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

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

Effects of graded noise levels on behavior, physiology and production performance of intensively managed lambs

The aim of the experiment was to assess the effects of graded noise levels on behavioral, immune and cortisol respons- es, and on production performance of forty precocious Merino lambs. The experiment lasted 42 days and was preceded by a two-week adjustment period. The animals were divided into 3 test groups and a control group of 10 each, which were housed in 12 m2 sound-proof rooms. The lambs in the test groups were exposed to recordings of high-speed motor vehicle traffic noise for 8 hours a day. The frequency range of the recordings was 100 to 6,300 Hz, while the loudness levels were different in the three experimental rooms: group A = 95 dB, group B = 85 dB, and group C = 75 dB. During the same 8 hours the control group was exposed to a background noise of 42-44 dB. For the rest of the day, the ambi- ent noise level in the animal building was 35-40 dB. Behavioral traits of lambs were recorded at the end of the adjust- ment period and then at 14d, 28d and 42d of the experiment. At the same intervals, the plasma levels of glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, total proteins, albumins and cortisol were determined. Cell-mediated immune response to phy- tohemagglutinin (PHA) was determined at the beginning and at days 21 and 42 of the trial. Live weights of lambs were measured at the beginning of the trial and then at two-week intervals during the trial. After slaughtering, the carcass weights and the dressing percentage were determined. The experimental treatment determined a significant increase in the walking time (P < 0.01) and a reduction of plasma cortisol levels (P < 0.01) in the samples taken on days 28 and 42 of the trial in groups A and B. The lambs in the test groups exhibited a slower growth rate (P < 0.01) than the ani- mals of the control group, whereas a deterioration of feed efficiency was observed only in group A (P < 0.01). There were no differences amongst the groups in terms of cell-mediated immunity and blood metabolites. Results suggest that expo- sure to noise has a detrimental effect on some biological functions in lambs but it does not severely impair animal well- being, at least when there are no concomitant conditions of physical and social discomfort

Monitoring the on-farm welfare of sheep and goats

Schemes for on-farm welfare assessment in sheep and goats are not yet available. Factors responsible for this lack of availability are discussed in the first part of this review. Requisites for reliable methods of welfare assessment to be used in sheep and goat farms are discussed, taking into account the peculiarities of the small ruminant production systems in terms of flock management and farm location. Some housing parameters related to structures, design and micro-environment are reviewed and could be included in schemes of welfare assessment on farm. Human-animal interaction, health status of the animals in terms of body condition scoring, skin and hair conditions, lameness and injuries, and management practices in relation to cleanliness, animal handling and moving, milking procedures and abnormal behaviours, are proposed as potential animal-based indicators. When available, validity, reliability and feasibility of the proposed parameters are discussed. The voluntary adhesion to welfare standards in Sardinia and the application of a scientifically validated protocol in Basilicata are reported as examples of practical experiences

Increase of proton electrochemical potential and ATP synthesis in rat liver mitochondria irradiated in vitro by helium-neon laser

Mitochondria Laser Transmembrane proton gradient Membrane potential ATP synthesis Oxygen uptake. © 1984

Factors of welfare reduction in dairy sheep and goats

Scientific research on factors causing the reduction of well-being in sheep and goats is rather recent, as are studies of strategies to minimize the adverse effects of environmental challenges and improper management practices on flock welfare. Sheep and goats, considered very rustic animals, are reared prevalently under extensive production systems and are widespread mainly in marginal areas. For these reasons, only few studies on the welfare of these species have been carried out in the past. More recently, the scenario has changed, due to a gradual diffusion of intensive and semi-intensive production systems, especially in dairy sheep and goat breeds, to the growing concern of consumers about the life conditions of farmed animals, and to the issuing of a number of rules and laws on the safety of animal products and well-being of farmed livestock. As a consequence, several research groups have turned their attention to the welfare of sheep and goats. Nevertheless, information on this topic is still scarce. This paper reviews major critical points regarding the endangerment of welfare in farmed sheep and goats. Climatic extremes and seasonal fluctuations in herbage amount and quality are discussed as important causes of the reduction of well-being in extensive production systems, which can impair production efficiency of grazing animals and dramatically affect the welfare and health status of sheep and goats. Space allowance and structures of sheep and goat houses are described as the main potential sources of discomfort for housed flocks, together with inadequate control of micro-environment, and inappropriate milking procedures and human-animal interactions. Recent studies on the impact of high ambient temperature, different ventilation regimes, high stocking densities, reduced airspace and poor litter management on behaviour, immune and endocrine response, and on performance of sheep and goats are discussed. The effects of inadequate milking procedures and improper milking technical parameters on welfare and udder health of sheep and goats are also discussed. Finally, some practices aimed at minimizing emotional and nutritional stresses of lambs and kids after early separation from the mother, before the transition to artificial rearing, and at weaning time are described