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Suitability of oil seed cakes as livestock feeds: preliminary results Maria L. Varricchio1, Francesco Serrapica2, Massimo Fagnano1, Salvatore Faugno1, Maura Sannino1, Pinar Uzun1, Felicia Masucci1, Antonio Di Francia1 1Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Napoli “Federico II”, Italy 2Scuola di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali, Alimentari ed Ambientali, University of Basilicata, Italy Contact: antonio.difrancia@unina.it Increased pressure for land use and higher cereal grain prices have resulted in significantly higher feed costs for ruminant livestock. On the other hand, in the last few years, an increasing supply of new byproduct feeds, many derived from oil extraction became available. In this work, four of these byproducts, among the most diffused in Campania Region, were analyzed with the goal of evaluating if they would be suitable as livestock feeds. The following cakes were evaluated: Po, Pomegranate (Punica granatum); Th, Thistle (Cynara cardunculus); To, Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum); He, hemp (Cannabis sativa). For each cake, three samples of different origin were analyzed in duplicate according to the Weende (dry matter DM; crude protein CP; fat; ash), Van Soest (neutral and acid detergent fibre, NDF and ADF; acid detergent lignin; ADL) and CNCPS (soluble proteins, SP; non-protein nitrogen, NPN; neutral and acid detergent insoluble protein, NDIP and ADIP; starch) schemes. For all samples ash content (%DM) was below 10% (overall mean 5.1 ± 1.2 sd), ranging from 4.0 ± 0.1 of Po to 7.1 ± 0.1 of He. The fat content (%DM) was relatively high for almost all cakes (7.5 ± 0.6, 15.7 ± 4.6, and 10.2 ± 0.8, respectively for Th, To, and He), except Po (0.9 ± 0.1). The CP levels (%DM) were quite variable, being 14.7 ± 0.3, 20.0 ± 0.6, 37.1 ± 2.5 and 29.0 ± 2.8, respectively for Po, Th, To and He. In addition, SP (%CP) largely fluctuated, being respectively 2.8 ± 1.8, 54.9 ± 2.3, 31.0 ± 1.5 and 14.5 ± 1.6. By contrast, the levels of NPN %CP (overall mean 2.1 ± 0.7), and NDIP %CP (16.7 ± 2.7) were quite constant among and within the cakes. Limited variability was observed also for ADIP %CP (9.1 ± 1.4) that it is assumed the unavailable protein fraction. Starch content (%DM) was not detectable in To, and was generally low (5.6 ± 0.4, 5.0 ± 1.6, 5.6 ± 2.5, respectively for Po, Th and He). Regarding the fiber, all cakes, but Po, showed relatively limited contents of NDF %DM (71.9 ± 0.7, 46.4 ± 2.9, 48.8 ± 2.6, 51.1 ± 2.6, respectively for Po, Th, To and HeC), and ADF %DM (50.8 ± 0.6, 32.8 ± 2.1, 32.9 ± 1.8, 32.3 ± 1.5). High ADL (%DM) level were found for Po and To (11.1 ± 0.1 and 11.4 ± 0.4), whereas for the other cakes the values were 5.2 ± 2.0 (Th) and 6.3 ± 0.8 (He). Overall, Th, To, and He cakes showed interesting nutritional features in terms of protein and fiber content suggesting their potential utilization supplement for ruminants, whereas the use of Po may be not recommended as a feedstuff.

The effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain CNCM I-1077 dietary supplementation were examined in lactating buffalo cows. On a farm in Caserta province, 44 buffalo cows were divided into Control and Saccharomyces groups balanced for age (on average, 52.7 ± 2.1 mo), days in milk (120 ± 64 d) and milk production (9.2 ± 1.37 kg/head/d). The groups were fed the same total mixed ration (TMR) that was supplemented, in Saccharomyces group, with 50 g/day of yeast supplement (Levucell SC), corresponding to 10 × 109 cfu/day live cells. The experimental period lasted 16 weeks. At the beginning and at the end of this period, each cow was weighted and scored for BCS. Every 2 weeks milk yield of each cow was measured and sampled; DMI was also evaluated on pen basis. At the end of experimental period, total tract in vivo digestibility was evaluated by using acid insoluble ash as indigestible marker. Milk traits and estimated mozzarella cheese yield were analyzed by a linear mixed model for repeated measures including the effects of diet, time and the interaction diet*time. The effect of diet on DMI, BCS and digestibility coefficients were analyzed by one-way ANOVA. No differences (P > 0.05) were found between the dietary groups for live weight (663.0 vs. 689.6 kg, respectively for Control and Saccharomyces group, SEM 11.8) and BCS (6.33 vs. 6.11 SEM 0.39). Saccharomyces supplemented cows presented higher (P < 0.05) TMR-DMI (16.1 vs. 16.5 kg/d, SEM 0.11) and milk yield (7.6 vs. 8.3 kg/head/d, SEM 0.251). Although milk fat (9.10 vs. 9.64%, SEM 0.254) and milk protein (5.39 vs. 5.34%, SEM 0.10) were not influenced by the treatment (P > 0.05), Saccharomyces group had greater (P < 0.01) estimated mozzarella yield (2.17 vs. 2.45 kg/d SEM 0.075). Total tract in vivo digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and NDF were significantly higher in Saccharomyces compared with Control group. Overall, live yeast supplementation to lactating buffaloes significantly increased milk production, without decreasing milk quality, live weight and BCS

The introduction of twenty pregnant buffalo cows in a dairy cattle farm of Benevento province was used as case study of farm diversification. For the whole lactation period, milk traits and reproductive performances were assessed monthly. Sensory properties of mozzarella cheese at 12 and 36 h of storage were assessed twice at 1 week interval. Sensory data were subjected to ANOVA with assessor (10), replication (3), batch of production (1° vs. 2° batch), time after production (12 vs. 36 h), and the interactions as factors. In order to verify the suitability of locally produced forages for buffalo farming, from 35th to 235th day of lactation cows were allotted into two groups fed diets based either on maize silage or hays. Productive data were analysed by a mixed model for repeated measures including the effects of diet, time and the interaction diet*time. The effect of diet on BCS and reproductive data were analysed by one-way-ANOVA. No significant differences between the two dietary groups were observed. Therefore, all parameters are expressed as overall means. Length of lactation was shorter than the standard value of 270 d: 253.5±75.9 d. Milk yield was 1,546±622 kg/head/lactation, percent milk fat and protein were 8.64±0.83 and 4.43±0.32 %, respectively. Milk yield was below the mean of buffalo cows raised in Campania and lower than the yield of the same cows in the previous lactation completed in the farm of origin (2.463±632 kg/head/lactation). These poor results are probably due to mismanagement practices, since the body condition was scored as satisfactory. The calving interval was 486.5±120.2 d, longer than the average value of 400 d, most likely as instrumental insemination was unsuccessfully used. Sensory properties of mozzarella were quite stable and did not change after 24 h of storage (P>0.05 for most of the attributes). Nevertheless, the sensory profile largely varied between the two batches of production indicating that the cheese-making technology was inadequate to obtain consistent cheese quality. Therefore, expanding buffalo farming outside the traditional areas has to be closely monitored in order to minimize detrimental effects on lactation length, increase insemination techniques efficiency and standardise cheese-making technology.

Growth performance and meat quality of buffalo young bulls: 2. Effect of dietary level of maize silage Felicia Masucci1, Carmela Maria Assunta Barone1, Fabio Napolitano2, Maria Luisa Varricchio1, Antonio Zullo1, Antonio Di Francia1 1Dipartimento di Scienze del Suolo, della Pianta, dell’Ambiente e delle Produzioni Animali Università di Napoli Federico II, Italy 2Dipartimento di Scienze delle Produzioni Animali, Università della Basilicata, Potenza, Italy Corresponding author: felicia.masucci@unina.it Aim of this study was to evaluate growth performance and meat quality of buffalo bulls fed two diets with different maize silage contents. Compositions (kg/head/d) of low (LS) and high silage diets (HS) were the following: maize silage 3.0 vs 10.5; alfalfa hay 0 vs 2.0; barley 0.25 vs 0.75; wheat flour middlings 1.0 vs 1.0; wheat straw 3.0 vs 0; commercial concentrate for lactating buffalo cows 0 vs 2.5; commercial concentrate for young buffalo bulls 4.5 vs 0. The diets were approximately isoenergetic [0.92 vs 0.91 Milk FU/kg dry matter (DM)] and isonitrogenous (14.7 vs 14.7 CP% DM). Fourteen young buffalo bulls (316±70 days of age and 436±67 kglive weight) were assigned into the two dietary groups. Average daily gain (ADG) was calculated every 2 weeks, along with DM intake (DMI), calculated on pen basis. On a subgroup of 4 individuals per groups, carcass traits were recorded at slaughter. Meat quality (hardness, cohesion, chewiness, WB shear force) and meat colour (L*, a*, b*) were evaluated on 7-day aged muscles (Longissimus dorsi, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus). DMI and carcass traits were analyzed by one-way ANOVA. ADG and meat quality parameters were analyzed by a linear mixed model for repeated measures. No differences were observed for diet DMI (8.41 vs 8.64 kg DM/day for LS and HS diets, respectively; SE 0.44), as a consequence ADG did not differ between the groups (0.92 vs 0.89 kg/day; SE 0.04). All carcasses had the same carcass conformation (O) and fatness (4) scores. No differences were observed for carcass traits (carcass weight 250 vs 249 kg; SE 8.13; dressing percentages 52.1 vs 50.6%; SE 1.1) and any meat quality parameters. Therefore, maize silage can be either used as the primary source of roughage or in combination with other forages without affecting growth performance and meat quality.

INTRODUZIONE Gli sforzi intrapresi negli ultimi anni per la valorizzazione del formaggio tradizionale irpino Pecorino di Carmasciano, si sono concretizzati in un premium price per le imprese di allevamento e trasformazione che hanno adottato una strategia di differenziazione. Tuttavia, la tecnica di svezzamento abitualmente utilizzata prevede l’allattamento materno fino alla vendita degli agnelli, in genere a 3 mesi di età, con conseguente protratta carenza di latte per la produzione di formaggio. Il sistema adottato risponde alla sola necessità di minimizzare i costi di produzione degli agnelli e, pertanto, non è adeguato alle più recenti scelte aziendali. Ricerche condotte sull’effetto della modifica dello svezzamento su performance di accrescimento e qualità della carne in contesti differenti hanno fornito risultati discordanti (Sevi et al., 1999; McKusick et al., 2001; Palazzo et al., 2005; Maiorano et al., 2009). Scopo della sperimentazione è stato di valutare se la riduzione della quantità di latte fornito agli agnelli durante lo svezzamento possa rappresentare una scelta tecnicamente ed economicamente valida per gli allevamenti dell’area. MATERIALI E METODI La prova è stata condotta in un allevamento ovino (160 pecore; SAU 63 ha), sito a Guardia Lombardi (AV), che produce Pecorino di Carmasciano. All’inizio della prova, 22 pecore con i relativi agnelli sono state suddivise in 2 gruppi, omogenei per numerosità, data e ordine di parto, peso, numero e sesso degli agnelli. Per il gruppo di controllo è stata utilizzata l’abituale tecnica di svezzamento, che prevede l’allattamento materno in stalla, al ritorno delle pecore dal pascolo, per 3 mesi. Per il gruppo sperimentale, a partire dal 30° d dal parto, è stata effettuata la mungitura serale delle pecore, prima del ricongiungimento con gli agnelli. I 2 gruppi hanno ricevuto in stalla la medesima integrazione alimentare (fieno ad libitum e idonei concentrati del commercio). La produzione lattea delle pecore munte è stata rilevata giornalmente a partire dal 30° d dal parto. Gli incrementi ponderali degli agnelli e l’ingestione di alimento sono stati rilevati ogni 2 settimane fino alla macellazione, effettuata all’età di 90.7 ± 7.3 d. Su 4 carcasse per gruppo sono stati prelevati 4 muscoli della coscia (Gluteobiceps, Vastus lateralis, Rectus femoris, Semimembranosus) per la determinazione dei principali parametri di qualità della carne (ASPA, 1996). Al fine di valutare la convenienza per l’azienda della modifica sperimentata sono stati rilevati dati tecnici ed economici relativi a gestione del gregge, struttura produttiva, trasformazione del latte e vendita dei prodotti aziendali. RISULTATI E CONSIDERAZIONI L’accrescimento degli agnelli è risultato linearmente crescente con l’età e non sono state osservate perdite di peso o malattie. Non sono state rilevate differenze significative tra i due gruppi per l’incremento ponderale medio giornaliero (IMG) e per il peso vivo finale. Gli agnelli del gruppo sperimentale hanno consumato il concentrato di svezzamento in misura maggiore rispetto al controllo (tabella 1). Questo dato, unitamente alla assenza di differenze statisticamente significative per l’IMG, indica che la mancata somministrazione di latte materno è stata adeguatamente bilanciata dall’apporto di concentrato. I due gruppi hanno evidenziato valori simili per resa alla mattazione e grado di adiposità delle carcasse. Non sono state evidenziate differenze significative relativamente ai parametri colorimetrici e tissutali della carne del coscio, fatta eccezione della durezza, che ha evidenziato valori più elevati negli agnelli del gruppo sperimentale (tabella 1), senza però avere conseguenze negative sulla qualità percepita dai consumatori locali e sul prezzo di vendita degli agnelli. Per il gruppo sperimentale, la produzione media giornaliera di latte è stata di 231±27 g/capo, con un incremento produttivo medio totale nei due mesi aggiuntivi di mungitura pari a 13.9 kg/capo. Il surplus di latte destinato alla produzione di formaggio, proiettato su base annua per l’intero gregge, permetterebbe un aumento della PLV aziendale di € 11.697, che deriverebbe dalla maggiore produzione di formaggio a fronte di un immutato contributo del valore della carne. Infatti, il peso totale degli agnelli è invariato, mentre la maggiore durezza della carne rilevata analiticamente non ha avuto effetti negativi sulla qualità percepita dagli attuali acquirenti, che hanno confermato le precedenti quantità e il prezzo di acquisto. La nuova tecnica di svezzamento impone un incremento dei costi dovuto sia agli alimenti per gli agnelli (+ € 325), sia alle remunerazioni associate al maggior fabbisogno di lavoro (manuale e direttivo), che è soddisfatto dalla manodopera familiare già presente in azienda (tabella 2). Il risultato netto degli effetti complessivi conferma la convenienza economica della modifica della tecnica di svezzamento. La validità dell’orientamento strategico aziendale è rafforzata, incoraggiando l’approfondimento della differenziazione della sua offerta. La stabilità dei risultati è, tuttavia, strettamente legata a quella dei prezzi di vendita del formaggio. Al fine di non erodere l’attuale premium price, attenzione deve essere posta alla costruzione di un solido rapporto con gli acquirenti oltre che all’aumento della loro numerosità.

The aim of this work was to present a method for "intelligent", field-scale digital soil mapping based on visible-near infrared (vis-NIR) reflectance spectroscopy, in combination with statistical analysis (Principal Component Analysis, PCA and geostatistics). The study was carried out in a site of southern Italy. With reference to a 50 x 50 cell size grid, 240 soil samples were collected to a depth of 20-30 cm. The soil was analyzed by vis-NIR reflectance spectroscopy and the data were decomposed by PCA. The first three components (PC1, PC2, PC3) explained 98% of the total variance of the initial data set and therefore they were selected for the assessment of soil spatial variability by variography and kriging (geostatistics). The resulting PC1, PC2 and PC3 kriging maps were interpreted in the light of the information contents on reflectance spectra and compared with the results of a previous, conventional soil survey. The presented strategy seems to the efficient and reliable to use, when mapping soil spatial variability

Development of feeding strategies based on the available feed resources is one of the research efforts for organic livestock production. This problem is particularly relevant in marginal beef production areas of central and southern Italy, where traditionally local breeds are used and diets are based on home grown cereal with scarce or no use of expensive organic protein source. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of home grown chickpea (Cicer arietinum) on growth performance and carcass characteristics of Maremmana young bulls, organically farmed. The study was conduced in an extensive farm located in Viterbo province, in central Italy. Twelve Maremmana bulls (232 kg average live weight, 9 months of age) were allotted into two homogenous groups. The control group was fed the same diets used by the farmer prior to and during the experiment, based on barley meal, maize meal and alfalfa hay; four diets were used throughout the study. The experimental group was fed diets in which barley meal was substituted by chickpea meal. The dietary content of chickpea ranged from 23 to 11% (as fed basis). The average hay/concentrate ratio of diets was 60/40. The nutritive characteristics of the diets were, on average, 0.82 vs 0.83 Meat FU/kg DM and 11.0 vs 12.7 CP %DM, for control and experimental diets, respectively. Diets were not designed to be isocaloric or isonitrogenous, but to assess the effect of dietary inclusion of a protein source on performance of Maremmana bulls. Animals were weighted at the age of 9 months and thereafter every two weeks until to the fixed slaughter weight of 630 kg. Carcasses were scored for carcass conformation and fat score, according to SEUROP grading system. Average growth curves were calculated by the regression of weights against time. The growth curves showed a good fit to a linear -regression model (control group R2=0.94, b=0.009455; experimental group R2=0.93, b=0.0112018). Chickpea-fed bulls showed higher live weight from the age of 410 days onward. This finding is consistent with the high average daily gain (945 vs 1120 g day−1 for the control and experimental groups, respectively) and the younger slaughter age (675 vs 630 d) observed for chickpea-fed group. No differences were observed for carcass weight and dressing percentage (cold carcass weight/slaughter weight). Carcasses from bulls fed chickpea were graded as R (100%) in the SEUROP scale with a fat score of 3 (50%) and 4 (50%). Control carcasses were graded as R (40%) and O (60%) in the SEUROP scale with a fat score of 3 (50%) and 2 (50%). The higher fattening score of chickpea fed bulls suggests that some attention should be paid to the energy intake in last phase of finishing in order to prevent excessive fat deposition. Although, the chickpea cost was higher than that of barley, the estimated dietary costs were lower for chickpea-fed bulls, which reached slaughter weight 45 days before the control group. Overall, the use of home grown chickpea in organic diets for young bulls could be an advantageous choice for animal performance, feeding cost, crop rotation and sustainability.

A study was conduced in order to evaluate the effects of dietary treatment (commercial starter concentrate vs commercial starter concentrate with free access to ryegrass hay) on faecal score, dry matter intake (DMI), body weight (BW) and in vivo digestibility in buffalo calves Twenty-four buffalo calves (4 male, 20 female; 12 calves per treatment) kept in individual calf cages were started on the experiment at 10 d of age and for 12 weeks. Faecal scoring was assessed twice weekly, and DMI was measured weekly. BW gain was recorded every two weeks.. At the end of the experimental period, on a subset of 10 calves (5 per treatment), nutrient in vivo digestibility was measured by using acid-insoluble ash as internal indigestibility marker. The growth curves showed a good fit to a linear -regression model (on average R2=0.89; a= 43.8; b=0.525). Calves that were provided with hay consumed less starter (524 vs 421 g/d; P

Chemical and nutritional characteristics of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) cultivars and the effects of inclusion of chickpea in diets for Maremmana bulls were studied. Twenty-four cultivars were analysed; starch content widely varied whereas crude protein percentages were more constant and regular. In the feeding study, twelve Maremmana bulls, organically farmed, were allotted into two homogenous groups: the control one was fed the same diets used by the farmer, whereas the experimental group was fed diets in which barley meal was substituted by chickpea meal. Chickpea-fed bulls showed higher live weight from the age of 410 days onward, higher average daily gain and younger slaughter age. Carcasses from experimental group were better conformed compared to those of control group. Meat quality did not substantially differ between the groups. The estimated costs were comparable for chickpea-based and barley-based diets.

In this study the effect of feeding peas (Pisum sativum L.) as an alternative protein source for buffalo cow diets during middle and late stage of lactation was examined. Results support the partial substitution of soybean meal with peas in diets for buffalo cows with no negative effects on milk yield and composition.

Nelle aziende zootecniche della Comunità Montana Alta Irpinia (AV) nel periodo estivo sono largamente utilizzati i pascoli, demaniali o di pertinenza aziendale. Notoriamente, l’ingestione di foraggi freschi da parte delle bovine in lattazione può influenzare le caratteristiche quanti-qualitative del latte. Scopo di questa ricerca è stato quello di esaminare in alcune aziende il profilo acidico del grasso del latte durante il periodo di pascolamento. A tal fine, sono state individuate nell’area di riferimento quattro aziende che utilizzano il pascolo nel periodo estivo. Per 6 mesi (maggio - ottobre 2006) sono stati condotti rilievi aziendali a cadenza quindicinale al fine di: (a) prelevare campioni di latte di massa su cui determinare la composizione chimica e il profilo acidico; (b) controllare l’effettivo utilizzo del pascolo e l’eventuale integrazione alimentare praticata. I dati raccolti sono stati analizzati mediante analisi della varianza valutando gli effetti prelievo, azienda e la loro iterazione. Le percentuali di grasso e proteine e il contenuto in cellule somatiche del latte sono apparse in linea con i valori medi dell’area. Gli acidi grassi (AG) più rappresentativi sono stati il palmitico (in media, 25.8 ± 2.9 % in peso), l’oleico (22.7 ± 2.8), lo stearico (9.8 ± 1.9), il miristico (7.8 ± 1.1) e il linoleico (2.6 ± 0.5); questa gerarchia, tipica del latte bovino, è stata rispettata in tutti i campioni raccolti. La composizione acidica è apparsa abbastanza simile tra le diverse aziende, mentre si è modificata al variare del mese di prelievo. Gli AG della serie C18 sono progressivamente diminuiti da luglio in poi, come effetto della progressiva degradazione della vegetazione e conseguente graduale abbandono del pascolo. In particolare, l’acido linolenico ha fatto registrare la maggiore variazione (-42%) passando da 1.10% (maggio) a 0.64% (ottobre). Analoga tendenza, anche se meno regolare, è stata osservata per i CLA (conjugated linoleic acids). Gli AG a media catena hanno evidenziato un andamento opposto rispetto a quello rilevato per gli AG a lunga catena, così come il contenuto in AG saturi. Non sono state osservate, invece, differenze rilevanti relativamente agli AG a corta catena, che, essendo sintetizzati ex novo dall’animale, risentono in misura attenuata delle variazioni alimentari. In definitiva, il pascolo ha aumentato nel latte gli AG polinsaturi, migliorandone le caratteristiche nutrizionali, e non ha modificato gli AG a corta catena, che agiscono favorevolmente sulle caratteristiche organolettiche dei prodotti caseari.

E’ stato valutato l’effetto della parziale sostituzione della soia con differenti fonti proteiche (pisello e favino) su quantità e qualità del latte bufalino. Il favino fioccato, somministrato tal quale, non è stato appetito dalle bufale, mentre pisello estruso, inserito in un concentrato appositamente formulato è stato accettato. Le bufale alimentate con il concentrato contenente pisello non hanno fatto registrare differenze significative nella produzione e nella qualità del latte rispetto a quelle che ricevevano il concentrato a base di panello di soia. Anche il contenuto in urea nel latte non ha fatto registrare differenze significative nonostante la maggiore solubilità delle proteine del pisello. I risultati ottenuti indicano la validità dell’utilizzo del pisello come fonte proteica alternativa alla soia nell’allevamento biologico della bufala.

The aim of this research was to monitor milk fatty acid (FA) composition over the year in severa) buffalo herds. In this paper the preliminary results obtained on a buffalo dairy farm (on average, 287 cows in milk, milk pro¬duction 7.8 kg/head/d, 8.04 % fat and 4.66 % protein) are reported. Our research lasted one year (from May to April). Weekly milk production (kg/d), number of milked animals, feed administered and refusals were record¬ed. Feed and bulk milk samples were also collected. Feeds were analysed according Weende and Van Soest. The milk samples were analysed for composition, somatic celi count and FA composition. Over the year, from September to April a standard TMR based on corn silage (St-TMR) was used. The standard ration was supplemented in May - June, by 1 kg of whole sunflower seeds (diet Su-TMR), and in July - August, by 1 kg of flaked soybeans (diet So-TMR). As expected, the addition of whole seeds substantially modified the FA profile. The concentrations of short-chain (C4:0 to C10:0)) and medium-chain (C12:0 to C16:1) FA decreased while those of long chain FA (C18:0 to C20:0) increased in the milk of cows fed St-TMR. Cows fed sunflower seed compared with soybean showed higher levels of long chain FA, especially C18:0 and C18:1 The CLA content was affected by diet, with the highest level observed for Su-TMR. Diet with sunflower seeds resulted in the lowest omega 6 to omega 3 FA ratio. The data suggest that both sunflower and soybean seed are acceptable fat sources for buffalo cows and that sunflower allows the production of milk with a healthier FA profile. Non diet related differences were also observed in FA composition. Indeed from September to April when the same St-TMR diet was used, progressive increments in medium-chain FA and saturation degree were observed. The reasons for these variations are still unclear, but DIM average, age of the herd and climate are probably involved.

Aim of the study was to examine during ripening the instrumental and sensory proprieties of Caciocavallo of Castelfranco cheese produced by using hay or silage as the sole forage source. Three batches of Caciocavallo were manufactured by using milk from two homogenous groups of cows fed isoenergetic and isonitrogenous rations containing 60% (on DM basis) of sorghum silage or hay. Analyses were carried out on curd after salting (time 0) and on cheese after 30, 60 and 90 days of ripening. Instrumental colour (CIELAB system) was determined by spectrophotometry. The compression test was performed by an Instron Universal testing machine. The sensory analysis was performed by using a quantitative–descriptive analysis (QDA) method. Two appearances (uniformity and colour), six odours/flavours (overall odour, overall flavour, milk, butter, grass, hay), three tastes (salty, sour, bitter, umami), and three textures (tenderness, elasticity, oiliness) attributes represented the consensus profile of sensory characteristics. Data were analysed by a mixed procedure to evaluate the fixed effects of diet and ripening times. Sensory profile data were subjected to a preliminary analysis of variance in order to verify the reliability of the panel. No serious defects (poor odour or taste, blowing, etc.) were highlighted in the cheeses. Moreover, no notable discrepancies were found between instrumental and sensory colour and texture. The intensity of yellow was remarkably higher in silage cheeses (p

The effect of dietary supplementation with Enterococcus faecium strain SF68 on growth performance, faecal consistency and in vivo digestibility in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves was evaluated. Forty calves were randomly assigned at 10 d of age to one of four treatments: (A) milk replacer with no additive, (B) milk replacer supplemented with 0.17 g/l of viable (2 x l09 cfu/g) E. faecium bacteria daily for 3 days with an interval of 7 days throughout 11 weeks, (C) milk replacer supplemented with E. faecium daily for 4 weeks, (D) milk replacer supplemented with E. faecium daily for 11 weeks. A total mixed ration was offered ad libitum from 5th week of the experimental period. Faecal score was significantly better in E. faecium-treated calves than control ones. The use of E. faecium had no effect on average daily gain at any stage, total body weight (BW) gain, dry matter intake or total tract digestibility. Therefore, E. faecium supplementation may be able to act favourably on the health of the gastro-intestinal tract

An Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract and a Saccharomyces cerevisiae culture product were added to a pelleted calf starter, respectively, at 6.0 and 26 g/kg of dry matter (DM) to determine effects on faecal score, DM intake, body weight (BW) gain and in vivo digestibility. Treatments were control groups with the control starter alone (CSt) or with free access to ryegrass hay (CStH) and combinations with the fungal supplemented starter (ExpSt and ExpStH). Forty buffalo calves (12 male, 28 female; 10 calves per treatment) were started on the experiment at 10 days of age and for 12 weeks. Faecal scoring was conducted twice weekly, and DM intake was measured weekly. Every 2 weeks, BW gain was recorded and grab faecal samples were collected to examine for the presence of intestinal parasites and Salmonella. At the end of the experimental period, on a subset of 20 calves (i.e., five per treatment), nutrient in vivo digestibility was measured by using acid-insoluble ash as internal indigestibility marker. Starter DM intake was unaffected by fungal supplementation, but inclusion of fungal additives in the starter resulted in increased apparent total tract digestibility, regardless of the presence of hay in the diet. Calves fed ExpStH diet versus the CStH and ExpSt diets had improved faecal consistency, higher average daily gain and higher total tract digestibility of fibre. Supplementation of starter with A. oryzae fermentation extract and S. cerevisiae culture may improve calf digestive efficiency if forage is in the diet.

The purpose of this research was to investigate the variation in fatty acid composition of milk fat from four buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) herds under different feeding management and ration composition. Changes in milk fatty acid composition were monitored on a weekly basis. Saturated fatty acids (65.5%) predominated in buffalo milk fat; monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids were 27.0% and 4.5%, respectively. Of saturated fatty acids, the content of palmitic acid was the highest (30.6%) followed by stearic acid (12.0%) and myristic acid (10.7%). Of the unsaturated fatty acids the content of oleic acid was the highest (26.6%). The average content of conjugated linoleic acid (0.76±0.33) was higher than the maximal values generally reported for dairy cow.

The effect of feeding lupin seeds (Lupinus albus L.) as an alternative protein source in ewe diets was investigated. Two groups of 18 Sarda ewes were fed two different isonitrogenous diets: with lupin (L) seed, given after 12 h soaking, or soybean meal (SBM) as the main protein source. DMI, variations of body weight and milk production were unaffected by the treatment. Although not statistically significant, in the group fed L diet the production of milk fat and protein was higher. Clotting properties of milk were similar for the two treatments, probably due to the small differences in the milk protein contents. The fatty acid profile of milk was affected by treatment with a larger content of short (14.19 wt% versus 12.26 wt%)- and medium (49.37 wt% versus 47.76 wt%)-chain fatty acids in milk from ewes fed the L diet. CLA content was unaffected by treatment. Triglyceride content of fat from the two diets reflects the milk fatty acid composition. Indeed, milk from L diet showed a higher level of medium-chain triglycerides, which are of particular interest to consumers with concerns over health and heart disease. The inclusion of lupin seed in the diet of lactation ewes can be a means of achieving a more desirable triglyceride profile in milk fat. Milk with enhanced nutritive quality may promote wider market penetration of sheep dairy products. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.