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Giuliotti L, Benvenuti MN, Preziuso G, Ventura E, Fresi P, Cecchi F. Demography and Genealogical Analysis of Massese Sheep, a Native Breed of Tuscany. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:582. [PMID: 38396550 PMCID: PMC10886389 DOI: 10.3390/ani14040582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the genealogical and demographic trends of the Massese sheep breed in Tuscany from 2001 to 2021. The Herd Book kept by the Italian Sheep and Goat Breeders Association (Asso.Na.Pa) provided the data. The descriptive statistics were analyzed using JMP software. The pedigree parameters of a total of 311,056 animals (whole population-WP) were analyzed using CFC, ENDOG, and Pedigree viewer software. A total of 24,586 animals born in the period 2007-2021 represented the Reference Population (RP), and 18,554 animals the Base Population (BP). The demographic results showed an inconsistent trend of offspring registration. This study showed a short period of productivity for both ewes and rams, with means of 1.47 and 19.2 registered newborn ewes and rams, respectively. The genealogical analysis revealed incomplete data, highlighting inaccurate assessments of the relationships among the animals, and inbreeding with large differences among provinces. The average inbreeding coefficient in the WP was 1.16%, and it was 2.26% in the RP. The total number of inbreds was 2790 in the WP, with an average FPED of 13.56%, and 2713 in the RP, with an average FPED of 12.82%. The use of pedigree data is a key and economical approach to calculating inbreeding and relationship coefficients. It is the primary step in genetic management, playing a crucial role in the preservation of a breed. The regular updating of genealogical data is the first step to ensuring the conservation of animal genetic resources, and this study is compromised by the lack of such updates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorella Giuliotti
- Department of Veterinary Science, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.N.B.); (G.P.); (F.C.)
| | - Maria Novella Benvenuti
- Department of Veterinary Science, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.N.B.); (G.P.); (F.C.)
| | - Giovanna Preziuso
- Department of Veterinary Science, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.N.B.); (G.P.); (F.C.)
| | - Emilia Ventura
- Veterinarian Free lance, Via dell’alberaccio 15, 56017 San Giuliano Terme, Italy;
| | - Pancrazio Fresi
- Asso.Na.Pa (Associazione Nazionale della Pastorizia), Via XXIV Maggio 44, 00187 Roma, Italy;
| | - Francesca Cecchi
- Department of Veterinary Science, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.N.B.); (G.P.); (F.C.)
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Todaro M, Scatassa ML, Gannuscio R, Vazzana I, Mancuso I, Maniaci G, Laudicina A. Effect of lambing season on ewe’s colostrum composition. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2022.2155587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Todaro
- Dipartimento Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Forestali (SAAF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Riccardo Gannuscio
- Dipartimento Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Forestali (SAAF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Irene Vazzana
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Palermo, Italy
| | - Isabella Mancuso
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Maniaci
- Dipartimento Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Forestali (SAAF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Armando Laudicina
- Dipartimento Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Forestali (SAAF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Sierra A, Balasse M, Radović S, Orton D, Fiorillo D, Presslee S. Early Dalmatian farmers specialized in sheep husbandry. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10355. [PMID: 37365303 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37516-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The spread of farming in the central and western Mediterranean took place rapidly, linked to the Impressa Ware. The Impressa Ware originated somewhere in the southern Adriatic and spread westwards across the Mediterranean. These early farmers had an economy based on cereal agriculture and caprine husbandry, but there is still little information on how this agropastoral system functioned. This study aims to unravel the farming practices of the early Dalmatian farmers linked to the Impressa culture by using an integrated analysis, combining archaeozoology, palaeoproteomics and stable isotopes, applied to the faunal assemblages of Tinj-Podlivade and Crno Vrilo. The results show: (1) the composition of the flocks was overwhelmingly sheep; (2) sheep exploitation at both sites was similar, focusing on milk and meat; (3) sheep reproduction was concentrated at the beginning of winter, with no reproduction in autumn as in later sites in the western Mediterranean. We conclude that a common animal economy existed at both sites, which could be related to the mobility practiced by these early farming societies throughout the Mediterranean.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sierra
- AASPE «Archéozoologie, Archéobotanique: Sociétés, Pratiques, Environnements» CNRS, MNHN, 75005, Paris, France.
- Departament de Prehistoria, Facultat de Lletres, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - M Balasse
- AASPE «Archéozoologie, Archéobotanique: Sociétés, Pratiques, Environnements» CNRS, MNHN, 75005, Paris, France
| | - S Radović
- Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Institute for Quaternary Palaeontology and Geology, Ante Kovačića 5, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - D Orton
- BioArCh, Department of Archaeology, Environment Building, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5NG, UK
| | - D Fiorillo
- AASPE «Archéozoologie, Archéobotanique: Sociétés, Pratiques, Environnements» CNRS, MNHN, 75005, Paris, France
| | - S Presslee
- BioArCh, Department of Archaeology, Environment Building, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5NG, UK
- Department of Chemistry, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5NG, UK
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Sotgiu FD, Spezzigu A, Porcu C, Atzori AS, Sechi GS, Pasciu V, Molle G, Berlinguer F. Application of the "echo-synch protocol" to advance pregnancy onset in ewe lambs at the first reproductive season. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1180857. [PMID: 37252403 PMCID: PMC10213364 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1180857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study assessed the efficacy and economic impact of a reproductive protocol based on repeated ultrasound scanning (US) associated with the use of GnRH to advance pregnancy onset in ewe lambs. Methods Prepubertal ewe lambs (n = 133) were divided into three weight groups (High: HW n = 35; Medium: MW n = 65; Low: LW n = 33). Thereafter, animals were randomly allocated into two subgroups: GnRH, ewe lambs treated with GnRH analog and then exposed to rams; CTR, ewe lambs exposed to rams only. CTR groups were joined with rams as a single flock. GnRH groups were kept separate from rams receiving a single dose of gonadorelin (40 μg/head) and then were evaluated after a week of US. Animals showing corpora lutea received an injection of PGF2α analog (100 μg/head) and then were joined with rams. The remaining ewe lambs received a second dose of gonadorelin and were kept separate from the rams. After another week, animals were checked again and the ones showing corpora lutea were injected with the PGF2α analog, while the others received a third injection of gonadorelin. On the same day, all the animals were joined with rams. Pregnancies were confirmed within 30 days by US. The efficacy of the protocol was determined by assessing differences in the number of days required to achieve pregnancy rates of 25, 50, and 75% and in the total costs and incomes from birth to the end of first lactation within the groups. Results The GnRH-MW group showed the best performances in reaching the threshold pregnancy rates of 25, 50, and 75%, but the effect of treatment was significant only at the 25% threshold (p < 0.01). Both low groups displayed an overall poorer performance at 50 and 75% thresholds than medium and high-weight groups (p = 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively). The GnRH administration did not advance pregnancy onset in GnRH-HW compared with CTR-HW. In the balance between costs and income, the HW-CTR and MW-GnRH groups showed higher gross margins than the other groups. Conclusion Using the US/GnRH protocol in ewe lambs appears technically and economically effective in animals that have not reached the optimal weight at the first breeding season, advancing ewe lambs' pregnncies and increasing farm profitability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonio Spezzigu
- Embryo Sardegna, Technology, Reproduction and Fertility, Sassari, Italy
| | - Cristian Porcu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | | | - Gian Simone Sechi
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Valeria Pasciu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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Ferreira J, McManus CM, Freitas Silveira RM, Tavares da Silva WS, Guilhermino MM, Asensio LAB, Bozzi R, Façanha DAE. Reference patterns for thermoregulation in Italian Massese ewes. J Therm Biol 2023; 113:103483. [PMID: 37055110 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2023.103483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The Massese is an autochthonous Italian sheep breed, used for meat and mainly milk production and thermoregulatory variations can directly affect the performance of these animals. We evaluated the thermoregulatory patterns of Massese ewes and identified the changes due to environmental variations. Data was collected from 159 healthy ewes from herds of four farms/institutions. For thermal environmental characterization, air temperature (AT), relative humidity (RH) and wind speed were measured, and Black Globe Temperature, Humidity Index (BGHI) and Radiant Heat Load (RHL) were calculated. The thermoregulatory responses evaluated were: respiratory (RR), heart rate (HR), rectal temperature (RT) and coat surface temperature (ST). All variables were subjected to analysis of variance with repeated measures over time. A factor analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between environmental and thermoregulatory variables. Multiple regression analyses were also examined using General Linear Models, and Variance Inflation Factors were calculated. Logistic and Broken line non-linear regressions for RR, HR and RT were analyzed. The RR and HR values were outside reference values and associated with normal values of RT. In the factor analysis, most environmental variables were seen to affect the thermoregulation pattern of the ewes, except for RH. In the logistic regression analysis, RT was not affected by any of the variables studied, maybe because BGHI and RHL were not sufficiently high enough. Nevertheless, BGHI and RHL affected RR and HR. The study shows a divergence for Massese ewes from reference thermoregulatory values for sheep.
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Turini L, Bonelli F, Lanatà A, Vitale V, Nocera I, Sgorbini M, Mele M. Validation of a new smart textiles biotechnology for heart rate variability monitoring in sheep. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1018213. [DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1018213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Robust Animal-Based Measures (ABMs) are fundamental in order to assess animal welfare, however in semi-extensive sheep farming systems is not easy to collect ABMs without inducing additional stress in the animals. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a non-invasive technique of assessing stress levels related to animal welfare. It is considered a sensitive indicator of the functional regulatory characteristics of the autonomic nervous system. Several studies investigated the use of HRV for welfare assessment in dairy cows while research on sheep is scarce. Moreover, assessing HRV in small ruminants at pasture is critical because of the lack of a solution adoptable for field conditions. This study aimed to evaluate if a smart textiles technology is comparable to a Standard base-apex electrocardiogram (ECG) for measuring HRV in small ruminants. Eight healthy Massese dairy sheep were recruited. Standard base-apex ECG and smart textiles technology (Smartex ECG) were simultaneously acquired for 5 min in the standing, unsedated, unclipped sheep. The ECG tracings were recorded when animals were standing quietly. The Bland-Altman test and the linear regression analysis were applied after parameter extraction in time, frequency, and non-linear methods to compare Smartex against standard base-apex ECG systems. The Bland-Altman test was applied to all HRV extracted parameters (Mean RR, pNN50, RMSSD, LF/HF, SampEn, SD1, SD2, stdRR) to evaluate the agreement between the two different instruments, and a linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between the two methods. The smart textiles biotechnology was simple to wear and clean. It can be worn without using glue and without shaving the sheep's wool, limiting animal handling and stress. Bland Altman test reported a robust agreement between the two systems. In fact, the regression analysis of HRV parameters showed that half of the parameters recorded had an R2 coefficient >0.75. Results also showed a very small reproducibility coefficient that indicated that the two methods were really close to each other. Smartex textiles technology can be used for HRV evaluation in sheep species as a potential ABM for animal welfare assessment.
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Vargas-Bello-Pérez E, Tajonar K, Foggi G, Mele M, Simitzis P, Mavrommatis A, Tsiplakou E, Habib MR, Gonzalez-Ronquillo M, Toro-Mujica P. Consumer attitudes toward dairy products from sheep and goats: A cross-continental perspective. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:8718-8733. [PMID: 36175224 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-21894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess consumer knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions toward dairy products from sheep and goats. A web-based survey was conducted in Latin America (Mexico and Chile), Europe (Italy, Spain, Greece, and Denmark), and Asia (Bangladesh). From March to June 2021, adult participants answered an online survey available in 5 languages. In total, 1,879 surveys were completed. Categorical and ordinal data were analyzed as frequencies and percentages. To determine the relationship between the variables for purchasing and consumption behaviors of respondents who declared that they consume dairy products, a multiple correspondence analysis was carried out. Most completed surveys were from Mexico and Italy (30% and 33.7%, respectively). Most respondents were between 18 and 29 yr old, female, highly educated, and employed. The majority of respondents (70.8%) declared that they consume dairy products from small ruminants. Consumers preferred products from both sheep and goats (49.4%); however, it was observed that in Mexico, Denmark, and Bangladesh, more than 50% preferred goat dairy products. The most-consumed products were mature and fresh cheeses. Mature cheese was the most-preferred product in Chile; in Mexico, Italy, Greece, and Denmark, it was fresh cheese. Unlike the rest of the countries, in Bangladesh, dairy product consumption from small ruminants was observed by more than 30% of respondents. In Mexico, a higher percentage of people do not consume sheep or goat dairy products because they are unfamiliar with them. In Mexico, Chile, and Bangladesh, limited market availability was also a variable responsible for nonconsumption. In European and Asian countries, sheep and goat dairy products are not consumed because consumers dislike them, in addition to a greater awareness of sustainability and climate change issues. The multiple correspondence analysis defined 5 dimensions. Dimension 1 was associated with the geographic location of the respondent (country and continent), the type of milk (sheep or goat), and the consideration of well-being and health as characteristics associated with the consumption of dairy products from small ruminants. Dimension 2 was associated with the respondent's country of origin and the frequency of consumption. Dimension 3 was associated with gender, education, and employment status. Dimension 4 was associated with the respondent's age, the association of the "healthy" concept of sheep and goat dairy products, and the consideration of the nutritional benefits of dairy as responsible for considering them healthy. Dimension 5 was associated with a "strong smell and taste" of sheep and goat dairy products. This study showed that consumer attitudes toward dairy products from sheep and goats vary between continents. In conclusion, results showed consumer interest in animal welfare and environmental impact issues related to small ruminant farming as well as a general attraction to local products. It seems that these factors contribute to consumers' perception of the quality of dairy products, so the industry and select farmers should carefully consider incorporating them into their supply chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Einar Vargas-Bello-Pérez
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Earley Gate, Reading RG6 6EU, United Kingdom; Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 3, Frederiksberg C DK-1870, Denmark.
| | - Karen Tajonar
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 3, Frederiksberg C DK-1870, Denmark; Departamento de Medicina y Zootecnia de Rumiantes, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, México
| | - Giulia Foggi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Agro-ambientali, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto, 80, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Marcello Mele
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Agro-ambientali, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto, 80, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Panagiotis Simitzis
- Department of Animal Science, School of Animal Biosciences, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, Athens GR-11855, Greece
| | - Alexandros Mavrommatis
- Department of Animal Science, School of Animal Biosciences, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, Athens GR-11855, Greece
| | - Eleni Tsiplakou
- Department of Animal Science, School of Animal Biosciences, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, Athens GR-11855, Greece
| | - Md Rezwanul Habib
- Department of Dairy Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Manuel Gonzalez-Ronquillo
- Departamento de Nutrición Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Instituto Literario 100 Ote. Toluca, Estado de México 50000, México
| | - Paula Toro-Mujica
- Instituto de Ciencias Agroalimentarias, Animales y Ambientales (ICA3), Universidad de O'Higgins, San Fernando 3070000, Chile.
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Seasonal Variations of Milk Composition of Sarda and Saanen Dairy Goats. DAIRY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/dairy3030038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditionally, in Mediterranean areas the goat population was composed of autochthonous breeds with strong milk production seasonality. In the last decades, high productive alpine breeds were introduced together with more widespread out-of-season milk production practices. This study is a large-scale survey on the seasonal variations of the main compositional characteristics of goat milk obtained from Sarda and Saanen breeds reared on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia (Italy). Analysis of data indicated that milk from the Sarda breed was significantly richer, at p < 0.001, in protein, fat, and lactose, and had a lower urea mean content than Saanen. Throughout the year, fluctuations of mean contents of the milk parameters were similar for the two groups of goats, indicating that, besides genetic intrinsic differences, climate and herbage growth influenced the Sarda as well as the Saanen goats. During the summer, milk from Saanen showed a marked drop in fat and protein contents, with 21% of samples showing a fat-to-protein ratio <1. No significant differences were found for the somatic cell count; however, the Sarda breed showed a higher bacterial count, suggesting improper milk handling and/or storage equipment more frequently encountered in extensive and semi-extensive farm systems.
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Dietary olive leaves improve the quality and the consumer preferences of a model sheep cheese. Int Dairy J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.idairyj.2022.105464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Serrano JO, Mayea AL, Villares-Garachana A, Correa-Herrera N, González-Morales A, Pérez-Bonachea L, Hernández L, Lorente G, Hajari E, Fonseca-Fuentes N, Martínez-Melo J, Lorenzo JC. Effect of short-term radiation stress on physiological and hematological parameters in Pelibuey sheep in Cuba. Small Rumin Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2022.106679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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O'Hara KC, Pires AFA, Martínez-López B. Evaluating the association between climatic factors and sheep condemnations in the United States using cluster analysis and spatio-temporal modeling. Prev Vet Med 2021; 191:105342. [PMID: 33848741 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2021.105342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Sheep in the United States are primarily raised and fed on pasture, making them particularly susceptible to the impacts of climatic factors. This study sought to evaluate the association between climate and whole carcass condemnations in the U.S. as a proxy to evaluate overall sheep health across the U.S. USDA FSIS inspection data was evaluated for whole carcass sheep condemnations between 2005-2016. The analysis focused on condemnations attributed to caseous lymphadenitis, the most frequent cause of sheep condemnations during this period. Data was analyzed on the climate division scale - 344 subdivisions of the contiguous United States that divide states into nearly homogenous climatic regions. Using space-time cluster analysis for high rates of condemnations, ten clusters were identified ranging across the United States. All but one of these clusters was confined to single climate division, with lengths ranging from 1 to 72 months. A zero-inflated Poisson regression found significant associations between condemnation counts and precipitation, cooling degree days (an indicator of higher temperatures), year, and division of the United States. The model had a marginal R-squared of 0.54. This study has identified high risk clusters where higher than expected condemnations are concentrated. The confirmation of an association between climatic factors and condemnation numbers suggests that management practices targeted at protecting pasture-raised small ruminants from weather extremes would improve overall animal health and welfare. Mitigation strategies should be considered as we face increasing frequency of extreme weather events and other environmental fluctuations associated with climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen C O'Hara
- Center for Animal Disease Modeling and Surveillance, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Alda F A Pires
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Beatriz Martínez-López
- Center for Animal Disease Modeling and Surveillance, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, United States.
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Parrini S, Sirtori F, Acciaioli A, Becciolini V, Crovetti A, Bonelli A, Franci O, Bozzi R. Effect of farming system on meat traits of native Massese suckling lamb. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2020.1869599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Parrini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agrarie, Alimentari, Ambientali e Forestali (DAGRI), University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Francesco Sirtori
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agrarie, Alimentari, Ambientali e Forestali (DAGRI), University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Anna Acciaioli
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agrarie, Alimentari, Ambientali e Forestali (DAGRI), University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Valentina Becciolini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agrarie, Alimentari, Ambientali e Forestali (DAGRI), University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Alessandro Crovetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agrarie, Alimentari, Ambientali e Forestali (DAGRI), University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Antonio Bonelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agrarie, Alimentari, Ambientali e Forestali (DAGRI), University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Oreste Franci
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agrarie, Alimentari, Ambientali e Forestali (DAGRI), University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Riccardo Bozzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agrarie, Alimentari, Ambientali e Forestali (DAGRI), University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
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De Carolis M, Barbato O, Acuti G, Trabalza-Marinucci M, Melo de Sousa N, Canali C, Moscati L. Plasmatic Profile of Pregnancy-Associated Glycoprotein (PAG) during Gestation and Postpartum in Sarda and Lacaune Sheep Determined with Two Radioimmunoassay Systems. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10091502. [PMID: 32854377 PMCID: PMC7552302 DOI: 10.3390/ani10091502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Nowadays the need to optimize and maximize the productivity of dairy sheep leads farmers to plan lambing in specific periods in order to avoid economic loss due to nonproductive animals. The goal is to diagnose pregnancy at early gestation in order to minimize the costs of unproductive animals and to properly formulate rations for the energy requirements of gestating or lactating animals at the same time. Moreover, early pregnancy diagnosis, as well as the possibility of distinguishing between single and multiple gestations, enables farmers to plan the management of lambing well in advance thus minimizing manpower requirements. This study showed, for the first time, the plasmatic profile of PAG (pregnancy-associated glycoproteins) in Sarda and Lacaune ewes during gestation and the postpartum period using two different radioimmune assay (RIA) systems, thus enhancing our knowledge regarding PAG concentrations in domestic ruminants. Moreover, it showed that for both breeds these RIA systems are capable of distinguishing pregnant from nonpregnant ewes starting from day 18 of gestation. Furthermore, the rapid disappearance of PAG concentration following lambing did not require the use of a cut-off limit in postpartum animals as a means for detecting a new pregnancy. Abstract This study was carried out to determine ovine pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (oPAG) levels in the plasma of Sarda and Lacaune ewes throughout gestation and in the first month postpartum, using two heterologous radioimmunoassays (RIA-706 and RIA-srPool) and to study the correlations between PAG levels and fetal gender and number. On Day 18 of pregnancy, PAG concentrations were detected in 90.1% and 80.8% of Sarda pregnant ewes with RIA-706 and RIA-srPool, respectively; and in 90% and in 75% of Lacaune pregnant ewes with RIA-706 and RIA-srPool, respectively. From Day 30, PAG concentrations were detected in all pregnant ewes by using both RIA methods. In the postpartum period, the PAG concentrations in Sarda ewes decreased rapidly reaching minimal levels (<1 ng/mL) on day 28 using both RIA-706 and RIA-srPool. In Lacaune ewes, PAG-706 levels were higher than PAG-srPool from parturition until the last day of observation (Day 28 postpartum). It was also observed that mean concentrations were higher in multiple than in single pregnancies in Sarda and Lacaune ewes. Moreover, due to the rapid disappearance of PAG concentration following lambing, a cut-off limit in postpartum animals was not required as a means for detecting a new pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina De Carolis
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (M.D.C.); (G.A.); (M.T.-M.); (C.C.)
| | - Olimpia Barbato
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (M.D.C.); (G.A.); (M.T.-M.); (C.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-075-585-7640; Fax: +39-075-585-7638
| | - Gabriele Acuti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (M.D.C.); (G.A.); (M.T.-M.); (C.C.)
| | - Massimo Trabalza-Marinucci
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (M.D.C.); (G.A.); (M.T.-M.); (C.C.)
| | - Noelita Melo de Sousa
- Laboratory of Animal Endocrinology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, 4000 Liege, Belgium;
| | - Claudio Canali
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (M.D.C.); (G.A.); (M.T.-M.); (C.C.)
| | - Livia Moscati
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche, via G. Salvemini 1, 06126 Perugia, Italy;
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Serrapica F, Masucci F, Di Francia A, Napolitano F, Braghieri A, Esposito G, Romano R. Seasonal Variation of Chemical Composition, Fatty Acid Profile, and Sensory Properties of a Mountain Pecorino Cheese. Foods 2020; 9:foods9081091. [PMID: 32785194 PMCID: PMC7466373 DOI: 10.3390/foods9081091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to assess the compositional traits and sensory characteristics of a traditional pecorino cheese associated with management and feeding system seasonality. The study was carried out on two mountain dairy farms using an outdoor, pasture-based system from April to October (OutS), and an indoor system (InS) during the rest of the year. Outdoor-produced milk had higher fat content and a tendency for protein and somatic cell count to be higher. The OutS cheeses showed higher dry matter and fat content, higher percentages of unsaturated fatty acids, C18:3, cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid, and trans-11 C18:1, and lower percentages of C14:0 and C16:0. These modifications in fatty acid composition determined the reduction of the atherogenic index. The OutS cheeses also displayed higher intensity of almost all sensory attributes, including odor, flavor, taste, and texture descriptors. The outdoor system partly reduced the liking of consumers for pecorino. However, changes in the productive process leading to an increment in the water content and softness of the cheeses (i.e., controlled humidity and temperature during ripening) may increase the overall liking of pasture-based products, thus promoting the consumption of healthier foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Serrapica
- Dipartimento di Agraria, Università di Napoli Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy; (F.S.); (A.D.F.); (R.R.)
| | - Felicia Masucci
- Dipartimento di Agraria, Università di Napoli Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy; (F.S.); (A.D.F.); (R.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-081-253-9307
| | - Antonio Di Francia
- Dipartimento di Agraria, Università di Napoli Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy; (F.S.); (A.D.F.); (R.R.)
| | - Fabio Napolitano
- Scuola di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali, Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (F.N.); (A.B.)
| | - Ada Braghieri
- Scuola di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali, Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (F.N.); (A.B.)
| | - Giulia Esposito
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of AgriSciences, Stellenbosch University, Matieland 7602, South Africa;
- Research and Development RUM & N Sas, via Sant’Ambrogio 4/A, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Raffaele Romano
- Dipartimento di Agraria, Università di Napoli Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy; (F.S.); (A.D.F.); (R.R.)
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Cabiddu A, Dattena M, Decandia M, Molle G, Lopreiato V, Minuti A, Trevisi E. The effect of parity number on the metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative status of dairy sheep during the transition period. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:8564-8575. [PMID: 32684448 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-18114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate whether dairy sheep during the transition period are affected by their parity numbers with regard to (1) body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), and production performance (milk yield and composition) and (2) metabolic, inflammation, and stress biomarkers. For this purpose, 30 Sarda dairy ewes [15 primiparous (PRP) and 15 multiparous (MUP) ewes] were recruited on d 90 of gestation. Each group was homogeneous according to age, BW, and BCS. Sampling was carried out at -60, -30, -7, 0, +30, and +60 d from lambing. The MUP ewes showed a higher BW (46.32 vs. 38.71 kg) and larger litter size (1.45 vs. 1.06 kg) but a lower BCS (2.47 vs. 2.70) than the PRP ewes. Furthermore, the MUP ewes had lower concentrations of glucose (3.49 vs. 4.27 mol/L), cholesterol (1.63 vs. 1.81 mmol/L), free fatty acids (0.47 vs. 0.62 mmol/L), and triglycerides (0.22 vs. 0.25 mmol/L) compared with PRP ewes. With regard to inflammation and oxidative stress parameters, the PRP group had higher haptoglobin (0.48 vs. 0.18 g/L) and paraoxonase (187.90 vs. 152.11 U/L) activity than the MUP group. Overall, the MUP ewes were characterized by greater milk production performance and greater feed intake, resulting in a better energy balance, than the PRP ewes. Interestingly, these findings highlighted a different metabolic and inflammatory response over the transition period between PRP and MUP ewes, with the latter displaying lower concentrations of inflammatory-related biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Cabiddu
- Agris Sardegna, Agricultural Research Agency of Sardinia Loc., Bonassai, 07040, Olmedo, Sassari, Italy.
| | - M Dattena
- Agris Sardegna, Agricultural Research Agency of Sardinia Loc., Bonassai, 07040, Olmedo, Sassari, Italy
| | - M Decandia
- Agris Sardegna, Agricultural Research Agency of Sardinia Loc., Bonassai, 07040, Olmedo, Sassari, Italy
| | - G Molle
- Agris Sardegna, Agricultural Research Agency of Sardinia Loc., Bonassai, 07040, Olmedo, Sassari, Italy
| | - V Lopreiato
- Department of Animal Sciences, Food and Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Science, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
| | - A Minuti
- Department of Animal Sciences, Food and Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Science, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
| | - E Trevisi
- Department of Animal Sciences, Food and Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Science, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
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Gaglio R, Franciosi E, Todaro A, Guarcello R, Alfeo V, Randazzo CL, Settanni L, Todaro M. Addition of selected starter/non-starter lactic acid bacterial inoculums to stabilise PDO Pecorino Siciliano cheese production. Food Res Int 2020; 136:109335. [PMID: 32846533 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2020.109335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The present study was carried out to produce Protected Denomination of Origin (PDO) Pecorino Siciliano cheese with a multi-species lactic acid bacteria (LAB) culture, composed of starter and non-starter strains in order to reduce the microbiological variability of the products derived without LAB inoculums. To this end, cheese samples produced in six factories located in five provinces (Agrigento, Catania, Enna, Palermo and Trapani) of Sicily, and previously characterised for physicochemical, microbiological and sensory aspects, have been investigated in this work for bacterial microbiome, fatty acid (FA) composition as well as volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles. Analysis of the cheese microbiomes indicated that streptococci (30.62-77.18% relative abundance) and lactobacilli (on average 25.90% relative abundance) dominated the bacterial communities of control cheeses, produced without exogenous inoculums, whereas the cheeses produced with the selected multi-strain culture saw the dominance of lactococci (in the range 6.49-14.92% relative abundance), streptococci and lactobacilli. After the addition of the selected mixed culture, Shannon index increased in all cheeses, but only the cheeses produced with the selected LAB mixed culture in the factory 2 showed Gini-Simpson diversity index (0.79) closer to the reference value (0.94) for a perfect even community. FA composition, mainly represented by saturated FA (on average 69.60% and 69.39% in control cheeses and experimental cheeses, respectively), was not affected by adding LAB culture. The presence of polyunsaturated FA ranged between 7.93 and 8.03% of FA. VOC profiles were different only for the content of butanoic acid, registered for the experimental cheeses at higher concentrations (on average 662.54 mg/kg) than control cheeses (barely 11.96 mg/kg). This study validated addition of the ad hoc starter/non-starter culture for PDO Pecorino cheese production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raimondo Gaglio
- Dipartimento Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Forestali, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 5, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Elena Franciosi
- Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach (FEM), Via E. Mach 1, San Michele all'Adige, Italy
| | - Aldo Todaro
- Dipartimento Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Forestali, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 5, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Rosa Guarcello
- Dipartimento Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Forestali, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 5, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Alfeo
- Dipartimento Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Forestali, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 5, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Cinzia L Randazzo
- Dipartimento di Agricoltura, Alimentazione e Ambiente (Di3A), Università degli Studi di Catania, Via Santa Sofia 98, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Luca Settanni
- Dipartimento Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Forestali, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 5, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Massimo Todaro
- Dipartimento Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Forestali, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 5, 90128 Palermo, Italy
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Zucali M, Lovarelli D, Celozzi S, Bacenetti J, Sandrucci A, Bava L. Management options to reduce the environmental impact of dairy goat milk production. Livest Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2019.103888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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18
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Miranda-Alejo JC, León-Jurado JM, Pieramati C, Gómez Carpio MM, Valdés-Hernández J, Barba-Capote CJ. Use of Spline function for the characterisation on peak yield, peak day and persistency in lactation curves in Murciano-Granadina goats. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2019.1593057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Judith Carmen Miranda-Alejo
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Departamento de Genética, University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | | | - Camillo Pieramati
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Factors affecting the milk yield and composition over lactation of prolific D'man ewes in Tunisian oases. Trop Anim Health Prod 2018; 51:507-518. [PMID: 30242779 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-018-1713-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
This work aimed to investigate milk potentiality and the influence of some non-genetic factors both on milk yield production and composition in prolific D'man sheep. Observations were performed in eighty lactating D'man ewes maintained under an intensive oases system in Southern Tunisia. Daily milk yield was determined at 7-day intervals using oxytocin + hand milking method. Chemical milk composition was determined by Lactoscan. Total productions over lactation (milk, fat, and protein) were estimated using the Fleischmann method. Daily milk yield averaged 1.64 ± 0.02 l. It increased to a plateau from the third to the fourth week of lactation, and decreased gradually to the tenth week. D'man ewes produced 128.91 ± 3.14 l of milk, 9.23 ± 0.26 kg of fat, and 5.26 ± 0.12 kg of total proteins. Overall, milk contained 16.17% of total solids, 7.08% of fat, 4.04% of proteins, 4.32% of lactose, 9.09% of solids-not-fat, and 0.73% of ash. Lambing season affected the daily milk yield and milk composition, where fat and total proteins were highest in autumn. Total solids, lactose, solids-not-fat, and ash were higher in winter than in autumn and summer. Ewes reared multiple lambs produced more milk than those reared singles. Dams nursing triplets or more had the highest milk total proteins, and the lowest total solids and fat levels. Adult ewes produced more milk compared to younger and older ewes, and their milk contained higher total solids, fat, and ash levels than milk from young ewes. Ewes with asymmetric udder produced less and more concentrated milk than ewes with symmetrical udder. Daily milk yield was negatively correlated to total solids, fat, and total proteins amounts. In contrast, litter survival at weaning was positively correlated to the amounts of total milk, fat, and total proteins.
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Porcu C, Manca C, Cabiddu A, Dattena M, Gallus M, Pasciu V, Succu S, Naitana S, Berlinguer F, Molle G. Effects of short-term administration of a glucogenic mixture at mating on feed intake, metabolism, milk yield and reproductive performance of lactating dairy ewes. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2018.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Aguirre-Flores V, Orihuela A, Vázquez-Rosales R. Milk and blood progesterone concentration in ewes (Ovis aries) under different physiological states and progestogen treatment. JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL RESEARCH 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/09712119.2018.1503962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Virginio Aguirre-Flores
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Av. Universidad 1001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México
| | - Agustín Orihuela
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Av. Universidad 1001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México
| | - Reyes Vázquez-Rosales
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Av. Universidad 1001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México
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Meraï A, Dattena M, Casu S, Rekik M, Lassoued N. High-milking sheep have a lower ovulation rate and tend to yield fewer embryos in response to superovulation and intrauterine artificial insemination. Reprod Domest Anim 2017; 52:814-818. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Meraï
- Animal Science Department; National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia; University of Carthage; Tunis Tunisia
| | - M Dattena
- Agris-Sardegna Servizio Ricerca per la Zootecnica; Olmedo (SS) Italy
| | - S Casu
- Agris-Sardegna Servizio Ricerca per la Zootecnica; Olmedo (SS) Italy
| | - M Rekik
- International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA); ICARDA-Jordan Office; Amman Jordan
| | - N Lassoued
- Laboratoire des Productions Animales et Fourragères; Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique de Tunisie; Ariana Tunisia
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Valenti B, Marletta D, De Angelis A, Di Paola F, Bordonaro S, Avondo M. Herbage intake and milk yield in Comisana ewes as effect of 4 vs 7 h of grazing during late lactation. Trop Anim Health Prod 2017; 49:989-994. [PMID: 28412767 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-017-1287-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Thirty-two Comisana ewes at late lactation were used in two trials carried out during late spring in 2 consecutive years, with the aim to evaluate the effect of the duration of grazing on herbage intake and performance. In each trial, 16 pluriparous Comisana lactating ewes were equally divided into two groups which grazed in two separate areas of natural pasture from 11:00 to 15:00 h (group 4H) or from 10:00 to 17:00 (group 7H). A concentrate mixture (500 g/day) was also offered to each ewe. The mean maximum temperature was, respectively, 23.5 ± 3.8 °C during experiment 1 and 27.0 ± 3.1 °C during experiment 2. Probably as a consequence of the differences in climatic conditions, the results on herbage intake and milk production were different during the two trials. Herbage dry matter intake was not affected by the duration of grazing during trial 1, whereas it was significantly lower in 4H group compared to that in 7H group (0.67 vs 1.02 kg/day; P < 0.001) during trial 2. It could be hypothesised that while with lower environmental temperature (trial 1), the 4H ewes were able to reach good intake levels despite grazing during the hottest hours; with higher temperatures throughout the trial (trial 2), the 4H ewes reduced ingestion. Milk production was higher in 4H group during trial 1 (778 vs 707 g/day; P = 0.006), whereas it was not affected by the number of hours of grazing during trial 2, despite the higher intake levels reached by the 7H group. In conclusion, 3 extra hours of grazing for ewes at late lactation on a low quality pasture could be nullified in terms of yield response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo Valenti
- Dipartimento di Agricoltura, Alimentazione e Ambiente, University of Catania, Via Valdisavoia 5, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Donata Marletta
- Dipartimento di Agricoltura, Alimentazione e Ambiente, University of Catania, Via Valdisavoia 5, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Anna De Angelis
- Dipartimento di Agricoltura, Alimentazione e Ambiente, University of Catania, Via Valdisavoia 5, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Fortunato Di Paola
- Dipartimento di Agricoltura, Alimentazione e Ambiente, University of Catania, Via Valdisavoia 5, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Bordonaro
- Dipartimento di Agricoltura, Alimentazione e Ambiente, University of Catania, Via Valdisavoia 5, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Marcella Avondo
- Dipartimento di Agricoltura, Alimentazione e Ambiente, University of Catania, Via Valdisavoia 5, 95123, Catania, Italy.
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Mengistu U, Puchala R, Sahlu T, Gipson T, Dawson L, Goetsch A. Conditions to evaluate differences among individual sheep and goats in resilience to high heat load index. Small Rumin Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2016.12.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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25
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Marino R, Atzori A, D'Andrea M, Iovane G, Trabalza-Marinucci M, Rinaldi L. Climate change: Production performance, health issues, greenhouse gas emissions and mitigation strategies in sheep and goat farming. Small Rumin Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2015.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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