributes to discriminate between two farming systems, in which the main difference was the practice, or not, of alpine summer-grazing. Milk and cheese were sampled every month in two farms of Original Brown cows identical under geographical location and management during no grazing season point of view in the 2018 season. Fatty acids concentrations were determined by gas chromatography. The principal component analysis extracted three components (PCs). Mammary gland de novo synthetized fatty acids (C14:0, C14:1 n9, and C16:0) and saturated and monosaturated C18 fatty acids (C18:0, C18:1 n9c) were inversely associated in the PC1, PC2 included polyunsaturated C18 fatty acids (C18:2 n6c, C18:3 n3) and C15:0 while conjugated linoleic acid (CLA n9c, n11t) and fatty acids containing 20 or more carbon atoms (C21:0, C20:5 n3) were associated in the PC3. The processes of rumen fermentation and de novo synthesis in mammary gland that are, in turn, influenced by diet, could explain the relationships between fatty acids within each PC. The discriminant analyses showed that the PC2 included the fatty acids profile that best discriminated between the two farming systems, followed by PC3 and, lastly, PC1. This model, if validated, could be an important tool to the dairy industry. more...
- Published
- 2020
29. Energy homeostasis in rabbit does during pregnancy and pseudopregnancy
- Author
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Giulio Curone, Gabriele Brecchia, Alda Quattrone, Claudio Canali, Olimpia Barbato, Michela Codini, Laura Menchetti, Daniele Vigo, Egon Andoni, Menchetti L, Andoni E, Barbato O, Canali C, Quattrone A, Vigo D, Codini M, Curone G, and Brecchia G more...
- Subjects
Leptin ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Hydrocortisone ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Rabbit ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Endocrinology ,New Zealand white rabbit ,NEFA ,Food Animals ,Pregnancy ,Internal medicine ,medicine ,Hyperinsulinemia ,Animals ,Homeostasis ,Insulin ,Pseudopregnancy ,030219 obstetrics & reproductive medicine ,Triiodothyronine ,biology ,business.industry ,0402 animal and dairy science ,Rabbit Pregnancy Energy homeostasis Animal models Leptin Insulin ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,General Medicine ,medicine.disease ,biology.organism_classification ,040201 dairy & animal science ,Adaptation, Physiological ,Animal models ,Pregnancy, Animal ,Energy homeostasis ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Female ,Rabbits ,Insulin Resistance ,business ,Energy Metabolism ,Hormone - Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the changing concentrations of metabolic hormones and metabolites in pregnant (P) and pseudopregnant (PP) rabbit does. Twenty-five New Zealand White rabbit does were submitted to artificial insemination (AI) and then classified as P (n = 15) or PP (n = 10). Blood samples were collected weekly until day 32 post AI. During pregnancy, leptin concentrations were greater on Days 14 and 21 (P< 0.05), while insulin was greater on days 21 and 32 post AI (P< 0.05) compared to PP does. The triiodothyronine/thyroxine (T3/T4) ratio was greater in the first and last week (P< 0.001); whereas, cortisol concentrations were greater in the last week of pregnancy and after parturition (P< 0.01) compared with that of PP does. Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentrations increased from day 7 until day 32 post AI (P< 0.05). Glucose concentrations were unchanged throughout pregnancy although concentrations were positively associated with litter size. These results indicate concentrations of hormones and metabolites change during pregnancy to ensure energy requirements are met for both the foetuses and the maternal tissues. Physiological hyperleptinemia, hyperinsulinemia, and changes in cortisol as well as thyroid hormones indicate there is an adaptation of metabolic functions induced by pregnancy. These adaptations could be mediated by gonadal steroids because changes mainly occur in the second half of pregnancy when the profile of the sex hormones differs between P and PP does. more...
- Published
- 2019
30. Characterization of Bacterial Microbiota Composition along the Gastrointestinal Tract in Rabbits
- Author
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Gabriele Brecchia, Marta Castrica, Giulio Curone, Filippo Biscarini, Bianca Castiglioni, Federica Riva, Laura Menchetti, Dino Miraglia, Paola Cremonesi, Maria Laura Marongiu, Sebastiano Luridiana, Elisa Cotozzolo, Cotozzolo E., Cremonesi P., Curone G., Menchetti L., Riva F., Biscarini F., Marongiu M.L., Castrica M., Castiglioni B., Miraglia D., Luridiana S., and Brecchia G. more...
- Subjects
intestinal microbiota ,rabbit ,Zoology ,Ileum ,Gut flora ,digestive system ,Article ,caecum ,Jejunum ,Caecum ,lcsh:Zoology ,medicine ,Large intestine ,lcsh:QL1-991 ,Gastrointestinal tract ,lcsh:Veterinary medicine ,General Veterinary ,biology ,digestive, oral, and skin physiology ,Foregut ,biology.organism_classification ,immune system ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Duodenum ,lcsh:SF600-1100 ,Animal Science and Zoology ,gastrointestinal tract - Abstract
The microbiota is extremely important for the animal&rsquo, s health, but, to date, knowledge on the intestinal microbiota of the rabbit is very limited. This study aimed to describe bacterial populations that inhabit the different gastrointestinal compartments of the rabbit: stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, caecum, and colon. Samples of the luminal content from all compartments of 14 healthy New White Zealand rabbits were collected at slaughter and analyzed using next generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing. The findings uncovered considerable differences in the taxonomic levels among the regions of the digestive tract. Firmicutes were the most abundant phylum in all of the sections (45.9%), followed by Bacteroidetes in the large intestine (38.9%) and Euryarchaeota in the foregut (25.9%). Four clusters of bacterial populations were observed along the digestive system: (i) stomach, (ii) duodenum and jejunum, (iii) ileum, and (iv) large intestine. Caecum and colon showed the highest richness and diversity in bacterial species, while the highest variability was found in the upper digestive tract. Knowledge of the physiological microbiota of healthy rabbits could be important for preserving the health and welfare of the host as well as for finding strategies to manipulate the gut microbiota in order to also promote productive performance. more...
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
31. Effects of Goji berries supplementation on the productive performance of rabbit
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Lorenzo Vecchione, Vasilica Flory Petrescu, Tommaso Beccari, Alda Quattrone, Iulia Elena Filipescu, Gabriele Brecchia, Michela Codini, Olimpia Barbato, Massimo Trabalza-Marinucci, Maria Rachele Ceccarini, Laura Menchetti, Bernard Fioretti, Menchetti L., VECCHIONE, LORENZO, Filipescu I., PETRESCU, VASILICA FLORY, Fioretti B., Beccari T., Ceccarini M. R., Codini M., Quattrone A., Trabalza-Marinucci M., Barbato O., and Brecchia G. more...
- Subjects
General Veterinary ,Animal health ,Traditional medicine ,biology ,Goji berry ,Insemination ,biology.organism_classification ,food.food ,food ,Goji berries Rabbit Productive performance ,Standard diet ,Weaning ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Lycium ,New zealand white ,Beneficial effects - Abstract
Recognized by the traditional medicine and recent scientific research studies, Lycium barbarum berries (Goji berries) have beneficial effects on human and animal health. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of Goji berries on the productive performance of rabbits. One month before insemination, 60 New Zealand White does were randomly assigned to one of the following 3 dietary treatments: commercial standard diet (C); C supplemented with 1% Goji berries (LG); and C supplemented with 3% Goji berries (HG). After weaning up to 91 days of age, 15 randomly selected rabbits/group were fed the same diet as the mothers (C, LG, and HG). Non-pregnant and lactating does of C group showed the highest feed intake (P more...
- Published
- 2019
32. Investigation of PAG2 mRNA Expression in Water Buffalo Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells and Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes from Maternal Blood at the Peri-Implantation Period
- Author
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Jean-François Beckers, Anna Beatrice Casano, Gabriele Brecchia, Claudio Canali, Laura Menchetti, Noelita Melo de Sousa, Olimpia Barbato, Francesco Grandoni, Maria Carmela Scatà, Giovanna De Matteis, V. L. Barile, Gabriella Guelfi, Barbato O., Guelfi G., Menchetti L., Brecchia G., Sousa N. M., Canali C., GRANDONI, FRANCESCO, Scatà M. C., De Matteis G., CASANO, ANNA BEATRICE, Beckers J. F., and Barile V. L. more...
- Subjects
Period (gene) ,Mrna expression ,animal diseases ,Maternal blood ,Peripheral blood mononuclear cell ,PAG2 mRNA ,peri-implantation ,pregnancy diagnosis ,water buffalo ,Article ,Andrology ,03 medical and health sciences ,pregnancy diagnosi ,parasitic diseases ,Medicine ,Peri implantation ,030304 developmental biology ,0303 health sciences ,Messenger RNA ,Pregnancy ,lcsh:Veterinary medicine ,General Veterinary ,business.industry ,0402 animal and dairy science ,food and beverages ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,medicine.disease ,040201 dairy & animal science ,Water buffalo ,lcsh:SF600-1100 ,business ,geographic locations - Abstract
The main objective of this study was to assess PAG2 mRNA expression in maternal blood cells at the peri-implantation period in water buffalo, moreover, we wanted to evaluate the earliest time in which PAG-2 could be detected in maternal blood. Thirty-two lactating buffaloes artificially inseminated (AI) were utilized. Blood was collected at Days 0, 14, 18, 28, 40 after AI (AI = day 0). Pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasound at Days 28 and 40 post AI. Out of 32 buffaloes, 14 were pregnant (P group) and 18 were not pregnant (NP group). The plasma PAG-2 threshold of 1.0 ng/mL in the P group was reached at day 40 post AI. PAG2 mRNA expression differed between the P and NP groups, and was either evaluated in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC) or Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes (PMN), starting from day 14. However, both the estimated marginal means and multiple comparisons showed that PAG2 mRNA expression was higher in PMN than PBMC. In the present study, PAG-2 appeared in the blood (40 Days post AI), and an early expression of PAG2 mRNA at Day 14 post AI was also observed. Although further research is undoubtedly required, PAG2 mRNA in peripheral blood leukocytes could be using to better understand the role that PAGs play during pregnancy in buffalo. more...
- Published
- 2019
33. Correlation of two radioimmunoassay systems for measuring plasma pregnancy-associated glycoproteins concentrations during early pregnancy and postpartum periods in water buffalo
- Author
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Jean-François Beckers, Alessandro Malfatti, Gabriele Brecchia, Claudio Canali, Olimpia Barbato, Laura Menchetti, Noelita Melo de Sousa, V. L. Barile, Barbato O, Menchetti L, Sousa NM, Brecchia G, Malfatti A, Canali C, Beckers JF, and Barile VL more...
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Buffaloes ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Placenta ,Radioimmunoassay ,Ice calving ,Biology ,Pregnancy Proteins ,Sensitivity and Specificity ,pregnancy-associated glycoprotein ,Andrology ,03 medical and health sciences ,Endocrinology ,Pregnancy ,medicine ,Animals ,Every Five Days ,Insemination, Artificial ,Glycoproteins ,buffalo ,Artificial insemination ,Goats ,Immune Sera ,Postpartum Period ,0402 animal and dairy science ,buffalo, pregnancy, pregnancy‐associated glycoprotein, RIA‐706, RIA‐860 ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,RIA-860 ,medicine.disease ,040201 dairy & animal science ,030104 developmental biology ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,nervous system ,Herd ,RIA-706 ,pregnancy ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Female ,Postpartum period ,Biotechnology - Abstract
This is the first time that PAG determination using two different antisera raised against PAG molecules purified from both caprine (RIA‐706) and bubaline placentas (RIA‐860) is reported in water buffalo. Ninety‐eight buffalo cows, belonging to a buffalo herd subjected to a synchronization and artificial insemination (AI) programme, were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were taken on days 0 (AI), 23, 25, 28, 30 and 45. Pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasonography on days 28 and 45. The blood of 20 buffaloes that had calved was tested every five days from the day of calving until day 50 postcalving. Differences in PAG concentrations were observed between pregnant and nonpregnant buffaloes starting from day 23 post AI using both RIA‐706 and RIA‐860 (p < 0.001). However, estimated mean concentrations of PAG measured by RIA‐706 were higher than RIA‐860 (p < 0.001) and Bland–Altman analysis showed biases ranged from 0.0 ng/ml at day 23 to 0.79 ng/ml at day 28 post AI. Moreover, RIA‐706 showed greater sensitivity and accuracy both at 23 and 25 days of pregnancy. RIA‐706 and RIA‐860 decreased below 1 ng/ml from 40 and 30 days postpartum, respectively, suggesting that PAG are better recognized by the antisera raised against the caprine PAG in the postpartum period also. This is essential when using PAG as an appropriate marker of early pregnancy after postpartum for detecting new pregnancies. The results of this study show that the ability of RIA systems to recognize early PAG could be improved using antisera raised against PAG molecules isolated from caprine placenta. more...
- Published
- 2018
34. The different effects of linseed and fish oil supplemented diets on insulin sensitivity of rabbit does during pregnancy
- Author
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Gabriele Brecchia, Claudio Canali, Laura Menchetti, Cristiano Boiti, Cesare Castellini, Menchetti L, Canali C, Castellini C, Boiti C, and Brecchia G
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Linseed Oil ,Insulin sensitivity ALA, EPA and DHA HOMA-IR Gestational diabetes Reproductive performance Rabbit ,Rabbit ,Insemination ,HOMA-IR ,03 medical and health sciences ,Fish Oils ,Animal science ,Insulin resistance ,Pregnancy ,Flax ,medicine ,Animals ,Gestational diabetes ,General Veterinary ,Chemistry ,0402 animal and dairy science ,Insulin sensitivity ,ALA, EPA and DHA ,Reproductive performance ,ALA ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,medicine.disease ,Fish oil ,040201 dairy & animal science ,Diet ,030104 developmental biology ,Docosahexaenoic acid ,EPA and DHA ,Pregnancy, Animal ,Female ,Rabbits ,Insulin Resistance - Abstract
This study investigates the effects of linseed (rich in ɑ-linolenic acid (ALA)) and fish oil (rich in eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) supplementation on the insulin resistance of pregnant rabbits. Two months before insemination, the rabbits (15 animals/group) were fed different diets: commercial standard (group C), supplemented with 10% extruded linseed (group L), and 3% fish oil (group FO). The L group does showed both the highest feed intake before AI (P < 0.01) and the highest body weight (BW) throughout pregnancy (P < 0.001). The L does yielded less milk than the C does (P < 0.001); however, no differences were observed in either weight or size of litter at weaning. Regardless of diet, insulin concentrations and HOMA-IR values were higher during the first half of pregnancy (P < 0.001). Nevertheless, the L does showed higher mean insulin concentrations than FO rabbits (P < 0.01) and the lowest glucose clearance (P < 0.01) during pregnancy. On the other hand, pregnant FO rabbits showed the lowest glucose concentrations (P < 0.05) and the lowest Homeostasis model assessment values for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR, P < 0.05) as well as a faster restoration of baseline glucose levels following glucose load (P < 0.001). Before and during pregnancy, the BW of the rabbits was positively related to fasting sample- and tolerance test-derived indices of insulin resistance (P < 0.05) suggesting that a high pre-pregnancy BW predisposes to gestational insulin resistance. Linseed supplementation increased BW and predisposed to insulin resistance during pregnancy; whereas, fish oil improved insulin sensitivity without significant changes in BW. more...
- Published
- 2018
35. Food restriction during pregnancy in rabbits: effects on hormones and metabolites involved in energy homeostasis and metabolic programming
- Author
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Raffaella Cardinali, Angela Polisca, Massimo Zerani, Gabriele Brecchia, Claudio Canali, Cristiano Boiti, Laura Menchetti, Menchetti L, Brecchia G, Canali C, Cardinali R, Polisca A, Zerani M, and Boiti C more...
- Subjects
Leptin ,medicine.medical_specialty ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Rabbit ,Biology ,Fatty Acids, Nonesterified ,Energy homeostasis ,Cortisol ,Fetus ,Pregnancy ,Insulin ,T3 ,Glucose ,Internal medicine ,medicine ,Animals ,Homeostasis ,chemistry.chemical_classification ,General Veterinary ,Malnutrition ,Fatty acid ,medicine.disease ,Hormones ,Diet ,Endocrinology ,chemistry ,Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects ,Pregnancy Rabbit Leptin Insulin Cortisol T3 Glucose ,Models, Animal ,Gestation ,Pregnancy, Animal ,Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena ,Female ,Rabbits ,Insulin Resistance ,Energy Metabolism ,Hormone - Abstract
This study examined the effects of food restriction during rabbit pregnancy on hormones and metabolites involved in energy homeostasis and metabolic programming. Pregnant does were assigned to four groups: the control group was fed a standard ration while the others received a restricted amount of food (30% restriction) during early (0–9 days), mid (9–18 days), and late (19–28 days) pregnancy. The pregnancy induced a coordinated range of adaptations to fulfil energy requirements of both mother and foetus, such as hyperleptinaemia and hyperinsulinaemia, reduced insulin sensitivity, increased cortisol and non-esterified fatty acid. Food restriction altered leptin, insulin, T3, non-esterified fatty acids and glucose concentrations depending on the gestational phase in which it was applied. Collectively, present data confirm that the endocrinology of pregnancy and the adaptive responses to energy deficit make the rabbit an ideal model for studying nutritional-related disorders and foetal programming of metabolic disease. more...
- Published
- 2015
36. Metabolic adaptations in neonatal mother-deprived rabbits
- Author
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Gabriele Brecchia, Massimo Zerani, Cristiano Boiti, Adriana Bonano, Brecchia, G, Zerani, M, Bonanno, A, and Boiti, C
- Subjects
Leptin ,medicine.medical_specialty ,maternal separation, thyroid hormones, insulin, leptin, glucose, rabbits ,Settore AGR/19 - Zootecnica Speciale ,Triiodothyronine ,Thyroid hormones ,Insulin ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Blood sugar ,Rabbit ,Biology ,Glucose ,Endocrinology ,Internal medicine ,Blood plasma ,Plasma concentration ,medicine ,Endocrine system ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Maternal separation - Abstract
[EN] In order to study the metabolic adaptation in response to 48 h transient doe-litter separation (DLS) in young rabbits (5 rabbits/d group) between postnatal 9 and 11 d, plasma concentrations of thyroid hormones T3 and T4, insulin, leptin, glucose, triglycerides (TG), and free fatty acids (FFA) were examined before (6-8 d), during (9-11 d), and after separation (12-16 d). T3 concentrations in newborn control rabbits gradually increased from 0.6 ng/mL at postnatal 6 d to 1.0 ng/mL at postnatal 16 d, whereas those of T4 remained fairly constant (25 ng/mL) up to postnatal 14 d, when T4 gradually declined to 8 ng/mL. T3 values of DLS newborn rabbits did not differ from those of controls at postnatal 10 and 11 d, but were lower (P, This work was partially supported by a grant from the Italian “Ministero Istruzione Università e Ricerca” (Progetto Ricerca Interesse Nazionale – Prot. 2001072484 and 2003074002) and by generous donations from the BC Red-water Trust (Perugia, Italy). Procedures conformed to animal care guidelines and were approved by the Bioethical Committee of the University of Perugia in accordance with the current laws of Italy. The authors gratefully acknowledge the revision of the English text by Sheila Beatty. more...
- Published
- 2010
37. Potential benefits of colostrum in gastrointestinal diseases
- Author
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Laura Menchetti, Giovanni Tomasello, Patrizia Casagrande-Proietti, Giovanna Traina, Leonardo Leonardi, Olimpia Barbato, Gabriele Brecchia, MENCHETTI, LAURA, TRAINA, Giovanna, Tomasello, Giovanni, CASAGRANDE PROIETTI, Patrizia, LEONARDI, Leonardo, BARBATO, Olimpia, BRECCHIA, Gabriele, Menchetti,L, Traina,G, Tomasello,G, Casagrande-Proietti,P, Leonardi,L, Barbato,O, and Brecchia,G more...
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Gastrointestinal Diseases ,animal diseases ,Antimicrobial peptides ,Physiology ,General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology ,03 medical and health sciences ,Immune system ,fluids and secretions ,Immunity ,In vivo ,gastrointestinal diseases, dysbiosis, colostrum ,Medicine ,Animals ,Humans ,Clinical significance ,Colostrum, Anti-Microbical Factors, Immunity, Growth Factors, Intestinal Disorders, Review ,General Immunology and Microbiology ,business.industry ,Colostrum ,food and beverages ,medicine.disease ,Clinical trial ,030104 developmental biology ,Dietary Supplements ,Cattle ,Female ,business ,Dysbiosis - Abstract
This paper reviews the composition of colostrum and the potential preventive and therapeutic use of this "first milk" for treating various gastrointestinal disorders in humans. Colostrum is a complex biological liquid that is richer in antimicrobial peptides, immune-regulating compounds and growth factors than the subsequent mature milk. The main functions of colostrum are to provide essential nutritional components, strengthen the natural defense system, modulate immune response, balance intestinal microbiota and enhance the growth and repair of several tissues. Several studies and clinical trials carried out both in vitro and in vivo on humans and animals suggest the clinical benefits of bovine colostrum (BC) supplementation in gastro-intestinal diseases. Despite the encouraging results, further well-designed studies are required in order to confirm these effects, the dose and duration of treatment. Colostrum is safe since there are no contraindications regarding high dose levels and few side effects of clinical relevance have been reported. In conclusion, in the near future, colostrum-based supplements may play a complementary role to synthetic drugs in the prevention and treatment of various gastrointestinal disorders. more...
38. Effects of Diets Containing Extruded Linseed and Padina pavonica Algae on Meat Rabbit: Carcass Performance and Meat Quality.
- Author
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Fehri NE, Contò M, Castrica M, Quattrone A, Renzi G, Di Giovanni S, Agradi S, Vigo D, Brecchia G, Menchetti L, Balzaretti CM, Beqiraj D, Andoni E, Curone G, and Failla S
- Abstract
This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with extruded linseed (ELS) and Padina pavonica algae extract (PP) on rabbit carcass and meat quality. Ninety-six rabbit carcasses from two production cycles were analyzed. In the first cycle (C1), rabbits were fed a control diet (1CNT), the same diet supplemented with 5% ELS (1ELS5%), and supplemented with 3.5% ELS and 0.2% PP (1LPP3.5%). In the second cycle (C2), the diets varied in composition and supplementation levels: a different control diet (2CNT), the same diet with 5% ELS (2ELS5%), and with 5% ELS and 0.2% PP (2LPP5%). Meat analyses were performed on Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle for physical properties and on thigh meat (THM) for proximate composition, vitamin E, coenzyme-Q10, cholesterol, fatty acid profile, and mineral content. No significant differences in LTL physical quality were observed in C1, although LTL was brighter in C2 ( p < 0.001). THM in C2 had higher fat content ( p < 0.001). Dietary supplementation with ELS and PP extract significantly increased polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) and improved the n-6/n-3 ratio ( p < 0.001) in rabbit meat, demonstrating their positive impact on meat quality. more...
- Published
- 2025
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
39. Human exposure to heavy metals and possible public health risks via consumption of mussels M. galloprovincialis from the Albanian sea cost.
- Author
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Ozuni E, Andoni E, Castrica M, Balzaretti CM, Brecchia G, Agradi S, Curone G, Di Cesare F, Fehri NE, Luke B, Erman Or M, Akkaya E, Yavuz O, Menchetti L, Prendi L, Özsonacı NP, Ercan AM, Ateş F, and Miraglia D more...
- Subjects
- Animals, Humans, Albania, Environmental Monitoring, Risk Assessment, Dietary Exposure, Food Contamination analysis, Bivalvia metabolism, Environmental Exposure, Metals, Heavy analysis, Water Pollutants, Chemical toxicity, Water Pollutants, Chemical analysis, Mytilus metabolism, Seafood, Public Health
- Abstract
Heavy metals in the marine environment are significant contaminants that readily bioaccumulate in the tissues of aquatic organisms, particularly in filter-feeding animals such as bivalve molluscs. Human exposure to elevated concentrations of heavy metals, including essential elements such as Fe, Cu, and Zn, through the consumption of seafood can lead to various pathological effects. Research has demonstrated that among bivalve molluscs, mussels are the most effective indicators for monitoring marine pollution. Consequently, this study focused on the species Mytilus galloprovincialis to evaluate the levels of Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the two primary harvesting areas of Albania and to assess the associated human health risks from mussel consumption. The results revealed a concerning situation, particularly for Pb and Cd, with average concentrations of 2.15 μg/g and 4.14 μg/g, respectively, significantly exceeding the limits established by Regulation (EC) No. 915/2023. The levels of the other investigated elements also raised concerns, as only half of them were within the dietary intake values recommended by scientific authorities for weekly consumption of 250 g of mussels., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.) more...
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
40. Effect of Using Prickly Pear Seed Cake ( Opuntia ficus indica L.) on Growth Performance, Digestibility, Physiological and Histometric Parameters in Rabbits.
- Author
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Benali N, Belabbas R, Sais M, AinBaziz H, Djellout B, Ettouahria FN, Oulebsir N, Brecchia G, Quattrone A, Curone G, and Menchetti L
- Abstract
Prickly pear ( Opuntia ficus indica L.) could be used in rabbit nutrition in compliance with circular economy principles, global warming issues, and reduction of production costs. This study aims to evaluate the effects of dietary incorporation of prickly pear seed cake (PPSC) on growth, physiological, and histometric parameters in rabbits. A total of 105 rabbits were divided into three experimental groups (n = 35) and fed different diets: a commercial feed (C group), the same feed with alfalfa replaced by PPSC at 10% (10PP group), and at 20% (20PP group). They were group-housed in cages with 5 animals per cage from weaning until slaughtering. While body weights and weight gains were similar in all groups, the coefficients of nutrient digestibility of dry matter, fibers, and ashes, as well as the characteristics of intestinal villi, were improved in the 10PP group compared to the others ( p < 0.05). The 20PP group showed a reduction in perirenal and interscapular fat ( p < 0.05), as well as lower plasma concentrations of triglycerides and cholesterol compared to the C group ( p < 0.001). In conclusion, PPSC can be incorporated into the diets of growing rabbits up to 20% as a partial substitute for alfalfa without the impairment of growth performance. Additionally, the inclusion of PPSC enhanced nutrient digestibility and increased the intestinal absorption surface area. more...
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
41. The Effect of Dietary Plant-Derived Omega 3 Fatty Acids on the Reproductive Performance and Gastrointestinal Health of Female Rabbits.
- Author
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Quattrone A, Belabbas R, Fehri NE, Agradi S, Mazzola SM, Barbato O, Dal Bosco A, Mattioli S, Failla S, Abdel-Kafy EM, Jemmali B, Salem IB, Mandara MT, Giglia G, Colin M, Guillevic M, Muça G, Sulçe M, Castrica M, Bilgiç B, Marongiu ML, Brecchia G, Curone G, and Menchetti L more...
- Abstract
This study examined the effects of extruded linseed and algae Padina pavonica extract on the reproductive performance, milk production, and gastrointestinal health of female rabbits. Thirty-six nulliparous New Zealand White female rabbits were randomly assigned to three groups ( n = 12) with different diets. The control group (CNT) received a standard diet, while the other two groups received modified isoenergetic diets in which part of the CNT diet ingredients were replaced with 5% extruded linseed (L5%) and 5% extruded linseed plus 0.2% Padina pavonica algae extract (L5%PP). The rabbits were monitored from artificial insemination until the weaning of the rabbit kits, evaluating different reproductive parameters. Our results indicate that extruded linseed and alga Padina pavonica extract did not affect the feed intake or body weight of female rabbits. Additionally, no clinically significant histological changes were observed at the gastrointestinal level. The reproductive parameters, including litter size, litter weight, and milk yield, showed no significant differences among groups. Notably, perinatal and pre-weaning mortalities were reduced in litters born to females receiving omega-3 integrated diets ( p < 0.05). While these findings are promising, further studies are needed to confirm these results and explore the specific mechanisms by which omega-3 affects reproductive function and litter health. more...
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- 2024
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42. Editorial: Effects of dietary nutrients on intestinal microbiome: insights into gastrointestinal diseases in animals.
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Gao J, Xu K, Yin J, and Brecchia G
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- Animals, Diet, Gastrointestinal Diseases microbiology, Gastrointestinal Microbiome drug effects, Nutrients
- Abstract
Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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- 2024
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43. The Use of Horse and Donkey Meat to Enhance the Quality of the Traditional Meat Product (Kaddid): Analysis of Physico-Chemical Traits.
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Aroua M, Fehri NE, Ben Said S, Quattrone A, Agradi S, Brecchia G, Balzaretti CM, Mahouachi M, and Castrica M
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The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of horse and donkey meat in the production of kaddid-a traditional dish typically not made with these meats-from a physical and chemical perspective. The results showed that both meats exhibit similar water retention during cooking, contributing to comparable tenderness and juiciness, with no significant differences in pH values, indicating similar quality ( p > 0.05). However, their amino acid profiles differ: horse meat contains lower levels of glutamate ( p < 0.05), methionine ( p < 0.01), isoleucine ( p < 0.05), and leucine ( p < 0.05), but higher levels of proline ( p < 0.05), histidine ( p < 0.01), and lysine ( p < 0.001) compared to donkey meat. Both meats provide essential amino acids. Horse meat is richer in saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids (32.44% and 39.58%, respectively), while donkey meat has a higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (31.51%), with a more favorable PUFA/SFA ratio, suggesting better cardiovascular health benefits. In terms of dried meat, donkey kaddid has a higher protein (17.45 g/100 g) and lower fat content (2.1 g/100 g) compared to horse kaddid (16.7 g/100 g, and 3.5 g/100 g, respectively) ( p < 0.05). These findings inform consumer choices and production practices, promoting the use of horse and donkey meat for kaddid production. more...
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- 2024
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44. Use of Hair as Matrix for Trace Elements Biomonitoring in Cattle and Roe Deer Sharing Pastures in Northern Italy.
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Draghi S, Fehri NE, Ateş F, Özsobacı NP, Tarhan D, Bilgiç B, Dokuzeylül B, Yaramış ÇP, Ercan AM, Or ME, Cagnardi P, Brecchia G, Curone G, and Di Cesare F
- Abstract
Intensive cattle breeding's environmental challenges are prompting shifts to extensive, pasture-based systems, influencing nutrient and pollutant uptake. PTEs are essential and non-essential elements, regularly found in the environment and organisms, and in which unbalances lead to health issues. Hair analysis, a non-invasive method, provides retrospective PTE exposure evaluation. This study aims to understand exposure and species-specific accumulation patterns of PTEs in cattle and roe deer sharing pastures in Northern Italy using the hair analysis. Aluminum, As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Cu, Mg, Fe, and Zn were quantified through the use of ICP-OES. Findings show As levels significantly higher in roe deer due to their selective feeding, while Cd and Pb levels align with other studies. Essential elements like Cu, Fe, and Zn are lower in cattle, possibly due to diet differences. Higher Cr and Ni levels in cattle suggest contamination or physiological differences in accumulation patterns. In conclusion, hair analysis is valuable for monitoring environmental PTE exposure, highlighting significant interspecies differences and the potential of both animals as bioindicators in shared grazing areas. more...
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- 2024
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45. Interferon-Tau in Maternal Peripheral Blood and Its Relationship with Progesterone and Pregnancy-Associated Glycoproteins in the Early Phases of Gestation in Water Buffalo.
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Barbato O, Menchetti L, Casano AB, Ricci G, De Matteis G, Agradi S, Curone G, Brecchia G, Achihaei EL, and Barile VL
- Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the interferon tau (IFNt) concentration in the peripheral maternal blood during the early phase of pregnancy in buffalo cows and improve the knowledge on the physiological importance of circulating IFNt, evaluating the possible interaction with pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) and progesterone (P4). Blood samples were taken from buffalo cows on day 0 (day of AI), 7, 14, 18, 28, and 40 post insemination for the IFNt, PAG, and P4 analysis and to determine the IFNt mRNA expression. The animals were categorized ex post into Pregnant, Non-pregnant and Embryo mortality groups. The interferon value was influenced by group ( p = 0.003), being always higher in pregnant buffalo cows than in non-pregnant ones, while the embryo mortality group showed intermediate values between those for pregnant and non-pregnant animals. The mRNA expression of IFNt was not influenced by groups or any time points. The regression analysis that included IFNt as the independent variable showed that PAGs, from day 18 ( p < 0.01), and P4, from day 28 ( p < 0.05), were positively associated with IFNt values. The close associations among IFNt, PAGs and P4 demonstrate that all three molecules work together for fetal-placental well-being and pregnancy support. Unfortunately, the great individual variability in circulating IFNt makes this analysis unsuitable for early pregnancy diagnosis. more...
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- 2024
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46. Bovine Colostrum Supplementation in Rabbit Diet Modulates Gene Expression of Cytokines, Gut-Vascular Barrier, and Red-Ox-Related Molecules in the Gut Wall.
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Riva F, Draghi S, Inglesi A, Filipe J, Cremonesi P, Lavazza A, Cavadini P, Vigo D, Agradi S, Menchetti L, Di Giancamillo A, Aidos L, Modina SC, Fehri NE, Pastorelli G, Serra V, Balzaretti CM, Castrica M, Severgnini M, Brecchia G, and Curone G more...
- Abstract
Rabbits, pivotal in the EU as livestock, pets, and experimental animals, face bacterial infection challenges, prompting a quest for alternatives to curb antibiotic resistance. Bovine colostrum (BC), rich in immunoregulatory compounds, antimicrobial peptides, and growth factors, is explored for disease treatment and prevention. This study assesses BC diet supplementation effects on rabbit intestines, examining gene expression. Thirty female New Zealand White rabbits at weaning (35 days) were divided into three experimental groups: control (commercial feed), 2.5% BC, and 5% BC. The diets were administered until slaughtering (81 days). BC-upregulated genes in the jejunum included IL-8, TGF-β, and CTNN-β1 at 5% BC, while PLVAP at 2.5% BC. Antioxidant-related genes (SOD1, GSR) were downregulated in the cecum and colon with 2.5% BC. BC 5% promoted IL-8 in the jejunum, fostering inflammation and immune cell migration. It also induced genes regulating inflammatory responses (TGF-β) and gastrointestinal permeability (CTNN-β1). BC 5% enhanced antioxidant activity in the cecum and colon, but no significant impact on anti-myxo antibody production was observed. These results suggest that BC has significant effects on the rabbit gastrointestinal tract's inflammatory and antioxidant response, but further research is required to fully understand its histological and physiological impact. more...
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- 2024
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47. Polymorphism of the MTNR1A Melatonin Receptor Gene in Goat Breeds of Northern Italy.
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Agradi S, Luridiana S, Mura MC, Cosso G, Vigo D, Menchetti L, Brecchia G, Carcangiu V, and Curone G
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Melatonin receptor MT1, encoded by the MTNR1A gene, is the main one involved in the seasonal regulation of reproductive activity. A correlation between this gene polymorphism and reproductive performance has been demonstrated in sheep. To date, no data about MTNR1A gene polymorphism are available regarding Italian goat breeds other than the Sarda goat. This study aimed to detect any PCR-RFLP polymorphic sites of MTNR1A using MnlI and RsaI enzymes in Northern Italian goat breeds, which are characterized by a pronounced reproductive seasonality. One-hundred-eight adult female goats belonging to four different breeds were included in the study (i.e., Frisa Valtellinese, n = 29; Orobica, n = 23; Lariana, n = 29; Camosciata delle Alpi, n = 27). Blood was sampled from each goat. Genomic DNA was extracted from each sample and the main part of exon II of MTNR1A gene was amplified by PCR and digested with MnlI and RsaI enzymes. Unexpectedly, none of the fragments were found to be polymorphic. The absence of polymorphism may be linked to the macro group of goat breeds that evolved during human migrations. Breeds of the Alpine-European strain would appear to show no polymorphism, as confirmed by our study, whereas breeds belonging to the Mediterranean-African or Asian-Middle Eastern strains do. more...
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- 2023
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48. Intestine Health and Barrier Function in Fattening Rabbits Fed Bovine Colostrum.
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Aidos L, Pallaoro M, Mirra G, Serra V, Castrica M, Agradi S, Curone G, Vigo D, Riva F, Balzaretti CM, De Bellis R, Pastorelli G, Brecchia G, Modina SC, and Di Giancamillo A
- Abstract
The permeability of the immature intestine is higher in newborns than in adults; a damaged gut barrier in young animals increases the susceptibility to digestive and infectious diseases later in life. It is therefore of major importance to avoid impairment of the intestinal barrier, specifically in a delicate phase of development, such as weaning. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of bovine colostrum supplementation on the intestinal barrier, such as the intestinal morphology and proliferation level and tight junctions expression (zonulin) and enteric nervous system (ENS) inflammation status (through the expression of PGP9.5 and GFAP) in fattening rabbits. Rabbits of 35 days of age were randomly divided into three groups (n = 13) based on the dietary administration: commercial feed (control group, CTR) and commercial feed supplemented with 2.5% and 5% bovine colostrum (BC1 and BC2 groups, respectively). Rabbits receiving the BC1 diet showed a tendency to have better duodenum morphology and higher proliferation rates ( p < 0.001) than the control group. An evaluation of the zonulin expression showed that it was higher in the BC2 group, suggesting increased permeability, which was partially confirmed by the expression of GFAP. Our results suggest that adding 2.5% BC into the diet could be a good compromise between intestinal morphology and permeability, since rabbits fed the highest inclusion level of BC showed signs of higher intestinal permeability. more...
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- 2023
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49. Goat hair as a bioindicator of environmental contaminants and adrenal activation during vertical transhumance.
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Agradi S, Munga A, Barbato O, Palme R, Tarhan D, Bilgiç B, Dokuzeylül B, Ercan AM, Or ME, Brecchia G, Curone G, Draghi S, Vigo D, Marongiu ML, González-Cabrera M, and Menchetti L
- Abstract
Autochthonous breeds of livestock are considered a pivotal genetic resource for agriculture, rural development, and food and nutrition security. In the Italian Alps, local livestock breeds are maintained using the traditional alpine farming system based on vertical transhumance, with the use of alpine pastures from late spring to autumn and indoor housing with a hay-based diet for the remaining part of the year. Because of their tight link with the territory of origin, local breeds could be used to biomonitor environmental contaminations. Moreover, animal welfare should also be monitored during transhumance in animals, which are exposed to a sudden farming system change and different types of stressors. For these reasons, this investigation hypothesized that the content of trace elements, heavy metals, and cortisol in the hair of goats changes during vertical transhumance, possibly reflecting different dietary contents and activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This study aimed to assess the response of an Italian local goat breed to the change from indoor housing to alpine pasture in summer in terms of hair concentrations of (i) trace elements and heavy metals and (ii) cortisol. The regrown hair of Frisa goats was monthly collected for 2 consecutive years ( n = 10 for heavy metals and trace elements and n = 6 for cortisol in 2021, n = 17 for both analyses in 2022), once before vertical transhumance and twice after that event. Hair was then analyzed for trace elements, heavy metals, and cortisol by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrophotometer (ICP-OES) and enzyme immunoassay (EIA), respectively. Data were analyzed by multilevel models. The results showed an increase in As content during alpine pasture ( p < 0.01), probably reflecting the soil and water As contents of the grazing area, while Mg, Zn, and Al ( p < 0.01) followed the opposite trend, decreasing in the second month after vertical transhumance. Hair cortisol concentrations increased during 2 months of alpine pasture ( p < 0.001), indicating an increase in the activation of the HPA axis, in agreement with previous studies. Future investigations can consider a longer study period and the development of ad hoc animal welfare indicators., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Agradi, Munga, Barbato, Palme, Tarhan, Bilgiç, Dokuzeylül, Ercan, Or, Brecchia, Curone, Draghi, Vigo, Marongiu, González-Cabrera and Menchetti.) more...
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- 2023
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50. Goji Berry in the Diet of the Rabbit Buck: Effects on Semen Quality, Oxidative Status and Histological Features of the Reproductive Tract.
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Brecchia G, Muça G, Munga A, Menchetti L, Galosi L, Rossi G, Barbato O, Pastorelli G, Agradi S, Serra V, Sulçe M, Ozuni E, Turmalaj L, Castrica M, Ceccarini MR, Riva F, Fioretti B, Quattrone A, Marongiu ML, and Curone G more...
- Abstract
Goji berry (GB) shows beneficial effects on human health, although its effects on the male rabbit have been little investigated. This study examines the impact of GB dietary supplementation on the semen traits, antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma, and histological features of the reproductive tract of rabbit buck. Eighteen rabbits were distributed into two dietary groups: one receiving a commercial feed (Control), and the other a feed supplemented with 1% of GB (Goji). After a nutritional adaptation period of 60 days, the animals were subjected to semen collection every 15 days. The semen traits, libido, antioxidant, and inflammatory parameters were collected and analyzed. The rabbits were sacrificed after 60 days, and tissues of the genital tract were analyzed. Compared to the Control group, the Goji group showed higher spermatozoa concentration, motility, and vitality ( p < 0.05), as well as fewer abnormal spermatozoa and a higher libido ( p < 0.1). Histological features such as functional activity and hyperplasia were improved by GB and correlated with some semen traits ( p < 0.05). Conversely, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory parameters were unaffected by the diet. These findings suggest that GB acts on the tissues of the reproductive tract positively influencing semen quality, although further studies are needed to understand the effect on oxidative stress. more...
- Published
- 2023
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