A. Zumbo

Analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms in major and candidate genes for production traits in Nero Siciliano pig breed

Abstract Nero Siciliano (NS; Sicilian Black) is a local pig breed reared on the island of Sicily mainly under extensive management. The breed is well adapted to marginal conditions and is appreciated for its reproductive performance, disease resistance and production of tasty meat. For a genetic characterization of this breed we analyzed the allele frequencies of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in eight major or candidate genes (ryanodine receptor 1, RYR1; Na+, K+ ATPase subunit α 2, ATP1A2; myosin heavy chain 2B, MYH4; sarcolipin, SLN; cathepsin B, CTSB; cystatin B, CSTB; estrogen receptor, ESR; melanocortin receptor 1, MC1R) for performance and phenotypic traits. The animals that were sampled and analyzed represent about 6-8% of the total NS pig population. PCR-RFLP or PCR-SSCP techniques were used to type the DNA markers in the selected loci. Exact test of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was computed for each locus, Fis statistics and heterozygosity were calculated for each locus and over all loci. Allele frequencies obtained in NS breed were compared to the frequencies already available in literature for the Large White, Landrace, Duroc, Belgian Landrace, Piétrain, Hampshire and Meishan breeds. For the ESR locus, as no information on the distribution of the two alleles were available, we typed a sample of unrelated pigs from the considered breeds. Even if only eight loci were studied in NS breed, important elements were obtained from the data. The 1843T (n) allele at the RYR1 locus is present in NS breed, thus the molecular test to identify the carriers of this allele should be adopted to avoid its spreading in the population. Moreover, other studies are needed to clarify the allelic structure of the MC1R gene, which affects coat color, in order to evaluate if this gene could be used in genetic tests for the traceability of the meat products of this breed. Finally, the present work represents an attempt to evaluate data on mutations within major and candidate genes with the final aim to provide information that could be useful for the conservation and valorization of local farm animal genetic resources.

Effect of seasonal variations in Mediterranean area on haematological profile in dairy cow

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of seasonal variations in Mediterranean area on haematological parameters in ten dairy cows (Bruna breed) kept under natural photoperiod and temperature. On blood samples, collected through an external jugular venipuncture every 30 days for 12 months, haematological profile was performed using an automatic multiparametric analyser for haematology. Red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell, haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (Hct), mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, platelets (PLT) and plateletcrit (PCT) were measured. One-way for repeated measure analysis of variance showed a statistically significant effect of time of year (P < 0.05) on RBC, Hb, Hct, PLT and PCT. The majority of the haematological values obtained, comparable to the values considered to be normal for dairy cows, showed that seasonal variations in haematological parameters are related to changes in physical environment with particular emphasis on ambient temperature, relative humidity and temperature–humidity index. These parameters need further investigations in relation to age and sex differences with particular attention to reproductive status.

Effects of different nutritional levels on Nero Siciliano pig performance

Riassunto Influenza del livello nutritivo della dieta sulle performance del suino Nero Siciliano. In due recinti collettivi da 1400 m2 ciascuno sono stati allevati in plein air 20 suini Neri Siciliani, suddivisi in due gruppi di 10 soggetti ciascuno, omogenei per sesso (6 maschi castrati e 4 femmine), età (8 mesi) e peso vivo (42±2 kg). Un gruppo riceveva mangime ad libitum (Libitum), l’altro razionato in base al 3% del peso vivo (Restricted). Dopo 95 giorni di allevamento gli animali sono stati macellati. Il peso vivo alla macellazione (93,26 vs. 82,97 kg; P<0,01) come gli IPMG (539,6 vs. 430,6 g/d; P<0,05) sono risultati più elevati nel gruppo “Libitum”, ma ciò ha comportato un peggioramento degli ICA (5,4 vs. 3,9; P<0,001). Il gruppo “Restricted” ha fornito una percentuale maggiore di carne magra (42,25 vs. 39,66%; P<0,05), di tagli carnosi (52,21 vs. 46,55%; P<0,001) e minore di quelli adiposi (37,42 vs. 42,38%; P<0,001).

Application of a combined global positioning and heart rate monitoring system in jumper horses during an official competition - A preliminary study.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether a combined global positioning system (GPS)/heart rate (HR) monitoring system is a valuable tool to assess, step by step, the physiological response of HR and its relationship with speed in healthy horses competing in an official show jumping class. Six mares performing a standardised warm-up and jumping course were monitored using a HR/GPS device. Venous blood lactate (BL), assessed before and after exercise, showed a significant increase (P = 0.0004) following the physical effort. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant changes in HR throughout the experimental period. The analysis of HR data recorded during the warm-up jumping stage showed significantly higher HR (P = 0.001) in the recovery period compared to the related jumping phase. Shifting the fence height from 100 cm to 125 cm during the warm-up jumps was also found to cause a significant increase (P = 0.016) in HR. According to these preliminary results, the simultaneous logging of heart rate and speed has the potential to be a reliable and powerful technique for field testing that can help in the monitoring of the horses response to jumping effort during training and competition.

Seasonal Variations of Free Fatty Acids in Plasma of 'Nero Siciliano' Pigs Living in Extensive Conditions

B. Chiofalo*, L. Liotta, A. Zumbo and L. Chiofalo Department of Morphology, Biochemistry, Physiology and Animal Production, Section of Animal Production, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Messina, Polo Universitario Annunziata, Sicily, Italy *Correspondence: Dipartimento MO.BI.FI.P.A. Sez. Zootecnica e Nutrizione animale, Facolta di Medicina Veterinaria, Polo Universitario Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy E-mail: biagina.chiofalo@unime.it

The Influence of Two Different Breeding Systems on Quality and Clotting Properties of Milk from Dairy Buffaloes Reared in Sicily (Italy)

This study focuses on nine buffalo farms (a total of 692 buffaloes), five intensive herds (161 lactating buffalo cows) and four semi-extensive herds (111 lactating buffalo cows), which are the most common in Sicily. The average milk and cheese yield, fat, protein and lactose contents were very similar between the two breeding systems. Milk casein was higher (P=0.04) in intensive herds than in semi-extensive herds (4.07% vs 3.51%), whereas the urea content was higher in semi-extensive herds (40.68 mg/dL vs 37.50 mg/dL), yet within the normal range for buffalo milk. As regards milk pH and titration acidity (°SH), no difference was observed between the two breeding systems. Milk produced by the intensive herds scored the best clotting ability with shorter curd firming time (k20 3.08 min) and greater curd firmness (a30 32.69 mm). Milk produced by the semi-extensive herds, instead, was characterized by a longer curd firming time (k20 5.26 min) and lower curd firmness (a30 27.33 mm). This milk from buffaloes bred in Sicily (Italy) also showed a good chemical composition and clotting ability in particular when produced by the intensive herds.

Serum proteins profile in Comisana lambs during the first month of life

Abstract. The aim of the present study was to measure the serum total proteins and the serum protein fractions (albumin, α1-, α2-, β-, and γ- globulins) of ten newborn lambs (Comisana breed) during the first 30 days of life in order to obtain useful information for neonatal care. From each animal, blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture at the same hour (9.00) every 3 days for 30 days starting from birth (day 0). The concentrations of serum total proteins and albumin, α1-, α2-, β-, γ- globulins, and Albumin/Globulins (A/G) ratio were determined using an automated electrophoresis system. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Bonferroni’s test, was used to determine significant differences between mean values of the studied parameters from the 1st to the 30th day of the experimental period. Data analysis of variance showed a statistical effect of days of life on total proteins, albumin, α1-globulins, β-globulins, γ-globulins and ratio A/G during the first 30 days of life (P

Effects of parity and type of kidding on the quantitative and qualitative milk characteristics of “Rossa Mediterranea” goats

Abstract The “Rossa Mediterranea ” goat, also called “Derivata di Siria ” has become much more widespread in Sicily over the last ten years. It is a goat characterised by its robustness and ability to adapt readily to new environments and in addition it has a high milk yield and is a prolific animal. The aim of this study was to examine the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of milk in 60 lactating “Rossa Mediterranea ” goats with a different number of parity and type of kidding. For six months individual daily yields were recorded and individual milk samples were taken to determine fat, protein and lactose content, somatic cell count (SCC), pH, titration acidity (°SH) and clotting properties, using the parameters r (rennet clotting time), k20 (rate of firming at 20mm) and a30 (curd firmness at 30 min). Data obtained was analyzed using the general linear model procedure of SAS (2001). Correlation coefficients were also calculated to asses the relationships between variables. The results show that daily milk yield and SCC of the terziparous goats was significantly higher (P<0.01 and P<0.05 respectively) compared to the primiparous goats. On the contrary, the protein and fat levels of the primiparous goats were higher than those of the terziparous ones. Goats with multiple kids showed a significantly higher daily milk yield (1691 vs. 1518 g, P<0.01) and SCC (log10 2.62 vs. log10 2.53, P<0.01) compared to the goats with a single kid. Milk coagulation parameters of terziparous goats showed higher r-values compared to those of the other goats. Rennet clotting time (r) and curd firmness (a30 ) of the milk were not affected by kidding effect. A negative correlation was found between quantity and quality of the milk, particularly between daily milk production and fat (r = −0.27; P<0.01) and protein content (r = −0.18; P<0.05).The results of this research extended the studies on the milk production and quality of this particular goat.

Phenotypic and genetic analysis of udder health using SCC in Valle del Belice dairy sheep

Riassunto Analisi fenotipica e genetica del contenuto in cellule somatiche sullo stato sanitario della mammella in pecore da latte di razza Valle del Belice. Le infezioni intramammarie (IMI) nell’allevamento dei piccoli ruminanti allevati per la produzione di latte rivestono una notevole importanza economica ed igienico sanitaria come evidenziato nelle direttive dell’Unione Europea 46/92 e 71/94. Nel presente lavoro è stata condotta una analisi fenotipica e genetica sulla suscettibilità di pecore da latte di razza Valle del Belice alle IMI. Con un threshold sire model sono state stimate le componenti della varianza e l’ereditabilità del carattere definito sulla base del contenuto in cellule somatiche del latte.