Effect of different breed on Ragusano cheese quality

Specific objectives: Ragusano PDO cheese is a traditional dairy product of Sicily, the aim of the study was to characterised parameters of milk and Ragusano PDO cheese in different breeds. Experimental methods: The research was carried out in two farms in province of Ragusa, samples of Bruna (BR) and Modicana (MD) milk were taken during winter and stored prior to analysis. Chemical composition (dry matter, fat, protein, ash, casein, NNC) and lactodinamographic parameters of milk were determined. Ragusano PDO cheese was obtained after ripening period (four months) and chemical analysis (dry matter, ash, ether extract, crude protein) were carried out. Statistical analysis. Chemical and technological parameters of milk, chemical composition of cheese were examined by one-way ANOVA. When significant effects were found (P≤0.05), differences were determined using t-student. Data analyses were performed using JMP software of SAS (SAS Instit., NC, USA). Results and conclusions: The moisture of milk was higher in BR than MD (87.19% vs. 86.20%), although the ash content was greater in MD (0.82% vs. 0.76%). Crude fat showed a higher result in BR as the casein content (3.61% vs. 3.12%) and the casein/crude protein ratio (85.01% vs. 80.86%). Non-casein nitrogen was higher for MD than BR (0.74% vs. 0.64%), while crude protein didn't show differences between the breeds. The technological parameters of milk showed differences for k20 and a30 parameters. The rennet clotting time (r) didn't show significant difference for the breeds (13:30 min vs. 15:15 min). Curd firmness (k20) evidenced a longer period for BR than MD (06:15 min vs. 02:55 min), although final curd firmness 30 min after rennet addition (a30) was found higher in MD (28.96 mm vs. 21.74 mm). The chemical composition of cheese showed differences in dry matter and ash content. BR showed higher moisture level than MD (34.09 % vs. 32.59 %) while the ash level were higher in MD breed (5.95 % vs. 5.28 %). The difference of dry matter and ash level of the breeds can be assessed to the effect of seasoning, instead no correlation were found for protein and fat. It's know how MD has lower productive performance than BR, although in this trial the quality parameters of milk and cheese of autochthonous breed, as Modicana, is comparable with Bruna. Moreover samples of cheese didn't show differences for fat and protein content; for these reasons MD seems to be more carefully to be chosen for the production of Ragusano PDO cheese.chosen for the production of Ragusano PDO cheese

Effect of different processing methods on the nutritional characteristics and tannin content of fababean seed (Vicia faba minor)

In the last years, because of their high protein content, the demand of legume seeds is significantly increased. In the centre and southern Italy fababean (Vicia faba minor) can play an important role as alternative protein source in ruminant nutrition. In this trial has been studied the effect of different treatments (flaking, cooking, dehulling, germination) on the in vitro digestibility and tannin content of fababean seeds. The in vitro OM and NDF digestibility of seeds were significantly (P<0.05) improved by dehulling and flaking. The in vitro OM digestibility of dehulled fababean (99.27%) showed higher values (P<0.05) than the other treated seeds as well as in vitro NDF digestibility (90.33%, P<0.05). Germination of fababean reduces the in vitro digestibility of OM and NDF. Cooking in water was more effective in reducing tannins than other treatments. Compared to the untreated the cooked has significantly (P<0.05) reduced the tannin content over 55% (2.71 g/kgDM vs. 6.10 g/kgDM). Germinated fababean did not affect the tannin content of seeds. The results from this trial suggest that thermal treatments applied to fababean seeds in order to reduce the tannins must be evaluated according to the cost/benefits ratio because this factors in seeds is low (<10 g/kgDM)

OCHRATOXIN A RESIDUES IN HUNTED WILD BOAR (SUS SCROFA) FROM TUSCANY

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a secondary toxic metabolite synthesized by Aspergillus or Penicillium species, which can contaminate various crops. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified OTA as a group 2B possible human carcinogen. OTA is nephrotoxic, mutagenic, teratogenic and immunosuppressive. OTA can also be present in meat of animals where its presence comes as a result of animal feeding with contaminated grain and feed mixtures. The Italian Ministry of Health Circular No 10, dated 9 June 1999, establishes, as a guideline, a maximum value of 1 μg/kg OTA for swine meat and meat products. The significant increase in the wild boar population has resulted in an increased prevalence of wild boar meat, offal and ready-made products in the food industry. The aim of the present study was to determine OTA concentrations in muscle, kidney and liver of wild boar hunted in Tuscany region. A total of twenty wild boars (male n=11 female n=9) were collected in the Province of Pisa from November 2014 to April 2015, animals have been slaughtered and the carcass weight were determined (from a min. of 14.9 kg and a max. of 72.0 kg). Samples of kidney, liver and muscles from each wild boar were collected and analyzed with an enzymatic digestion clean-up and high-pressure liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection method (1). The highest levels of OTA were found in the kidneys of the twenty wild boar analyzed (0.07- 2.01 μg/kg, mean 0.58±0.63 μg/kg). The levels found in the liver ranged between 0.08- 1.93 μg/kg, (mean 0.53±0.60). The lowest concentrations were found in muscle (0.04- 0.77 μg/kg, mean 0.24±0.24). In eight samples of the tissue samples examined in this study (4 kidney and corresponding 4 liver), the levels of OTA were higher than the guideline level (1 μg/kg) established by the Italian Ministry of Health. The present results are in agreement with a previous study conducted in Calabria in wild boars (2). Swine are particularly sensitive to OTA, kidneys showed the highest accumulation of the latter 101 Società Italiana delle Scienze Veterinarie toxin, followed by liver and muscle tissue, finally the lowest accumulation is represented in adipose tissue. The present results showed the same type of accumulation in wild boar. Traditionally in Tuscany, as in other regions, wild boar meats are used to produce niche products, especially coppa and salami. In agreement with the research of Monaci et al. (3), dried wild boar meat may contribute to overall OTA intake by carry-over effects into processed meats. Monitoring the quality of meat destined for transformation is a priority in order to decrease the possibility of toxin carry-over to humans. The present study confirms that contamination of meat products by OTA represents a potential emerging source of OTA for distinct segments of the Italian population, who are significant consumers of locally-produced wild boar specialties. 1. Luci G., Vanni M., Ferruzzi G., Mani D., Intorre L., Meucci V. 2016. MethodsX 3: 171-177. 2. Bozzo G., Ceci E., Bonerba E., Di Pinto A., Tantillo G., De Giglio E. 2012. Toxins (Basel) 4: 1440-1450. 3. Monaci L., Tantillo G., Palmisano F. 2004. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry 378: 1777- 1782

preliminary research on environmental impact of woodland grazing by pigs

6 castrate pigs about 30 kg live weight each entered in a fence into hilly woodland area. The pigs were bred until about 140 kg live weight. After 10 months of pasture breeding, the environmental damages (cover ground, plants and soil characteristics) by rooting and trampling were evaluated. The damages to cover ground and to shrubs and to physical structure (Fissures and Aggregate stability) caused hydro-geological instability with soil erosion and landslides. Removing surface layers of soil caused considerable loss of organic matter (Total Organic Carbon and Total Nitrogen), microbial activity (Microbial ATP and breathing) and enzyme activity changes (Total β−glucosidase and Extra cellular β−glucosidase). Damages to native plants are different in relation to the root and the trunk kinds, and to the palatability of leaves and apexes which result inversely related whit the abundance of disagreeable substances content (ADL, Tannins, Resins, Latex)

Environmental impact caused by wild ungulates in protected areas

Protected areas play a crucial role for conservation of natural habilats and ecosystems. Protecting biodiversity means maintaining in good condition ecological processes in order to ensure a good state of harmony between natural resources and environmental conservation. It is known that one of the major threats of the Conservation is the presence of alien or invasive species, especial/y if they are introduced in protected areas. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) writes in the list of the 100 invasive species the wild boar (Sus scrofa L.) and the goat (Capra hircus L.). These ungulates represent a serious threat for natural ecosystems because they are able to alter natural habilats reducing biodiversity. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate some aspects connected with environmental relationships mainly between flora and fauna in protected areas, focusing on wild boars and feral goats. Secondly, it is analysed "Human dimension" aspect caused by presence and damage of wild animals finked to damage to crops and to dry stone wall supporting the typical cultivated terraces. To reach our goal we use as a case study the Portofino Natural Park in North-West Italy, because it houses one of the largest biodiversity concentration in the Mediterranean area. In this protected area the wild boar is the most invasive between the two studied animai species, because of soil damages that influence hydro-geological balance of territory. Finally, this species can quickly increase its population for the high prolificacy and low biological and predator mortality

Determination of ochratoxin A in pig tissues using enzymatic digestion coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography with a fluorescence detector

We present a new method for the rapid analysis of ochratoxin A (OTA) in pig tissues (muscle, liver and kidney) using enzymatic digestion (ED) coupled to high-performance liquid chromatography with a fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD). OTA was digested with a 1% pancreatin solution in a phosphate buffer and then cleaned with ethylacetate. After being evaporated to dryness and re-dissolved, the sample was determined using HPLC-FLD. The method was validated taking into account the currently permitted limit of 1 μg/kg OTA in pork meat and derived products in Italy. The recovery was higher than 90%. Intra- and inter-day repeatability expressed as RSD were less than 7%. The LOD and LOQ were 0.001 and 0.002 μg/kg, respectively. Our method is more efficient, easier, and cheaper than conventional clean-up procedures (liquid–liquid extraction)

HPLC DETERMINATION OF OCHRATOXIN A IN PIG TISSUES USING ENZYMATIC DIGESTION COUPLED TO MOLECULARLY IMPRINTED SOLID PHASE PURIFICATION

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin produced as a secondary metabolite by various Aspergillus and Penicillium species with nephrotoxic, carcinogenic, immunotoxic and teratogenic potential effects (1). OTA has been found in several food commodities, including cereals, coffee, beer, wine and spices. OTA can also be present in food of farm animals as a result of carryover from animal contaminated feed (2); consequently, a permitted level of 1 μg/kg OTA in pig meat or pig-derived products was set in Italy, as in other countries. Conventional methods for the determination of OTA in animal tissues are performed by extraction with chloroform and followed by cleaning up with immunoaffinity columns or liquid-liquid partitioning (3). These procedures need a large amount of organic solvents which are environmentally harmful and hazardous to humans. The aim of the present study was to develop a new enzymatic digestion method coupled with molecularly imprinted solid phase purification (MISPE) for quantitative determination of OTA in pig tissues (muscle, liver, or kidney). Five grams of sample aliquot were homogenized with 5 ml of a phosphate buffer using an Ultra Turrax. A 2.5 g aliquot of the homogenate was transferred into a tube, incubated for 1 hour at 37°C with 10 ml solution of 1% pancreatin in a phosphate buffer, ultrasonicated at 75 Hz, purified with MISPE columns (pre-conditioned with 3 ml acetonitrile and 3 ml water). OTA elution was performed with methanol/acetic acid 98:2 (v/v). Final eluate was evaporated to dryness and redissolved into 1 ml of HPLC mobile phase and injected into HPLC-FLD. The method was validated according to EU criteria for the confirmatory methods for organic residues and contaminants (4). For all analyzed matrices mean recovery was &gt; 89 %, intra and inter-day repeatability expressed as RSD &lt; 5 % and LOD and LOQ were 0.0018 and 0.0054 μg/kg, respectively. The method can be applied as alternative routine procedure to detect OTA presence in pigs meat products. (1) Malir et al. Ochratoxin A: 50 Years of Research. Toxins, 8:191, 2016. (2) Duarte et al. Ochratoxin A in feed and foodproducing animals: an undesirable mycotoxin with health and performance effects. Vet. Microbiol. 154:1-13, 2011. (3) Monaci et al. Determination of ochratoxin A in pig tissues by liquid-liquid extraction and clean-up and highperformance liquid chromatography. Anal Bioanal Chem 378:1777-1782, 2004. (4) EC (2002) Commission Decision 657/2001 of 12 August 2002 Implementing Council Directive 96/23/EC concerning the performance of analytical methods and the interpretation of results. pp. 8-36

Monitoraggio di endoparasiti in un gregge di pecore Garfagnine

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ERIS: revitalising an adaptive optics instrument for the VLT

ERIS is an instrument that will both extend and enhance the fundamental diffraction limited imaging and spectroscopy capability for the VLT. It will replace two instruments that are now being maintained beyond their operational lifetimes, combine their functionality on a single focus, provide a new wavefront sensing module that makes use of the facility Adaptive Optics System, and considerably improve their performance. The instrument will be competitive with respect to JWST in several regimes, and has outstanding potential for studies of the Galactic Center, exoplanets, and high redshift galaxies. ERIS had its final design review in 2017, and is expected to be on sky in 2020. This contribution describes the instrument concept, outlines its expected performance, and highlights where it will most excel.Comment: 12 pages, Proc SPIE 10702 "Ground-Based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy VII

The ERIS adaptive optics system: from design to hardware

ERIS is the new AO instrument for VLT-UT4 led by a Consortium of Max-Planck Institut fuer Extraterrestrische Physik, UK-ATC, ETH-Zurich, NOVA-Leiden, ESO and INAF. The ERIS AO system provides NGS mode to deliver high contrast correction and LGS mode to extend high Strehl performance to large sky coverage. The AO module includes NGS and LGS wavefront sensors and, with VLT-AOF Deformable Secondary Mirror and Laser Facility, will provide AO correction to the high resolution coronagraphic imager NIX (1-5um) and the IFU spectrograph SPIFFIER (1-2.5um). In this paper, we present the final design of the ERIS AO system and the status of the of current MAIV phase