Emerging issues in animal husbandry: effects of reduced protein supply in animal farms and methodologies for fatty acid analysis in biological samples

Aim of this thesis was to explore the effects of suboptimal N supplies on animals of different species on production performances to achieve an effective reduction of N excretion avoiding, or limiting, the economic losses due to impairment of performance or reduced quality of products. As aside different methods of fatty acid analysis were evaluated to identify an accurate and repeatable methodology of extraction of fatty acids that prevents isomerisation of PUFA and conjugated linoleic acid. All the contributions of this thesis have been published or submitted to international peer reviewed journals. This thesis was also reviewed by foreign referees and all their suggestions were accepted and included in the present version of this thesis. The first two contributions were aimed to verify the effect of suboptimal dietary crude protein supply on growing cattle and lactating cows. In lactating cows the effect of a supplementation with rumen protected conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) was also explored. The third contribute regards an experiment conducted to evaluate the effect of different fecal sample preparation procedures to determine the fatty acid profile of ruminants feces, including CLA. The fourth and the fifth contributions were aimed to evaluate the effects of reduced dietary crude protein and amino acid levels on growth performance of heavy pigs (4th contribute) and on growth performance and intramuscular lipid deposition on fast growing pigs (5th contribute). Overall, the results suggests that considerable reduction of dietary crude protein, compared to conventional standard, can be applied with small or null impairment of production response, but with a notable reduction of N excretion. Within the framework of the nitrate directive of the European Community, the strong reduction of N excretion achieved with the use of suboptimal protein supplies would result in the possibility of increasing the number of animals reared per unit of land available for manure disposal, and to reduce the feeding costs because of less use of expensive dietary protein sources. From the third contribute it resulted that fecal sample preparation method has an influence on fecal fatty acid profile, and in particular on the CLA component, stronger than that was previously evidenced in the literature that indicated the methylation as a critical step for an accurate analysis of fatty acids by gas chromatography. Analytical methods applicable on different biological substrates (feeds, feces, and animal products) are needed for a better knowledge of lipid digestion and metabolism of farm animals

Sustainability of intensive beef production system in North-East Italy: relationships between phosphorus supply and productive performance

The beef sector of the Veneto Region is based on young bulls imported mainly from France and reared intensively using total mixed rations based on maize silage and concentrates. While nitrogen excretion of the sector is regulated by Nitrate Directive, the excretion of phosphorus (P) is less studied, despite of its potentially great impact on environment. This study aims at analysing the relationships between productive and economic performances and P content of the diet in 14 farms of the region. For a whole productive year feed consumption, ingredients and chemical composition of diets were monthly collected. Average Daily Gain (ADG), Feed conversion ratio (FCR), daily gross profit (DGP), and P balance were calculated. ADG, FCR, and DGP were analysed with a mixed model using arrival season, arrival weight, class of dietary content of P, protein and starch as fixed effects and farm as random effect. Average daily gain was 1.39±0.08 kg/d, FCR was 0.14±0.01 kg/kg, and DGP 2.5±0.40 €/d. The P dietary content was on average high (0.38±0.04, % DM), which resulted in P intakes and excretions of 13.49±1.94 and 9.85±1.92 kg/head/place, respectively. None of the productive and economic traits was affected by phosphorus content of the diet. As a consequence, the phosphorus supplementation can be reduced without the risk of weakening productive and economic performances.The beef sector of the Veneto Region is based on young bulls imported mainly from France and reared intensively using total mixed rations based on maize silage and concentrates. While nitrogen excretion of the sector is regulated by Nitrate Directive, the excretion of phosphorus (P) is less studied, despite of its potentially great impact on environment. This study aims at analysing the relationships between productive and economic performances and P content of the diet in 14 farms of the region. For a whole productive year feed consumption, ingredients and chemical composition of diets were monthly collected. Average Daily Gain (ADG), Feed conversion ratio (FCR), daily gross profit (DGP), and P balance were calculated. ADG, FCR, and DGP were analysed with a mixed model using arrival season, arrival weight, class of dietary content of P, protein and starch as fixed effects and farm as random effect. Average daily gain was 1.39±0.08 kg/d, FCR was 0.14±0.01 kg/kg, and DGP 2.5±0.40 €/d. The P dietary content was on average high (0.38±0.04, % DM), which resulted in P intakes and excretions of 13.49±1.94 and 9.85±1.92 kg/head/place, respectively. None of the productive and economic traits was affected by phosphorus content of the diet. As a consequence, the phosphorus supplementation can be reduced without the risk of weakening productive and economic performances

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment of superficial soft tissue lesions in children with oncologic disease

This study aimed to assess the feasibility and results of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HOT) as supportive treatment of lesions of superficial soft tissues in children with oncological diseases. This was a retrospective analysis and review of all records of children observed at the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Department of the University of Padova and treated adjuvantly with HOT. Between 1996 and 2010, 12 patients (5 males and 7 females, median age 7 years, range 0.5–16) underwent HOT. The effectiveness of HOT varied according to the lesion treated. Ten out of 12 patients were cured. Efficacy was most questionable in 2 patients with skin graft and flaps at risk. Compliance to therapy was close to 100%. In just one case, HOT was interrupted for the appearance of local skin metastases close to the site of primary tumor. HOT showed itself to be safe and effective in most patients even those immunocompromised or critically ill

Energy Balance Estimated from Individual Measurements of Body Weight and Backfat Thickness of Heavy Pigs of Four Genetic Lines Fed Different Diets

Pigs of four genetic lines (GL): Anas (A), DanBred (D), Goland (G) and Topigs received either a conventional (140 g CP/kg and 46 g lysine/kg CP; C-CP) or a low protein diet (106 g CP/kg and 46 g lysine/kg CP; L-CP). Body weight (BW) and backfat depth (P2) were individually measured at the start and the end of two growing periods and individual feed intake (FI) was recorded daily. Body protein and lipid mass at the start and at the end of each period were estimated from BW and P2, and hence protein (Pr) and lipid (Lr) retention were computed. Energy requirement for maintenance (MEm), and growth (MEg) were estimated according to National Research Council guidelines, while ME intake (MEI) was computed from measured FI and ME content of the diets. The MEI/(MEm + MEg) ratio was used as index of efficiency. Differences among GL (P<0.001) were observed for Pr, which averaged 103, 113, 108 and 101 g/d for A, D, G and T, respectively, and Lr which averaged 204, 186, 194 and 172 g/d for A, D, G, and T, respectively. The L-CP diet reduced (P = 0.014) Pr by 8% compared to C-CP, but not Lr. Th e MEI/(MEm+MEg) index was influenced by GL (P<0.001) being 0.99, 0.96, 0.99 and 1.03 for A, D, G and T, respectively. Measurements of BW and P2 permits to achieve acceptable quantification of Pr and Lr. In this range of BW (90 to 165kg), gain composition is influenced more by GL than by the substantial reduction of CP and essential amino acids dietary density used in this trial

A Comparison among Analytical Methods to Assess Fatty Acids and Conjugated Linoleic Acids (CLA) Content and Repeatability of Ruminant Faeces

Methods to determine fatty acids (FAs) and CLA contents of faeces should limit isomerisation, provide a good repeatability of the measures, avoid the use of harmful substances. Three methods of FAs extraction from faeces for GC analysis were compared: Est-DFtol, based on extraction and esterification of FAs contained in dry faeces using Na-methoxide, methanolic-HCl and toluene as solvent; Est-EEtol, based on acid-base extraction and esterification of FAs on the faecal ether extract (EE), using toluene as solvent; and AEst-EEhept, based on an acid catalyzed esterification of FAs contained in EE, using n-heptane as solvent. Faeces were collected from bulls receiving 0, 8 and 80 g/d of rumen protected CLA (rpCLA). The faeces of 9 bulls (3 for each dose) were analysed in triplicates by each method. Methods were compared by linear regression. The measurements performed with Est-EEtol and AEst-EEhept regressed against those of Est-DFtol, evidenced, in particularly for CLA isomers and their sum, positive intercepts and slopes significantly lower than the unity. The proportions of c18:2,t9,t11 found with Est-DFtol and AEst-EEhept were correlated to the dose of rpCLA (R = 0.87 and 0.51, respectively), whereas those found with Est-EEtol did not (R = 0.17). The Est- DFtol method is recommended because it minimizes the isomerisation of the polyunsaturated fatty acids and yields a more accurate measurement of the FAs profile

Energy Balance Estimated from Individual Measurements of Body Weight and Backfat Thickness of Heavy Pigs of Four Genetic Lines Fed Different Diets

Pigs of four genetic lines (GL): Anas (A), DanBred (D), Goland (G) and Topigs received either a conventional (140 g CP/kg and 46 g lysine/kg CP; C-CP) or a low protein diet (106 g CP/kg and 46 g lysine/kg CP; L-CP). Body weight (BW) and backfat depth (P2) were individually measured at the start and the end of two growing periods and individual feed intake (FI) was recorded daily. Body protein and lipid mass at the start and at the end of each period were estimated from BW and P2, and hence protein (Pr) and lipid (Lr) retention were computed. Energy requirement for maintenance (MEm), and growth (MEg) were estimated according to National Research Council guidelines, while ME intake (MEI) was computed from measured FI and ME content of the diets. The MEI/(MEm + MEg) ratio was used as index of efficiency. Differences among GL (P<0.001) were observed for Pr, which averaged 103, 113, 108 and 101 g/d for A, D, G and T, respectively, and Lr which averaged 204, 186, 194 and 172 g/d for A, D, G, and T, respectively. The L-CP diet reduced (P = 0.014) Pr by 8% compared to C-CP, but not Lr. Th e MEI/(MEm+MEg) index was influenced by GL (P<0.001) being 0.99, 0.96, 0.99 and 1.03 for A, D, G and T, respectively. Measurements of BW and P2 permits to achieve acceptable quantification of Pr and Lr. In this range of BW (90 to 165kg), gain composition is influenced more by GL than by the substantial reduction of CP and essential amino acids dietary density used in this trial

Acute cervical longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis in a child with Lipopolysaccharide-Responsive-Beige-Like-Anchor-Protein (LRBA) deficiency: a new complication of a rare disease

Lipopolysaccharide responsive beige-like anchor protein (LRBA) deficiency is a primary immunodeficiency disorder (PID) that can cause a common variable immunodeficiency (CVID)-like disease. The typical features of the disease are autoimmunity, chronic diarrhea, and hypogammaglobulinemia. Neurological complications are also reported in patients affected by LRBA deficiency. We describe a 7-year old female with an acute cervical longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) as a feature of LRBA deficiency. This is the first case of LETM associated with LRBA deficiency described in literature

Refinement of the diagnostic approach for the identification of children and adolescents affected by familial hypercholesterolemia: Evidence from the LIPIGEN study

Background and aims: We aimed to describe the limitations of familiar hypercholesterolemia (FH) diagnosis in childhood based on the presence of the typical features of FH, such as physical sings of cholesterol accumulation and personal or family history of premature cardiovascular disease or hypercholesterolemia, comparing their prevalence in the adult and paediatric FH population, and to illustrate how additional information can lead to a more effective diagnosis of FH at a younger age.Methods: From the Italian LIPIGEN cohort, we selected 1188 (&gt;= 18 years) and 708 (&lt;18 years) genetically-confirmed heterozygous FH, with no missing personal FH features. The prevalence of personal and familial FH features was compared between the two groups. For a sub-group of the paediatric cohort (N = 374), data about premature coronary heart disease (CHD) in second-degree family members were also included in the evaluation.Results: The lower prevalence of typical FH features in children/adolescents vs adults was confirmed: the prevalence of tendon xanthoma was 2.1% vs 13.1%, and arcus cornealis was present in 1.6% vs 11.2% of the cohorts, respectively. No children presented clinical history of premature CHD or cerebral/peripheral vascular disease compared to 8.8% and 5.6% of adults, respectively. The prevalence of premature CHD in first-degree relatives was significantly higher in adults compared to children/adolescents (38.9% vs 19.7%). In the sub-cohort analysis, a premature CHD event in parents was reported in 63 out of 374 subjects (16.8%), but the percentage increased to 54.0% extending the evaluation also to second-degree relatives.Conclusions: In children, the typical FH features are clearly less informative than in adults. A more thorough data collection, adding information about second-degree relatives, could improve the diagnosis of FH at younger age

Serum Albumin Is Inversely Associated With Portal Vein Thrombosis in Cirrhosis

We analyzed whether serum albumin is independently associated with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in liver cirrhosis (LC) and if a biologic plausibility exists. This study was divided into three parts. In part 1 (retrospective analysis), 753 consecutive patients with LC with ultrasound-detected PVT were retrospectively analyzed. In part 2, 112 patients with LC and 56 matched controls were entered in the cross-sectional study. In part 3, 5 patients with cirrhosis were entered in the in vivo study and 4 healthy subjects (HSs) were entered in the in vitro study to explore if albumin may affect platelet activation by modulating oxidative stress. In the 753 patients with LC, the prevalence of PVT was 16.7%; logistic analysis showed that only age (odds ratio [OR], 1.024; P = 0.012) and serum albumin (OR, -0.422; P = 0.0001) significantly predicted patients with PVT. Analyzing the 112 patients with LC and controls, soluble clusters of differentiation (CD)40-ligand (P = 0.0238), soluble Nox2-derived peptide (sNox2-dp; P &lt; 0.0001), and urinary excretion of isoprostanes (P = 0.0078) were higher in patients with LC. In LC, albumin was correlated with sCD4OL (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient [r(s)], -0.33; P &lt; 0.001), sNox2-dp (r(s), -0.57; P &lt; 0.0001), and urinary excretion of isoprostanes (r(s), -0.48; P &lt; 0.0001) levels. The in vivo study showed a progressive decrease in platelet aggregation, sNox2-dp, and urinary 8-iso prostaglandin F2 alpha-III formation 2 hours and 3 days after albumin infusion. Finally, platelet aggregation, sNox2-dp, and isoprostane formation significantly decreased in platelets from HSs incubated with scalar concentrations of albumin. Conclusion: Low serum albumin in LC is associated with PVT, suggesting that albumin could be a modulator of the hemostatic system through interference with mechanisms regulating platelet activation