The welfare of the Italian heavy pig: research experiences in breeding, during transport and in the perception of consumers

Questo elaborato contiene studi riguardanti il benessere del suino pesante italiano ed in particolare si sofferma su alcuni aspetti particolarmente significativi per il miglioramento del benessere. Gli aspetti in esame hanno riguardato la percezione da parte del consumatore italiano del benessere in azienda; inoltre sono stati studiati gli effetti sul benessere di alcune caratteristiche dell'allevamento e di aspetti multifattoriali riguardanti il trasporto al macello. Alla luce dei lavori contenuti in questo lavoro, emerge come una revisione della normativa, anche considerando la categoria dei suini pesanti, possa migliorare notevolmente le loro condizioni di benessere. I consumatori italiani, infatti, hanno confermato di essere attenti e interessati al benessere animale, oltre che disposti a spendere di più per gli animali derivanti da pratiche innovative e più rispettose del benessere, come l'immunocastrazione. Un altro criterio importante, soprattutto in questa categoria di prodotti, è la disponibilità di spazio. Le nostre evidenze sperimentali dimostrano che garantire a questa categoria di suini requisiti di spazio superiori a quelli richiesti dalla normativa migliora il comportamento degli animali e i parametri di produzione. Infine, in termini di trasporto, lo studio da noi condotto ha permesso di identificare parametri da utilizzare come indicatori del livello di stress degli animali, risultando in una buona correlazione con i parametri di stress ematobiochimico. A conclusione di queste variegate esperienze di ricerca, si evidenzia quindi come investire in ulteriori impegni da parte del settore suinicolo, perseguendo l'obiettivo di ridurre al minimo gli stress a cui sono sottoposti i suini pesanti nel corso della loro vita, dall'adozione di tecniche di castrazione meno invasive, il miglioramento delle condizioni di allevamento e di trasporto, dovrebbe essere l'obiettivo comune di tutti i protagonisti della filiera, anche con l’obiettivo di ottenere un prodotto finale con un valore etico che soddisfi le aspettative implicite del consumatore.This paper contains studies concerning the welfare of the Italian heavy pig and focuses on some aspects particularly significant for the improvement of welfare. The aspects under investigation concerned the perception of the Italian consumer of welfare on the farm; in addition, the effects on the welfare of some characteristics of the farm and of the multifactorial characteristics that occur during transport to the slaughterhouse were investigated. In the light of the works included in this paper, it emerges how reviewing the legislation, also considering the category of heavy pigs, could significantly improve their welfare conditions. In fact, Italian consumers have confirmed that they are attentive and interested in animal welfare, as well as willing to spend more for animals resulting from innovative practices that are more respectful of welfare, such as immunocastration. Another important criterion, especially in this product category, is the availability of space. Our experimental evidence shows that guaranteeing this category of pigs space requirements higher than those required by the legislation improves the behavior of the animals and production parameters. Finally, in terms of transport, the study we conducted made it possible to identify parameters to be used as indicators of the stress level of the animals, resulting in a good correlation with the hematobiochemical stress parameters. In light of these varied research experiences, it is therefore highlighted how to invest in additional commitments by the pig sector, pursuing the objective of minimizing the stresses to which heavy pigs are subjected throughout their life, from the adoption of techniques less invasive castration, the improvement of housing and transport conditions, should be the common goal of all the protagonists of the supply chain, also in pursuit of an ethical content of the final products that satisfies the implicit expectations of the consumer

Effects of increased space allowance on animal welfare, meat and ham quality of heavy pigs slaughtered at 160Kg

Sixty barrows (Body Weight-BW- range: 23.9-160 kg) were allotted to two experimental groups (6 pens of 5 pigs each): the control group was kept at a space allowance of 1m2/head; the second group was kept at 1.3m2/head. Behaviour, growth parameters, carcass and meat quality were assessed, as well as fat and cured ham quality. Results showed that pigs raised at 1.3m2/head spent more time laying (particularly in lateral recumbency, P<0.01 and P<0.001, respectively) compared to pigs kept at lower space allowance. They also reduced the aimless exploration of the slatted pen floor (P<0.001) and increased overall expression of other, mainly active, behaviors (e.g., drinking, walking and standing, P<0.01). Pigs raised at 1.3m2/head showed higher final BW (P = 0.02), more favourable Average Daily Gain (ADG) and gain-to-Feed ratio (G:F) both during the last period of the trial (P<0.05 for both parameters) and over the entire trial (P = 0.01 for both parameters). No significant difference was observed between groups for carcass traits and the main meat quality attributes. Subcutaneous fat from green hams had higher \u3b1-linolenic acid content (P<0.01) in the group reared at greater space allowance. Green hams from this group lost less weight at trimming (P<0.01) and the resulting cured hams received better sensory evaluations (P<0.05). No difference was observed in fatty acid composition and unsaturation levels of the subcutaneous fat from cured hams. Our data suggest that heavy pigs intended for Parma ham would benefit from the adoption of higher individual floor space allowances, both in terms of animal welfare (increased possibility to rest) and of productive parameters, without having any detrimental effect on the suitability of the thighs for dry-curing or on the quality of the final product

When Just One Phosphate Is One Too Many: The Multifaceted Interplay between Myc and Kinases

Myc transcription factors are key regulators of many cellular processes, with Myc target genes crucially implicated in the management of cell proliferation and stem pluripotency, energy metabolism, protein synthesis, angiogenesis, DNA damage response, and apoptosis. Given the wide involvement of Myc in cellular dynamics, it is not surprising that its overexpression is frequently associated with cancer. Noteworthy, in cancer cells where high Myc levels are maintained, the overexpression of Myc-associated kinases is often observed and required to foster tumour cells' proliferation. A mutual interplay exists between Myc and kinases: the latter, which are Myc transcriptional targets, phosphorylate Myc, allowing its transcriptional activity, highlighting a clear regulatory loop. At the protein level, Myc activity and turnover is also tightly regulated by kinases, with a finely tuned balance between translation and rapid protein degradation. In this perspective, we focus on the cross-regulation of Myc and its associated protein kinases underlying similar and redundant mechanisms of regulation at different levels, from transcriptional to post-translational events. Furthermore, a review of the indirect effects of known kinase inhibitors on Myc provides an opportunity to identify alternative and combined therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment

Update on animal welfare perception by Italian consumers: A descriptive survey

The aim of this study was to evaluate if and how the perception of animal welfare by Italian consumers and their purchasing behavior of animal-friendly foods have evolved in recent years. The research was carried out through a survey on a representative sample of Italian consumers (n=969). Responses showed that 69% of consumers declared to pay attention to animal welfare at time of purchasing, and they mostly acquired information about animal welfare through the mass media. In accordance with previous surveys, the categories perceived as having the highest welfare level were fish and dairy cows, whereas the lowest welfare level was attributed to broilers and pigs. Compared to previous surveys, Italian consumers seem to have improved their knowledge about the legislation on animal protection and increased their interest toward animal welfare issues. However, they still find it difficult to identifyThe aim of this study was to evaluate if and how the perception of animal welfare by Italian consumers and their purchasing behavior of animal-friendly foods have evolved in recent years. The research was carried out through a survey on a representative sample of Italian consumers (n=969). Responses showed that 69% of consumers declared to pay attention to animal welfare at time of purchasing, and they mostly acquired information about animal welfare through the mass media. In accordance with previous surveys, the categories perceived as having the highest welfare level were fish and dairy cows, whereas the lowest welfare level was attributed to broilers and pigs. Compared to previous surveys, Italian consumers seem to have improved their knowledge about the legislation on animal protection and increased their interest toward animal welfare issues. However, they still find it difficult to identify animal-friendly labels, together with a lack of knowledge about non-conventional (e.g. extensive and organic) farming systems, together with a lack of knowledge about non-conventional (e.g. extensive and organic) farming system

Diagnostic Value of Choline PET in the Preoperative Localization of Hyperfunctioning Parathyroid Gland(s): A Comprehensive Overview

Hyperparathyroidism is a metabolic disorder characterized by the excessive production of the parathyroid hormone. The diagnosis is based on clinical and laboratory data. In most cases the only treatment is surgery and a correct preoperatory localization of the hyperfunctioning parathyroid gland(s) is essential. Currently, ultrasonography combined with [Tc-99m]Tc-MIBI parathyroid scintigraphy, optionally associated with single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT), represent the standard preoperative imaging. In recent years, a number of studies have evaluated the potential role of choline positron emission tomography (PET) in hyperparathyroidism with promising results. Most of the recent evidence underlined its higher sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy in the localization of hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands. Choline PET has a higher spatial resolution that is useful for the detection of smaller parathyroid glands and it also has shorter examination times and favorable radiation exposure. These are just a few of the aspects that support it to overcome traditional imaging. Moreover, from the preliminary data, the choline uptake mechanism seems to also have an impact on its better performance. For these reasons, if first used as second level imaging in patients with negative or inconclusive traditional imaging results, several authors have supported its use as a first line investigation. This comprehensive overview aims to provide an accurate description of the preliminary results available in the literature about the use of choline PET/CT in hyperparathyroidism and to compare these results with the performance of traditional imaging methods

Heterogeneous response to target therapy in metastatic papillary renal cell carcinoma evaluated by morphologic and metabolic multimodality imaging

Papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC) accounts for about 15% to 20% of renal cell carcinoma and is histologically distinguished in type I and type II. The last one is associated with poorer prognosis. Treatment options for PRCC patients are surgery, immunotherapy, revolutionized by Nivolumab, and other target-therapy with an improvement in overall survival. Heterogenous response and a pseudo-progression may be observed in the initial phase of biological treatment that could induce premature discontinuation. Patient concerns: We present the case of a 44-year-old woman with left cervical palpable mass increased in size and without concomitant disease or previous surgery. Diagnosis: Neck ultrasonography, contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography, and 18F-FDG PET/CT were performed with the detection of lymph nodes involvement and a left renal lesion. Interventions: The patients underwent left radical nephrectomy and homolateral cervical and para-aortic lymphadenectomy, with histological diagnosis of PRCC, type II. After disease relapse, the inter-aortocaval lymph node was laparoscopically removed. Following the detection of further disease relapse in several lymph nodes and the lung, several lines of target-therapy were started; then disease progression and worsening of clinical and hematological status led us to start Nivolumab as last-line therapy. Outcomes: A heterogeneous response to therapies was documented with morphological and nuclear medicine imaging, however the concomitant deterioration of performance status and liver function led to discontinuation of Nivolumab; then the patient died, 30 months after diagnosis. Lessons: Here we describe the clinical case and radiological and nuclear medicine imaging investigations performed by our patient, highlighting that 18F-FDG PET/CT shows greater adequacy in assessing the response to therapy, avoiding premature drug discontinuation, and ensuring better management of a patient with advanced PRCC

18F-Fluorocholine PET/CT, Tc-99m-MIBI and TC-99m-MDP SPECT/CT in Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism with Renal Osteodystrophy

Tertiary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) is a metabolic disorder characterized by the semi-autonomous hypersecretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH), leading to hypercalcemia. It can be the end result of persistent secondary hyperparathyroidism and is most commonly observed in patients with long-standing chronic kidney disease (CKD) and often after renal transplantation. Untreated HPT can lead to progressive bone disease, fibrocystic osteitis, and soft-tissue calcifications, along with other severe complications. In the 2009 Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines, CKD-Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD) is used to describe the broader clinical syndrome encompassing mineral, bone, and calcific cardiovascular abnormalities that develop as a complication of CKD. We report a 62-year-old female with a severe HPT evolved from advanced chronic kidney disease (stage 5D, KDIGO). Patient was evaluated with multimodality nuclear medicine functional imaging to assess hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands and bone lesions. Tc-99m-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) dual-phase scintigraphy, Tc-99m-methylenediphosphonate (MDP) bone scan and 18F-Fluorocholine positron emission tomography/computed tomography ( 18F-FCH PET/CT) were performed before surgery

Towards the abandonment of surgical castration in pigs: How is immunocastration perceived by Italian consumers?

Immunocastration of pigs represents an alternative method to surgical castration, being more respectful of animal welfare. However, this new technology may not be accepted by consumers due to their perception of possible risks tied to the use of the product, thus representing a concern for the production sector. The study aimed at verifying the attitude of Italian consumers towards immunocastration and to assess whether their perception can be affected by science-based information on advantages and disadvantages of immunocastration. A total of 969 consumers (divided in three groups representative of the Italian population) were contacted and asked to complete an online questionnaire. Only technical (neutral) information on immunocastration was provided to the first group; the second and the third group received information on the advantages (+) and disadvantages (-) of the technique, shown in reverse order (+/- and -/+, respectively). The level of information did not affect consumers\u2019 perception of immunocastration. Overall, immunocastration is perceived in a predominantly positive manner (54.5%), with a relatively low level of risk perception (34.2%), and a good willingness to pay more for meat deriving from immunocastrated pigs (+18.7%)

Comparison of the Diagnostic Value of MRI and Whole Body 18F-FDG PET/CT in Diagnosis of Spondylodiscitis

Spondylodiscitis is a spine infection for which a diagnosis by a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered the most appropriate imaging technique. The aim of this study was to compare the role of an F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (F-18-FDG PET/CT) and an MRI in this field. For 56 patients with suspected spondylodiscitis for whom MRI and F-18-FDG PET/CT were performed, we retrospectively analyzed the results. Cohen's kappa was applied to evaluate the agreement between the two techniques in all patients and in subgroups with a different number of spinal districts analyzed by the MRI. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were also evaluated. The agreements of the F-18-FDG PET/CT and MRI in the evaluation of the entire population, whole-spine MRI, and two-districts MRI were moderate (kappa = 0.456, kappa = 0.432, and kappa = 0.429, respectively). In patients for whom one-district MRI was performed, F-18-FDG PET/CT and MRI were both positive and completely concordant (kappa = 1). We also separately evaluated patients with suspected spondylodiscitis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis for whom the MRI and F-18-FDG PET/CT were always concordant excepting in 2 of the 18 (11%) patients. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the MRI and F-18-FDG PET/CT were 100%, 60%, 97%, and 92%, 100%, and 94%, respectively. Our results confirmed the F-18-FDG PET/CT diagnostic value in the diagnosis of spondylodiscitis is comparable to that of MRI for the entire spine evaluation. This could be considered a complementary technique or a valid alternative to MRI

Identification of Possible Pre-Slaughter Indicators to Predict Stress and Meat Quality: A Study on Heavy Pigs

This study aimed at identifying possible pre-slaughter indicators and/or indexes to be used to predict pig stress response and meat quality variation. Data were collected on 44 shipments (loads) of Italian heavy pigs. For each shipment, several pre-slaughter parameters were recorded on farm, during transport, and at the slaughterhouse. Blood and meat samples were taken from 10 pigs from every of the 44 loads included in the study (N = 440). Blood samples were used to assess cortisol and creatine kinase levels, whereas meat samples were used to assess meat quality (pH, instrumental color, tenderness, water-holding capacity, and sensory analysis). Cluster analysis of blood parameters allowed the categorization of the shipments into two main clusters: Lower Stress (LS) and Higher Stress (HS). The variables/indexes statistically differing between the two clusters were: average vehicle speed during transport, welfare index at slaughter (i.e., \u201cslaughter score\u201d), overall transport and slaughter welfare index (TSWI), distance travelled, and behaviors (slips, falls, overlaps) during unloading, which appeared to be the best descriptors of the welfare conditions experienced by Italian heavy pigs during pre-slaughter handling. No consistent effects of the stress level experienced on meat quality was detected, which warrants the need for further studies conducted under more variable pre-slaughter conditions, with the aim of simplifying and improving the TSWI