Morphological traits, reproductive and productive performances of Casertana pigs reared outdoors

Casertana is an Italian autochthonous pig breed. In the past, the breed was common in Campania and the surrounding area in South Italy because it was valued for its productive performance, particularly regarding the fattening tendency, but in recent decades, autochthonous swine have been replaced by cosmopolitan lean-type pigs and the Casertana breed also experienced a dramatic reduction in numbers. Concern over the preservation of genetic resources and the increased demand for regional food suggest a new way of maintaining the breed. Unfortunately, few recent data on the morpho- logical as well as on the productive traits are available. To ascertain the characteristics of the Casertana breed a pro- ductive trial was performed by comparing Casertana and Large White pure breed and their cross. Sixteen females and 6 males of pure breed Casertana and 18 females and 2 males of pure breed Italian Large White were mated twice to pro- duce Casertana, Large White and Casertana x Large White piglets. The average number of piglets born was significant- ly lower in Casertana gilts, but no difference in the number of weaned piglets among genetic types was observed. Sixty- eight animals of the three genetic types were reared outdoors and received two distinct diets differing in energy content. Pigs were weighted individually every month to calculate average daily gain. Morphological traits of Casertana pigs were also recorded. A total of 54 animals (21 Casertana at 151 kg live weight, 15 crossbreed at 157 kg live weight and 18 Large White at 179 kg live weight) were slaughtered and data on carcasses were collected. Average daily weight gain differed markedly (P< 0.05) among genetic types (450; 552; 695 g/d, respectively for Casertana; Casertana x Large White; Large White) and consequently the slaughter weight also differed. Casertana showed higher dressing percentages that the Italian Large White (P< 0.05). Backfat thickness was also clearly affected by genetic type (P< 0.05): Casertana pigs had the highest value (44.91 mm). The diet had no influence on the average daily weight gain and backfat thick- ness. However, pigs fed with higher energy component had higher (P< 0.05) dressing percentage

Tub gurnard Chelidonichthys lucerna L.: a new fish species suitable for farming? First answers evaluating the growth of juveniles reared at different stocking densities, welfare and fillet quality

A trial was conducted to evaluate the growth performance and survival of Chelidonichthys lucerna. A total of 13 352 180-days old juveniles (5.5 ± 2 g; 5 ± 1 cm) were reared at two different densities (A-EXP = 68 fish m−3; B-FFA = 15 fish m−3) in eight tanks (four tanks per group) for 360 days. The welfare status and meat quality of fish were evaluated for the A-EXP and B-FFA groups in comparison with wild-caught fishery gurnard (C-WID). The survival rate was high for both A-EXP (79%) and B-FFA (93.5%). B-FFA fish had the highest specific growth rate (1.16 vs. 1.07; P < 0.05), and were heavier than A-EXP fish (321 ± 40 g vs .239 ± 44 g; P < 0.01). Rearing conditions did not affect blood metabolites, except for glucose concentrations, which were higher in C-WID (P < 0.05). The meat quality traits showed that reared groups were fatter (2.8–3.2%) than C-WID (0.94%); total n-3 fatty acids (19.02–19.26%) were lower in reared groups than C-WID (29.99%); and EPA + DHA were similar in all groups (15.1–16.61% vs. 27.99%). Despite the good growth and survival, the final mean weight was below that requested by the market (400–500 g). Future research efforts should focus on reducing the feed conversion rate (3:1)

Short Communication: Characterization of a New Genetic Variant in the Caprine k-casein Gene

A new polymorphism has been identified in the goat kappa-casein gene by evaluating genomic DNA from the Montefalcone breed in Italy. The polymorphic site consists of a single nucleotide substitution A to G at position 242 of the exon 4 and produces an amino acid substitution Asp/Gly. A polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism protocol for rapid genotyping of the variant has been developed, using the HaeIII enzyme. Animals from Italian, Spanish, and French breeds have been analyzed to investigate the occurrence of the allele in other populations. The allele appears to be exclusive to the Montefalcone breed

Effects of slaughter weight and sex on carcass traits and meat quality of Casertana pigs reared outdoors

The effects of different slaughter weights (W) and sex (S) on carcass traits and longissimus dorsi meat quality (pH, WHC, colour, cholesterol and collagen) of Casertana pigs were studied. Thirty-six pure breed Casertana pigs, 24 barrows (B) and 12 gilts (G), were evaluated in a 2x2 factorial design involving different slaughter live weights (L, 125.6 kg; H, 152.5 kg) and S (B and G). H pigs had higher carcass weight (P<0.01), dressing percentage (P<0.05), ham yield (+ 7.9 %; P<0.01), lean meat cuts (P<0.01) and backfat thickness (+13.3%; P<0.05), and lower (P<0.01) loin yield and fatty cuts. W did not affect pH and WHC. L pigs produced lighter (P<0.01) and more yellow meat (P<0.01), while H pigs showed lower (P<0.01) hue value. Cholesterol content resulted higher (P<0.05) in H pig meat. Collagen properties were affected by W. Compared to G, B had higher dressing percentage (P<0.05) and backfat thickness (P<0.01), smaller loin area (P<0.01), slightly lower (P<0.08) loin yield and less (P<0.01) lean cuts. S did not affect any meat quality traits

Expressões da sexualidade feminina no transtorno de personalidade borderline

O transtorno da personalidade borderline (TPB) consiste num padrão de funcionamento instável nas relações interpessoais, autoimagem, afetos e impulsividade, que traz sofrimento ao indivíduo e prejuízos à sua sexualidade. Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever como é a vida sexual de pacientes com diagnóstico de TPB. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa e, como instrumento, utilizou-se uma entrevista semiestruturada. Participaram do estudo sete mulheres com diagnóstico de TPB. A coleta de dados foi realizada a partir da análise de conteúdo de Bardin. Observou-se que algumas participantes não se sentem à vontade em manter relações sexuais com os seus parceiros, sofreram abuso sexual na infância, manifestam a presença de parafilias e/ou sentem dificuldade em alcançar o orgasmo. Concluiu-se que as pacientes com TPB apresentam dificuldades na esfera sexual, o que deve ser observado e avaliado pelo profissional de saúde mental

Study of fertility traits in Italian Jersey Cattle

Selection Index of Italian Jersey cattle is composed by breeding values (BVs) of production traits, type traits and somatic cell score. Knowing selection for milk yield has been proved to deteriorate fertility performances, aim of the Italian Holstein, Brown and Jersey Breeders Association (ANAFIBJ) is to develop a fertility index inspired to the model they use for Italian Holstein breed. The model used considers different phenotypes for heifer and cow evaluation, but while for Holstein only the first three parities are considered, for Jersey all parities are considered to overcome the lower size of the population. Starting from two different datasets, containing data on inseminations and lactations we derived several fertility traits. From the inseminations dataset we harvested information on the dates of services, which we grouped in baches of a maximum length of 300 days. The groups of inseminations have then been attached to the calvings happened in an interval of 260–300 days from at least one of the services in the group. Phenotypes estimated for both heifers and cows are Non-Return Rate at 56 days (NRR56) and Interval from First to Last service (IFL); Age at First Insemination (AFI) has been computed only for heifers, while Days from delivery To First Service (DTFS) and Equivalent Milk Yield 305 (EMY305) only for cows. The values of the phenotypes have been filtered to be in line with biological and economic criteria of cattle farming. The final dataset is composed of 35081 records for heifers and 100285 records for cows. Correlations and Co-Variances between the phenotypes have been calculated. For Heifers we observe a slight positive correlation between AFI and NRR56 (ρxy = −0.061) and a negative correlation between NRR56 and IFL (ρxy = −0.349); IFL and AFI are negatively correlated (ρxy = −0.048). For cow fertility traits NRR56 resulted to be positively correlated with DTFS (ρxy = 0.088) and negatively correlated with EMY305 (ρxy = −0.092) and IFL (ρxy = −0.293); DTFS resulted negatively correlated to IFL (ρxy = −0.015) and EMY305 (ρxy = −0.045), while IFL and EMY305 resulted positively correlated (ρxy = 0.083). The next step is to calculate genetic parameters and EBVs for fertility traits for Italian Jersey

Genomic Adaptation of Local Cattle Breeds in the Alpine Massif

Understanding adaptive ability of livestock is a key factor in the context of global climate change and become a crucial focus in conservation and management for a sustainable farming in a changing environment. One way to better understand adaptation abilities is to identify genes underlying adaptation phenotypes. This goal can be achieved by genetically characterising livestock species and detecting footprints of selection in the animal genome. The recent availability of genome-wide SNP panels allows providing background information concerning genome structure in domestic animals, opening new perspectives to livestock genetics. In order to investigate the genetic regions with a potential adaptive role, we investigate 24 cattle breeds, (high productive specialised breeds and several autochthonous populations) reared in six different neighbouring nations from East to West Alpine Massif. Several analyses have been performed to detect footprints of selection and genomic regions associated with climate variables. More precisely, using breed GPS coordinates, 4 climatic variables (annual mean temperature, annual precipitation, annual mean radiation, and annual mean moisture index) were extracted from the Climond database. In order to identify footprints of selection, a whole genome scan for adaptive differentiation were performed using Bovine 50K SNP chip genotyping data with the XtX model implemented in the BAYPASS software. In addition, across-population whole genome scans for association with the population-specific climatic variables were performed using the AUX model. Footprints of selection were detected on BTA6 and BTA18 pointing out several candidate genes (i.e. LCORL, PDGFRA, KDR and SPG7); moreover different genomic regions (on BTA 6, 10, 19 and 20) were associated with annual mean radiation. Ongoing analyses will specify candidate regions and genes involved in local adaptation in the Alpine massif

Evaluation of gene expression profiles of pig skeletal muscle in response to energy content of the diets using human microarrays

The aim of the research was to compare gene transcription profiles of Musculus longissimus dorsi (MLD) between pigs fed diets with high (HED) or low (LED) energy contents. Two groups of 4 Casertana pigs were reared from 3 to 12 months of age in the same environmental conditions and fed HED or LED. In the HED, the ave rage daily gain and back fat thickness were significantly (P<0.05) higher than in LED pigs. Differential expression of genes in MLD of pigs fed diets with different energy density was assessed by a human high-density complementary DNA (cDNA) muscle microarray consisting of 4670 probes and further confirmed by quantitative real time RT-PCR analysis. Seven of the genes up-regulated in MLD of HED pigs were invo l ved in the glycolytic and ox i d a t i ve metabolism (phosphoglycerate mutase 2, glyc e ra l d e hyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, NADH dehydrogenase ubiquinone1 beta 9, muscle pyruvate kinase, enolase 3, muscle creatine kinase, isocitrate dehydrogenase 3 (NAD+) gamma) and four in the contractile apparatus (tropomyosin 1 alpha, troponin C2, fast, fast skeletal myosin light chain 2, troponin T3, skeletal, fast). Instead, HED diet reduced the level of expression of muscle proteins associated with slow fibre type (troponin T1, skeletal, slow, supervillin, myosin binding protein C, slow type, titin, myosin, heavy polypeptide 7, beta, calponin homology-associated smooth muscle) and signal transduction (SH3-binding domain protein 5-like, hypothetical protein FLJ21438, protein kinase cAMP-dependent, catalytic, rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 15). The down-regulation of CTSB was also observed for HED group. From the results it can be assumed that high energy content of the diet influence physiological processes in the muscle tissue by switching slow fibres into fast reacting fibres and thus enhancing meat quality

Dark Chocolate Intake Positively Modulates Redox Status and Markers of Muscular Damage in Elite Football Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Study

Intensive physical exercise may cause increase oxidative stress and muscular injury in elite football athletes. The aim of this study was to exploit the effect of cocoa polyphenols on oxidative stress and muscular injuries induced by intensive physical exercise in elite football players. Oxidant/antioxidant status and markers of muscle damage were evaluated in 24 elite football players and 15 controls. Furthermore, the 24 elite football players were randomly assigned to either a dark chocolate (>85% cocoa) intake (n = 12) or a control group (n = 12) for 30 days in a randomized controlled trial. Oxidative stress, antioxidant status, and muscle damage were assessed at baseline and after 30 days of chocolate intake. Compared to controls, elite football players showed lower antioxidant power and higher oxidative stress paralleled by an increase in muscle damage markers. After 30 days of dark chocolate intake, an increased antioxidant power was found in elite athletes assuming dark chocolate. Moreover, a significant reduction in muscle damage markers (CK and LDH, p < 0.001) was observed. In the control group, no changes were observed with the exception of an increase of sNox2-dp, H2O2, and myoglobin. A simple linear regression analysis showed that sNox2-dp was associated with a significant increase in muscle damage biomarker release (p = 0.001). An in vitro study also confirmed that polyphenol extracts significantly decreased oxidative stress in murine myoblast cell line C2C12-derived. These results indicate that polyphenol-rich nutrient supplementation by means of dark chocolate positively modulates redox status and reduced exercise-induced muscular injury biomarkers in elite football athletes. This trial is registered with NCT03288623