Adriana Di Trana

Effects of plane of nutrition on oxidative stress in goats during the peripartum period

This study aimed to monitor the effect of a high (HD; 140% of energy requirements) versus a low diet (LD; 80% energy requirements) on oxidative status in goats during the peripartum period. Blood samples were taken from all goats at -2, -1, 0 (partum), +2 and +4 weeks from delivery. Blood samples were assayed for their content of reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs), thiol (SH) groups, total antioxidant capacity (OXY) and for glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. The observation that ROMs levels significantly increased during the peripartum period was accompanied by a decrease of GSH-Px activity at weeks 2 and 4 postpartum, which suggested that the goats might have experienced some degree of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Overall, changes to the nutritional level of the diet had very little or no effect on redox homeostasis. The lack of any correlation between the biomarkers measured indicated that each oxidative stress marker responded differently, indicating that redox homeostasis was impaired in these dairy goats during the peripartum period.

Metabolic profile and oxidative status in goats during the peripartum period

The aim of this study was to monitor the metabolic profile and oxidative status in goats during the peripartum period. A blood sample was taken from 10 Red Syrian goats on days −21, −3, +1, +14, and +28 from delivery. Samples were assayed for glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities, and reactive oxygen metabolites, insulin, insulin-like growth factor-I, free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4), leptin, urea, non-esterified fatty acids, triglycerides, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, globulin, calcium and inorganic phosphorus concentrations. Blood glutathione peroxidase activity decreased during the postpartum period and its values were significantly (P < 0.05) lower on days 14 and 28 postpartum. Albumin levels were significantly (P < 0.05) lower on days −3, 1 and 28 from delivery compared with day −21. Plasma urea levels significantly (P < 0.001) decreased starting from day −3 from delivery. No effect of time from delivery was noted on reactive oxygen metabolites, non-esterified fatty acids, triglycerides, cholesterol, total protein, calcium and inorganic phosphorus, insulin and leptin concentrations and superoxide dismutase activity. Plasma concentrations of fT3 were significantly (P < 0.01) higher on days 14 and 28 compared with days −21, −3 and 1 from delivery. Plasma levels of fT4 were significantly (P < 0.01) lower on days −3 and 1 from delivery. Plasma insulin-like growth factor-I values slowly decreased during the postpartum period and its values were significantly (P < 0.05) lower on day 28. This study indicates that goats experienced moderate oxidative stress during the peripartum period.

Effect of CSN1S1 genotype and its interaction with diet energy level on milk production and quality in Girgentana goats fed ad libitum

A study was carried out to evaluate how the energy level of the diet can affect milk production and quality in Girgentana lactating goats in relation to polymorphism at the alphas1-casein (CSN1S1) genotype locus. Twenty-seven goats, homogeneous for milk production (1.5+/-0.3 kg/d), days of lactation (90+/-10 d) and body weight (35.8+/-5.5 kg) were selected on the basis of their CSN1S1 genotype, as follows: nine goats homozygous for strong (AA) alleles, nine goats homozygous for weak alleles (FF) and nine goats heterozygous (AF). The goats were used in a 3x3 factorial arrangement of treatments, with three genotypes (AA, FF, AF) and three diets at different energy levels (100%, 65% and 30% of hay inclusion). The experiment consisted of three simultaneous 3x3 Latin squares for the three genotypes, with one square for each level of hay inclusion in the diet. All the animals were housed in individual pens. Each experimental period lasted 23 d and consisted of 15 d for adaptation and 8 d for data and sample collection, during which the goats received the scheduled diet ad libitum. The animals were fed three different diets designed to have the same crude protein content (about 15%) but different energy levels: a pelleted alfalfa hay (H100) and two feeds including 65% (H65) and 30% (H30) of alfalfa hay (respectively 1099, 1386 and 1590 kcal NE for lactation/kg DM). All the diets were ground and pelleted (6 mm diameter). AA goats were more productive than AF and FF goats (respectively: 1419 v. 1145 and 1014 g/d; P=0.002). Indeed the interaction energy levelxgenotype was significant (P=0.018): in fact AA goats showed their milk increase only when fed with concentrates. Differences in protein and in casein levels between the three genotypes were in line with results expected from the different allele contribution to alphas1-casein synthesis. Milk urea levels were significantly lower in AA goats compared with AF and FF genotypes (respectively 32.7 v. 40.4 and 40.4 mg/dl; P=0.049) and significantly lower when goats were fed with 65H and 30H diets than with 100H diet (respectively 37.4 and 34.3 v. 41.7 mg/dl; P<0.001). Indeed, a significant interaction genotypexdiet (P=0.043) occurred for milk urea, which was significantly lower in AA goats but only when fed with concentrates (65H and 30H). Blood concentrations of energy indicators (glucose, non-esterified fatty acids and beta-hydroxybutyric acid) were not influenced by genotype. The results confirm that strong alleles are associated with a greater efficiency of feed utilization and seem to show that a high energy level of the diet can further improve this efficiency.

The influence of lactation on the quantity and quality of cashmere production

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of lactation on cashmere production. Two groups of cashmere bearing goats, aged between 2 and 3 years, were used in this study. The control group included 12 non-lactating, non-pregnant subjects. The experimental group was made up of 12 goats that had given birth to twins or triplets and that had begun lactating in the second half of May. Lactation therefore had begun approximately 45 days prior to the beginning of the emergence of fibre on the body surface. Live weight was not affected by the physiological state under consideration. The decrease observed in January is too remote to have been an effect of lactation. One likely explanation is that after shearing the animals were obliged to use their body reserves for thermoregulation. Prolactin concentration was higher at the beginning of the study in both groups and it was not influenced by lactation. Albeit with a varied intensity, secondary follicles were found to be active during the entire trial period but activity never reached 100% in either group. Lactation significantly suppressed the percentage of secondary follicle activity and this was more evident from June to September. Fibre length and diameter did not differ between the two groups, so lactation did not affect fibre dimensions. The period of growth was shorter in lactating goats (184 vs 226 d). This did not make a difference in fibre length in so much as the lactating goats manifested a higher daily average growth rate (0.27 ± 0.03 vs 0.20 ± 0.03 mm/d; P<0.05) which compensated for the shorter period of growth. Lactation caused a decrease in productivity of an insignificant nature, therefore we hold that the negative effect of lactation on cashmere production does not depend upon the physiological status as such but, most probably, upon the level of productivity and the degree to which the lactation and fibre growth cycles overlap.

Influence of four single fresh forages on volatile organic compound (VOC) content and profile and sensory properties of goat Caciotta cheese

Abstract Aim of the trial was to evaluate the effect of fresh single-species herbage on the VOC and sensory properties of cheese, in order to individuate specific descriptors linked to the use of fresh herbage in pureness. Two groups of Siriana housed goats were fed alternately with 2 grasses: Avena sativa (AS) and Lolium perenne (LP) and 2 legumes: Medicago sativa (MS) and Trifolium incarnatum (TI) in pureness. The milk was processed as Caciotta cheese and ripened for 20 days. The VOC analyses (by GC-MS) showed the highest VOC total content in AS cheeses (226.55a.u.), where alcohols was the dominant class; the lowest value (79.96a.u.) was found in TI cheeses, and the dominant class was hydrocarbons. The panel test (for colour, odour, taste and final acceptability) showed that cheeses from grasses’ groups were described with astringent and blue taste, those from legumes with acidic, bitter and light goaty taste. All cheeses showed goaty taste, except LP cheeses. Grasses’ cheeses showed higher final acceptability than those from legumes. The results showed that each meadow’s species, with its specific content of secondary metabolites, at specific phenological stage, was able to characterise the derived cheese products at sensorial level.

The influence of pregnancy and the beginning of lactation on pelage traits in cashmere goats

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pregnancy followed by the beginning of lactation on fibre traits in cashmere goats. Two groups of cashmere-bearing goats aged between 2-3 years were used. The control group (A) included 12 non-lactating, non-pregnant subjects. The experimental group (B) included 12 goats mated during the first week of June, in order to have pregnancy and the beginning of lactation coincide with the period when cashmere normally grows. As expected, Liveweight significantly varied in Group B during the last two months of pregnancy, when foetal growth reaches its maximum, and following delivery. Hair patch weight, because of the continuous growth of primary and secondary fibres, increased significantly during the trial (P<0.001). The physiological status considered negatively affected (P<0.05) the total mean growth rate of cashmere fibres and, as a result, their length. Cashmere daily growth rate values varied significantly (P<0.05) throughout the experiment, while the effect of the physiological status was noted only in November – December. Furthermore, this parameter also seems to be influenced by climatic factors and, in particular, environmental temperature, as shown by the negative correlation (r = - 0.28; P<0.05) between cashmere daily growth rate and environmental temperature. Guard hair length and growth rate did not differ between the two groups, however, they were influenced by time. Cashmere yield and cashmere production were lower in group B (P<0.05). No differences between groups were observed for cashmere diameter. Overall, pregnancy and the consequent period of lactation negatively influenced cashmere rather than guard hair fibres. These negative effects were noted in quantitative terms as yield and production dropped by 37% and 43%, respectively. We hypothesise that the complete overlap of pregnancy and lactation with the period of cashmere growth reduced the number of secondary active follicles and their degree of activity and caused an increase in competition for the partitioning of nutrients between hair follicles and the gravid uterus, first, and then the mammary gland, later.

Comparison of goat, sheep, cattle and water buffalo leptin (LEP) genes and effects of the Intron 1 microsatellite polymorphism in goats

We report and compare the partial genomic sequence (from part of Intron 1 to part of Exon 3) of goat, sheep, cattle and water buffalo leptin (LEP) genes. Genomic DNA was obtained from leukocytes of 117 goats belonging to six breeds (Angora, Alpine, Garganica, Girgentana, Maltese and Red Syrian); 30 sheep belonging to five breeds (Altamura, Sarda, Apulian Merino, Leccese, Apennine) 50 water buffaloes and 43 Italian Friesian cattle. All the four species had a microsatellite region in Intron 1. According to the results of a population analysis, we observed 10, 5, and 2 alleles, in cattle, water buffalo and goats, respectively, in this region. No nucleotide variation was observed in sheep. The results of this study show that in Red Syrian goats the two alleles are associated with significantly different effects on β-hydroxybutyric acid (P = 0.04) and free thyroxine (P = 0.018) levels, and milk somatic cell counts (P = 0.034). The same microsatellite region was tendentially associated with variation in insulin-like growth factor-1 (P = 0.082) and triglycerides (P = 0.072) levels. The results of this study are further evidence for the role of leptin as an indicator of metabolism and mammary gland health in dairy ruminants.

Native and non-native sheep breed differences in canestrato pugliese cheese quality: A resource for a sustainable pastoral system

Claps S., Annicchiarico G., Di Napoli M.A., Paladino F., Giorgio D., Sepe L., Rossi R., Di Trana A. (2016): Native and non-native sheep breed differences in Canestrato Pugliese cheese quality: a resource for a sustainable pastoral system. Czech J. Food Sci., 34: 332–340. Canestrato Pugliese is an Italian uncooked hard cheese made by the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status. In the past, it was manufactured with milk from local sheep breeds (Altamurana and Leccese) while in recent years it has almost entirely been made with milk from non-native sheep breeds (Sarda and Comisana). The aim of the study was to investigate the breed effect on the quality of Canestrato Pugliese cheese by comparing two native (Altamurana and Leccese) and two non-native (Sarda and Comisana) sheep breeds. The experiment was carried out at the experimental farm of CREA-ZOE (Apulia region, Southern Italy) using a flock set-up of four sheep breeds: Altamurana, Leccese, Sarda, and Comisana. All sheep fed pasture supplemented with 200 g/sheep/day concentrate at each milking. For each breed, three cheese-makings of Canestrato Pugliese were carried out for three consecutive days following the PDO technology. At two and four months of ripening, cheese was analysed for gross composition, fatty acid profile, nutritional indexes, and volatile organic compounds. Significant differences were found between breeds in the fatty acid profile and nutritional indexes (p ≤ 0.05). Canestrato Pugliese from Comisana, Leccese, and Sarda had a higher dry matter and fat content than that from Altamurana breed (p ≤ 0.05). Cheeses from altamurana and Comisana showed a higher content of unsaturated and omega-3 fatty acids and a better omega-6/omega-3 ratio than the others (p ≤ 0.05). The best Health Promoting Index was detected in Altamurana, Comisana, and Leccese cheeses (p ≤ 0.05). Additionally, sheep breed affected the content of volatile organic compounds (p ≤ 0.05). The highest value of volatile organic compounds was observed in cheeses from Leccese breed (p ≤ 0.05). The discriminant analysis performed on cheese data shows a separation between native and non-native sheep breeds. The present study reveals that the breed has an evident effect on the fatty acid and volatile organic compound profile of Canestrato Pugliese.

The Role of Local Sheep and Goat Breeds and Their Products as a Tool for Sustainability and Safeguard of the Mediterranean Environment

This chapter is a survey of recent studies on native sheep and goat breeds with special emphasis on their role as a tool of sustainability. After a short overview, strategies for adding value to the local breeds are described together with a synthesis of measures in support of animal biodiversity in marginal areas of Mediterranean environment. In this direction, three case studies are reported in which the added value of local breeds arising from a typical and/or traditional product is investigated. The first one is on native sheep breeds from Apulian region and the PDO Canestrato Pugliese cheese, and it indicates that Altamurana and Apulian Merino breeds produce milk and cheese having nutritional characteristics and sensory properties distinguishable from non-native breeds. The second and third studies regard local goat breeds and local cheeses, Caciotta and Ricotta cheeses. As it appears from our discussion, Girgentana breed produces milk and Caciotta and Ricotta cheeses with distinguishable fatty acid profile, nutritional index and sensory properties compared to other breeds. These peculiarities add value to the Girgentana breed and therefore give a support in favour of this breed, amplifying its sustainable use. Finally, we point out that the high quantity of sialyloligosaccharides found in local Garganica breed compared to foreign breed appears as an interesting promising feature in the study of adding value to local breeds.

The Effect of Yerba Mate ( Ilex Paraguariensis ) Supplementation on Nutrient Degradability in Dairy Cows: An In sacco and In vitro Study

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of Yerba Mate (YM) supplementation on nutrients’ degradation, in vitro dry matter disappearance, gas production and rumen ammonia concentration. Three rumen-fistulated Holstein Friesian cows were used for the in situ incubations and provided rumen liquor for in vitro incubations. The inclusion of YM in a control diet (pasture+pellets) affected some in sacco degradation parameters. YM supplementation decreased the effective degradability and degradation rate of pasture crude protein (CP), and it seems to slow down the degradation of pasture neutral detergent fiber. A significant increase of degradation of pasture acid detergent fiber (ADF) was detected after YM inclusion in the control diet. YM supplementation reduced in vitro gas production of pasture and ammonia concentration of pellets. The addition of YM in ruminant diet could decrease ammonia production and increase protein availability for productive purposes. The moderate presence of tannins in YM could have affected the degradation kinetics of pasture CP and ADF and the ammonia production of pellets.