Growth performance, carcase characteristics and meat quality of crossbred bulls and heifers from double-muscled Belgian Blue sires and Brown Swiss, Simmental and Rendena dams

Growth, conformation, carcase and meat quality traits of crossbred calves obtained in the Alps from selected Belgian Blue sires (BB) and Brown Swiss (BS), Simmental (Si) and Rendena (Re) dams were studied, emphasising differences on dairy and dual purpose maternal breed. Six pens with five heifers (3 BB BS, 1 BB Si, 1 BB Re) and six pens with four young bulls (2 BB BS, 1 BB Si, 1 BB Re) were used. In total 53 crossbred calves were tested: 30 from BS dams and 23 from dual purpose (12 from Si and 11 from Re dams). Growth performances were measured, carcases were scored for muscle conformation and fatness, the fifth rib was dissected, and the Longissimus thoracis (LT) was analysed. The maternal breed had significant effects when the calves from dairy cows (BB BS) were compared to those of the dual pur- pose breeds (BB Si and BB Re), as at slaughter the former were 1.2% taller, 6.0% less in vivo muscle score, 5.0% less carcase muscle score, with a 13% greater proportion of bone in the rib, and their LT had 12.5% less drip losses, but 3% greater cooking losses and 25% greater shear force. It was concluded that when using a BB as a sire, the dam breed has influ- ence on the growth performance traits of the derived crossbreds, but the major influence would regard the carcase and meat quality traits. In the Alps, these differences are reflected in different sold prices of the crossbred calves from dairy and dual purpose breeds at local auctions

A dimensionality reduction method to select the most representative daylight illuminance distributions

One challenge when evaluating daylight distribution is dealing with the large amount of temporal and spatial data, visualisations and variability in illuminances that are assessed in buildings. Using a dimensionality reduction method based on principal component analysis, we identified the most representative annual daylight distributions. We modelled a rectangular room containing an analysis grid of 3200 illuminance sensor points and simulated 3285 different temporal daylight conditions using an annual occupancy schedule ranging from 08:00 to 17:00 with one-hour sampling intervals in two locations: Singapore and Oakland, California. Our approach explained 98 % of the illuminance variability with three daylight distributions in Singapore, and 92 % using six in Oakland, California. Our dimensionality reduction strategy was also generalised using a complex building geometry showing the utility of the method. We think this approach can be used to provide a more efficient and reliable method to analyse daylight performance in building practice

Growth performance, carcass traits and meat quality of growing pigs on different feeding regimes slaughtered at 145\u2009kg BW

This study investigated the effects of feeding regime on growth performance, carcass traits and meat quality of pigs slaughtered at around 145 kg BW. A total of 96 barrows housed in eight pens were allotted to three groups in each pen. One group was fed ad libitum (AL) and the others were fed according to two quasi AL feeding regimes adjusting feed allowances with increasing BW. At slaughterhouse, the weights of the main lean and fat cuts were recorded, and a sample of longissimus lumborum (LL) was taken for physical and chemical analyses. Average daily gain (ADG) approached 940 g d1, and gain to feed ratio (G:F) was close to 0.38. Compared with the AL-feeding regime, the feed restriction reduced the pigs\u2019 ADG (3.5%), feed intake (7.4%) and carcass weight (3%) (p<0.01), but improved their G:F (\ufe4%, p<0.01). Feeding regime did not affect meat quality traits and exerted only minor effects on the weight of primal cuts and on the fatty acid composition of the intramuscular fat of the LL. However, AL-fed pigs tended to yield heavier fat cuts and showed a greater proportion of saturated fatty acid in the LL when compared to restricted feed barrows. In conclusion, moderate restriction in the feeding of medium\u2013heavy pigs seems advisable, as it improves feed efficiency and could cut feed costs compared with the AL-feeding regime without affecting carcass and meat characteristics

Selenium Biofortification in Radish Enhances Nutritional Quality via Accumulation of Methyl-Selenocysteine and Promotion of Transcripts and Metabolites Related to Glucosinolates, Phenolics, and Amino Acids

Two selenium (Se) fertilization methods were tested for their effects on levels of anticarcinogenic selenocompounds in radish (Raphanus sativus), as well as other nutraceuticals. First, radish was grown on soil and foliar selenate applied 7d before harvest at 0, 5, 10 and 20 mg Se per plant. Selenium levels were up to 1,200 mg Se/kg DW in leaves and 120 mg Se/kg DW in roots. The thiols cysteine and glutathione were present at 2-3 fold higher levels in roots of Se treated plants, and total glucosinolate levels were 35% higher, due to increases in glucoraphanin. The only seleno-aminoacid detected in Se treated plants was Se-methyl-SeCys (100 mg/kg FW in leaves, 33 mg/kg FW in roots). The levels of phenolic aminoacids increased with selenate treatment, as did root total nitrogen and protein content, while the level of several polyphenols decreased. Second, radish was grown in hydroponics and supplied with 0, 5, 10, 20, or 40 \uf06dM selenate for one week. Selenate treatment led to a 20-30% increase in biomass. Selenium concentration was 242 mg Se/kg DW in leaves and 85 mg Se/kg DW in roots. Cysteine levels decreased with Se in leaves but increased in roots; glutatione levels decreased in both. Total glucosinolate levels in leaves decreased with Se treatment due to repression of genes involved in glucosinolates metabolism. Se-methyl-SeCys concentration ranged from 7-15 mg/kg FW. Aminoacid concentration increased with Se treatment in leaves but decreased in roots. Roots of Se treated plants contained elevated transcript levels of sulfate transporters (Sultr) and ATP sulfurylase, a key enzyme of S/Se assimilation. No effects on polyphenols were observed. In conclusion, Se biofortification of radish roots may be achieved via foliar spray or hydroponic supply. One to ten radishes could fulfill the daily human requirement (70 \uf06dg) after a single foliar spray of 5 mg selenate per plant or one week of 5-10 \uf06dM selenate supply in hydroponics. The radishes metabolized selenate to the anticarcinogenic compound Se-methyl-selenocysteine. Selenate treatment enhanced levels of other nutraceuticals in radish roots, including glucoraphanin. Therefore, Se biofortification can produce plants with superior health benefit

Effects of selenium biofortification on crop nutritional quality

Selenium (Se) at very low doses has crucial functions in humans and animals. Since plants represent the main dietary source of this element, Se-containing crops may be used as a means to deliver Se to consumers (biofortification). Several strategies have been exploited to increase plant Se content. Selenium assimilation in plants affects both sulphur (S) and nitrogen (N) metabolic pathways, which is why recent research has also focused on the effect of Se fertilization on the production of S- and N- secondary metabolites with putative health benefits. In this review we discuss the function of Se in plant and human nutrition and the progress in the genetic engineering of Se metabolism to increase the levels and bioavailability of this element in food crops. Particular attention is paid to Se biofortification and the synthesis of compounds with beneficial effects on health

Occupant satisfaction in LEED and BREEAM-certified office buildings

Green certification schemes, such as LEED in US and BREEAM in UK, are contributing to promote the sustainability agenda in the design and operation of office buildings. However, the role of rating tools towards improved workplace experience is still much debated. Previous work by the authors provided evidence that LEED rating per se does not significantly and substantively influence occupant satisfaction with indoor environment qualities, although tendencies showed that LEED-certified buildings were more effective in delivering satisfaction in open spaces rather than in enclosed offices, and in small rather than in large buildings. This paper investigates occupant satisfaction in BREEAM-rated office buildings in UK. User responses were collected by cross-sectional questionnaires and point-in-time surveys administered while physical measurements were taken. Consistent with earlier work, the results showed that BREEAM certification does not have a significant and practically-relevant effect on building and workspace satisfaction, although tendencies revealed that occupants of non-BREEAM buildings were more satisfied with visual privacy and air quality than users of BREEAM-rated workspaces. Lower satisfaction was detected in BREEAM buildings for occupants having spent more than 24 months at their workplace. These results support previous findings, suggesting further research on the sustained benefits of green certification over time

Methodological factors affecting gas and methane production during in vitro rumen fermentation evaluated by meta-analysis approach

Effects of some methodological factors on in vitro measures of gas production (GP, mL/g DM), CH4 production (mL/g DM) and proportion (% CH4 on total GP) were investigated by meta-analysis. These factors were considered: pressure in the GP equipment (0 = constant; 1 = increasing), incubation time (0 = 24; 1 = 65 48 h), time of rumen fluid collection (0 = before feeding; 1 = after feeding of donor animals), donor species of rumen fluid (0 = sheep; 1 = bovine), presence of N in the buffer solution (0 = presence; 1 = absence), and ratio between amount of buffered rumen fluid and feed sample (BRF/FS; 0 = 64 130 mL/g DM; 1 = 130\u2013140 mL/g DM; 2 = 65 140 mL/g DM). The NDF content of feed sample incubated (NDF) was considered as a continuous variable. From an initial database of 105 papers, 58 were discarded because one of the above-mentioned factors was not stated. After discarding 17 papers, the final dataset comprised 30 papers (339 observations). A preliminary mixed model analysis was carried out on experimental data considering the study as random factor. Variables adjusted for study effect were analyzed using a backward stepwise analysis including the above-mentioned variables. The analysis showed that the extension of incubation time and reduction of NDF increased GP and CH4 values. Values of GP and CH4 also increased when rumen fluid was collected after feeding compared to before feeding (+26.4 and +9.0 mL/g DM, for GP and CH4), from bovine compared to sheep (+32.8 and +5.2 mL/g DM, for GP and CH4), and when the buffer solution did not contain N (+24.7 and +6.7 mL/g DM for GP and CH4). The increase of BRF/FS ratio enhanced GP and CH4 production (+7.7 and +3.3 mL/g DM per each class of increase, respectively). In vitro techniques for measuring GP and CH4 production are mostly used as screening methods, thus a full standardization of such techniques is not feasible. However, a greater harmonization of analytical procedures (i.e., a reduction in the number of available protocols) would be useful to facilitate comparison between results of different experiments

Occupant satisfaction in LEED and BREEAM-certified office buildings

Green certification schemes, such as LEED in US and BREEAM in UK, are contributing to promote the sustainability agenda in the design and operation of office buildings. However, the role of rating tools towards improved workplace experience is still much debated. Previous work by the authors provided evidence that LEED rating per se does not significantly and substantively influence occupant satisfaction with indoor environment qualities, although tendencies showed that LEED-certified buildings were more effective in delivering satisfaction in open spaces rather than in enclosed offices, and in small rather than in large buildings. This paper investigates occupant satisfaction in BREEAM-rated office buildings in UK. User responses were collected by cross-sectional questionnaires and point-in-time surveys administered while physical measurements were taken. Consistent with earlier work, the results showed that BREEAM certification does not have a significant and practically-relevant effect on building and workspace satisfaction, although tendencies revealed that occupants of non-BREEAM buildings were more satisfied with visual privacy and air quality than users of BREEAM-rated workspaces. Lower satisfaction was detected in BREEAM buildings for occupants having spent more than 24 months at their workplace. These results support previous findings, suggesting further research on the sustained benefits of green certification over time

Sow rearing in north Italy: II. analysis of nitrogen balance in different herds

The evolution of the legislation concerning the environmental impact of livestock make necessary to find solution useful to evaluate and reduce the total excretion of nitrogen (N) and other possible pollutants at territorial and farm level. The methodological approach to evaluate the amount of nitrogen excreted proposed by ERM (1999) suggested that the amount of N excreted can be calculated as a difference between the amount of nitrogen consumed less the amount of N retained in the animal products

Sow rearing in north Italy: I. analysis of technical and productive characteristics of different herds

There is a lack of information about reference values for the main productive and reproductive indexes for the sow herds in North Italy. This investigation was aimed to collect data from different kind of sow herds placed in the Veneto Region, in order to achieve representative values, in terms of mean and variability, for the main indexes of productivity: herd composition, feed consumption and feed composition