Marisa Palazzo

Effects of two different housing systems on behavior, physiology and milk yield of Comisana ewes

Two groups of 20 early-lactating Comisana ewes were used in this study, and were allocated to either an indoor or outdoor daytime environment. The indoor environment was a 3mx12m straw bedded pen inside a pre-fabricated building. The outdoor environment was a 200m(2) paddock during daytime (09.00-19.00h) with ewes being moved to the shed, as described for the indoor treatment, at night. Behavior of ewes was recorded at 14 days interval from 09.00 to 19.00h. A phytohemagglutinin (PHA) skin test was performed at weeks 6, 11, 15 and 18 of the experiment to induce a non-specific delayed-type hypersensitivity in ewes. Jugular blood samples were taken at the beginning and at weeks 5, 10, 14 and 18 to determine endocrine and metabolic responses of animals to housing system and to changes in climatic conditions and stage of lactation. Ewe milk yield was recorded daily and individual milk samples were analyzed for milk composition, coagulating properties and somatic cell count (SCC) at 14 days interval. No differences were found between groups for endocrine and immune responses. Outdoor ewes had increased locomotor activities (P<0.01) and decreased idling (P<0.05) compared to indoor animals. The outdoor group had higher levels of blood creatinine (P<0.01) and inorganic phosphorus (P<0.05) as well as lower urea (P<0.01) and glucose (P<0.001) concentrations compared to the indoor group. Milk yield and composition were not changed by the housing system, though significant timextreatment interactions were found for milk constituents, with indoor-housed ewes having higher (P<0.05) milk protein, fat and lactose concentrations during the middle of the trial. Outdoor ewes had lower SCC (P<0.003) and pH (P<0.001) in their milk than indoor ewes, whereas renneting parameters were not different across treatments. Results suggest that ewe welfare and productivity were not substantially affected by the housing system. The provision of feeding rations that meet the greater energy demand for maintenance is required to sustain productivity in outdoor reared sheep.

Effect of dietary Lippia citriodora extract onproductive performance and meat qualityparameters in hares ( Lepus europaeus Pall. )

Abstract. Three different dietary doses of Lippia citriodora natural extract were tested in order to verify their effect on productive performance and the meat quality of intensively-reared hare (Lepus europaeus Pall.). The 240 day-trial was conducted on 20 male hares, divided into 4 homogeneous groups of 5 animals each. A control group received a basal diet without any supplementation, and the other three experimental groups received a natural extract of Lippia citriodora, titrated in verbascoside, in the following amounts: 1 g, 1.5 g and 2 g of natural extract/kg feed in the low (LNE), medium (MNE), and high natural extract (HNE) groups, respectively. Natural extract enhanced the quality of the meat: there was a significant decrease (P

Effects of verbascoside-based diet on blood and plasma constituents of rabbits

Objective: Oxidative stress brought on by free radicals can lead to an increased risk of some chronic pathologies. Antioxidants can scavenge free radicals by turning them into nonradical and nontoxic metabolites. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of a phenylpropanoid glycosides–based prolonged diet on blood constituents in animals. Methods: Tests were carried out on healthy New Zealand white rabbits and the following parameters were evaluated at baseline and after 90 days’ follow-up: plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, aspartate transaminase, alanine aminotransferase, bilirubin, the reactive oxygen metabolites, thiobarbituric acid–reactive substances, vitamin A, and vitamin E. The same parameters were analyzed in an age- and sex-matched animal control group. Results: We first defined the concept of average rate and then used it to calculate, by experimental data fitting, the formation or destruction rate of some blood or plasma constituents as a function of the daily dose. The results indicate that the effects can be categorized into 2 classes. The first includes the effects that produce monotonously continuous changes with daily dose, and the second includes those that exhibit a saturating trend. Conclusions: The experimental results suggest that high doses of verbascoside can potentially cause adverse effects through prooxidative effects. Risk is increased by the use of pharmacological doses of polyphenols in prevention, treatment, and as dietary supplements.

Effect of dietary Lippia citriodora extract on reproductive and productive performance and plasma biochemical parameters in rabbit does

Two doses of natural extract from Lippia citriodora (titrated in verbascoside) were assessed in New Zealand White rabbit does evaluating selected reproductive, productive and plasma biochemical parameters. After 1 week of adaptation period, the trial on 45 rabbit does for three consecutive reproductive cycles was conducted; does were divided into three groups of 15 animals each, homogenous by age (1 year ± 2 weeks), bodyweight (4.77 ± 0.21 kg) and parity (2 ± 1). A control group (CON) did not receive the dietary supplement in the feed and the other two groups received 1 g of natural extract supplement in the feed (5 mg verbascoside/kg feed; LNE) and 2 g of natural extract (10 mg verbascoside/kg feed; HNE). The use of a dietary NE supplement improved kit bodyweight at weaning (934 vs 1104 g; P < 0.001), and average daily weight gain from birth to weaning (24.7 vs 29.7 g/day; P < 0.001), with no NE dose effect. In the LNE and HNE groups serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, bilirubin, and activities of alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase (P < 0.05) and aspartate aminotransferase (P < 0.01) decreased and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.01) increased, according to the cycle effect. The dietary supplement also improved blood oxidative status markers in the experimental groups due to an increase in the concentrations of plasma vitamin A and E (P < 0.01) and a decrease in plasma reactive oxygen metabolites and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances values (P < 0.01). In conclusion, the dietary Lippia NE supplement improved selected productive and reproductive parameters and the animal welfare of does, expressed by a general improvement of blood profile, with no effect of the dose.

The effects of fermented wheat powder (Lisosan G) on the blood lipids and oxidative status of healthy rabbits

A number of studies have shown that whole grain products have strong antioxidant effects. Lisosan G, a powder produced from the fermentation of Triticum aestivum, has shown hepatoprotective effects. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the effects of Lisosan G on the serum lipid profile and oxidative status of healthy rabbits. Forty rabbits were fed either a normal diet or a diet containing 10 g, 20 g or 30 g Lisosan G/kg of feed for 60 days. The supplementation of Lisosan G did not cause any alteration of the aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), bilirubin or creatinine concentrations, but caused a reduction in triglycerides, in low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and an increase in high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. The antioxidant activity of Lisosan G has been confirmed on the basis of the reduction in the blood reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs) and in the level of the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) together with increased vitamin A and E concentrations in the blood. Moreover, Lisosan G also caused the induction of antioxidant enzymes in the liver and kidney of the treated rabbits. This study has shown the ability of Lisosan G to improve the lipid profile and antioxidant status of the blood in healthy rabbits.

Evaluation of milk production and some blood parameters in lactating autochthonous goat extensively reared in Molise region

Abstract The trial, lasted 7 months and was performed on 60 lactating autochthonous goat populations (Montefalcone and Valfortorina) extensively reared in Molise Region. Goat milk yield and composition, and pasture chemical and floristic composition were recorded monthly. At the beginning (30d), at half (105d) and at the end (210d) of trial body weight and body condition score (BCS) were recorded; besides jugular blood samples were taken at 30, 105 e 210 d to determined the following parameters: glucose, total protein, albumin, urea, triglycerides, total and HDL cholesterol, NEFA, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium. The two populations showed a milk yield of 275 kg e 258 kg (Montefalcone e Valfortorina goat, respectively) throughout 180 days of lactation, which was similar or higher than mean milk yield of other goat breeds (Sarda, Ionica, Argentata dell’Etna). BCS increased significantly (P<0.01) during lactation in both populations. Blood parameters displayed significant changes (P<0.01) during the trial in Montefalcone goat for glucose, albumin, urea, triglycerides, total and HDL cholesterol, NEFA, sodium and potassium instead Valfortorina goat showed significant differences in total protein, urea, total and HDL cholesterol, NEFA, magnesium, sodium (P<0.01) and albumin and potassium (P<0.05). In both population, milk yield and quality showed promising results for autochthonous goats preservation.

Phenolic Plant Extracts Induce Sirt1 Activity and Increase Antioxidant Levels in the Rabbit’s Heart and Liver

Background Several dietary phytochemicals potentially regulate the equilibrium between oxidant and antioxidant species. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Lippia citriodora, Raphanus sativus, and Solanum lycopersicum on blood parameters, oxidative/antioxidant status, and SIRT1 activity in the rabbits heart and liver. Methods Twenty rabbits were divided into 4 groups of 5 animals each. The control group (CN) received a feed without any additives. One intervention group received a supplement containing verbascoside (VB), another Raphanus sativus extract (RAP), and lastly lycopene (LYC). Oxidant-antioxidant parameters and SIRT1 activity were measured in plasma and in the heart and liver, respectively. Results The treatment with VB, RAP, and LYC resulted in a marked improvement in the blood lipid and glycaemic profile in respect to CN. VB was the most effective, but all three plant extracts induced a significant reduction in oxidant parameters as well as an increase in antioxidant tissue activity and vitamin A and E levels. SIRT1 activity was significantly increased in both VB and LYC compared to CN, but the increased levels in the VB group were far the highest. The multivariate analysis suggests that the benefits of VB, particularly the antiglycaemic and antioxidant effects, might be mediated by increasing SIRT1 activity.

Cytogenetic tests reveal no toxicity in lymphocytes of rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus, 2n=44) feed in presence of verbascoside and/or lycopene

Phenylpropanoid glycosides (PPG), like other phenolic compounds, are a powerful antioxidants and the Verbascoside (VB) is one of the most active of them. A previous study, by using in vitro exposure of blood human lymphocytes to Verbascoside, reported a significant increasings of chromosome fragility compared to control. In the present study, four homogeneous groups of rabbits were used to test in vivo the VB and/or Lycopene (LP) by feeding the animals without VB and LP (control), in presence of VB or/and LP for 80 days. Lymphocyte cell cultures were performed in three different times: 0, 40 and 80 days of the experiment and the cytogenetic tests that we used [CA-test (Chromosome Abnormalities in terms of chromosome and chromatid breaks) and Sister Chromatid Exchange (SCE-test)] have revealed no mutagenic effects on chromosomes. Indeed, mean values/cell of CA and SCE decreased during the experiment with some difference among and within groups, with significant decreasing value only for some group. The study shows clear evidence that diets rich in Verbascoside (and/or Lycopene) do not originate any mutagenic activity, resulting no cytotoxic for the animals and, suggesting a possible their use in both animal and human diets.

The effect of water-restriction on various physiological variables in intensively reared Lacaune ewes

The effects of water restriction on rectal temperature, respiratory rate and selected blood variables in intensively reared Lacaune ewes were evaluated. The tests were carried out over the course of 28 days in spring on 30 lactating sheep divided into three groups of 10 animals each, matched by lactation status and body weight and allocated into individual boxes. The animal groups were as follows: control group W100 with drinking water for the whole day (24 h/24 h), while the two experimental groups each received 80% (W80 group) and 60% (W60 group) of the water ration of the control group, respectively. The feed, in according with physiological and production needs of the animals, was administered in three daily meals (08:00, 14:00 and 20:00 h). Water intake was recorded three times per day (at 08:00, 14:00 and 20:00 h) and the daily feed intake at 08:00 h, while the rectal temperature, respiratory rate were measured and blood samplings were carried out on Day 0, Day 14 and Day 28. In water-restriction groups (W80 and W60) a lower (P < 0.01) feed intake of meadow hay, and a lower ingestion of alfalfa hay pellet in the W60 group compared to W100 group were observed. In addition, the water restriction regimen resulted in a significant decrease of respiratory rate (P < 0.05) and an increase in serum total protein, urea, creatinine, sodium, chlorine, reactive oxygen metabolites, cortisol, haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (P < 0.05), red blood cell counts, and haematocrit (P < 0.01). These results show the important role of water, as limiting factor for animal breeding in low-water availability environments. Where possible, the management of low-dairy breeds should be well adapted to support the productive performance.

Genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of Aloysia polystachia: an in vivo study in rabbits

In the search of new compounds useful for the treatment of neurological disorders, medicinal plant research has progressed widely in the last decade, particularly because of the hypothesis that natural extracts possess a low or absent toxicity. Aloysia polystachia (Griseb.) Moldenke belonging to the family of Verbenaceae has been used in the traditional medicine for a variety of indications and as a sedative. Recently, some evidence reported that it exhibits some antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects involving the modulation of GABA system in preclinical studies in mice (1). However no investigations have been performed on its (geno)toxicity in long-term studies as it would be required for its use in neurological pathologies. In this study, we investigated the genotoxic potential of a water soluble extract of Aloysia polystachia leaves, administered orally every day for 90 days to 20 New Zealand white rabbits homogeneous for weight and age. Subjects were divided into four groups: the control group, and three experimental groups fed with a diet supplemented with 1g/kg; 1.5 g/kg and 2g/kg of Aloysia Polystachia, then peripheral blood was drawn from the vein auricularis marginalis before and after 45 and 90 days of treatment. Cytogenetic analysis was performed on each subject at each time point and chromosome aberrations (structural and numerical) and mitotic index were used as a measure of DNA damage and cytotoxicity (2). Results indicated that Aloysia polystachia extract induces a significant increase in the percentage of aberrant cells as well as in the aberration frequency (mainly chromatid breaks and fragments) associated with a decreasing trend of the mitotic index. The DNA damage was particularly higher after the first 45 days of treatment whereas it remains significantly high but almost unvaried until the end of the treatment. These data suggest that Aloysia polystachia extract has genotoxic and cytotoxic activity, even though further investigations are required to assess which compound of the extract could be responsible for the observed effects.