Lorella Giuliotti

Influence of partial replacement of soya bean meal by faba beans or peas in heavy pigs diet on meat quality, residual anti-nutritional factors and phytoestrogen content

The study evaluated the partial substitution of soybean meal by faba beans (18%) or peas (20%) as additional protein sources in diets destined for typical Italian heavy pig production. It compared animal performances, meat quality, the presence of residual anti-nutritional factors (ANF) and phytoestrogens in plasma and meat and the possible effects on pig health, by evaluating oxidative, inflammatory and pro-atherogenic markers. The results showed that the productive performances, expressed as body weight and feed conversion ratio, of pigs fed with faba bean and pea diets were similar to those of pigs fed only the soybean meal. Meat quality of pigs fed with the three diets was similar in colour, water-holding capacity, tenderness and chemical composition. Despite the higher levels of phytoestrogen in the plasma of pigs fed only the soybean meal, phytoestrogen concentration in the muscle was equivalent to that of animals fed diets with faba beans, whereas pigs fed a diet with peas showed a lower concentration. Inflammation and pro-atherogenic parameters did not show significant differences among the three diets. Overall, the partial substitution of soybean meal by faba beans appears more interesting than with peas, particularly in relation to the higher amount of polyphenols in the diet and the highest concentration of phytoestrogens found in the plasma and muscle of animals, while the pyrimidine anti-nutritional compounds present in the diet did not appear to accumulate and had no effect on the growth performance of animals.

A herbal antifungal formulation of Thymus serpillum, Origanum vulgare and Rosmarinus officinalis for treating ovine dermatophytosis due to Trichophyton mentagrophytes

A number of herbal products with anti‐inflammatory, antiseptic and antimycotic properties are available for dermatological usage. The successful treatment of 13 sheep affected by ringworm due to Trichophyton mentagrophytes with a mixture consisting of essential oils (EOs) of Thymus serpillum 2%, Origanum vulgare 5% and Rosmarinus officinalis 5% in sweet almond (Prunus dulcis) oil. The effectiveness of EOs and of the major components of the mixture (thymol, carvacrol, 1,8 cineole, α‐pinene, p‐cymene, γ‐terpinene) against the fungal clinical isolate was evaluated by a microdilution test. Thirteen animals were topically administered with the mixture twice daily for 15 days. The other sheep were administered with a conventional treatment (seven animals) or left untreated (two animals). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were 0.1% for T. serpillum, 0.5% for O. vulgare, 2.5% for I. verum and 5% for both R. officinalis and C. limon. Thymol and carvacrol showed MICs of 0.125% and 0.0625%. A clinical and aetiological cure was obtained at the end of each treatment regimen in only the treated animals. Specific antimycotic drugs licenced for food‐producing sheep are not available within the European Community. The mixture tested here appeared to be a versatile tool for limiting fungal growth.

Buckwheat bran (Fagopyrum esculentum) as partial replacement of corn and soybean meal in the laying hen diet

The effect of partial substitution of corn (−20%) and soybean meal (−10%) with buckwheat bran (+30%) (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) in the diet of ISA-Brown hens was investigated in sixteen 74-week old hens, housed in couple wire cages and submitted to a 16 h light:8 h dark photoperiod. The following traits were measured: body weight, egg production, egg mass, egg quality, feed intake, feed conversion, comparative palatability of ingredients and digestibility of diet. χ2 and non-parametric tests were used for production rate and yolk color score, respectively. ANOVA was used for all other parameters. Comparative choice of buckwheat, corn and soy was checked under different forms in 3 free choice tests. Results show that egg production rate (43.3% vs 50.5%; P<0.05) and feed intake (78.3±0.68 eggs/hen d vs 87.8±0.68 eggs/hen d; P<0.05) increased with the partial introduction of buckwheat bran in the diet. There was no difference in feed conversion between treatments. Nutrient balance confirmed that AMEn of diet was deeply lowered by the buckwheat bran use (6.5 MJ/kg vs 10.1 MJ/kg), due to the high fibre content of buckwheat bran (263 g/kg). Maize was always the most preferred ingredient, buckwheat bran was consumed more than expected in absence of any preference, and soybean was the food least chosen. Buckwheat bran can be used as an ingredient feed for low-producing laying hens; it induces a feed-intake increase, partially balanced by improved egg-production rates and a tendency to better albumen Haugh units.

Use of homeopathy in parasites control plans in a flock of Zerasca sheep

The control of gastrointestinal parasites in livestock relies almost exclusively on multiple and regular dosing with anthelmintics. This leads to problems linked with residues in food products and in the environment and has encouraged researchers to search for alternatives or new helminth control methods (Ketzis et al., 2006). Among these medthods, homeopathy could play a strategic role in solving health problems; however, at present, there is a lack of scientific results with validated techniques used on a large scale. The aim of this study was thus to investigate the feasibility of homeopathy in the control of the parasite burden in sheep. The study lasted 12 months and involved 30 Zerasca ewes divided into two groups. Sabadilla MK was administered twice. A faecal egg count (FEC) was performed of gastrointestinal strongyles and blood parameters were characterized. Statistical analysis was by ANOVA and relations between FEC and hematocrit (HCT) were estimated by Pearson’s correlations. FEC was influenced by the sampling date, confirming seasonal fluctuation. On the whole, homeopathy did not influence the parasite burden, but a significant decrease (P≤0.05) in egg output was observed at the second and at the last sampling following the administration of the remedy. Data concerning blood parameters did not show appreciable differences between the two groups. FEC and HCT showed an inverse correlation even if mean values were within the normal range. The study revealed the advantages of monitoring parasites and the interest of homeopathy in the control of gastrointestinal nematodes.

Feasibility of homeopathy in a flock of Zerasca sheep

Feasibility of homeopathy in a flock of Zerasca sheep M. N. Benvenuti, F. Pisseri, J. Goracci, L. Giuliotti, B. Gugliucci, F. Macchioni, A. Gavazza and G. Guidi Dipartimento Produzioni Animali, Viale delle Piagge, 2 56124 Pisa, Medico veterinario omeopata Scuola CIMI-Koinè, Dipartimento Clinica Veterinaria, Via Livornese, S. Piero a Grado and Dipartimento Patologia Animale, Profilassi e Igiene degli Alimenti, Viale delle Piagge, 2 56124, Pisa

Effects of pasture on carcass composition in Cinta Senese pig

Abstract The trial was performed to investigate on the effects of different periods of grass pasture in fattening Cinta Senese pigs; growth performances, carcass characteristics and meat quality were studied. Control group was reared in paddock and fed concentrate, while experimental group grazed on grass pasture with an integration of 1.4 kg/pig/d of concentrate. Initial live weight was not different between the two groups and individual weights were periodically recorded. Animals were slaughtered from 36 to 160 days from the trial beginning. Carcass weight, body measures, backfat thickness, pH45 and pH24 were recorded. After 24 hours of refrigeration, each carcass was dissected into lean, fat and bone cuts. Results didn’t show differences between the two groups, revealing that Cinta Senese pigs can profitably utilize pasture on grass even in fattening period.