Walter Pinna

Mineral requirements of dairy sheep

Abstract This paper reviews the major (Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, Chlorine, Sulphur, Magnesium) and the trace elements (Iron, Copper, Cobalt, Iodine, Manganese, Zync, Molybdenum, Selenium) that play an essential role in animal metabolism. For each one the authors indicate not only the function, but also the more recent advances in terms of daily requirements for dairy sheep.

Gender effect on the metabolic profile of ostriches (Struthio camelus domesticus)

Abstract In order to better define the effect of the sex on the metabolic profile of young ostriches (Struthio camelus domesticus), forty birds were divided into two groups by sex (20 males vs 20 females). The animals were fed ad libitum natural pasture and corn silage. The daily ration was completed by administering 1200 g/head of a commercial concentrate with the following chemical composition expressed as a percentage of dry matter: crude protein 18.8, crude fibre 8.4, ether extract 3.6, ash 7.5. After about 12 h of fasting, in the morning the blood was collected from the wing vein. The following biochemical parameters were determined: glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, lactate (LAC), total protein (TP), uric acid, total bilirubin (Tbil), creatinine (CREA), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), natrium (Na), potassium (K), chloride (Cl), iron (Fe), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (AP), cholinesterase (ChE); α-amylase (Amyl), lipase (LIPA); γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT). Sex significantly affected only some haematic parameters: in the females total protein and calcium were higher than in the males (TP, 43.3 vs 38.9 g/l, respectively for females and males, P< 0.05; Ca, 2.99 vs 2.59 mmol/l, respectively for females and males, P< 0.01). The other haematic parameters did not show significant differences by sex, and the average values were: glucose (9.87 mmol/l), cholesterol (1.96 mmol/l), triglycerides (1.56 mmol/l), LAC (6.60 mmol/l), uric acid (361 mmol/l), CREA (31.95 µmol/l), Na (144.8 mmol/l), K (3.27 mmol/l), Cl (109.7 mmol/l), P (1.47 mmol/l), Mg (1.10 mmol/l), Fe (9.22 µmol/l), Tbil (9.28 µmol/l), AST (341.3 U/l), ALT (11.42 U/l), AP (75.8 U/l), GGT (10.07 U/l), Amyl (6.97 U/l), LIPA (241.2 U/l), ChE (385.1 U/l). The results of our study, in agreement with previous findings, contribute to enhance the knowledge on the metabolic profile of ostriches in function of the sex.

An integrated approach towards the nutritional assessment of the Sardinian donkey: a tool for clinical nutritionists

The aims of the current study were to establish: i) a species-specific approach for nutritional assessment during clinical checks on Sarda breed adult donkeys, and ii) a suitable equation for body weight prediction, which at present is lacking. A total of 18 adult donkeys were sampled and the following criteria were recorded: body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), muscular mass index (MMI), along with somatometric measures (height at withers; chest girth) and metabolic profiles of each individual. The species-specific nutritional assessment based on the integrated approach turned out to correlate significantly (P<0.05) with the body condition score and levels of Na, P and cholesterol in blood. The parametric equation for predicting the BW (y=0.353a+0.443b-7.62, where a= height at withers in cm; b= chest girth in cm) closely fit the determined BW, with a standard error of SE=±5 kg BW.

Blood serum retinol levels in Asinara white donkeys reflect albinism-induced metabolic adaptation to photoperiod at Mediterranean latitudes

Abstract Previous works on albinism form of Asinara white donkeys (Equus asinus) identified the mutation leading to the peculiar phenotype spread to all specimens of the breed. Inbreeding naturally occurred under geographic isolation, on Asinara Island, in the Mediterranean Sea. Albino individuals can be more susceptible to develop health problems when exposed to natural sun radiation. Alternative metabolic pathways involved in photoprotection were explored in this trial. Nutrition‐related metabolites are believed to contribute to the conservation of Asinara donkeys, in which melanin, guaranteeing photoprotection, is lacking. Biochemical profiles with particular focus on blood serum β‐carotene and retinol levels were monitored. Identical natural grazing conditions for both Asinara (albino) and Sardo (pigmented) donkey breeds were assured on same natural pastures throughout the experimental period. A comparative metabolic screening, with emphasis on circulating retinol and nutrient‐related metabolites between the two breeds, was carried out over one year. Potential intra‐ and interspecimen fluctuations of metabolites involved in photoprotection were monitored, both during negative and positive photoperiods. Differences (p = .064) between blood serum concentrations of retinol from Asinara versus Sardo breed donkeys (0.630 vs. 0.490 μg/ml, respectively) were found. Retinol levels of blood serum turned out to be similar in the two groups (0.523 vs. 0.493 μg/ml, respectively, p = .051) during the negative photoperiod, but markedly differed during the positive one (0.738 vs. 0.486, respectively, p = .016). Blood serum β‐carotene levels displayed to be constantly around the limit of sensitivity in all animals of both breeds. Variations in blood serum concentrations of retinol in Asinara white donkeys can reflect the need to cope with seasonal exposure to daylight at Mediterranean latitudes, as an alternative to the lack of melanin. These results may suggest that a pulsed mobilization of retinol from body stores occurs to increase circulating levels during positive photoperiod.

Influence of weaning age (28 vs. 63 d) on quantitative and qualitative carcass traits of rabbits

Riassunto Influenza dell’età di svezzamento (28 vs. 63 d) sulle caratteristiche quanti-qualitative delle carcasse di coniglio. Centonovantadue conigli sono stati equamente suddivisi in due gruppi sperimentali e svezzati rispettivamente a 28 e 63 giorni, e tutti macellati a 83 giorni di età. Dopo sezionamento delle carcasse, sulla carne ottenuta dallo spolpo dell’arto posteriore sinistro di 18 conigli per gruppo è stata determinata la composizione chimica, macro e microminerale, nonché quella acidica dei grassi da cui è stato possibile calcolare gli indici di aterogenicità e trombogenicità. I risultati ottenuti evidenziano le migliori qualità dietetico-nutrizionali delle carni dei conigli svezzati a 28 d: in particolare, sono stati più elevati i contenuti di ferro (1,25 vs. 0,93; P<0,01) e più favorevoli gli indici di aterogenicità (0,68 vs. 0,75; P<0,01) e trombogenicità (1,04 vs. 1,14; P<0,01).

Circulating levels of total cholesterol (TC) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in healthy foals from weaning to 18 months of age vary significantly in relation to growth stage

ABSTRACT In view of the peculiar nutritional demands of the growing foal, the concentration of selected circulating parameters may display to mirror the metabolic activity of developing tissues across growth stages, following yields of mass and size, over time. This study aimed to evaluate the possible change of selected serum biochemical parameters in foals at different growth stages and to target these parameters as potential biomarkers of body development. Twelve Anglo‐Arab spring‐born foals were screened from weaning to 18 months of age. Live weight and gains were analyzed according to respective growth stage and correlated with biochemical parameters. Individual double whole blood samples were collected before and after weaning and when the foals were 12 and 18 months old. Body mass and wither heights (WH of yearlings) were concomitantly recorded. Foals appeared healthy throughout the trial and showed significantly different (P < .001) levels of total serum cholesterol (TC) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in relation to growth stages. Both those metabolites showed peaks in weanlings to progressively decrease in 18 months olds. On each sampling, ALP constantly displayed to set above the upper limit of the physiological range for the adult healthy horse. Results highlighted marked statistical significance across growth stages and point to ALP and TC as biomarkers of growth stage. These findings pave the way to the interpretation of circulating metabolites associated with growth stage and encourage further experiments to validate ALP and TC as potential biomarkers for body development assessment of foals. HighlightsBiochemical profile contributes to the clinical interpretation of internal homeostasis.Concentrations of circulating parameters may mirror the metabolic activity of developing tissues.Total cholesterol (TC) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in serum vary significantly in growing foals.Both TC and ALP levels decreased proportionally to skeletal and mass development.TC and ALP levels in healthy foals may be candidate biomarkers of growth.

Economic assessment of a smart traceability system (RFID+DNA) for origin and brand protection of the pork product labelled “suinetto di Sardegna”

Abstract The suckling piglet is a typical niche meat product traditionally slaughtered before weaning at nearly one month of age. Due to African Swine Fever (ASF) foci and dumping phenomenon the pork production system of the island suffers from exportation restriction and competition with imported of pork products from GDO circuits, often claimed as local. A bottom-up analysis highlighted the need to establish a robust system of origin and brand protection for the suckling piglet labelled “Suinetto di Sardegna”. Previous experiences tested the opportunity offered by the integrated system of identification of animal and products based on the RFID technology, paired with molecular analysis (DNA) for meat traceability. This study reports the economic evaluation of such a smart traceability system, through the introduction of technologically advanced tools in the traditional process of production. A comparative evaluation of conventional vs. RFID+DNA system was carried out and costs are compared. The break even point (BEP) calculated following the potential investment for the adoption of the RFID+DNA system for origin and brand protection highlighted that the abattoir of the circuit “Suinetto di Sardegna” should sell at least 17 piglets or the equivalent of 1305.00 euros in sales before any profits could be realized. In the light of production capacity of an extensive traditional farming system, this value requires high numbers of production units (unit = whole carcass of suckling piglet). In addition, this economic evaluation was only related to representative farms and did not take into account seasonal fluctuations or effective geo-distribution of farms, but was based on average yearly production and spatial distance of farms from abattoir. Decreasing trend of costs due to massive deployment of RFID and the diffusion of molecular analyses for traceability purposes may be forecasted and minimum acceptable levels of economic BEP can be achieved in a short period. If the new technology becomes a standard for the traceability of the suckling piglet, incremental benefits can arise from the reinforcement of the brand “Suinetto di Sardegna”.

Analysis of fieldwork activities during milk production recording in dairy ewes by means of individual ear tag (ET) alone or plus RFID based electronic identification (EID)

Abstract In compliance with EU Reg. 21/2004, the individual electronic identification (EID) of sheep is mandatory in EU Countries since the 1st of January 2008. However, the impact of innovation within animal identification systems has not yet been carried out to quantify benefits during common fieldwork in real dairy sheep flocks. In particular, systematic milk production record represents a fundament to monitor real time performance of each single ewe, before a cumulative datum about flock output. The rational management of dairy ewes should rely on technological tools to create sub-groups according to production performance in a quick and reliable way. This trial aimed to investigate efficacy, reliability and efficiency associate to two different identification systems for monitoring individual milk production throughout the lactation in sheep flocks. Qualitative and quantitative indicators for each criterion, were useful for the assessment of activities and output correctness. Experimental activities were carried in two different farms of Sardinia. In both farms, animals were individually identified by means of an endoruminal ceramic bolus (transponder HDX 134.2 kHz, according to ISO Standards 11784–11785) and by conventional plastic ear tag. In both farms, during milking, groups of ewes were monitored (24 animals per round) by 2 trained technicians. In EID ewes, equipment to check individual transponder’s code and data recording consisted of a handy reader (Gesimpex Com. S.L., Barcelona, Spain); in ET ewes, individual ET code and milk production were visually inspected and typed on a handy data store equipment (ABB Immediate Business System PLC – Radix). Time needed for accomplishment of activities was taken for the two identification systems with a chronometer. In the two farms, a total of 553 animals were monitored for five times (controls were scheduled monthly) throughout the lactation period. Average time for reading and recording individual code and production for EID vs. ET resulted 6″/sheep vs. 11″/sheep. Transponder’s code resulted correctly checked and repeatedly associated in 100% of readings. EID system of diary ewes shows to improve production recording and data transfer in comparison with conventional ET system with advantageous technical relationships between fieldwork activities.

Effect of intraperitoneal electronic identification on productive performance of Sardinian suckling lambs

Riassunto Effetto dell’identificazione elettronica sulle performance produttive di agnelli da latte in Sardegna. 40 agnelli di razza Sarda a un’età compresa tra 1 e 7 giorni e peso vivo compreso tra 2,50 e 6,15 kg, sono stati suddivisi in due gruppi sperimentali di 20 soggetti ciascuno: il gruppo T è stato identificato elettronicamente mediante un transponder intraperitoneale; l’altro (gruppo C) è stato tenuto come controllo. Gli agnelli di entrambi i gruppi sono stati controllati clinicamente, pesati settimanalmente e infine macellati ad età compresa tra 28 e 35 giorni. Nel gruppo T è stata verificata la leggibilità del transponder sugli animali in vivo e post mortem nella catena di macellazione. Incremento ponderale medio giornaliero (268,7 vs. 251,1 g), resa in carcassa “alla romana” (64,12 vs. 63,78%) e resa in carcassa (52,74 vs. 53,08%) non hanno mostrato differenze statisticamente significative fra i gruppi T e C. La leggibilità e il recupero dei transponders sono risultati del 100%.