A. Vicenti

Use of sweet lupin (Lupinus albus L. var. Multitalia) in feeding for Podolian young bulls and influence on productive performances and meat quality traits.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of sweet lupin (Lupinusalbus L. var. Multitalia) as a substitute for soybean (Glicinemax [L] Merr.) in feed on the productive performance and meat quality of Podolian young bulls. The steers were divided into 2 homogeneous groups and were fed durum wheat (Triticumdurum L.), straw and a complete pellet feed containing 20% sweet lupin seeds or 16.5% soybean. Productive performances were similar for both groups. The values of pH, measured on Longissimuslumborum and Semitendinosus muscles 24h after slaughter, were similar. No differences were shown between groups regarding the colour characteristics of both muscles or the tenderness of the cooked meat. No statistical differences were found between diets regarding the fatty acid profile of meats, except for a significantly higher incidence of linoleic acid in the meat obtained from animals on soybean feed. In conclusion, comparable results were obtained when soybean was replaced with sweet lupin seeds in complete pellet feed for Podolian steers.

Growth performance and carcass characteristics of female turkeys as affected by feeding programs

A trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of different feeding programs on growth performance and carcass characteristics of Nicholas Large White female turkeys. Three different feeding programs were considered for a 12-wk period: 1) 3 diets fed for 4 wk each (starter 24% CP, grower 20% CP, and finisher diet 16% CP), 2) 2 diets fed for 6 wk each (starter-grower 22% CP and grower-finisher diet 18% CP), and 3) no change of diet for 12 wk (starter-grower-finisher diet 20% CP). From 0 to 4 wk of age, birds were fed an ad libitum common starter diet. Each dietary treatment was replicated 3 times, and feed and water were provided ad libitum. Body weight and feed consumption were measured every 2 wk, whereas carcass characteristics were evaluated at 16 wk of age. Feed intake increased as the frequency of dietary changes decreased, and feed conversion was not different between programs 1 and 3. There were no significant differences in final BW among experimental groups. For a single feeding program, the proportion of neck, bone, and feet decreased, and a greater percentage of edible meat was registered as compared with the other 2 groups. Mean carcass, breast, and thigh weights of turkeys reared under multiple diets were not different compared with other groups. Positive correlations were noted between live weight and weight of carcass, breast, thigh, drumstick, wing, and abdominal fat of turkeys. Thus, a single cycle feeding regimen in Nicholas Large White female turkeys results in similar growth performance and carcass characteristics compared with other conventional feeding programs considered in the present study.

Influence of weaning age on productive performance of kids slaughtered at 107 days of age

Twenty-four Jonica kids, artificially reared, were used: ten kids (six male and four female) weaned at 45 days of age and 14 (eight male and six female) at 60 days. From the beginning of the trial (45 d of age) up to 70th day, all kids were given a commercial complete mixed feed for weaning that, in the following phase (70–170 d), was replaced by a commercial fattening ration. Kids weaned later at 60 days showed a better feed conversion, a higher final weight (P<0.05), a lower yield loss, better dressing percentage, better shaped carcasses and more tender (P<0.01), higher water content (P<0.05) and darker LD muscle. These results show the drawbacks of early weaning of kids.

Effect of dietary rosemary oil on growth performance and flesh quality of farmed seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

Abstract In order to assess the effect of a diet integrated with rosemary oil on growth performance and flesh quality of farmed Dicentrarchus labrax, a feeding trial was carried out. Seabass were fed with two different diets for 200 days, after that they were caught and stored in ice in a refrigerator cell (0-2°C) for 17 days. Then they were examinated on 1, 3, 10 and 17 day for sensory evaluation (fresh whole fish and cooked fillet) according to QIM and Torry Scheme. Specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion rate (FCR) were calculated, fillets were subjected to proximate analysis. No statistical differences were found in the final average body weight for both diets as well as SGR and FCR means. The sensory score (QIM) increased linearly with storage time. No significant difference was noticed between two diets. As for cooked fillet, Torry Scheme score decreased with storage time. At day 10 significant differences were displayed between the diets (7.44 vs. 8.67; P<0.05). Overall sensory acceptability for consuming farmed seabass stored in ice was set in corrispondence of day 13 for control diet and day 14 for experimental diet. No difference was showed in the chemical composition.

Evaluation of animal welfare and milk production of goat fed on diet containing hydroponically germinating seeds

Abstract Hydroponic fodder is a particularly nutritious feed, rich in protein and vitamins such as ß-carotene, trace elements and enzymes. It may also offer the advantage of a continuous availability. A pilot plant for hydroponically production of germinating seeds was built in an area of the same farm where the trial took place. Three homogeneous groups of 30 Jonica breed goats in lactation (4th-5th parity) were used to evaluate the effects of two different levels of partial dietary substitution with hydroponically germinating (h.g.) oat on plasma levels of cortisol and milk production. Germinated oat was used after 7 days of hydroponic growth. Control group (T) received only feed (fodder and oat integrated with complement feed). The other 2 groups were fed on diet containing different levels (1,5Kg - group A; 3Kg - group B) of hydroponically germinating oat. Goats showed a small interest in fresh feed during the trial period. The integration with hydroponically germinating oat in partial substitution of the traditional feed in the diet of goat did not significantly affect biochemical and haematological parameters.

Meat quality of Kuruma prawn (Marsupenaeus japonicus): preliminary evaluation

Riassunto Qualità delle carni di Marsupenaeus japonicus: valutazione preliminare. Lo studio ha inteso valutare le caratteristiche qualitative delle carni di gamberi tigre, in considerazione della somministrazione di una dieta in parte fornita dall’uomo (Ca), rispetto a quelle che sono le condizioni di vita pressoché selvatiche di un allevamento estensivo (Le). Sui maschi e sulle femmine sono stati rilevati i parametri colorimetrici e la durezza delle carni a 0, 1 e 40 giorni. Inoltre al tempo 0 è stata determinata la composizione chimica delle carni. La sperimentazione ha messo in evidenza l’influenza del sistema di allevamento, del sesso e dei differenti tempi di conservazione sui parametri colorimetrici e sulla tenerezza. Il contenuto proteico era uguale nei due allevamenti, al contrario delle altre componenti chimiche.

Effect of type of suckling and polyunsaturated fatty acid use on lamb production. 1. Productive performances and quanti-qualitative characteristics of the carcass

Abstract The aim of the study was to estimate the influence of artificial rearing and of the addition of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) to an acidified milk replacer on the productive performances and on the quanti-qualitative characteristics of the carcass. Fifty one twin-born Gentile di Puglia lambs were subdivided into three homogenous groups (9 females and 8 males) assigned the following feeding treatments: maternal milk (MM); acidified milk replacer (MR); acidified milk replacer + 10 ml/l of a mixture of linseed and fish oil rich in PUFA (MR+PUFA). Milk consumptions and live weights were recorded weekly. Seven males from each group were slaughtered at 45 days of age and the net warm dressing percentage, the composition of the carcass and the colorimetric characteristics of the Longissimus lumborum muscle were estimated. Artificial rearing improved the daily weight gain (0.182-0.172 vs 0.128 Kg; P<0.01) of lambs, provided fatter carcasses and meat with a better red index (6.16-6.43 vs 8.03; P<0.01). The addition of omega-3 fatty acids to the diet did not influence the weight gain, the feed conversion index, the net warm dressing percentage and the incidence of the different meat cuts of the half carcass. However, it significantly increased the half carcass length (37.86 vs 35.0 cm; P<0.05), the thoracic depth (19.71 vs 16.50 cm; P<0.01) while, it compared to the MR group reduced the proportion of lean (63.21 vs 53.98 %; P<0.01) in favour of bone (20.94 vs 29.40 %; P<0.01) in the lumbar region.

Performances, carcass and some meat quality traits in lambs fed with extruded linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) and oregano (Origanum vulgare L.)

15.30-16.00 Elisabetta Canali, Sara Barbieri, Michela Minero, Valentina Ferrante, Silvana Mattiello, Adroaldo Zanella AWIN project: innovation in animal welfare assessment .......................................................................................................................................C-001 16.00-16.15 Susanna Lolli, Inma Estevez, Lorenzo Ferrari, Tatiane Terumi Negrão Watanabe, Sezen Ozkan, Carlo Tremolada, Valentina Ferrante Protocol development for welfare assessment in commercial turkey farms .....................................................................................................C-002 16.15-16.30 Monica Battini, Sara Barbieri, Guido Bruni, Giorgio Zanatta, Silvana Mattiello Testing the feasibility of a prototype welfare assessment protocol in intensive dairy goat farms ..............................................................C-003 16.30-16.45 Katia Parati, Rossana Capoferri, Livia Moscati, Marco Sensi, Guerino Lombardi, Francesca Battioni, Gianpietro Sandri, Carlo Briani, Andrea Galli The effect of the relaying mode on welfare of the pregnant sow .....................................................................................................................................C-004 16.45-17.00 Marta Brscic, Giulia Vida, Annalisa Scollo, Giulio Cozzi, Flaviana Gottardo Relationship between pig welfare in the pre-slaughter phase and superficial bruises of their carcasses. .................................................C-005 17.00-17.15 Maria Lúcia Pereira Lima, João Alberto Negrão, Claudia Cristina Paro de Paz Corral modification for humane livestock handling can improve cattle behavior and reduce serum cortisol..........................................C-006 17.15-17.30 Isabella Lora, Marta Brscic, Luisa Magrin, Clelia Rumor, Flaviana Gottardo Effects of innovative horizontal fans on beef cattle health, growth and welfare .............................................................................................C-007 17.30-17.45 Miriam Iacurto, Roberto Steri, Germana Capitani, Federico Vincenti Animal welfare in beef cattle: performances and meat quality ............................................................................................................................C-008

Raw and extruded field beans (Vicia faba var. minor) as alternative protein sources in heavy lamb diets

Abstract The possible risk connected to GMO use in animal breeding leads to reconsider animal production processes with special reference to the use of alternative protein sources able to replace soy bean, whose production accounts for about 60% GMO. The aim of the trial was to evaluate the possibility to replace soy bean with field bean for the heavy lamb diet and to study the effect of the processing treatment (extrusion) on the productive performances, the energy and protein metabolism parameters and on the quanti-qualitative characteristics of the carcass and the meat. Twenty-four male Gentile di Puglia lambs were divided, when 42 days old, into three homogeneous groups according to live weight (12,0 ± 0,5 kg) and assigned to the following feeding treatments: a) soy bean (control); b) raw field bean; c) extruded field bean. Food consumptions and live weights were recorded weekly in order to calculate the daily weight gain and the feed conversion index; blood samples were collected every 21 days and plasma concentration of glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol (energy metabolism), and BUN, total proteins, protein electrophoresis (protein metabolism) were measured. At 90 days of age, after 12 hours of fasting, lambs were slaughtered and the dressing percentage was calculated. After refrigeration at 4 °C for 24 hours, the carcasses were sectioned into cuts, and the pelvic limb and lumbar region were dissected into tissue components (lean, fat and bone) (ASPA, 1991). The pH values were measured at slaughtering and 24 h later on the Longissimus dorsi (Ld) and Semimembranosus (Sm) muscles. Meat colour features (L, a, b) were assessed by using a spectrophotometer (Hunter Lab, D65/10° illuminant). Data were analyzed by ANOVA using the GLM procedure of SAS and means were compared using the Student’s t test.The use of raw field bean showed better daily weight gain (250 g) when compared to c) group (220 g) and, especially, a) group (200 g, P<0.05). The blood indexes characterizing the energetic and protein metabolism were affected by lambs’ age but not by their feeding treatment. The pH of both the muscles, Ld and Sm, were not influenced by the feeding treatment at the slaughtering time, while 24 hours later the pH value of the Ld was significantly higher in the control group (6,10 ± 0,18) when compared to c) group (5.71 ± 0.02; P<0.01) and b) group (5.78±0,05; P<0.05). No statistical differences with regards to the incidence of the different cuts of the half carcass were detected among treatments. As for the tissue components of the pelvic limb cut, the percentage of lean in the control group (62.44±1.39) was lightly lower compared to the field bean groups, either extruded (63,28±2,15) or raw (64.44±0.67 %). The percentage of fat was lower for the extruded field bean treatment (9.03±0.78) with respect to that recorded with the use of soy bean (11.23 ± 0.60; P<0.05) or of raw field bean (12.83±0.78; P<0.01). With concern to the colorimetric characteristics of the Ld muscle, the index of redness was greater in the group fed with raw field bean when compared to control (10.39±0,42 vs 9.33±0.29; P<0.05). On the other hand, the brightness (37.90±1.44) and the yellowness (7.81±0.47) of the Sm muscle were significantly lower (P<0.05) in b) group when compared to a) and c) groups. It is concluded that field bean may represent a valid alternative to soy bean as a protein feed for growing lambs in so-called “organic” animal production systems where transgenic soy is banned.

Use of sweet lupin (Lupinus albus L.) as alternative protein source in diets for podolian young bulls

Abstract The Podolian bovine represents an important example of Italian rustic breed, since it is able to live under difficult environmental conditions and it takes advantage of sources that could not be otherwise used, producing meat and secondarily milk. The “Podolica” breed is diffused in the marginal areas of the south of Italy and it is especially reared in Lucania and also Apulia. It could be improved by means of a rearing management set up in agreement with the traditional systems, using the pastures and feeding schemes aimed to increase meat productions. This trial was carried out on sixteen podolian young bulls of about 9 months of age that were transferred from the pasture to the box and after that divided into two homogeneous groups of 8 subjects each. Then the young bulls had been fed ad libitum for about 180 days on straw and a complete feed containing either extruded soybean meal s.e. (group Soybean, S) or sweet lupine (Lupinus albus L., var. Multitalia) (group Lupine, L). The two different pelleted feeds were planned in order to be approximately isoproteic (17% DM) and isoenergetic (1 Feed Unit for meat production/kg DM). The feeding sources had been consumed by the two groups in the order of 63% feed and 37% straw. Feed intake within each group was also calculated. The L group feed intake was 8.47 kg DM/day against 8.82 kg DM/day evaluated for the S group. All the relives and the analysis were performed according to the ASPA methodologies. The productive performances did not showed significant differences between the two groups during the experimentation. In fact, the results concerning the daily weight gain (1.110 vs 1.171 kg/day of L and S groups, respectively) were satisfactory as well as the feed conversion ratio (7.63 vs 7.54 kg DM as fed/kg, obtained respectively for the L and S groups). The slaughter took place when bulls were 15 months old. As for the slaughtering data no statistical differences were found, evidencing good cold dressing percentage on empty body weight with values close to 65% in both theses. With regard to the cutting yield, the weights of the right half carcass were comparable in the two groups, however a higher, but not significantly, incidence of the Lumbar region was recorded in the L than the S. Subsequently, at the dissection of the Lumbar region into the tissue components, the incidences (%) of lean were similar between the two groups, even if lightly higher in the L with respect to S; moreover, L group showed a significantly lower fat amount in comparison with the S one (5.68% vs 7.89%, P<0.05). Such trend was evidenced for the values concerning the intramuscular fat content (3.22 of L vs 3.34% of S) of the Longissimus lumborum assessed by the chemical analysis. We may conclude that sweet lupine, as alternative protein source in diets for Podolian young bulls, can overall provide productive performances as well as meat production and quality characteristics that are comparable with the soybean. Moreover, the lower percentage of fat recorded in the Lumbar region from the animals fed sweet lupine could be a positive outcome, in accordance with the dietetic guidelines for human health.