Search

Stress, inflammatory response, and their relationship were investigated in Simmental cows during the transition period (N = 8; 5 multiparous and 3 primiparous) and in their calves (N = 8; 5 heifers and 3 bulls). From cows, blood was collected at days -21 (±4), 0, +1, +7, and +21 days relative to calving. From calves, blood was collected after birth before colostrum intake (0) and then at 1, 7, and 15 days of age. Cortisol, Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and haptoglobin concentration was assessed by ELISA technique; white blood cells (WBC) were assessed using an ADVIA 2120 Hematology System machine. One-way ANOVA showed an effect of time for all the investigated parameters (P 0.001) except for lymphocytes in peripartal cows. At calving and 1 d after, cortisol concentration was negatively correlated with levels of IL-6, WBC, and monocytes, whereas levels of IL-6 were positively correlated with WBC, neutrophils, and monocytes count. Cortisol, IL-6, haptoglobin, WBC and all leukocyte populations were affected by the age of neonatal calves (P 0.001) except for neutrophils. A negative correlation between cortisol and IL-6, neutrophils, monocytes and haptoglobin was found at 15 days of age. A positive correlation between IL-6 and haptoglobin at day 15 of age, and with neutrophils and monocytes at days 7 and 15 of age was found. A positive correlation was obtained between cortisol levels measured in cows around calving and those obtained in calves after birth before colostrum intake (r = 0.83), and between IL-6 concentrations obtained from cows at calving and 1 d after and those obtained in calves at day 1 of age, after the colostrum intake (r = 0.93 and 0.79, respectively). The study suggests that immune function of peripartal cows is in an active state and that, in addition to other well-known factors driving the changes of parameters herein investigated, cortisol could have a role in the immune-modulatory adjustment during peripartum in cows. Furthermore, it can be hypothesized that cortisol is transferred from the cow to newborn calf through the placenta only and not through colostrum, whereas IL-6 levels in calves during the 24 h after birth seem to be influenced by IL-6 values measured in cows around calving due to its transfer through colostrum.

Serum collected from multiparous Holsteins (n = 73) in a previous experiment was used to determine the effect of prepartum plane of energy intake on metabolites related to inflammation and liver function in periparturient cows. Prepartum diets were in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement over the far-off (d -65 to -26 before expected parturition) and close-up (d -25 relative to parturition until parturition) dry periods. During the far-off period, 2 diets were fed for ad libitum intake (ADLIB) to supply either 100% (100E) or 150% (150E) of National Research Council recommendations for net energy for lactation for mature cows in late gestation. For the third dietary far-off treatment, the 150E diet was fed at restricted intake (REST) to supply 80% (80E) of recommendations. During the close-up period, cows were fed a diet either at ADLIB or REST to supply 150% of net energy for lactation or 80% of net energy for lactation requirements, respectively. Beginning at parturition, all cows were fed a lactation diet through 56 d in milk. Cows fed 150E tended to accumulate more liver lipid postpartum; peak lipid accumulation occurred in all groups on d 14 postpartum. Cows fed 150E tended to have lower serum Ca on d 1 after calving, and cows fed REST had higher Ca than those fed ADLIB. Cows fed 150E tended to have higher serum bilirubin prepartum compared with other groups. Feeding REST in the close-up period resulted in higher bilirubin prepartum compared with ADLIB; bilirubin was positively associated (r = 0.34) with lipid accumulation postpartum. Feeding REST resulted in lower serum vitamin A (an indirect measure of retinol binding protein) prepartum compared with ADLIB, especially when coupled with 80E. Postpartum paraoxonase was negatively associated (r = -0.27) and ceruloplasmin was positively associated (r = 0.21) with liver lipid accumulation postpartum. A larger spike in haptoglobin was observed on d 1 and 7 postpartum for cows fed 100E and 150E during the far-off period followed by REST during the close-up period. The ratio of albumin to globulin in serum was higher for cows fed 100E than for those fed 150E both prepartum and postpartum. Liver activity index indicated poorer liver function for cows fed 150E in the far-off period regardless of close-up diet. Negative liver function was also noted for cows fed 80E and REST. Cows in the 100E group fed ADLIB or REST had positive liver activity index postpartum. Avoidance of gross overconsumption of energy prepartum, particularly during the far-off period, appears best to reduce systemic inflammatory signals and improve liver function.

Thirty-six multiparous Holstein mid-lactating cows were housed in 6 pens (6 cows/pen) and allocated in two groups (3 pens/group), receiving a control total mixed ration (CTR), or the same diet supplemented with a feed additive (TRT). Between 15 and 35 days from enrolment (DFE) the dry matter intake (DMI) of each pen, and the individual milk yield (MY), rumination time (RT), the compositions of milk and rumen fluid and the metabolic profile of plasma were monitored regularly. At 35 DFE, cows started a 1-week wash-up period prior to the changeover. Data were analysed with a mixed model using repeated measures. Cows receiving the additive had higher DMI and MY (p

With an increased knowledge of the mechanism of action of Fusarium mycotoxins, the concept that these substances are deleterious only for monogastric species is obsolete. Indeed, most mycotoxins can be converted into less toxic compounds by the rumen microflora from healthy animals. However, mycotoxin absorption and its conversion to more toxic metabolites, as well as their impact on the immune response and subsequently animal welfare, reproductive function, and milk quality during chronic exposure should not be neglected. Among the Fusarium mycotoxins, the most studied are deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN), and fumonisins from the B class (FBs). It is remarkable that there is a paucity of in vivo research, with a low number of studies on nutrient digestibility and rumen function. Most of the in vitro studies are related to the reproductive function or are restricted to rumen incubation. When evaluating the production performance, milk yield is used as an evaluated parameter, but its quality for cheese production is often overlooked. In the present review, we summarize the most recent findings regarding the adverse effects of these mycotoxins with special attention to dairy cattle.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of milk fat depression induced by supplementing conjugated linoleic acid (CLA; trans-10,cis-12 and cis-9,trans-11 CLA) or feeding a higher starch and oil-containing diet (HSO) on metabolic changes in dairy cows after calving. The main hypothesis was that the 2 strategies to decrease milk fat yield could have different effects on performance, energy balance (EB), and inflammatory status in early lactation. Thirty-three Nordic Red dairy cows were used in a randomized block design from 1 to 112 d of lactation and fed one of the following treatments: control (CON), CLA-supplemented diet, or HSO diet. Dry matter intake and milk yield were measured daily whereas milk composition was measured weekly throughout the experiment. Nutrient digestibility, EB, and plasma hormones and metabolites were measured at 3, 7, 11, and 15 wk of lactation in respiration chambers. The HSO diet led to lower intakes of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, and gross energy compared with CON and CLA diets. The CLA diet and especially the HSO diet resulted in lower energy-corrected milk yield during the first 7 wk of lactation than those fed CON. The EB was numerically higher for HSO and CLA diets compared with CON at wk 3 and 7. Plasma glucose concentration was higher by the CLA diet at wk 3 and by the HSO diet from wk 3 to 15 compared with CON. Plasma nonesterified fatty acids were higher at wk 3 in the CON group (indicating more lipid mobilization) but decreased thereafter to similar levels with the other groups. The HSO-fed cows had higher plasma ceruloplasmin, paraoxonase, and total bilirubin concentrations in the entire experiment and showed the highest levels of reactive oxygen metabolites. These results suggest an increased inflammatory and oxidative stress state in the HSO cows and probably different regulation of the innate immune system. This study provides evidence that milk fat depression induced by feeding HSO (as well as CLA) decreased milk fat secretion and improved EB compared with CON in early lactation. The increase in plasma glucose and paraoxonase levels with the HSO diet may imply a better ability of the liver to cope with the metabolic demand after parturition. However, the negative effect of HSO on feed intake, and the indication of increased inflammatory and oxidative stress warrant further studies before the HSO feeding strategy could be supported as an alternative to improve EB in early lactation.

This study evaluated the effects of feeding a commercial yeast culture on blood biomarkers and polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) gene expression in dairy cows during the transition period until 50 d postpartum. Forty Holstein dairy cows were used in a randomized complete block design from −30 to 50 d. At −30 d, cows were assigned to a basal diet plus 114 g/d of top-dressed ground corn (control; n = 20) or 100 g/d of ground corn and 14 g/d of a yeast culture product (YC; n = 20). Blood samples were collected at various time points from −30 to 30 DIM to evaluate blood biomarkers and PMNL gene expression related to inflammation, liver function, and immune response. Liver function biomarkers, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and albumin were greater and lower, respectively, in YC cows in comparison to control. However, these biomarkers remained within physiological levels, indicating an active inflammatory process. Genes in PMNL expression related to inflammation (NFKB1, TNFA, TRAF6), anti-inflammation (IL10), and cell membrane receptors (SELL) were upregulated in the YC group in comparison to control. These results suggest that YC could stimulate a more active inflammatory response with signs of a resolution of inflammation in transition cows. Published version

The final weeks of gestation represent a critical period for dairy cows that can determine the success of the subsequent lactation. Many physiological changes take place and additional exogenous stressors can alter the success of the transition into lactation. Moreover, this phase is pivotal for the final stage of intrauterine development of the fetus, which can have negative long-lasting postnatal effects. Heat stress is widely recognised as a threat to dairy cattle welfare, health, and productivity. Specifically, late gestation heat stress impairs the dam’s productivity by undermining mammary gland remodelling during the dry period and altering metabolic and immune responses in early lactation. Heat stress also affects placental development and function, with relevant consequences on fetal development and programming. In utero heat stressed newborns have reduced birth weight, growth, and compromised passive immune transfer. Moreover, the liver and mammary DNA of in utero heat stressed calves show a clear divergence in the pattern of methylation relative to that of in utero cooled calves. These alterations in gene regulation might result in depressed immune function, as well as altered thermoregulation, hepatic metabolism, and mammary development jeopardising their survival in the herd and productivity. Furthermore, late gestation heat stress appears to exert multigenerational effects, influencing milk yield and survival up to the third generation.

Persian and exotic shorthair cats are the most-popular brachycephalic breeds worldwide. This study aimed to explore differences in human-cat bonding, behavioural traits, perception of clinical breed-related problems, and the motivation for purchasing between brachycephalic cat owners (BCOs) and non-brachycephalic cat owners (NBCOs). Using an online questionnaire, human-cat bonding and cats’ behavioural traits were explored using the CORS and Fe-BARQ scales, respectively. Breed-related problems and motivations for purchasing were explored only in BCOs. There were 278 BCOs and 250 NBCOs who completed the survey. Respiratory diseases resulted in being the main health problem of these breeds. Most BCOs were not aware of the incidence of these disorders in brachycephalic cats. Character and appearance were the main motivations for purchasing these breeds. Perceived emotional closeness (EC), cat-owner interaction (COI), and perceived cost (PC) mean scores were significantly higher in BCOs. Playfulness and affection-/attention-seeking scores were significantly higher in NBCOs. BCOs reported a significantly higher score for separation-related behaviours. The higher scores in separation-anxiety-related behaviours and in the EC and COI scales could be related mainly to the high level of care these breeds require. The motivation for acquiring brachycephalic breeds for good companionship seems in contrast with the lower scores obtained from BCOs for playfulness and affection-/attention-seeking.

Background: According to EU legislation, animal-based indicators (ABMs) are used to evaluate the efficacy of stunning methods to ensure that animals do not regain consciousness. EFSA has provided a list of ABMs for electrical and mechanical stunning in sheep; however, there is still a lack of information on their feasibility. We aimed to identify and evaluate the feasibility constraints of ABMs commonly applied in slaughterhouses to assess proper stunning in sheep. Method: For this systematic review, we searched the Scopus and Web of Science databases from 2000 to 8 August 2022, including full peer-reviewed papers written in English on the welfare of sheep at the stunning and restraint phases. We excluded studies using a gas stunning method or without prior stunning, as well as manuscripts in which indicators were applied after sticking. Results: Of 1289 records identified, only 8 papers were eligible for the critical evaluation of physical aspects that affect the feasibility of ABMs. These aspects were defined as a given definition of the feasibility of ABMs, and information was summarized and critically evaluated. The results highlighted a lack of information on the feasibility of ABMs which should be considered in the various conditions of commercial slaughterhouses.

Dairy products represent an important source of beneficial substances for humans. At the same time, they can expose the consumers to environmental contaminants ingested by animals through their diet, influencing their health negatively. This experiment aims to evaluate the risk and benefits related to the consumption of typical stretched cheeses, considering their fatty acid (FA) profile and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) content. Six representative farms, two of them organic, raising Cinisara cattle were selected, considering the typical extensive management systems, based on feeding of natural pasture integrated with concentrate and hay depending on the availability of forage on pastures. A total of 18 cheeses produced in winter, spring and summer with bulk milk of each farm were sampled and analyzed. The chemical composition of cheeses was influenced by farm management, and the FA profile mainly by the season. In particular, cheeses made in spring showed a healthier FA profile with the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), of omega3-PUFA and omega6/omega3 ratio pair to 7.29%, 1.44% and 1.32, respectively, while in winter 5.44%, 0.98% and 2.55, respectively, and in summer 4.77% 0.49% and 3.04, respectively. Due to high levels of feeding integration, cheese made in winter presented unhealthier characteristics compared to the cheeses made in spring and summer, showing high levels of saturated FA (66.2%, 64.2% and 65.5%, respectively), and large contents of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) (57.07 ng/g fat, 36.25 ng/g fat and 10.22 ng/g fat, respectively) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (36.19 ng/g fat, 4.68 ng/g fat and 3.73 ng/g fat, respectively), mainly in those from non-organic farms. Levels of PCBs considered to be hazardous to human health were found in nine samples.

Recent research on the transition period (TP) of dairy cows has highlighted the pivotal role of immune function in affecting the severity of metabolic challenges the animals face when approaching calving. This suggests that the immune system may play a role in the etiology of metabolic diseases occurring in early lactation. Several studies have indicated that the roots of immune dysfunctions could sink way before the “classical” TP (e.g., 3 weeks before and 3 weeks after calving), extending the time frame deemed as “risky” for the development of early lactation disorders at the period around the dry-off. Several distressing events occurring during the TP (i.e., dietary changes, heat stress) can boost the severity of pre-existing immune dysfunctions and metabolic changes that physiologically affect this phase of the lactation cycle, further increasing the likelihood of developing diseases. Based on this background, several operational and nutritional strategies could be adopted to minimize the detrimental effects of immune dysfunctions on the adaptation of dairy cows to the new lactation. A suitable environment (i.e., optimal welfare) and a balanced diet (which guarantees optimal nutrient partitioning to improve immune functions in cow and calf) are key aspects to consider when aiming to minimize TP challenges at the herd level. Furthermore, several prognostic behavioral and physiological indicators could help in identifying subjects that are more likely to undergo a “bad transition”, allowing prompt intervention through specific modulatory treatments. Recent genomic advances in understanding the linkage between metabolic disorders and the genotype of dairy cows suggest that genetic breeding programs aimed at improving dairy cows’ adaptation to the new lactation challenges (i.e., through increasing immune system efficiency or resilience against metabolic disorders) could be expected in the future. Despite these encouraging steps forward in understanding the physiological mechanisms driving metabolic responses of dairy cows during their transition to calving, it is evident that these processes still require further investigation, and that the TP—likely extended from dry-off—continues to be “the final frontier” for research in dairy sciences.

The scope of this experiment was to study the effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP; NutriTek, Diamond V) on milk yield, milk composition, somatic cell count, rumination activity, and immunometabolic profile (inflammation) of dairy cows during the peripartum period. Postpartum inflammation severity was evaluated as the liver functionality index (LFI). The LFI is based on profiles of specific blood inflammatory markers in the first month of lactation. We hypothesized that SCFP could increase the rumination time in dairy cows. Treatments were control (CTR; no supplement, n = 17) or SCFP (19 g/d of NutriTek, n = 17) included into a pellet delivered at robotic milking unit. Treatments were fed from d -60 to 42 relative to parturition. Cows were fed the same basal rations formulated to pre- or postpartum requirements. Cows were voluntarily milked with robotic milking unit. Blood samples were collected at d -60, -28, -7, 7, and 28 relative to parturition. To study the effect of the treatment and severity of inflammation during periparturient period on subsequent cow performance, cows were retrospectively divided into 2 groups based on their LFI score: low (LLFI) and high (HLFI). Thus, LFI grouping and supplementation treatment groups were as follows: LLFI-CTR, LLFI-SCFP, HLFI-CTR, HLFI-SCFP. Data were analyzed with ANOVA using a mixed model for repeated measures; the model included the effect of the diet, LFI group, time relative to parturition, and their interaction. The nonesterified fatty acids concentrations were greatest at d 7 of lactation for LLFI-CTR compared with other groups. No other differences in plasma metabolites were observed. The LLFI-CTR cows had a greater reduction of body condition score from d -7 until 28 relative to parturition compared with other groups. Somatic cell counts were not different among groups, with averages of 175, 169, 384, and 126 × 1,000 cells/mL for the HLFI-CTR, HLFI-SCFP, LLFI-CTR, and LLFI-SCFP group, respectively, regardless of day. However, the LLFI-CTR had greater somatic cell count on d 42 compared with other groups. During the week before parturition, the LLFI-CTR group had reduced rumination time of 46 min compared with the other 3 groups. However, the minutes of rumination per day was only different between LLFI-CTR and the LLFI-SCFP groups. Milk production of cows was different for LFI scores as follows: 50.2 versus 46.7 kg/d for HLFI and LLFI, respectively. Interestingly, there were no differences of milk production due to supplementation treatment of the HLFI cows. However, the LLFI-SCFP group produced 49.1 kg/d compared with 44.3 kg/d of the LLFI-CTR group during the first month of lactation. Milk composition did not differ throughout the experimental period for the 4 groups of cows. In conclusion, SCFP supplementation assisted cows experiencing low LFI to maintain milk production, somatic cell count, and plasma nonesterified fatty acid concentrations similar to cows with high LFI.

Feeding yeast culture fermentation products has been associated with improved feed intake and milk yield in transition dairy cows. These improvements in performance have been further described in terms of rumen characteristics, metabolic profile, and immune response. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a commercial yeast culture product (YC; Culture Classic HD, Phibro Animal Health) on performance, blood biomarkers, rumen fermentation, and rumen bacterial population in dairy cows from -30 to 50 d in milk (DIM). Forty Holstein dairy cows were enrolled in a randomized complete block design from -30 to 50 DIM and blocked according to expected calving day, parity, previous milk yield, and genetic merit. At -30 DIM, cows were assigned to either a basal diet plus 114 g/d of ground corn (control; n = 20) or a basal diet plus 100 g/d of ground corn and 14 g/d of YC (n = 20), fed as a top-dress. Cows received the same close-up diet from 30 d prepartum until calving [1.39 Mcal/kg of dry matter (DM) and 12.3% crude protein (CP)] and lactation diet from calving to 50 DIM (1.60 Mcal/kg of DM and 15.6% CP). Blood samples and rumen fluid were collected at various time points from -30 to 50 d relative to calving. Cows fed YC compared with control showed a trend for increased energy-corrected milk (+3.2 kg/d). Lower somatic cell counts were observed in YC cows than in control. We detected a treatment × time interaction in nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) that could be attributed to a trend for greater NEFA in YC cows than control at 7 DIM, followed by lower NEFA in YC cows than control at 14 and 30 DIM. In the rumen, YC contributed to mild changes in rumen fermentation, mainly increasing postpartal valerate while decreasing prepartal isovalerate. This was accompanied by alterations in rumen microbiota, including a greater abundance of cellulolytic (Fibrobacter succinogenes) and lactate-utilizing bacteria (Megasphaera elsdenii). These results describe the potential benefits of supplementing yeast culture during the late pregnancy through early lactation, at least in terms of rumen environment and performance.

The rising global demand for animal products and the growing public concerns about the environment and animal welfare require dairy farms to improve their efficiency and apply more sustainable farming systems. Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) could represent a valuable support in addressing these challenges. In recent years, dairy farms have been modernising and introducing new sensors and automatic systems for managing the herd. However, the diffusion of new technologies in Italian dairy farms is still limited and farmers are reluctant to invest in precision systems. The aim of the study was to investigate the presence of PLF tools in Italian dairy farms, the motivations, benefits and limits of technological investments from the farmers' point of view and the factors affecting the diffusion of technology. From November 2020 to June 2021, an online questionnaire was distributed and 52 responses were obtained. About 79% of the farms were located in Lombardy. The more represented milking system was the conventional milking parlour (73%), followed by automatic milking (19%). The average age of respondents was quite low: 35% of them was less than 40 years old and more than 50% was between 40 and 60. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the effects of different factors on the presence of technology at farm. The age of the farmer, the milk production level and the presence of an automatic milking system influenced the technological level of the farm. Precision systems that provide information on animal activity for the management of reproduction and on milk yield and flow are the most popular and are considered among the most useful. Management of reproduction and milk production are the areas where farmers appear to show interest for future investments as well. Younger farmers appear to have implemented more PLF systems than older ones, and they show a propensity to invest in latest generation precision tools. Farmers seem to have a growing interest in PLF, but some limits have been identified: the investment costs, followed by the lack of time to check information from sensor systems and the difficulty in data interpretation. As PLF technologies can play an important role in the development of sustainable, animal-friendly and efficient livestock production, further improvements and efforts are necessary to increase the propensity to PLF of dairy farmers. Results can be useful in the Italian context but also in other countries where dairy farming is rapidly intensifying but PLF is encountering resistance.

Nel settore dell’alimentazione dei ruminanti si registra un crescente interesse verso l’uso dei polifenoli per i diversi vantaggi che ne conseguono, fra i quali, l’ottimizzazione delle fermentazioni ruminali, con conseguente riduzione della metanogenesi e mitigazione delle emissioni di metano nell'ambiente; la riduzione della degradazione delle proteine alimentari nel rumine, favorendo quindi una maggiore disponibilità di aminoacidi per l'assorbimento intestinale e la riduzione delle escrezioni di azoto nell'ambiente; la protezione degli acidi grassi polinsaturi (PUFA) dalla bioidrogenazione del rumine, e il loro successivo trasferimento nei prodotti lattiero caseari e nelle carni che così migliorano il loro valore nutritivo e salutistico; il miglioramento dello stato antiossidante e delle difese immunitarie, con relativo miglioramento della salute e del benessere degli animali e della stabilità ossidativa dei loro prodotti. Tra le foraggere, la sulla (Sulla coronarium L.), leguminosa usata per il pascolo o la produzione di foraggio, è ricca di polifenoli, costituiti principalmente da tannini condensati (TC) presenti nell’erba verde a concentrazioni moderate, inferiori a 60 g/kg SS, tali danon pregiudicare l’utilizzazione delle proteine alimentari. Tuttavia, le potenzialità del foraggio di sulla possono essere fortemente compromesse dai processi di produzione delle scorte foraggere da utilizzare nei periodi di scarsa disponibilità di foraggio fresco. Di conseguenza, l'introduzione della sulla nei sistemi foraggeri comporta la necessità di migliorare le tecniche di essiccazione per produrre foraggi conservati preservandone il contenuto in nutrienti e molecole bioattive. A tal proposito, la disidratazione e la pellettatura potrebbero rappresentare delle soluzioni idonee in alternativa alla fienagione al fine di evitare perdite di sostanze bioattive nella sulla. Partendo da queste basi è stata realizzata una sperimentazione con l’intento di indagare gli effetti dell'alimentazione a base di foraggio di sulla disidratato e pellettato o di diversi livelli di sulla fresca sulle caratteristiche fisico-chimiche e sulle proprietà salutistiche del formaggio ovino, con particolare riguardo all'attività antiossidante e al profilo degli acidi grassi. A tale scopo sono state utilizzate 20 pecore in lattazione (10 primipare e 10 terzipare), suddividendole in 5 gruppi omogenei, adottando un quadrato latino parziale 5 x 2, con 5 gruppi e 2 fasi. Le pecore sono state alloggiate in box a coppia e alimentate con diete a base di diversi tipi (fresco, affienato e disidratato) e livelli di foraggio di sulla, integrato con mangime concentrato: SHL = fieno di sulla ad libitum; DSF2 = 2 kg/giorno per capo di foraggio disidratato di sulla in pellet e fieno di sulla a volontà; FSF2 = 2 kg/giorno per capo di foraggio fresco di sulla e fieno di sulla a volontà; FSF4 = 4 kg/giorno per capo di foraggio fresco di sulla e fieno di sulla a volontà; FSFL = foraggio fresco di sulla ad libitum. Tutte pecore hanno ricevuto un’integrazione con mangime concentrato commerciale in relazione all’ordine di parto. Alla fine di ogni fase sono stati raccolti, individualmente dalle 20 pecore, i campioni della produzione giornaliera di latte realizzando un processo di micro-caseificazione in laboratorio per ottenere formaggi a pasta pressata. Successivamente alla realizzazione i formaggi sono stati trasferiti in una cella termostatata, pesati dopo 48 ore per calcolare la resa e, quindi campionati per le analisi che hanno riguardato le principali caratteristiche chimico-fisiche, le proprietà antiossidanti, la stabilità ossidativa e la composizione in acidi grassi, con particolare riferimento a quelli di interesse nutrizionale per l’uomo. Quali sono stati i principali risultati? La produzione di latte ottenuta con le diete FSFL e DSF2 è risultata analoga e superiore di circa 150 g rispetto a quelle delle pecore alimentate con le altre diete, che non differivano tra loro. Tra i componenti del latte, solo la caseina è stata influenzata dalla dieta, infatti è risultata superiore nel latte FSFL, rispetto ai gruppi FSF2 e SHL. I componenti del formaggio che mostrano effetto antiossidante, come le vitamine E ed A, hanno mostrato maggiori livelli con le diete a base di foraggio fresco rispetto a quelle con foraggi essiccati. Inoltre, le pecore alimentate con la sulla disidratata hanno mostrato livelli vitaminici nei formaggi praticamente doppi rispetto a quelli dei formaggi ottenuti con la dieta a base fieno, dimostrando che il processo di disidratazione, contrariamente alla fienagione, non modifica il contenuto di vitamina E del foraggio. I valori di polifenoli totali più elevati si sono riscontrati nei formaggi ottenuti con la dieta FSFL rispetto ai formaggi SHL, mentre contenuti intermedi sono stati osservati con le altre diete confermando la loro positiva bioaccessibilità che consente di sfruttare le loro proprietà antiossidanti. La stabilità ossidativa del grasso del formaggio tramite indici di ossidazione primaria e secondaria. La prima è risultata più bassa nei formaggi prodotti con il latte delle pecore SHL, presumibilmente a causa del minor contenuto di PUFA, e del gruppo FSFL probabilmente per il maggior grado di protezione antiossidante esercitata da vitamine e polifenoli. Invece, l'ossidazione secondaria ha interessato maggiormente i formaggi SHL, meno ricchi di molecole ad azione antiossidante. La rilevazione del colore dei formaggi ha fatto emergere differenze dell’indice del rosso e del giallo, riconducibili al trasferimento nel latte, e quindi nei formaggi, di pigmenti carotenoidi contenuti in quantità superiori in diete caratterizzate da una maggiore presenza di foraggio di sulla, sia fresco che disidratato. Anche la composizione in acidi grassi del formaggio è stata fortemente influenzata dalla dieta. Per quanto riguarda gli acidi grassi a corta e media catena (tabella 3), i maggiori livelli di C10:0, C12:0 e C14:0 si sono registrati con la dieta a base di foraggio di sulla disidratata, mentre il C16: 0 è risultato più basso con la dieta a base esclusiva di foraggio fresco di sulla. Questi acidi grassi sono sintetizzati ex novo nella mammella a partire dall’acido acetico, probabilmente maggiormente prodotto nel rumine delle pecore DSF2 che ricevevano una dieta con un'elevata dotazione di NDF e cellulosa. I formaggi ottenuti con la dieta a base di fieno di sulla a volontà hanno mostrato anche maggiori livelli della maggior parte degli acidi grassi ramificati, che sono sintetizzati dai batteri ruminali e quindi favoriti da un maggiore contenuto di fibra nella razione. Gli acidi grassi ramificati hanno dimostrato di possedere effetti positivi nel contrasto di diversi tipi di cancro. La dieta FSFL ha indotto nei formaggi un notevole aumento dei PUFA, interessanti per le loro proprietà salutistiche come l'acido linoleico (LA, C18:2 n-6), l'acido α-linolenico (ALA, C18:3 n-3), l'acido rumenico (RA, C18:2 c9 t11) insieme al suo precursore nel rumine, l'acido trans-vaccenico (TVA, C18:1 t11). Tale miglioramento del profilo acidico del grasso del formaggio in termini salutistici può essere attribuito alla elevata presenza di PUFA nel foraggio verde di sulla, come anche all’effetto inibitorio dei tannini condensati sulla bioidrogenazione ruminale dei PUFA. Ancora una volta i tannini condensati della sulla verde dimostrano di essere in grado di inibire parzialmente la bioidrogenazione ruminale a carico degli acidi grassi insaturi, favorendo la produzione di acido trans-vaccenico e quindi di acido rumenico RA (il più abbondante dei CLA), i cui contenuti sono risultati più elevati nei formaggi FSFL. L’acido rumenico è in grado di esercitare molteplici effetti positivi sulla salute umana, fra i quali l’attività antitumorale, antiaterosclerosi, funzioni immunomodulanti e antidiabetiche, di riduzione delo stress ossidativo, nell’osteogenesi e nel controllo dell’obesità. Un significativo aumento del contenuto di ALA nei formaggi si è verificato anche con la dieta DSF2, che ha permesso di raggiungere un livello paragonabile a quello con la dieta FSFL, a causa dell’elevato livello di ALA registrati in questi foraggi. Comunque, all'aumento di ALA nel formaggio DSF2 non ha corrisposto un aumento di TVA e RA, come si è verificato nei formaggi FSFL. Questo risultato è da attribuire probabilmente al processo di disidratazione e pellettatura che, a causa delle più elevate temperature ha degradato i TC che non sono quindi risultati più in grado di inibire la bioidrogenazione ruminale con la relativa formazione di TVA, e quindi RA. Nel complesso, la presenza esclusiva del foraggio fresco di sulla nella dieta ha migliorato il profilo degli acidi grassi dei formaggi in relazione all’aspetto salutistico; infatti, la dieta FSFL ha contribuito a ridurre gli acidi grassi saturi (SFA) e ad aumentare i polinsaturi PUFA. Invece, la dieta a base di foraggio disidratato di sulla (DSF) ha determinato un leggero aumento degli acidi grassi saturi, una riduzione dei monoinsaturi e dei PUFA, anche se ha notevolmente ridotto il rapporto n-6/n-3, per l'effetto dell'alto livello di acidi grassi n-3. Per quanto riguarda gli altri indici salutistici stimati la dieta FSFL ha favorito la riduzione degli indici aterogeni e trombogenici e l'innalzamento dell’Health Promoting Index. Quali conclusioni si possono trarre dallo studio? I risultati hanno dimostrato che l'uso di foraggio fresco o disidratato nell'alimentazione delle pecore da latte è stato in grado di migliorare le proprietà salutistiche dei formaggi grazie al trasferimento di molecole antiossidanti e dei (PUFA) dal foraggio al latte. La dieta FSFL in cui la sulla verde è stata offerta a volontà e ha, quindi, rappresentato l’unica fonte foraggera, come avviene con il pascolamento, oltre a determinare una maggiore produzione di latte ed elevare nel latte il contenuto in caseina, ha migliorato le proprietà salutistiche del formaggio; infatti nei formaggi è stato riscontrato un aumento del contenuto di molecole antiossidanti, responsabili della migliore stabilità ossidativa, e del livello di PUFA e di acidi grassi benefici per la salute come il CLA e l’ALA. Nei formaggi prodotti con latte proveniente da pecore alimentate con foraggio disidratato di sulla, il contenuto di vitamina A, vitamina E e PUFA è risultato superiore a quello dei formaggi ottenuti utilizzando solo fieno come fonte esclusiva di foraggio nella dieta, e paragonabile a quello dei formaggi della dieta con 4 kg/giorno di FSF, mentre l'ALA è stato rilevato allo stesso livello elevato di formaggi FSFL, inducendo una forte riduzione del rapporto n-6/n-3. Su queste basi, la disidratazione può rappresentare una valida opportunità per preservare le potenzialità del foraggio fresco anche per quanto riguarda le proprietà nutrizionali e salutistiche dei prodotti lattiero caseari. Pertanto, l'uso di pellet di sulla disidratata come alternativa al fieno in periodi in cui le risorse al pascolo sono limitate può contribuire a migliorare la capacità antiossidante e il profilo acidico di latte e formaggio, con benefici nutrizionali e salutistici per i consumatori. I risultati hanno mostrato come il foraggio di sulla disidratato in pellet in alternativa al fieno nei periodi di limitata disponibilità di foraggio fresco possa preservare le proprietà salutistiche dei prodotti lattiero caseari per quanto riguarda la loro capacità antiossidante e il profilo degli acidi grassi, con benefici per i consumatori.

Among factors that can affect calf health, microbial quality of the pen air is poorly studied. In 25 Italian dairy farms, data concerning air quality in the calf pens, hygiene of pens and equipment, microclimatic conditions, calf health and management were collected during the winter season (January-March 2020 and December-March 2021). The average air Standard Plate Count (SPC) of 85 pens was 4.51 (SD = 0.52) log10 cfu/m3 whereas the average air ammonia concentration was 0.66 (SD = 0.53) ppm. Positive correlations were found between average Temperature Humidity Index (THI) in the pen and air SPC, night maximum THI and air SPC and between SPC and yeast, mould and ammonia concentration in the pen air. The concentrations of E. coli, Enterobacteriaceae and yeasts in the pen air were higher and calf cough increased as the renewal interval of bedding material became longer. High bedding dry matter and low THI were associated with low air SPC, good calf health scores and low mortality. Maintaining low bedding humidity and controlling microclimatic conditions can contribute to enhancing air microbiological quality in the pen and reduce calf diseases and mortality.

This opinion, produced upon a request from the European Commission, focuses on transport of domestic birds and rabbits in containers (e.g. any crate, box, receptacle or other rigid structure used for the transport of animals, but not the means of transport itself). It describes and assesses current transport practices in the EU, based on data from literature, Member States and expert opinion. The species and categories of domestic birds assessed were mainly chickens for meat (broilers), end-of-lay hens and day-old chicks. They included to a lesser extent pullets, turkeys, ducks, geese, quails and game birds, due to limited scientific evidence. The opinion focuses on road transport to slaughterhouses or to production sites. For day-old chicks, air transport is also addressed. The relevant stages of transport considered are preparation, loading, journey, arrival and uncrating. Welfare consequences associated with current transport practices were identified for each stage. For loading and uncrating, the highly relevant welfare consequences identified are handling stress, injuries, restriction of movement and sensory overstimulation. For the journey and arrival, injuries, restriction of movement, sensory overstimulation, motion stress, heat stress, cold stress, prolonged hunger and prolonged thirst are identified as highly relevant. For each welfare consequence, animal-based measures (ABMs) and hazards were identified and assessed, and both preventive and corrective or mitigative measures proposed. Recommendations on quantitative criteria to prevent or mitigate welfare consequences are provided for microclimatic conditions, space allowances and journey times for all categories of animals, where scientific evidence and expert opinion support such outcomes. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Calves born to multiparous Holstein cows fed during the last 30 d of pregnancy 2 different cobalt sources [cobalt glucoheptonate (CoPro) or cobalt pectin (CoPectin)], folic acid (FOA), and rumen-protected methionine (RPM) were used to study neonatal immune responses after ex vivo lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. Groups were (n = 12 calves/group) CoPro, FOA+CoPro, FOA+CoPectin, and FOA+CoPectin+RPM. Calves were weighed at birth and blood collected at birth (before colostrum), 21 d of age, and 42 d of age (at weaning). Growth performance was recorded once a week during the first 6 wk of age. Energy metabolism, inflammation, and antioxidant status were assessed at birth through various plasma biomarkers. Whole blood was challenged with 3 µg/mL of LPS or used for phagocytosis and oxidative burst assays. Target genes evaluated by real-time quantitative PCR in whole blood samples were associated with immune response, antioxidant function, and 1-carbon metabolism. The response in mRNA abundance in LPS challenged versus nonchallenged samples was assessed via δ = LPS challenged − LPS nonchallenged samples. Phagocytosis capacity and oxidative burst activity were measured in neutrophils and monocytes, with data reported as ratio (percentage) of CD14 to CH138A-positive cells. Data including all time points were subjected to ANOVA using PROC MIXED in SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc.), with Treatment, Sex, Age, and Treatment × Age as fixed effects. A 1-way ANOVA was used to determine differences at birth, with Treatment and Sex as fixed effects. Calf birth body weight and other growth parameters did not differ between groups. At birth, plasma haptoglobin concentration was lower in FOA+CoPro compared with CoPro calves. We detected no effect for other plasma biomarkers or immune function due to maternal treatments at birth. Compared with CoPro, in response to LPS challenge, whole blood from FOA+CoPectin and FOA+CoPectin+RPM calves had greater mRNA abundance of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1). No effect for other genes was detectable. Regardless of maternal treatments, sex-specific responses were observed due to greater plasma concentrations of haptoglobin, paraoxonase, total reactive oxygen metabolites, nitrite, and β-carotene in female versus male calves at birth. In contrast, whole blood from male calves had greater mRNA abundance of IRAK1, CADM1, and ITGAM in response to LPS challenge at birth. The longitudinal analysis of d 0, 21, and 42 data revealed greater bactericidal permeability-increasing protein (BPI) mRNA abundance in whole blood from FOA+CoPectin versus FOA+CoPro calves, coupled with greater abundance in FOA+CoPro compared with CoPro calves. Regardless of maternal treatments, most genes related to cytokines and cytokine receptors (IL1B, IL10, TNF, IRAK1, CXCR1), toll-like receptor pathway (TLR4, NFKB1), adhesion and migration (ICAM1, ITGAM), antimicrobial function (MPO), and antioxidant function (GPX1) were downregulated over time. Phagocytosis capacity and oxidative burst activity in both neutrophils and monocytes did not differ due to maternal treatment. Regardless of maternal treatments, we observed an increase in the percentage of neutrophils capable of phagocytosis and oxidative burst activity over time. Overall, these preliminary assessments suggested that maternal supplementation with FOA and Co combined with RPM had effects on a few plasma biomarkers of inflammation at birth and molecular responses associated with inflammatory mechanisms during the neonatal period.