Zerasca sheep: environment, characteristics and production

The Zeri ewe is an indigenous Italian breed that is spread throughout the homonymous area located in northwest Tuscany. This article presents the history and evolution of Zerasca sheep, describes the breed’s characteristics in terms of somatic and productive traits, managerial and health practices, meat quality; moreover it underlines its contribution to the preservation of the rural land and population of the Zeri district. First documentation on this breed dates back to the 19th Century (Antonelli, 1845). Zerasca breed has a medium-large size with white fleece. Males present horns while in females can be absent. Currently Zerasca ovine population totals more than 2,000 heads. Sheep husbandry is currently predominant in Zeri area thanks to the great availability of woody vegetation (oak, chestnut, hazel, alder and beech trees), meadows and pastures. Animals’ nutrition depends mostly on grazing pastures, infact flocks are generally supported only with a little nutritional supplementation. The first typical production is the heavy lamb that is gaining more and more relevance thanks to its excellent meat quality, unique in taste; infact, Zeri lamb is included in the list of Slow Food Presidia, reflecting the recognized quality of this product in the world.Most of shepherds jointed in a consortium for the valorization and safeguarding of Zerasca sheep and lambs, whose regulation points towards the implementation of extensive farming systems with an optimal exploitation of local pasture resources. One of the most important problem that Zerasca sheep farmers often complain is represented by gastrointestinal parasitism, almost endemic in sheep husbandry and particularly in sheep raised under extensive systems. Today, “Zeri lamb” has a considerable economic impact on its territory, ensuring increasing profits for shepherds. The aim of this review is to collect information about a native breed in endangered status that it is gaining importance thanks to the high-quality of products

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

Gastrointestinal strongyles burden monitoring in a flock of Zerasca sheep treated with homeopathy

Introdution The widespread use of conventional drugs in farm animals has resulted in anthelmintic resistance as well as the contamination of deleterious molecules in animal products and in the environment. Researchers are thus focusing on production systems that rely less on chemicals. The aim of this study was to monitor the gastrointestinal strongyle burden, blood count, body condition scores (BCS), and FAffa MAlan CHArt (FAMACHA) in a local Italian breed of sheep reared in natural conditions. Methods The study was carried out in a farm where homeopathy was utilised. Over a one-year period, faeces were sampled six times from ten Zerasca ewes to evaluate the fecal eggs count using a modified McMaster technique. At the same time, blood samples were collected to evaluate white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and red cell distribution width. BCS and FAMACHA were also recorded. Results Results showed low parasite levels in most of the samples with the highest value in the spring. Blood parameters were within the normal range, with significant fluctuations during the sampling period. BCS values corresponded to an adequate nutritional condition of the animals and FAMACHA scores did not suggest a worrying state of anemia. Conclusions In this farm, a thorough monitoring of the gastrointestinal parasite burden together with a BCS and FAMACHA evaluation allowed the amount of chemical treatments to be limited, normally administered twice a year without laboratory tests

Assessment of blood and productive parameters in mid-lactation dairy cows fed different diets: replacement of corn silage with triticale silage

Corn crops require large amounts of resources that affect the environmental sustainability of dairy cow farming systems. The aim of the study was thus to investigate the effects of the replacement of corn silage (CS) with triticale silage (TS) by evaluating blood and productive parameters. The study lasted 7&nbsp;weeks and involved two groups of 20 Italian Holstein Friesian dairy cows that were homogeneous in terms of parity ( 3±1.5 ), days in milk (DIM) ( 150±85.0 ), and daily milk production ( 26±4.6  kg). Chemical analysis of feeds was carried out weekly. Dry-matter intake was estimated daily. At the beginning and end of the trial, haematological, metabolic, and immunological parameters were analysed. At the same, time body weight and body condition score were measured. Milk characteristics were also analysed weekly. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA on data of the second sampling, and a non-parametric test was performed to analyse BCS. Regarding the haematological parameters in the two groups, only lymphocyte values were not in the normal range (2.86 and 2.50×109  L for CS and TS, respectively). Metabolic parameters were in the normal range except for blood ureic nitrogen (BUN; 13.65 and 14.04  mgdL-1 ), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs; 21.40 and 31.93  µmolL-1 ), and Cl (91.99 and 93.50  mmolL-1 ). Hair cortisol was low (0.94 and 0.91  pgmg-1 ), indicating the absence of stress signs, as confirmed by the results of other immunological parameters (serum lysozyme (SL), bactericidal activity (SBA), haptoglobin (HP), and oxygen free radicals (OFRs)). Statistical differences were not found either for haematological or biochemical parameters. The total replacement of CS with TS did not affect milk yield and composition. In conclusion, the replacement of CS by TS did not give rise to significant modifications in the parameters investigated and did not alter the health status of the animals, thus suggesting the feasibility of its introduction into the diet of mid-lactation dairy cows

Influenza della parziale introduzione di fonti proteiche alternative alla soia su alcuni parametri metabolici e immunologici in suini all'ingrasso

È stato effettuato uno studio sugli effetti della parziale sostituzione della soia nella dieta di suini pesanti nella fase di ingrasso su alcuni parametri metabolici e immunologici. La prova è stata condotta su 30 femmine omogenee per età e peso, divise in tre gruppi sperimentali: in un gruppo la fonte proteica era rappresentata dalla soia mentre negli altri due questa è stata par- zialmente sostituita con il 20% di pisello (Pisum sativum L.) e il 18% di favino (Vicia faba L. var. minor). Durante la prova, che ha avuto la durata di sei mesi, sono stati effettuati tre prelievi ematici: all’inizio (T0), in una fase intermedia (T1) e prima del- la macellazione (T2). I parametri analizzati sono stati: ALP, ALT, AST, bilirubina totale, colesterolo, glucosio, NEFA, proteine totali, trigliceridi, GGT, albumina, attività battericida del siero, complemento, lisozima. I risultati hanno evidenziato differenze significative imputabili alla dieta solo per i NEFA (p&lt;0,05), mentre più numerosi sono risultati i parametri influenzati dal periodo di campionamento: colesterolo, trigliceridi, battericidia (p&lt;0,05), ALP, glucosio, lisozima (p&lt;0,01). Alcuni dei parametri esaminati risultano fuori dal range di normalità indipendentemente dalla dieta e dal momento di campionamento. Dai risultati ottenuti si può osservare che le diete utilizzate non hanno comportato variazioni nel profilo metabolico e immunologico e dei suini nella fase di ingrasso

Parametri ematici come possibili indicatori di benessere in bovine da latte

RIASSUNTO La stretta relazione tra andamento dei parametri ematici e fase fisiologica in molte specie animali per i diversi indirizzi produttivi (vacche da latte, vitelli da ingrasso e suinetti) ha spinto da anni la ricerca ad indagare su tale legame, reso ancora più complesso da fattori di carattere fisiologico, alimentare e manageriale. L’intento di questo lavoro è apportare un contributo a tale argomento, finalizzando l’interpretazione di alcuni dei parametri ematici analizzati alla valutazione dello stato di benessere delle lattifere. Sono stati effettuati quattro prelievi ematici stagionali (estate 2001, autunno 2001, inverno 2001/2002 e primavera 2002) su 54 bovine da latte di razza Frisona. Lo stato fisiologico (asciutta, transizione, fresche, lattazione e tarda lattazione) ha influenzato le concentrazioni di ALT (p<0.05), azoto ureico (p<0.001), glucosio (p<0.05), proteine totali (p<0.05), creatinina (p<0.001), colesterolo (p<0.001), trigliceridi (p<0.001) e globuli bianchi (p<0.05). I valori maggiormente alterati sono stati registrati per AST (64.2% dei campioni), colesterolo (84.7%), trigliceridi (80.6%), NEFA (44.9%), albumine (69.4%), ematocrito (78.6%), ed alcune componenti della formula leucocitaria. Ciò segnala una generale alterazione di importanti indicatori metabolici, anche in assenza di cali produttivi evidenti. Tali informazioni possono fornire nelle vacche da latte utili indicazioni per un monitoraggio mirato, identificando le fasi produttive più critiche (transition cow e i primi 100 gg di lattazione) ed apportando di conseguenza opportune strategie per migliorare le condizioni di vita degli animali in allevamento. SUMMARY For years, blood parameters have been used as a tool for evaluating animal welfare on farms, appearing to be closely connected to physiological status in dairy cows, calves and piglets. The aim of this work was to evaluate blood parameters in 54 Fresian dairy cows, highlighting their welfare conditions. Samples were collected four times (summer 2001, autumn 2001, winter 2001/2002 and spring 2002). Results were discussed regarding the main physiological phases (dry period, transition, fresh lactating, mid-lactating and late lactating periods). These periods significantly influenced AST (p<0.05), urea (p<0.001), glucose (p<0.05), total protein (p<0.05), creatinine (p<0.001), cholesterol (p<0.001), triglycerides (p<0.001) and white blood cells (p<0.05) concentrations. AST (64.2% of samples), cholesterol (84.7%), triglycerides (80.6%), NEFA (44.9%), albumin (69.4%) and packed cell volume (78.6%) were the most altered blood parameters. In this context, many values were not included in the physiological range, even if no drop in production was noticed. Our results could give primary indications for the state of dairy cows welfare, indicating targeted parameters (AST, cholesterol, triglycerides, NEFA, albumin, packed cell volume and neutrophil/lymphocytes ratio) and critical phases (transition and early lactation periods) to simplify animal control and implement appropriate corrective measures aimed at improving living conditions on farms

Strongyles burden monitoring in a flock treated with homeopathy

Background: Gastrointestinal parasites compromise the welfare and health of ruminants on pasture; moreover, they can cause serious productive losses. The constant and preventive strategy of anthelmintics treatments involves problems such as the increasing incidence of parasite resistance, the noncompliance with the consumer concerns regarding food and environment contamination and the obstacle in developing the natural immunity of the animal against helminths. Sustainable approaches to cope with such problems are the complementary and alternative curative methods and, among these, homeopathy could be used effectively. The entire flock is considered as a single individual and the various pathologies encountered are interpreted as the expression of the pathological tendency of the farm. Aim: The aim of this study was the monitoring of gastrointestinal parasite burden, body condition score (BCS) and FAMACHAassay in a flock of an Italian local breed sheep where the unicist homeopathic methodwas applied by the farm remedy. Method: The study lasted from March 2009 to February 2011 and involved 16 Zerasca sheep randomly selected in a farm located in the homonymous area. The homeopathic examination was performed at the beginning of the study and repeated the following year in order to fill the repertory schedule that list the proper remedies, applying the ‘similar principle’: information on medical history, environmental aspects, climate conditions, nutrition, farm characteristics, human–animal relationship and animal–animal dynamics was gathered. Iodum MK remedy was chosen from the list of the Mac Repertory programme at the first examination and Zincum XMK at the second one. Faecal samples were collected every 2 months to evaluate the faecal egg count (FEC), expressed as eggs per gram (EPG), with a modified Mc Master technique. Eggs dynamic was statistically analysed and data were logarithmically transformed to normalise variance. Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated to examine the relationships between FAMACHA, BCS and FEC. Results: A significant effect of the date of sampling on fluctuation of FEC is observed but without a clear trend to put in relation with the season. Mean values were always under the threshold of health problems and only in one case values exceeded 300 EPG. FEC and FAMACHA correlations did not result significant, while FEC and BCS did. Conclusion: The study highlighted that with the monitoring of parasites and the use of homeopathy it is possible to limit chemical anthelmintic treatments

Pascolo e suini di razza Cinta senese. Effetti sulla qualità dei prodotti

Cinta Senese (CS) is currently bred with different rearing and feeding techniques that consequently determine variability in product characteristics. The aim of our paper was to test the effect of grass pasture on tissue composition of sample joint and on physical-chemical traits of meat and subcutaneous fat. Sixteen finishing CS pigs were divided into two groups: 8 animals (P) were reared on pasture with an integration of 1.4 kg/d per head of mixture usually employed by the farmer; 8 animals (C) were reared in confined area and fed exclusively the same mixture (2.6 kg/d/head). Both groups showed appreciable meat tenderness with no significant differences (shear force of 7.26 vs 6.69 kg on raw meat and 7.55 vs 8.05 kg on cooked meat, for P and C respectively). High values of intramuscular fat in Longissimus lumborum (4.1% vs 4.9%) and Psoas major (2.6% vs 3.0%), for P and C respectively, were recorded. Subcutaneous fat of P revealed higher percentages of C18:3 (0.8% vs 0.6%, P=0,004), even if PUFA did not exceed 15%. Results underlined the appreciable characteristics of CS meat fed on pasture and the feasibility of reducing the use of cereals