Antimicrobial‐Resistant Enterococcus spp. in Wild Avifauna from Central Italy

Bacteria of the genus Enterococcus are opportunistic pathogens, part of the normal intestinal microflora of animals, able to acquire and transfer antimicrobial resistance genes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible role of wild avifauna as a source of antimicrobial‐resistant enterococci. To assess this purpose, 103 Enterococcus spp. strains were isolated from the feces of wild birds of different species; they were tested for antimicrobial resistance against 21 molecules, vancomycin resistance, and high‐level aminoglycosides resistance (HLAR). Furthermore, genes responsible for vancomycin, tetracycline, and HLAR were searched. E. faecium was the most frequently detected species (60.20% of isolates), followed by E. faecalis (34.95% of isolates). Overall, 99.02% of the isolated enterococci were classified as multidrug‐resistant, with 19.41% extensively drug‐resistant, and 2.91% possible pan drug-resistant strains. Most of the isolates were susceptible to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (77.67%) and ampicillin (75.73%), with only 5.83% of isolates showing an ampicillin MIC ≥ 64 mg/L. HLAR was detected in 35.92% of isolates, mainly associated with the genes ant(6)‐Ia and aac(6′)‐Ie‐aph(2′’)‐Ia. Few strains (4.85%) were resistant to vancomycin, and the genes vanA and vanB were not detected. A percentage of 54.37% of isolates showed resistance to tetracycline; tet(M) was the most frequently detected gene in these strains. Wild birds may contribute to the spreading of antimicrobial‐resistant enterococci, which can affect other animals and humans. Constant monitoring is essential to face up to the evolving antimicrobial resistance issue, and monitoring programs should include wild avifauna, to

Cryopreservation of pheasant semen: effect of dilution ratio and cooling time on spermatozoa viability and mobility

Aim of the present study was to investigate the cryopreservation of pheasant semen by adopting the freezing/thawing protocol by Tselutin et al. (1999) with some modifications. Semen was collected by abdominal massage twice a week. Evaluations were performed on pooled semen from fifteen males (Phasianus colchicus mongolicus). Two semen dilutions (DIL) with Lake diluent (1:2 and 1:3, v/v; Lake, 1968) and two equilibration times (ET) at 5°C (10min and 30min) before dimethylacetamide (DMA) addition, were tested. Assessment of sperm mobility was performed by Accudenz methodology according to Froman’s procedure (1997) and viability by eosin/nigrosin staining. As expected, viability and mobility were strongly affected by the freezing/thawing procedure. ET did not affect mobility while influenced live sperm percentage during the DMA equilibration (DMA-Eq). Semen/diluent ratio significantly (p<0.001) modified the mobility parameter and the highest progressive movements of spermatozoa were obtained with the most diluted semen in each critical step of the cryopreservation procedure. In conclusion, for pheasant semen cryopreservation, the 1:3 dilution ratio can be considered appropriate and the cooling time up to 30 minutes not crucial for the spermatozoa mobility and viability. Nevertheless, the deleterious effect of freezing/thawing procedure reduced live thawed spermatozoa to 24% and forward motility to 89% of the initial movement capacity

Tear production, intraocular pressure, ultrasound biometric features and conjunctival flora identification in clinically normal eyes of two italian breeds of chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus)

Given the abundance of chickens in Italy, it is important for veterinarians to know the normal state of chickens’ eyes in order to identify any ophthalmic pathological changes. The aim of this study was to determine the normal values of select ocular parameters and to evaluate conjunctival microflora in two Italian chicken breeds. Sixty-six healthy chickens underwent a complete ophthalmic examination, which included a phenol red thread test (PRTT) for the evaluation of tear production and the assessment of intraocular pressure by rebound tonometry. B-mode ultrasound biometric measurements and conjunctival microflora identification were also performed in twenty-seven chickens. Mean PRTT was 23.77 ± 2.99 mm/15 s in the Livorno breed and 19.95 ± 2.81 mm/15 s in the Siciliana breed. Mean intraocular pressure was 14.3 ± 1.17 mmHg in the Livorno breed and 14.06 ± 1.15 mmHg in the Siciliana breed. Reference ranges for morphometric parameters were reported in the two breeds. Twenty-three chickens (85.18%) were bacteriologically positive. Chlamydia spp. antigen was detected in 14.81% of chickens. No positive cultures were obtained for fungi. Normal reference range values for selected ophthalmic parameters were obtained in clinically healthy chickens, which could facilitate accurate diagnosis and better management of ophthalmic diseases in these animals

Italian semen cryobank of autochthonous chicken and turkey breeds: a tool for preserving genetic biodiversity

The creation of genetic resource cryobanks provides a crucial link between in situ and ex situ techniques to improve the efficiency of conservation programs. Aim of the present review is to describe all the activities developed for the implementation of the first Italian Semen Cryobank of Autochthonous Chicken and Turkey Breeds. These activities can be classified into three main topics: (1) identification of species-specific semen freezing/thawing reference procedures; (2) drafting Standard Operative Procedures (SOP) for the implementation of the semen cryobank; (3) storage of semen doses from Italian chicken and turkey breeds to establish the cryobank. Several trials have been developed to identify a specie-specific semen cryopreservation protocol for chickens and turkeys. The major results are reviewed and a final reference protocol described. Taking into consideration the FAO guidelines for cryoconservation of animal genetic resources, SOP were drafted with the aim to provide technical guidance and logistical support on the choice of priority breeds, selection of birds for semen production, infrastructures and storage sites, birds and semen management, cryopreservation process and doses traceability. Lastly, the Italian Semen Cryobank was created. A total of 112 semen doses from 22 cockerels of three breeds, and 74 doses from 12 turkey males of three breeds were stored in the Cryobank. Breed specific semen quality parameters assessed before and after cryopreservation are reported. The described activities provide information and tools useful for the implementation of semen cryobanking in avian species and might be transferred also to other species after appropriate adaptations.HIGHLIGHTS Implementation of the first Italian Semen Cryobank of Autochthonous Chicken and Turkey Breeds Drafting Standard Operative Procedures provides technical guidance and logistical support on the design and establishment of the cryobank Semen cryobank is a precious genetic reservoir and could be useful to safeguard genetic variability in small population in&nbsp;vivo conserved

Autossidazione lipidica della carne e del grasso di deposito di coniglio durante la refrigerazione

A trial was performed to evaluate the effect of prolonged chilling on lipid deterioration of rabbit meat and fat. Hind legs and perirenal fat were separated from 10 chilled rabbit carcasses; cuts were individually packaged in plastic bag and stored in refrigerator till 11th days after slaughter. Two days after slaughter (G0+2) the right hind legs and a portion of each perirenal fat were evaluated for TBA test and for peroxide value, respectively. Left hind legs, randomly sorted in two groups, were evaluated after 6 and 9 days of refrigerated storage (G0+8 and G0+11, respectively) for TBA test; at the same time portions of each perirenal fat were evaluated for peroxide value. TBARS' resulted 0.39, 0.74 and 1.17 mg/g for meat at G0+2 and G0+11 respectively and peroxide of fat resulted 5.00, 8.83 and 14.25 meq O2/kg at G0+2, G0+8 and G0+11 respectively

Accrescimento e rese di macellazione degli ibridi di Anatra Muschiata per Anatra Comune

The relationship between live weight, age and slaughtering traits of Muscovy drake (MD) per common duck (PD) hybrids, were analyzed to determine their characteristics. Results showed that the sexual dimorphism is reduced, the growth rate is rapid, the adult weight (g2850) is intermediate between the weight of MD and PD; at 10 wk of age the breast + thigh and leg muscles have an high incidence on the carcass (43.8%) and the abdominal fats are limited (g17)

Effetto dell'epoca di nascita sulla produttività delle lepri durante il primo anno di attività

Reproductive performances of 541 hares in the first year of production and intensively bred in four different farms were montored for three years. Results showed that the performances of the young reproducers were not influenced by the day of the birth till July. On the contrary, the hares born in August were less fertile than the earlier born (14 fertile hares on 28 hares born in August vs 345 on 513 hares, born in the earlier months). The number of weaned hares produced per fertile doe was also reduced (4.43 young hares per doe born in August vs 7 young hares per doe born in the earlier months). Authors conclude that no reductionof performance is linked to the selection of the doe born in the middle of the reproductive cycle. The reduction of fertility observed in the last born doe is probably more linked tothe hot temperature of this period than the earlier age of the doe at the first delivery while the reduction of the number of weaned hares per doe per year is mainly related to the younger age

Osservazioni sul comportamento dell'anatra Muschiata mantenuta in stretta clausura

The experiment describes the behaviour of Muscovy duck confined individually either in pens or in cages. Three ducks per treatment were used. Each pen also included the cage. Ducks, at first cycle of egg-laying, were randomly taken from animals raised in the open air. The area of the cages was 0.53 mq and that of the pens was 3.75mq. All the other experimental conditions were the same in single treatments. From July to October each female has been recorded for 68 h, half at the beginning half at the end of the period. Apparently ducks afjust themselves well to the cages, even if a female sometimes showed stereotype movements. More frequent "comfort" behaviours and a reduction of locomotory activity were observed. The genral activity of the animals on the floor was more varied and a better distribution of activities was observed during the day. The use of cages for ducks previously reared on the floor, does not determine evident behavioural changes, but egg-laying is affected

Effect of egg weight categories, storage time and storage temperature on incubation length in Pekin duck eggs (Anas platyrhynchos L.)

The primary factor that affects incubation time is the type of setter used with its temperature but incubation time depends also on age and size of the eggs and on temperature of the storage room.The incubation lenght of Pekin duck was studied according to a factorial experimental design, in relationship to storage time (3,7 and 14 days), storage temperature (18+/-1°C and 15+/- 1°C) and egg size. The experiment involved colection of 1,206 eggs. Results showed that storage from 3, through 7, to 14 days significantly prolonged the incubation time. The size of the eggs also significantly influenced the incubation tim