Annamaria Passantino

Productive performance and histological features of intestinal mucosa of broiler chickens fed different dietary protein levels

To evaluate the effect of decreasing dietary protein on growth performance, carcass traits, and intestinal mucosal morphometry, 180 female Hubbard strain broiler chickens were divided into 3 groups and fed 3 isoenergetic diets ad libitum from 14 d of age until slaughter age (49 d). The treatments varied according to 3 protein levels: high-protein diet (HiP, 22.5% CP, DM basis), medium-protein diet (MedP, 20.5% CP), and low-protein diet (LowP, 18.5%). Diets were obtained by replacing wheat middlings with soybean meal and were formulated to meet or exceed broiler amino acid requirements of the NRC. Morphometric indices of duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were measured at the end of the feeding period and included villus height, crypt depth, villus-to-crypt ratio, and apparent villus surface area. The dietary protein level had a significant effect on final BW of birds, whereas ADG, ADFI, and feed efficiency remained unaffected by dietary treatment. The muscle (breast and drumstick) yields were significantly higher in birds fed the HiP diet compared with those of the MedP and LowP diets. Meat quality traits were not affected by the protein level. The villus surface area of all intestinal segments did not change among groups. Instead, reducing the dietary protein level to 20.5% resulted in a higher villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio in the duodenum and ileum. On the basis of our findings, even if the high-protein diet promoted meat yield, a medium-protein diet could positively support broiler growth performance, as confirmed by favorable morphometric features of the intestine.

Stray dog and cat laws and enforcement in Czech Republic and in Italy

The growing numbers of stray dogs and cats have posed serious public-health, socioeconomic, political and animal-welfare problems in many EU countries. Stray animal population control is a complex issue and there are no easy solutions. Recognising the importance of the issue the European Commission has, since 2007, actively contributed to the elaboration of the first global welfare standards for the control of dog populations in the framework of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). Problem-solving approaches vary in different countries as there is no common European Community legislation dealing with stray animal control. In this paper the authors describe the characteristics of the stray dog and cat problem in general and focus on existing European legislation. A comparative overview of policies and measures in place in the Czech Republic and in Italy is made to observe the differences between the two countries and understand the different needs in each, considering their historical and social differences (i.e. a post-communist eastern country vs a western country and founder member of what is now the European Union).

Histological, Histochemical and Morphometric Changes of Splenic Melanomacrophage Centers (Smmcs) in Sparicotyle-Infected Cultured Sea Breams (Sparus aurata)

Diseases caused by parasites are much more frequently described in cultured fish, which suffer from artificial conditions and numerous stress factors. This study investigates the histological, histochemical and morphometric modifications of splenic melanomacrophage centers (SMMCs) infected by Sparicotyle chrisophrii (Monogenea, ectoparasite of the gills) in sea breams (Sparus aurata), cultured in floating cages in the Gulf of Gaeta (Italy). Infected fish swam near the water surface, showing severe signs of anemia. Several spleens were collected from both healthy and dead fish (70–100 gr. body weight). A spleen histopathology was evaluated by using traditional stainings, such as Haematoxylin and Eosin (HE), Periodic Acid-Schiff reaction (PAS), Perls reaction for haemosiderin and Schmorls reaction for lipofuscins. Furthermore, SMMCs morphometry was performed on PAS-stained sections to study 7 morphometric parameters [Mean SMMCs profile area (MPA), Mean SMMCs maximum diameter (Media), Mean SMMCs minimum diameter (media), Mean SMMCs diameter (Dia), Mean SMMCs Perimeter (P), Mean SMMCs Form Factor (FF) and Mean SMMCs number per square millimeter of spleen tissue (MN)]. A light microscope of HE stained sections of spleen revealed a dramatic increase in the size and number of SMMCs in parasitized animals. Morphometric data illustrated statistically significant differences (p < 0.01) of all studied parameters between healthy and diseased fish. This study emphasizes the importance of using histopathological investigations to unravel the complex biological host/parasite interaction, which results in systemic lesions affecting reared marine species.

Neutrophils Directly Recognize Group B Streptococci and Contribute to Interleukin-1β Production during Infection.

Previous studies have shown that the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β has a crucial role in host defenses against group B streptococcus (GBS), a frequent human pathogen, by recruiting neutrophils to infection sites. We examined here the cell types and mechanisms involved in IL-1β production during infection. Using a GBS-induced peritonitis model in mice, we first found that a large proportion of exudate cells contain intracellular IL-1β by immunofluorescence. Of the IL-1β positive cells, 82 and 7% were neutrophils and macrophages, respectively, suggesting that the former cell type might significantly contribute to IL-1β production. Accordingly, depletion of neutrophils with anti-Ly6G antibodies resulted in a significant reduction in the levels of IL-1β, but not of TNF-α or IL-6. We next found that neutrophils are capable of releasing mature IL-1β and TNF-α directly in response to in vitro stimulation with GBS. The production of pro-IL-1β and TNF-α in these cells required the Toll-like receptor (TLR) adaptor MyD88 and the chaperone protein UNC93B1, which is involved in mobilization of a subfamily of TLRs to the endosomes. Moreover, pro-IL-1β processing and IL-1β release was triggered by GBS hemolysin and required components of the canonical inflammasome, including caspase-1, ASC and NLRP3. Collectively our findings indicate that neutrophils make a significant contribution to IL-1β production during GBS infection, thereby amplifying their own recruitment. These cells directly recognize GBS by means of endosomal TLRs and cytosolic sensors, leading to activation of the caspase-1 inflammasome.

Animal Welfare Labelling and the Approach of the European Union: An Overview on the Current Situation

Abstract:There is a growing appreciation of the insistence of consumers that animals used in food production should be well treated. High welfare standards could have both a direct and indirect impact on food safety and quality; regulatory and support systems in agriculture must adapt accordingly.Retailers and producers are increasingly recognising animal welfare as a fundamental aspect of product image and quality which create a need for reliable systems for on farm monitoring of animal welfare status and providing some warranty on appropriate production conditions.The article shows an overview of the European strategies for implementing the animal welfare labelling.

Maximum Residue Levels of Veterinary Medicines in Relation to Food Safety: European Community Legislation and Ethical Aspects

Abstract:Residues of veterinary medicinal products, as defined by the European Union, are “pharmacologically active substances (whether active principles, excipients or degradation products) and their metabolites which remain in foodstuffs obtained from animals to which the veterinary medicinal product in question has been administered”. The policy for Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) setting is focused on a high protection level for the consumer. MRL can be set when risk assessment shows no risk for the consumer. An MRL is the maximum concentration of residue following administration of a veterinary medicine which is legally permitted or acceptable in food under the laws of the EU. The responsibility for keeping residues under the MRL lies with veterinarians and farmers, using licensed animal medicines. Violative residues of veterinary medicines can occur as a result of improper use of a licensed product or through the illegal use of an unlicensed substance. Consequently, it became clear that prudent use of not only antimicrobials used for treatment and prevention of disease but also those used for growth promotion (e.g. β-agonists or steroid hormones) in farm animals is an integral part of good veterinary practice. In the following an overview of the European Community legislation on the studies required for residues is given. Ethical aspects are also considered.Zusammenfassung (Redaktion):Nach der Definition der EU sind Rückstände von Tierarzneimitteln pharmakologisch wirksame Substanzen und ihre Metabolite, die in von Tieren herrührenden Lebensmittel verbleiben, nachdem Tierärzte solche Tiere mit diesen Substanzen behandelt haben. Die Strategie für die Festsetzung von „Maximum Residue Limit“-Levels (MRL) ist ausgerichtet auf das hohe Schutzniveau der Verbraucher. MRL können festgesetzt werden, wenn sich aus der Risikobewertung keine Gefährdung der Verbraucher ergibt. Ein MRL ist die maximale Konzentration eines Rückstandes im Lebensmittel, nachdem zuvor ein Tierarzneimittel verwendet worden ist, das gesetzlich zugelassen oder nach den EU-Gesetzen in Lebensmitteln akzeptiert ist. Die Verantwortung dafür, dass die MRL im Hinblick auf die Rückstände eingehalten werden, liegt bei den Tierärzten und Landwirten, wenn sie zugelassene Tierarzneimittel einsetzen. Unbeabsichtigte Tierarzneimittelrückstände können auftreten als Ergebnis unsachgemäßer Anwendung eines zugelassenen Produkts wie auch als Ergebnis des illegalen Einsatzes einer nicht zugelassenen Substanz. In der Konsequenz sollte es nachvollziehbar sein, dass nicht nur der umsichtige Einsatz von Antibiotioka zur Behandlung und Verhinderung von Krankheiten, sondern auch der Substanzen zur Wachstumssteuerung (e.g. β–Antagonisten und Steroide) in der landwirtschaftlichen Tierhaltung ein integraler Teil der Guten Tierärzlichen Praxis ist. Im folgenden Überblick über die EU-Gesetzgebung wird die aktuelle Situation im Hinblick auf die Rückstände von Tierarzneimitteln in Lebensmitteln dargestellt. Ethische Aspekte werden dabei einbezogen.

Mycobacteriosis in ornamental fish. Case reports in Sicily and medical-legal considerations

Mycobacteriosis in ornamental fish. Case reports in Sicily and medical-legal considerations D. Macrì & V. Lo Verde & I. Mancuso & S. Reale & A. Passantino & F. Marino Published online: 7 August 2008 # Springer Science + Business Media B.V. 2008

Effects of travel distance and season of the year on transport-related mortality in cattle.

The number of animals that die during transport to a slaughterhouse or shortly after being delivered to a slaughterhouse may serve as an indicator of animal welfare during transport. The aim of this study was to determine the mortality rate in cattle resulting from transport to slaughter in the Czech Republic in the period from 2009 to 2014, and to investigate the effect of travel distance and season of the year. Transport-related mortality rates were recorded for all categories of cattle for the following travel distances: up to 50 km, 51-100 km, 101-200 km and over 200 km. Higher mortality rates occurred with shorter travel distances (<50 km and 51-100 km) when compared to longer travel distances (101-200 km and > 200 km), with a significant difference (P < 0.01) between short and long travel distances being found in feeders and dairy cows. Also, the season of the year had a significant impact on the mortality rate among transported cattle. The highest mortality rate in all categories was observed in spring months. The lowest mortality rate was found in autumn months for fat cattle and dairy cows and in winter months for feeders and calves.

Experimental Susceptibility of Gilthead Sea Bream, Sparus aurata, via Challenge with Anisakis pegreffii Larvae

The endoscopic and histopathological findings detected in Sparus aurata experimentally infected with third-stage Anisakis larvae without intermediate host are evaluated and discussed. In six fish, live nematode larvae were introduced by gastroscopy into the stomach. The first observation by endoscope, 15 days after challenge, showed the presence of some larvae at the level of gastric mucosa. An explorative celioscopy, performed 60 days after challenge, showed haemorrhages and/or nodules on the gut of two fishes. Necropsy and histology demonstrated parasites in the context of the tissue changes. The finding of live nematode larvae as well as the evidence of tissue change confirm the experimental susceptibility of gilthead sea bream towards Anisakis.

Transport losses in finisher pigs: impact of transport distance and season of the year

Objective The death of animals during transport for slaughter is a major factor indicating the level of welfare in transported animals. The aim of this study was to assess mortality related to the commercial transport of finisher pigs for slaughter in the Czech Republic. Methods The inspectors of the State Veterinary Administration of the Czech Republic recorded the numbers of finisher pigs transported to processing plants in the Czech Republic for slaughter and the mortality in these pigs in relation to transport in the period from 2009 to 2014. Results Our results show that the likelihood of death losses in transported pigs increases with increasing transport distance. The transport-related mortality ranged from 0.049% in pigs transported for distances below 50 km to 0.145% in pigs transported for distances exceeding 300 km. The impact of external air temperature on the transport-related mortality found in our study clearly shows that current transport practices fail to ensure the welfare of pigs transported under other than moderate weather. Particularly cold temperatures below −2°C were associated with increased death losses in winter transport. Conclusion Despite a decreasing trend in the mortality of finisher pigs transported for slaughter in Europe, our study suggests that current transport conditions are not efficient at ensuring the welfare of pigs during transport for longer distances and the protection of pigs against the negative impact of extreme ambient temperatures. Further research should focus on developing practical guidelines to improve the welfare of pigs in transit accordingly.