The interactive effects of indole acetic acid (IAA) or salicylic acid (SA) (0.5 and 0.1 mM, respectively) as shoot spraying on NaCl stressed wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plant organs grown in experimental pots under different salinity levels (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM NaCl, respectively) were studied. The antioxidant enzymes as catalase (CAT), peroxidase (PX), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), photosynthetic pigments, reducing sugars, proteins, amino acids (AA), and proline (Prol) contents in spike, shoot and root of salt-stressed plants were the most affected parameters, specially at high salinity levels (150 and 200 mM NaCl). Treatments with 0.5 mM of IAA or 0.1 mM of SA on stressed wheat organs mitigated the detrimental effect of NaCl. Phytohormones improved salt tolerance in wheat organs activating antioxidant enzymes, increasing photosynthetic pigments and enhancing the accumulation of non toxic metabolites. The magnitude of increase was more pronounced in SA than in IAA treated plants, and the spike was the most accumulator organ of non toxic metabolites compared to shoot and root. Finally, SA and/or IAA treatments prevent the negative effects of salt stressed wheat and these could be adopted as a potential growth regulator or antioxidant to improve wheat growth under moderate salt levels. © 2013 Friends Science Publishers

The aim of this study was to assess faecal extract as microbial inoculum compared to rumen fluid for an in vitro technique in order to estimate the digestibility of browse species collected in a pasture of Central Italy. The main plants represented in the pasture area were: two grasses (Bromus hordeaceus L. and Hordeum murinum L.), five forbs (Capsella bursa-pastoris L., Crepis sancta L., Erodium malacoides L., Geranium dissectum L. and Geranium molle L.) and one legumes (Medicago arabica L.). Nutrients and mineral composition showed a high variability among browse species collected. Rumen liquor and faecal samples were collected from adult healthy yak (Bos grunniens). The DaisyII incubator system was used to evaluate the nutrient digestibility of forages using rumen liquor as control and faecal extract as alternative microbial inoculum sources. Then, filter bags containing plant samples were added to the four digestion vessels along with their respective inoculum, incubated for 48 h and dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP) and neutral-detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility were determined. There was a significant relationship between estimates, indicating that faecal extract has the potential to be utilized instead of rumen fluid for in vitro digestibility estimation. It is concluded that DaisyII incubator is suitable for nutrients’ in vitro digestibility determination with faecal liquor to simply assess the adaptation capability of ruminant species to a pasture.

In mammals, the STAT proteins (signal transducers and activators of transcription) are a family of cytoplasmic transcription factors mediating the actions of many peptide hormones and cytokines within target cells. In particular, STAT5A is a crucial mediator in the lactogenic hormone response being a candidate marker for milk traits in farm animals. In the present paper, the T→C nucleotide polymorphism at position 12743 in exon 16 of the bovine STAT5A gene was analyzed with PCR-RFLP in a sample of Jersey cows. The purposes of this investigation were to determine the frequencies of the variant alleles and the genotypes of this SNP in Jersey cows and to verify its association with some milk production traits. All the three possible genotypes were identified in the studied population. The observed frequencies of C and T alleles were 0.147 and 0.853 repectively. The TT genotype was the most frequent followed by TC and CC ones. No significant differences between the TT and TC genotypes were found considering MY, FY PC and PY. On the other side, the difference concerning the fat content of milk produced by cows belonging to TC and TT groups was found significant at the statistical analysis: in particular, milk from TT animals had a higher fat content in comparison with that of TC ones (4.55 vs. 4.14%, respectively;P<0.05). However it may be necessary to carry out further investigations about this SNP to better clarify its role on milk production traits in cattle.

High ambient temperature is a major problem in commercial broiler production in the humid tropics because high producing broiler birds consume more feed, have higher metabolic activity, and thus higher body heat production. To evaluate the effects of two previously isolated potential probiotic strains (Lactobacillus pentosus ITA23 and Lactobacillus acidophilus ITA44) on broilers growing under heat stress condition, a total of 192 chicks were randomly allocated into four treatment groups of 48 chickens each as follows: CL, birds fed with basal diet raised in 24 °C; PL, birds fed with basal diet plus 0.1 % probiotic mixture raised in 24 °C; CH, birds fed with basal diet raised in 35 °C; and PH, birds fed with basal diet plus 0.1 % probiotic mixture raised in 35 °C. The effects of probiotic mixture on the performance, expression of nutrient absorption genes of the small intestine, volatile fatty acids (VFA) and microbial population of cecal contents, antioxidant capacity of liver, and fatty acid composition of breast muscle were investigated. Results showed that probiotic positively affected the final body weight under both temperature conditions (PL and PH groups) compared to their respective control groups (CL and CH). Probiotic supplementation numerically improved the average daily gain (ADG) under lower temperature, but significantly improved ADG under the higher temperature (P < 0.05) by sustaining high feed intake. Under the lower temperature environment, supplementation of the two Lactobacillus strains significantly increased the expression of the four sugar transporter genes tested (GLUT2, GLUT5, SGLT1, and SGLT4) indicating probiotic enhances the absorption of this nutrient. Similar but less pronounced effect was also observed under higher temperature (35 °C) condition. In addition, the probiotic mixture improved bacterial population of the cecal contents, by increasing beneficial bacteria and decreasing Escherichia coli population, which could be because of higher production of VFA in the cecum, especially at heat stress condition. The two Lactobacillus strains also improved the fatty acid profile of meat, including at heat stress. Generally, the two Lactobacillus strains can be considered as good potential probiotics for chickens due to their good probiotic properties and remarkable efficacy on broiler chickens.

Two reviews are available in published literature relating to the effects of ascorbic acid on poultry performance. The first review was written by Pardue and Thaxton in 1986 who reviewed the role of ascorbic acid in alleviating the negative effect of heat stress in poultry birds. The second review was presented by Whitehead and Keller in 2003, who detailed the general effects of ascorbic acid in poultry birds, not taking into consideration 'heat stress'. The first review is deficient in the literature published after 1986, while the second review does not describe the effect of ascorbic acid in heat stressed birds. The present review describes the past and present knowledge of ascorbic acid in alleviating heat stress in poultry birds with new aspects. Heat stress is associated with compromised performance and productivity through a decline in feed intake, nutrient utilisation, growth rate, egg production and quality, feed efficiency and immunity. Heat stress is also characterised by a reduced antioxidant status in birds, resulting in increased oxidative stress. Moreover, male fertility is decreased when birds are exposed to heat stress. Supplementation of 250 mg of ascorbic acid per kg of feed has been found to be optimum to improve feed intake, body weight gain, feed efficiency, egg production and quality, nutrient digestibility, immune response and antioxidant status in poultry birds. This work compiles past and present information about the role of ascorbic acid in heat-stressed poultry.

Abstract.- The objective of the present study was to assess the effects of a diet containing safflower cake in pelleted total mixed rations (TMR) on growth performance, carcass parameters and meat quality of kids. Sixteen male Garganica breed kids (12.0±0.4 kg), weaned at 40±3 days, were randomly divided into two equal groups blocked by BW. Kids were fed for 50 d, from weaning to slaughtering age, with one of the following dietary treatments: the control diet (Control) without safflower cake inclusion, and diet containing safflower cake (SFC, 200 g/kg). Findings of the performance trial of kids reported that feed conversion ratio was enhanced by dietary SFC (P<0.01). None of the traits evaluated at slaughter were modified by diets. Safflower cake supplementation positively affected colour indexes of meat from longissimus lumborum and semimembranosus muscles. The current study confirms that SFC can be used in lamb TMR diets as no significant reduction of productive performance and meat quality. It may be concluded that the use of a safflower cake in kid feeding may be considered as a sustainable and economically viable strategy because of the lower cost of the safflower byproduct. Keywords: Safflower cake, feeding, performance, meat quality, kid

The study was carried out on 42 breeder couples (42 males and 42 females) of European brown hare (Lepus europaeus), divided into three groups fed three different experimental diets (14 couples/treatment). Two diets were supplemented with n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs; 2% of linseed oil and soybean oil, respectively) and were compared with a control diet supplemented with a monounsaturated fatty acids (2% of olive oil). During the experimental period (from 15 April to 30 September), the following parameters were recorded: days from the beginning of trial to the first parturition, parturition interval, number of parturitions, number of leverets born (alive and dead), dead during suckling, the total number of leverets weaned and feed intake per cage (of males, females and leverets until weaning). Feed intake was not influenced by treatments. In hares fed n-3 and n-6 diets, the days from the beginning of the trial to the first parturition and the parturition interval were similar and were lower compared with control group (63.1 v. 70.6 days, and 37.8 v. 40.9 days, respectively; P &lt; 0.05). Hares from n-6 group had a higher (P &lt; 0.05) number of parturitions per cage during the experimental period than the n-3 and control group that showed a similar value (3.00 v. 2.36, respectively). The total number of leverets born per cage and parturition in n-6 and n-3 groups increased with respect to those fed control diet (P &lt; 0.05). The leverets' mortality rate at birth was higher in n-6 than in n-3 and control group (3.50 v. 2.17, respectively; P &lt; 0.05). In control group, leverets' mortality rate during suckling was lower with respect to n-3 (P &lt; 0.05) and n-6 (P &lt; 0.05), showing the highest value for the latter (P &lt; 0.05). In spite of this higher mortality, the number of leverets weaned per cage and parturition was higher (P &lt; 0.05) in n-6 compared with n-3 group, being the latter higher than the control group (3.12, 2.79 and 2.43, respectively). Our results show that the dietary PUFAs, particularly n-6 supplementation, have a positive influence on the reproductive performances of the European brown hare.

This study examined the effect of different crude protein (CP) levels in the diet on growth performance of broilers as well as the total aerobic mesophilic count (TAMC) and Escherichia coli count (ECC) isolated from chicken faeces. A total 150 day-old broilers (Hubbard) were allocated to three treatments with five replicates containing 10 birds. The dietary treatments consisted of three diets with different CP levels for 42 days: highprotein (HCP, 22.5%), medium-protein (MCP, 20.5%), and low-protein (LCP, 18.5%). Body weight and feed intake were determined and the feed conversion ratio was calculated. Faecal samples were collected at 14, 21 and 42 days. Dietary CP did not affect the growth performance of broilers. Reducing CP level was effective at beneficially modulating the composition of the faecal microflora, in particular TAMC and ECC concentrations (log10 CFU g–1) were significant lower for the LCP birds. During hot temperature conditions (33°C and 70% relative humidity) a low protein diet may help to control the characteristics of the faecal microbial community without negative effects on broiler performance

Winter legume grains are suited as a significant source of vegetable protein for both human and livestock species, due to high protein content and the high level of unsaturated fatty acids. This research reported the effect of S fertilization on the quality of three different pulses (faba bean, lupin and pea) in terms of lipid content and fatty acid profile. For each species, randomized complete block design with three replicates was used, and three S doses (0, 30 and 60 kg ha-1, respectively) were applied. The S fertilization was split in two times: 50% before sowing and 50% in the early of March as K2SO4. Our findings indicated that the S fertilization in faba bean, lupin and pea grains led to a significant improvement of the fatty acid profile. Furthermore, the S fertilization enhanced the legume grains oil composition through the increase of unsaturated fatty acids, and in particular the remarkable decrease of the erucic acid in lupin grains.

The practice of grazing winter cereals before heading and subsequently harvesting the forage is common in some countries. Triticale (× Triticosecale Wittmack) is particularly interesting due to its nutritional characteristics, and forage yield and quality are strongly influenced by agronomic techniques. The effect of two modes of utilization (cut at heading stage and cut during winter grazing simulation with regrowth cut at heading stage), three nitrogen (N) fertilization levels [0 and 100kgha−1 split in two phases; and 100kgha−1 before sowing, using a fertilizer with 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) as a nitrification inhibitor (NI)] and mycorrhizal fungus inoculation (mixed inoculation of Glomus intraradices and Glomus moseae) on forage yield and quality, protein fractions and in vitro digestibility of triticale was determined in southern Italy. Mode of utilization and fertilization affected significantly forage yield and quality, while mycorrhizal fungus inoculation influenced positively some quality parameters. Cutting at heading stage of triticale led to high dry matter (DM) production compared to the winter cut simulating grazing, but no differences in protein yield (PY). N fertilization increased total DM and PYs, but no differences were reported among the application modalities of N fertilizers. Triticale protein fractions and protein and fiber digestibility were improved by N fertilization. Mycorrhizal fungus inoculation positively influenced forage quality at heading stage, which resulted in more digestible fiber and protein. As a result, when triticale was grown under Mediterranean conditions, mode of utilization and N fertilization resulted in greater forage yield and quality, while mycorrhizal fungus inoculation influenced positively forage nutritional quality parameters.

Pastures of the Apennines of Central Italy contribute to feed resources of high altitude (above 1,300 m sea level) grazing systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of faecal extract from the yak (Bos grunnienes) as an alternative microbial inoculum to rumen fluid for estimation of digestibility of several forage species. Forage samples produced at high altitude were tested in this study: four legumes (Lathyrus sativus L., Lotus corniculatus L., Onobrychis viciaefolia L. and Trifolium pratense L.), three forbs (Achillea millefolium L., Potentilla reptans L. and Teucrium flavum L.) and one grass (Brachipodyum pinnatum L.) were incubated with yak rumen fluid or faecal extract. A large variability in chemical composition was observed among the species collected. Rumen liquor and faecal samples were collected from adult healthy yak. The DaisyII incubator was used to evaluate the nutrient digestibility of forages using rumen liquor as control and faecal extract as alternative microbial inoculum sources. Filter bags containing samples of browse species were added to the four digestion vessels along with their respective inoculum and then incubated for 48 h and dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral and detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility was determined. There was a significant relationship between estimates, indicating that faecal liquor has the potential to be used instead of rumen fluid for estimation of in vitro digestibility of plants. It is concluded that the DaisyII incubator results are appropriate for the determination of in vitro digestibility of nutrients using faecal liquor to define the potential for adaptation of yak to new pastures. (Key Words : Yak, Pasture Quality, Faecal Extract, In vitro Digestibility)

The present trial aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding extruded flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) in concentrate feed and pasture on Podolica young bulls performance and meat characteristics. Eighteen male bulls were randomly divided in three homogeneous groups and fed for 180 days two isocaloric and isonitrogenous concentrates as: (1) diet containing 350 g/kg DM of extruded flaxseed (EFS); (2) diet containing 350 g/kg DM of extruded flaxseed for the first 90 days, then bulls had also 10 h/days grazing on a natural pasture (EFSP); and (3) a control diet containing 600 g/kg of dry matter (DM) of soybean (SB) seeds. Results from growth trial of bulls showed that none of the parameters studied were influenced by the dietary treatments. In slaughter trial, feeding to extruded flaxseed and pasture had a positive effect on the meat lipid component leading to lower perirenal fat accumulation and to higher conjugated linoleic acids (CLA), arachidonic acid, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and n-3 fatty acids contents. Additionally, in both groups fed extruded flaxseed (EFS and EFSP) the carcass fat, meat L* (lightness) values as well as meat n-3 and n-6/n-3 ratio were similar, resulting however improved compared to SB-control group. Moreover, the higher vitamin E content in extruded flaxseed-diet with pasture reduced meat lipid oxidation during storage. Our findings indicate that extruded flaxseed in concentrate can be advantageously used in grazing Podolica bulls, maintaining the growth performance and improving meat lipid profile.

Little scientific information is available that has evaluated safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) cake as a sub-stitute to conventional ingredients in small ruminants diet. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of feeding safflower cake in total mixed rations (TMRs) on lamb and kid growth rates, carcass traits and meat fatty acid composition. Two consecutive trials were conducted using Comisana breed lambs and Garganica breed kids. Animals were randomly allocated to two isocaloric and sonitrogenous TMRs formu-lated to meet or exceed nutritional requirements, and consisted of the control diet and an experimental diet contained safflower cake. Animals were slaughtered after the feeding trial which lasted 50 days and the carcass traits and meat quality were evaluated. In both slaughter trials, none of the arameters studied were (P>0.05) influenced by dietary treatments except for slaughter weight and cold-carcass dressing that were improved in lambs fed safflower. Feeding the safflower diet resulted in significantly lower saturated fatty acid (SFA) content in meat, as well as the n-6 / n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratio and saturation, atherogenic and thrombogenic indexes, while total PUFA and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) as well as the indices related to human health increased. These results suggest that including safflower cake in diet for small ruminants can produce meat with an improved meat lipid profile. As result, safflower maintained carcass yields with no detrimental effect on meat quality.

Emmer (Triticum dicoccum Schu¨ bler) and spelt (Triticum spelta L.) are two ancient cereal crops which have been traditionally grown in the semiarid areas of the Mediterranean basin. The renewed interest in these species has its origin in favorable quality parameters of grain. Unfortunately, there is a lack of information on hulled wheat characteristics when a whole plant is used as forage. Therefore, a field trial was carried out in southern Italy during 2010-2011 to evaluate the effect of N applications (0, 40, and 80 kg ha-1) and harvest period (cut at boots just swollen and cut at early dough) on forage yield and quality of two emmer varieties (‘‘Padre Pio’’ and ‘‘Giovanni Paolo’’) and one of spelt (‘‘Altamura’’) on their biomass yield and nutritional traits as well as carbohydrates fractionation. Data indicated that the harvest stage and genotype affected forage yield and quality significantly, while N fertilization has influenced some qualitative parameters. Old wheat cultivars tested had considerable yield and forage quality, and they seem to be adapted to marginal lands in the absence of N fertilization. Therefore, from our findings we can conclude that the emmer could be recommended for hay production harvested at booting stage given its valuable nutritional characteristics, whereas spelt results to be more adaptable for silage production when harvested at the early dough stage.

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of diets containing peas on productive traits, carcass yields, and fatty acid profiles (breast and drumstick meat) of broiler chickens. Hubbard strain broiler chicks, divided into 2 groups, received from 14 d to slaughtering age (49 d) a wheat middlings-based diet containing soybean (190 g/kg) or micronized-dehulled peas (400 g/kg) as the main protein source. The inclusion of peas did not significantly change the growth performance of birds. The pea level had no effect on the dressing percentage, the percentage of breast or drumstick muscles, and abdominal fat. The muscles of birds fed the pea diet had significant (P < 0.05) lower L* (lightness) and b* (yellowness, drumstick muscle) values and fat content. Instead, total collagen and water-holding capacity values were higher in the pea treatment. The polyunsaturated fatty acid concentration in breast and drumstick muscles was significantly increased with the alternative protein source inclusion, whereas the saturated fatty acid was similar among treatments. The n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio of the broiler drumstick meat decreased significantly in the pea group. Dietary pea inclusion improved the saturation index of meat without altering atherogenic and thrombogenic indexes. It can be concluded that the pea treatment tested had a positive effect on the performance and meat quality of broiler chickens.

Modern commercial broilers appear to have compromised immunocompetence, higher mortality and lower resistance to stressors. To overcome these, dietary manipulation seems to be the easiest approach, and this has been supported by research investigations conducted over the last few decades. The goal of enhancing the immune system of broilers is laudable for both economic and welfare reasons. Vitamin E (VE) is now well accepted as nature's most effective lipid-soluble, chain-breaking antioxidant. This antioxidant vitamin has been shown to improve both cell-mediated and humoral immunity in broiler chicks. However, the effect of this vitamin depends upon dose, age and genetics of the broiler chicks. Several mechanisms have been postulated for the beneficial effects of this vitamin. In this review, several aspects of the immunomodulatory effects of VE are reviewed.

Abstract The aim of the present study was to assess the effects feeding level on body weight changes and semen parameters in adult Sardinian rams reared under intensive conditions in a semi-arid area of southern Italy. During an experimental period of 90 days, 24 healthy Sardinian rams were divided into three equal groups that differed in their feeding level, in terms of concentrate amount. The controlconcentrate (CC; n=8) group received 1.0 times their maintenance requirements, the medium-concentrate (MC; n=8) group received a diet that supplied 1.2 times their maintenance requirements, and high-concentrate (HC, n=8) group received a diet that supplied 1.5 times their maintenance requirements. Mixed vetch–oat hay was offered ad libitum to ram groups and water and mineral licks were freely available. Body weight and feed intake was recorded weekly, and semen characteristics were determined every 2 weeks. Dietary treatment affected final body weight (P<0.01) as feeding level increased. Total dry matter and protein intake changed significantly (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively) among experimental groups. Semen volume and concentration were positively influenced by feeding level for HC group, whereas no differences were observed in sperm viability and scrotal circumference of rams. It was concluded that dietary level with higher concentrate supplementation resulted in improved body weight gain, feed intake, sperm production, and semen quality in Sardinian rams.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between the feeding frequency and timetable on egg parameters and reproductive performance of broiler breeder hens. The study involved 480 Ross-308 strain broiler breeder hens from 31 to 38 weeks of age. Birds were randomly assigned to 15 dietary treatments, including four replicates (seven hens and one rooster/treatment), and fed conventional diet (11.7 MJ kg-1 of metabolisable energy, 14% crude protein). Treatments were as follows: (1) once-a-day feeding schedule (control), in which birds received their total allocated feed at 0400 h; (2) twice-a-day feeding schedule, in which the daily feed allowance was divided into two equal meals (50:50) and fed at 0400 and 1600 h; (3) twice-a-day feeding, 75:25 at 0400 and 1600 h; (4) twice-a-day feeding, 50:50 at 0400 and 1200 h; (5) twice-a-day feeding, 75:25 at 0400 and 1200 h; (6) twice-a-day feeding, 75:25 at 0600 and 1600 h; (7) twice-a-day feeding, 50:50 at 0600 and 1600 h; (8) three times feeding schedule, 50:25:25 at 0400, 1200 and 1600 h; (9) three times feeding schedule, 33:33:33 at 0400, 1200 and 1600 h; (10) three times feeding schedule, 25:50:25 at 0400, 1200 and 1600 h; (11) three times feeding schedule, 25:25:50 at 0400, 1200 and 1600 h; (12) three times feeding schedule, 50:25:25 at 0600, 1200 and 1600 h; (13) three times feeding schedule, 33:33:33 at 0600, 1200 and 1600 h; (14) four times feeding schedule, 33:22:22:22 at 0400, 0800, 1200 and 1600 h; and (15) four times feeding schedule, 50:17:17:17 at 0400, 0800, 1200 and 1600 h, respectively. According to our results, until 38 weeks of age the egg production, egg-shell weight, albumen height and yolk colour as well as Haugh unit were positively influenced (P < 0.05) in the hens fed twice a day. Similarly, also using the evaluation index and sub-ordinate function methods, the higher scores were obtained by birds fed more than once a day. In contrast, all feeding regimens did not affect the other egg parameters. Therefore, it can be concluded that feeding broiler breeder hens twice or three times per day improved the egg traits and reproductive performance during the egg peak production phase.

Contents: Soybean meal (SBM) is the most widely and expensive protein source used in the formulation of poultry diets; however, when the price of SBM increases, poultry nutritionists seek alternative sources that are more economical in formulating least-cost rations. This research aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary air-classified sunflower meal (SFM) on some productive parameters and plasma steroid hormones in laying hens. In this trial, 20-week-old laying hens (ISA Brown strain) in the early phase of production were randomly assigned to two groups and fed wheat middlings-based diets containing soybean (135 g/kg; 48% CP) or air-classified SFM (160 g/kg; 41% CP) as the main protein source. Laying performance, egg size and feed conversion ratio were evaluated for 10 week. Plasma steroid hormones (progesterone and oestradiol) in the hens were quantified weekly. Substituting SBM with air-classified SFM did not change (p > 0.05) the hens' growth performance, whereas feed consumption and efficiency were positively influenced (p < 0.05) by SFM treatment. Egg production rate was improved in hens fed the SFM diet (p < 0.05), as well as the percentage of medium-size eggs that was higher for SFM treatment (p < 0.05). Steroid hormones levels were affected by dietary treatment (p < 0.01). From our findings, it could be effective to include air-classified SFM in early-phase laying hen diets as an alternative protein source substituting SBM, without negative influence on productive performance and egg traits, reducing also the production costs.

White lupin (Lupinus albus L.) is an important source of plant protein for both humans and livestock, due to high protein content, low alkaloids level, high level of unsaturated fatty acids, price and market availability in many countries. In this paper is reported the effect of S fertilization on white N fixation capability of lupin, grain yield and chemical characteristics in terms of protein fractions, fatty acid and mineral composition. Randomized complete block design with three replicates was used, and three S applications (0, 30 and 60 kg ha-1, respectively) for white lupin were used. The S fertilization was split into two: 50 % before sowing and 50 % in the early of March as K2SO4. At the same time, both the legume and oat crops were fertilized uniformly with solution of 10 kg N ha-1 15N NH4 15NO3 (10 % 15N atomic excess). Data indicated that under Mediterranean environment on sub-alkaline soil, white lupin produces low grain and protein; however, S application increased plant yield and N fixation. In conclusion, it seems that S fertilization to white lupin should be recommended to soils with sub-optimal S levels to obtain maximum seed and protein yields. Moreover, S fertilization enhanced the protein quality increasing its degradable fraction, and improved the lupin oil quality through the increase in oleic and linolenic acids and the remarkable decrease in erucic acid.

Sheep is the second most important dairy species after cow all over the world, especially in the Mediterranean and Middle East regions. In some countries, the hard environmental conditions require a peculiar adaptation and in these contexts, sheep are able to provide higher quality protein than cattle. In least developed countries, the number of dairy sheep and ovine milk production is progressively increasing. In order to improve dairy productions, in particular those with local connotation, it is necessary to deepen the current acquisitions on milk quality and rheological properties. The genetic polymorphisms of milk proteins are often associated to quantitative and qualitative parameters in milk being potential candidate markers that should be included in breeding strategies similarly to as experienced already in cattle. Due to the current and growing interest on this topic and considering the large number of new information, the aim of this study was to review the literature on sheep milk protein polymorphisms with a particular emphasis to recent findings to give scientists an useful support. Moreover, the effects of different protein variants on milk yield and composition were discussed.

Feed particle size effects on morphology and glycoconjugate pattern was investigated in the rabbit intestine. Rabbits fed with fine particles (2 mm) displayed more irregularly shaped, higher duodenal villi and deeper crypts in distal colon as well as higher number of goblet cells than coarse (8 mm) fed ones. Brush border expressed: (i) in duodenum, neutral/sulfated glycoconjugates and glycans binding MAL II, SNA, Con A than KOH-sialidase- PNA and DBA reactivity in fine and coarse fed rabbits, respectively, (ii) in cecum, mainly sulfoglycans in coarse fed rabbits, MAL II and PNA staining in all samples, and (iii) in distal colon few sulfoglycans and MAL II reactivity. Enterocytes bound MAL II in duodenum, Con A in cecum, DBA, and Con A in distal colon of all rabbits, SNA in distal colon of coarse fed ones. Brunner’s glands displayed high presence of acidic/sulfated mucins in fine fed rabbits, neutral glycoconjugates and reactivity with MAL II, SNA, PNA, KOH-sialidase-PNA, and Con A in all rabbits. Goblet cells exhibited: (i) in duodenum neutral and sulfomucins as well as MAL II and KOH-sialidase- PNA staining, than SNA and DBA in fine and coarse fed rabbits, respectively, (ii) in cecum sulfated glycans, MAL II, SNA, KOH-sialidase-PNA, DBA reactivity, and (iii) in distal colon acidic/sulfomucins, MAL II and SNA staining, and DBA reactivity in fine fed specimens. Crypt cells exhibited neutral and PNA reactive glycoconjugates in the cecum. In the distal colon also acidic/sulfated glycans, and MAL II, KOH-sialidase-PNA, DBA; SNA staining showed weaker reactivity in fine fed rabbits, which bound Con A.

The shortage of forage in arid areas is an important concern and it leads us to explore alternative options as nonconventional feed resources. Among potential forage species, samples of Retama raetam (R. raetam) were collected from six different locations representing four habitat types in two diverse phytogeographical regions in Egypt during the summer and winter seasons. Soil characteristics, growth performance, and nutritional traits of R. raetam were evaluated to assess the potential value of this legume as an alternative forage source in the Mediterranean ecosystem. Data showed that soil texture across the study sites had sandy, loamy, and clayey textures, whereas pH ranged from neutral to alkaline and organic carbon was low at all sites. Growth and production of R. raetam were significantly affected by seasonal variation in rainfall and, based on our study results, this effect was more important than specific site property variations such as soil texture and organic matter contents. Moreover, data indicate that R. raetam had wide ecological amplitude and growth performance as a function of site and season. Nutritional value of R. raetam was high enough to meet the nutrient requirements of several different grazing animals. Comparing the R. raetam nutritional value with those of the other wild plants, it can be concluded that R. raetam has strong potential as forage crop with valuable nutritional quality for browsing animals. Moreover, R. raetam may represent an alternative feedstuff to the conventional forage and a promising substitute fodder in Mediterranean ecosystem.

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.

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is an important source of plant protein for humans and animals; however, nutritional value of seeds is notoriously deficient in sulphur (S)-containing amino acids. In this article, the effect of S fertilization on faba bean's capability of N2 fixation, grain yield and chemical characteristics in terms of protein fractions, fatty acids and minerals composition is reported. A randomized, complete block design with three replicates was used, and three S applications (0, 30 and 60 kg ha−1, respectively) for faba bean were performed. The S fertilization was split into two applications: 50% before sowing and 50% in the beginning of March as K2SO4. At the same time, both the legume and oat crops were fertilized uniformly with 10 kg N ha−1 as 15N NH415NO3 (10% 15N atomic excess) in solution form. In a Mediterranean climate under optimal spring rainfall situations, faba bean produced high yield of grain and protein. Sulphur application resulted in an increase in overall plant yield and N2 fixation. In addition, S fertilization enhanced the protein quality, increasing its degradable fraction. Fertilizing faba bean with 30 kg ha−1 of S resulted in a more appropriate dose in order to obtain a quantitative and qualitative crop improvement. From our findings, it can be concluded that S fertilization to faba bean should be recommended to soils with suboptimal S levels to obtain maximum seed and protein yields. Quality, yield and nitrogen fixation of faba bean seeds as affected by sulphur fertilization (PDF Download Available). Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/232282045_Quality_yield_and_nitrogen_fixation_of_faba_bean_seeds_as_affected_by_sulphur_fertilization [accessed Jan 21, 2016].

There is growing interest in developing natural alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters in order to maintain both birds' performance and health. In the last decade, Turmeric has been extensively used in poultry diets. Turmeric is a natural herb of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. Wide range medicinal properties of this plant have been advocated. In poultry feed, Turmeric has been extensively used in different concentrations, dosages and durations. In this review, the beneficial effects of this plant on growth, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, ameliorative effect on liver health, immunomodulatory and antioxidative effects are reviewed.

L’esperienza svolta nella ideazione, gestione e realizzazione del progetto pilota “Tutela e Riproduzione del Riccio di Mare (Paracentrotus lividus) specie innovativa per l’acquacoltura” dalla Algesiro srl di Manfredonia e della Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria Dipartimento di Benessere Animale dell’Università di Bari è un modello per sviluppare la filiera ittica e la collaborazione tra imprese e mondo della ricerca. Classificato al primo posto della graduatoria nella valutazione di merito, avendo colto il senso del bando ed i suoi obiettivi, il progetto è stato condotto con puntualità ed aggiornamento costante rispetto alle scoperte via via effettuate ed alle tecnologie applicate. L’esperienza si colloca nelle buone pratiche che la Regione Puglia intende adottare e replicare perché il settore delle risorse ittiche possa crescere in maniera sostenibile e nel lungo periodo. L’attenzione posta alla tutela dell’ambiente e delle risorse partendo dalla richiesta di mercato del riccio di mare dimostra che è possibile progettare la gestione della filiera ittica bilanciando gli interventi tenendo conto della pluralità degli interessi e della qualità. Il protocollo sviluppato, primo al mondo, è replicabile in ogni angolo del pianeta e la funzione degli echinodermi, sia in allevamento sia in banchi naturali, contribuisce a tutelare l’ecosistema. Con l’auspicio che esperienze positive come questa possano replicarsi attivando rapporti virtuosi tra imprese, mondo della ricerca, istituzioni e ambiente per la crescita del territorio pugliese