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The aim of this study was to evaluate how different rearing systems (intensive or semi-extensive) and sexual hormones could affect stress parameters and the development of stress-related intramural coronary arteriosclerosis in Lidia bulls (n = 18) and Piemontese oxen (n = 17). At slaughter, hearts were sampled and submitted to histological investigations in order to evaluate coronary arteriosclerosis. Blood and hair samples were also collected to measure d-ROMS and 20β-dihydrocortisol levels, respectively. No significant differences were recorded for serum levels of d-ROMS between Piemontese oxen and Lidia bulls. On the contrary, Lidia bulls presented higher levels of hair 20β-dihydrocortisol compared to Piemontese oxen (p = .007). Arteriosclerosis was recorded in both the groups. In Lidia bulls, mild to moderate coronary arteriosclerosis was recorded in all the evaluated regions of the heart (right and left papillary muscle; interventricular septum; right and left ventricle free wall; right and left atrium). In Piemontese oxen, mild to severe coronary arteriosclerosis was observed, especially in the left papillary muscle. These results suggest that both cattle breed experienced stress during their rearing cycle. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of housing system and sexual hormones in the development of these subclinical vascular pathology.Highlights Rearing systems can affect animal welfare. Coronary arteriosclerosis, d-ROMS and hair 20β-dihydrocortisol levels can be affected by stress. Lidia bulls and Piemontese oxen experienced different levels of stress during their rearing cycle.

Passive immunity transfer has a pivotal role in newborn lambs, where the colostrum represents the primary source of immunoglobulins. This study hypothesized that the high content in polyphenolic compounds, mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acids, and vitamin E of hazelnut skin affects blood and colostrum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration and related gamma-glutamyl-transferase (GGT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in sheep and their lambs. In the last 45 days of pregnancy, ewes were divided into a control (CTR) and a hazelnut skin supplemented group (HZN). Blood and colostrum were collected from ewes and lambs before the first suckling, at 24 and 48 h after birth, then IgG concentration, GGT and LDH activity levels were measured. IgG concentration in the colostrum and in lamb’s serum were significantly greater in HZN than CTR. No significant difference was detected for ewe’s blood. A significant positive correlation was found between IgG and GGT in lambs’ serum and colostrum, between IgG and LDH, as well as between GGT and LDH in lambs’ serum and colostrum. Our results suggest that hazelnut skin supplementation influences IgG colostrum concentration, with improved immune passive transfer to the suckling lambs. The transfer of maternal derived immune factors is confirmed by the GGT and LDH enzyme activity levels.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neural disorder gradually leading to paralysis of the whole body. Alterations in superoxide dismutase SOD1 gene have been linked with several variants of familial ALS. Here, we investigated a transgenic (Tg) cloned swine model expressing the human pathological hSOD1G93A allele. As in patients, these Tg pigs transmitted the disease to the progeny with an autosomal dominant trait and showed ALS onset from about 27 months of age. Post mortem analysis revealed motor neuron (MN) degeneration, gliosis and hSOD1 protein aggregates in brainstem and spinal cord. Severe skeletal muscle pathology including necrosis and inflammation was observed at the end stage, as well. Remarkably, as in human patients, these Tg pigs showed a quite long presymptomatic phase in which gradually increasing amounts of TDP-43 were detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Thus, this transgenic swine model opens the unique opportunity to investigate ALS biomarkers even before disease onset other than testing novel drugs and possible medical devices.

Abstract Background The aim of this trial was to investigate the effects of different inclusion levels of a partially defatted black soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens L.) larva meal on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profile, gut morphology and histological features of piglets. A total of 48 newly weaned piglets were individually weighed (initial body weight (IBW): 6.1 ± 0.16 kg) and randomly allocated to 3 dietary treatments (4 boxes as replicates/treatment and 4 animals/box). BSF larva meal was included at increasing levels (0% [BSF0], 5% [BSF5] and 10% [BSF10]) in isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets formulated for two feeding phases: I (from d 1 to d 23) and II (from d 24 to d 61). The weight gain (WG), average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated for each feeding phase and for the whole trial. The haematochemical parameters and nutrient digestibility of the piglets were also evaluated. A total of 3 piglets per box were slaughtered on d 61 and the slaughtered piglets were submitted to morphometric investigations and histopathological examinations. Results No overall significant differences were observed for growth performance (P > 0.05), except for the ADFI of phase II, which showed a linear response to increasing BSF meal levels (P 0.05). Conclusions The obtained results show that a partially defatted BSF larva meal can be used as a feed ingredient in diets for weaned piglets without negatively affecting their growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profile, gut morphology or histological features.

Abstract Background Hand-sewn intestinal anastomoses are a fundamental procedure in both open and laparoscopic intestinal surgery. Self-retaining barbed suture devices have been tested for a variety of surgical applications. With the exception of clinical reports and various experimental studies on enterotomy, little has been published so far on the use of barbed suture for end-to-end intestinal anastomoses. The aim of the study was to compare two different barbed suture materials for end-to-end jejuno-jejunal anastomosis in pigs. End-to-end jejuno-jejunal anastomosis were performed with unidirectional barbed (A group), bidirectional barbed (B group) or normal (C group) sutures in each animal. A comparison was then made between the groups based on adhesions scoring, suturing time, bursting pressure and histopathology. Results Mean construction times in the A group (518 ± 40 s) and in the B group (487 ± 45 s) were significantly lower than in the C group (587 ± 63 s) but were not different between A and B group (P = 0.10). Mean bursting pressures were significantly higher in the intact intestine (197 ± 13 mmHg) than in any other group (group A 150 ± 16 mmHg, group B 145 ± 22 mmHg, group C 145 ± 24 mmHg). Among anastomotic techniques, the bursting pressures were not significantly different. Histologically no difference could be detected in the grade of inflammation, collagen deposition and neovascularization at the anastomotic sites. Conclusions Barbed sutures can be effectively used for handsewn end-to-end jejunojejunal anastomosis in pigs. They are comparable to normal suture but could provide a shorter surgical time.

Lamb meat production provides vital landscape-management and ecosystem services; however, ruminant farming produces a considerable share of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. To measure and compare the advantages and disadvantages of the intensification of livestock farming, an integrative analysis was conducted in this study by combining environmental impact analysis and animal welfare assessment. This approach is the first of its kind and is the innovative aspect of this paper. The methodology of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) entails the holistic analysis of various impact categories and the associated emission quantities of products, services, and resources over their life cycle, including resource extraction and processing, production processes, transport, usage, and the end of life. The outlines of LCA are standardized in DIN EN ISO 14040/14044. To assess the environmental impacts of the production of lamb meat in northern Italy, two case studies were undertaken using the LCA software GaBi. The analysis is based on primary data from two sheep-breeding systems (semi-extensive and semi-intensive in alpine and continental bioregions, respectively) combined with inventory data from the GaBi database and data from the literature. The assessment was conducted for the functional unit of 1 kg of lamb meat and focuses on the impact categories global warming potential, acidification potential, and eutrophication potential. For an overall evaluation of the supply chain, we have also considered a parameter indicating animal welfare, in keeping with consumer concerns, employing an analysis of chronic stress as shown by cortisol accumulation. The goal is to derive models and recommendations for an efficient, more sustainable use of resources without compromising animal welfare, meat quality, and competitiveness. The aim of this study is to provide a standard for individualized sustainability analyses for European lamb production systems in the future. From the LCA perspective, the more intensive case-study farm showed a lower impact in global impact factors and a higher impact in local impact categories in comparison with the more extensively run farm that was studied. From the animal welfare perspective, lower amounts of the stress hormone cortisol were found on the extensively managed case-study farm.

Abstract Background Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) types 1 and 2 are members of the Pestivirus genus of the Flaviviridae family. This genus also includes the HoBi-like virus, tentatively classified as BVDV type 3. BVDV-1 is widely distributed in Italy despite the extensive use of BVDV-1-based vaccines, while BVDV-2 and HoBi-like Pestivirus have been detected occasionally. Monitoring the occurrence of sporadic or atypical pestiviruses is a useful approach to evaluate the need for additional vaccine strains that can be used in BVDV control programs. Results In this study we developed a multiwell antibody ELISA based on the recombinant E2 protein of the three bovine pestiviruses. We evaluated the assay’s applicability for surveillance purposes using pooled milk samples, each prepared from a maximum of 35 lactating cows and collected from 176 dairy herds. As expected, the majority of the pooled samples reacted to a greater extent against the BVDV-1 E2 antigen. All three milk pools from a single farm reacted to the BVDV-2 antigen, however. Further analysis using spot tests, antigen detection, and sequence analysis of the 5′-UTR region confirmed the presence of five persistently infected calves carrying a BVDV-2a strain. Conclusions This study highlights for the first time that sporadic circulation of BVDV-2 can be predicted by immunoenzymatic methods in the absence of specific vaccination.

Abstract Background The use of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) has been proposed for the treatment of several acute and chronic syndromes, such as corneal epithelial defects and dry eye syndrome, gum bleeding during oral surgery, and in orthopaedic surgery. We hypothesized that PRGF, rather than PRP, could be more effective because of its intrinsic characteristics in promoting the healing of intestinal anastomosis. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate and compare the effects of PRP and PRGF on various parameters of anastomotic healing in a swine model. Methods Eight female pigs were randomly assigned to two groups and subjected to hand sewn jeujuno-jejunal appositional extramucosal anastomoses. For each animal, a total of six anastomoses were performed: two were considered controls and received no treatment, while the remaining four anastomoses were treated with PRP or PRGF of which both were prepared at a platelet concentration that was respectively 3.4-fold and 2.81-fold higher than the original platelet count. In each animal, either PRP or PRGF was used as a treatment, to avoid interference among products. Animals were euthanized after 8 days and the anastomoses were evaluated and compared for the presence of adhesions, anastomotic leakage, bursting pressure, and histological appearance. Results The concentration of platelets in PRP was 3.41-fold higher (range, 3.20–4.24) that the concentration in whole blood, while the concentration in PRGF was 2.81-fold higher (range, 2.89–4.88). The results obtained from the present study highlighted that there are no differences between anastomotic samples treated with either PRP or PRGF preparations, except for a significant increase in epithelization of the intestinal mucosa at the anastomotic site in the PRGF group. Conclusions Both PRP and PRGF suspensions should be considered a safe strategy and represent a relatively low-cost technology that is flexible enough to be applied in several therapeutic fields. No true benefit could be proven in our study compared to the no treatment following anastomoses formation, with the exception of enhanced epithelization of the mucosa in the PRGF group.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of monensin sodium grain size on controlling coccidiosis in broiler chickens. Three hundred and fifty Cobb 700 chicks were infected experimentally with 8 × 10(4) sporulated oocysts of Eimeria spp. The birds were fed with diets supplemented with powdered (n = 150) or granulated (n = 150) monensin, with particle sizes of ≤100 µm and 450-650 µm, respectively. The remaining chicks (n = 50) were used as an unmedicated control group. The birds’ weights and number of oocysts per gram of litter in each group were recorded weekly. A total of 96 birds were randomly selected and culled during the trial. Their intestinal oocyst counts and lesion scores were determined. No significant differences in body weights were found between the groups at the end of the study. The percentages of infected animals, oocyst counts and lesion scores were significantly higher in the control group than in the other two groups; the two treated groups did not show any appreciable differences to each other. Enteritis was observed in 14 birds, all in the group supplemented with granulated monensin. These results suggest that powdered and granulated monensin have comparable efficacy in controlling coccidiosis in broiler chickens. However, treatments with monensin sodium of high grain size may be subject to contraindications relating to enteritis.O presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar a eficácia da monensina sódica com diferentes granulometrias no controle da coccidiose em frangos de corte. Trezentos e cinquenta pintos Cobb 700 foram infectados experimentalmente, utilizando-se 8 × 10(4) oocistos esporulados de Eimeria spp. As aves foram alimentadas com dietas suplementadas com monensina em pó (n = 150) ou granulada (n = 150), com partículas de dimensão ≤100 µm e de 450-650 µm respetivamente. As aves restantes (n = 50) foram utilizadas como grupo controle não sujeito a tratamento. O peso das aves e o número de oocistos por grama de material de cama de cada grupo foram avaliados semanalmente. Um total de 96 aves foi selecionado aleatoriamente e submetidos à eutanásia durante o período experimental. Nestas aves foram analisados o número de oocistos intestinais e o respectivo escore das lesões. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas relativas ao peso dos animais dos diferentes grupos no final do período experimental. A proporção de animais infectados, a quantidade de oocistos e o escore das lesões foram significativamente superiores no grupo de controle, quando comparado com os dois grupos tratados, não encontrando diferenças significativas entre estes últimos. Foi observada enterite em 14 aves, pertencentes ao grupo suplementado com monensina granulada. Estes resultados indicam que a eficácia da monensina em pó e granulada é semelhante no controle de coccidiose em frangos de corte. No entanto, o tratamento com monensina sódica de elevada granulometria pode ser objeto de contraindicações associadas à enterite.

A climatological network of rain gauges operating since 1917 in the island of Cyprus has been used to validate the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Precipitation Radar product over the southeastern Mediterranean Sea. A gridded, monthly TRMM product has been used: the so-called 3A-25hr, version-5. All the rain gauges are covered by eight (3A-25hr) 0.5° × 0.5° pixels: between 32° (33.5°) and 34° (34.5°) East (North). The comparison during the first 5 years of the TRMM mission (December 1997-November 2002) shows that quantitative estimates of TRMM Precipitation Radar are remarkably reliable during three (out of four) wettest months: November, December and January. The gauge and TRMM 5-year average is respectively 284 and 279 mm/(3 months). With respect to the previous 81 years, the rain gauges show an increase of rainfall in the rainiest month, December (+19 mm/month), a decrease in January (−40 mm/month) and February (−24 mm/month) and an overall decrease (from 566 mm/year to 520 mm/year). The TRMM Ku-band radar confirms the paradoxical increase of rain in a single month in spite of decrease in total value per year.

Firstly, this paper summarizes the procedure for correcting the variation of sensitivity of radars at ground level, using a radar in space for reference, as already described in the literature. Around 10dB have to be added to the measured radar reflectivity Z (in mm6/m3), when increasing the range from 10 km to 100 km. In other words, instead of an r−2-dependence (where r is the range, i.e. the distance between the radar and the meteorological target), we find an apparent reduction proportional to r−3. A similar procedure is used to analyze the dependence of the TRMM radar, using the adjusted data of the radar at ground level for reference. We have to add around 3dB to the measured reflectivity, when increasing the distance from close to Nadir (10 km) to the edge of the swath (100 km). In other words, instead of a constant sensitivity over the swath of the satellite, we find a reduction of sensitivity with the range, proportional to r−0.3. Secondly, the paper illustrates possible causes of the systematic range dependence of both radars. The old, dominant cause - overshooting of precipitation - is already vastly discussed in literature. We describe the variability of the precipitation with three case studies. The variability of the precipitation is difficult to quantify. It is concluded to be responsible for the variable range dependence and for many disillusions with radar.

Lab of Tomorrow (LoT) is an IST European Project concerning the implementation and dissemination of an innovative system for the acquisition and handling of data streams coming from a non conventional experimental activity. A dedicated SW tool has been developed to handle both the LoT system and the basic LoT user needs. In this article, the LoT system innovative concepts, educational approach and architecture will be presented. The LoT system user interface will be presented as well, pointing the attention on the adopted design principles and on the features provided to the final user.

Individual identification in pigs is a key point for management, traceability and trade control. The aim of this experiment was to study retention rate and functionality of electronic identification systems in pigs, injected in different sites, to evaluate traceability of animals and highlight histopathological alterations of tissues in different inoculation sites. A total of 60 crossbred piglets were used to compare different transponder inoculation sites. One group (15 piglets) was identified only by plastic ear tags; and three groups were identified by passive injectable transponders (PIT) with different inoculation sites. Pigs were slaughtered in two different moments, in order to evaluate injection sites, macroscopically and histologically, either 50 days after injection or at a normal slaughtering weight. In general, no apparent animal health problems were observed the day after the injection or during the control readings performed during the experiment. Intraperitoneal localization gave excellent results in term of readability until the slaughter time. Transponders at the slaughter line were always recovered in the viscera tray because they were found loose in the peritoneal cavity. In some cases, they were found on the carcasses, attached to the peritoneum. In those cases a sample of peritoneal tissue was collected for histological examination. A reparative chronic reaction with moderate and multifocal fibrosis and neoformed vessels associated to multifocal and mild lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate were detected. In one case (6.7%) the transponder was found on the visceral side of the liver and the histological examination highlighted a localized superficial hepatic atrophy by compression. Retroauricolar site of injection gave lower readability results because 2 transponders (13.3%) were no more readable during the first month after injection. No lesions were found with this inoculation site. PIT injected in the perineal region were operative until slaughter time. Recovery procedures at the slaughter house were simple for animals slaughtered at a low weight, but much more difficult in the case of heavy pigs. Moreover, in three cases (20%), PITs were no more in the subcutaneous tissue but they had an intramuscular localization. The histological examination of the muscles revealed a chronic reparative process. In our experiment, injectable transponders in the intraperitoneal position provided the best identification system for pigs. Histopathological examination revealed only local reparative processes in the tissues interested by PIT contact, and no other pathological changes.

The aim of this work was to understand the extent of developmental orthopaedic disease (DOD) multifactorial aetiology factors. Growth pattern, nutritional and genetic factors were studied on a population of 89 thoroughbred foals aged between 23 and 45 weeks: growth curve characterisation, feeding plan analysis and genetic study approach to stallion progeny were accomplished in order to evaluate their influence on DOD frequency. A statistically significant difference was found between DOD positive and DOD negative foals'' weight; fillies were found to be the sub-population responsible for this difference. A shortage of energy and protein was found during the period considered and there was an excess in calcium and phosphorus by the end of the period. Genetic factor analysis indicated an intensive utilisation of stallions with the higher results of DOD positive foals although the breeding system''s objectives regarding this aspect remained unclear.Incidence des DOD chez des poulains pur sang ?g?s de 23 ? 45 semaines ? croissance, nutrition et facteurs g?n?tiques. Le but de ce travail ?tait d''?tudier les diff?rents facteurs, parmi lesquels figurent la g?n?tique, les facteurs alimentaires et le rythme de la croissance, ? l''origine des maladies ost?oarticulaires de la croissance (Developmental Orthopaedic Diseases ? DOD). L''?tude a ?t? conduite sur 89 poulains pur sang d''?ge compris entre 23 et 45 semaines, pour lesquels les courbes de croissance ont ?t? d?termin?es et l''analyse nutritionnelle de l''alimentation ?valu?e. Par ailleurs, une approche g?n?tique incluant les performances des ?talons reproducteurs dont sont issus les poulains a ?t? faite, afin d''en ?valuer l''impact sur l''incidence des DOD. Une diff?rence statistiquement significative a ?t? observ?e entre les poulains qui ont d?velopp? des DOD et ceux qui n''ont en pas d?velopp?, cette diff?rence est ? relier au sexe de l''animal, donc au poids et ? l''allure de la courbe de croissance. L''analyse nutritionnelle a montr? d''une part un d?ficit d''?nergieet de prot?ines pendant la p?riode consid?r?e et d''autre part un exc?s de calcium et de phosphore vers la fin de la m?me p?riode. Bien que l''approche g?n?tique ait r?v?l? que les poulains les plus atteints par les DOD sont ceux issus des ?talons les plus intens?ment utilis?s, aucune indication claire concernant les choix pour un programme de s?lection sur cet aspect n''a ?t? mise en ?vidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteochondrosis and other developmental orthopaedic diseases (DOD) constitute major problems in the horse industry. High food allowances and fast growth might be contributory factors. The aim of this experiment was to test the effect of high balanced nutrient allowances and associated fast growth, on the prevalence of several DOD. This study was carried out from birth to one year of age. Foals of a high feeding group (HL, n = 20) were fed 130% (0 to 2 months) and 150% (2 to 12 months) of the moderate level group (ML, n = 19, 100% of INRA recommendations). All foals were radiographed at 5.5 and 11 months, and 8 foals from each group were necropsied at 12 months of age for gross inspection of joints. Body weight, height at withers and cannon width were higher at 12 months in the HL group (+88.4 kg, +4.6 cm, and +2.1 mm respectively). The gains in body weight were 1254 and 873 g per day in the HL and ML respectively during the 0?6 month period, and 668 and 528 g per day in the HL and ML respectively during the 7?12 months period. The occurrence and severity of limb DOD were not statistically different in the HL and ML groups. Fast growth was positively correlated to the occurrence of some DOD lesions, but the body weight was more weakly correlated to the prevalence of DOD than cannon width or height at withers. The power of correlation varied for different types or localisations of lesion. In conclusion, high balanced feeding level was not a sufficient factor in our study, but fast development was a factor of risk for DOD. The lower correlations obtained with body weight do not support the theory that biomechanical limb loading due to increased bodyweight alone increases risk for osteochondrosis. High endomembranous or endochondral ossification rate would be more critical in causing DOD.Effet d''une vitesse de croissance rapide vs. mod?r?e li?e au niveau d''apports nutritionnels sur les affections ost?oarticulaires juv?niles chez le cheval. L''ost?ochondrose et d''autres affections ost?oarticulaires juv?niles (AOAJ) constituent un probl?me majeur pour la fili?re ?quine. Des apports nutritionnels accrus et une croissance rapide pourraient induire des AOAJ. Cette ?tude visait ? tester l''effet d''apports nutritionnels ?lev?s mais ?quilibr?s, et de la croissance associ?e, sur la pr?valence de diff?rentes AOAJ. L''?tude a port? sur la premi?re ann?e post-natale. Les poulains du niveau haut (NH, n = 20) ont re?u 130 % (0 ? 2 mois) et 150 % (2 ? 12 mois) des apports du niveau mod?r? (NM, n = 19, 100 % des recommandations INRA). Tous les poulains ont ?t? radiographi?s ? 5,5 et 11 mois, et 8 poulains de chaque groupe ont ?t? autopsi?s ? 12 mois. Poids vif, hauteur au garrot et largeur du canon ont ?t? sup?rieurs ? 12 mois dans le NH (+88,4?kg, +4,6?cm, et +2,1 mm respectivement). Le gain de poids vif a ?t? de 1254 et 873 g par jour pour le NH et NM respectivement entre 0 et 6 mois, et 668 et 528 g par jour pour le NH et le NM respectivement entre 7 et 12 mois. La pr?sence et la gravit? des AOAJ des membres n''ont pas ?t? statistiquement diff?rentes dans les deux groupes. Une croissance rapide a ?t? associ?e ? la pr?sence de certaines AOAJ, mais le poids vif a ?t? moins fortement corr?l? ? la pr?valence des AOAJ que la largeur du canon ou la hauteur au garrot. La puissance des corr?lations d?pendait de la localisation des l?sions. En conclusion, des apports nutritionnels ?lev?s et ?quilibr?s n''ont pas suffi ? induire des AOAJ, alors que le format et/ou la croissance ont ?t? des facteurs de risque. L''hypoth?se du seul effet m?canique li? ? la surcharge pond?rale pour justifier l''apparition des AOAJ n''est pas v?rifi?e par cette ?tude. En revanche, une intense ossification intramembraneuse ou endochondrale induite pourrait constituer un facteur d?terminant de l''apparition des AOAJ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]