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AbstractAn on-farm observational study evaluated the use of individual automatic milk feeders (AMF) to wean 53 buffalo calves. Analysis of data retrieved from the AMF system over a 4-month period revealed positive indicators for animal adaptation, including rapid self-feeding behaviour, low incidence of feeding refusals, high milk intake, consistent weight gain, and increased frequency of daily feedings. The study identified potential areas for future research, such as determining the optimal number and frequency of feedings and the appropriate milk allowance for different stages of calf development. These findings suggest potential benefits for labour cost savings and emphasise the need to optimise AMF parameters to meet the specific needs of buffalo calves.

AbstractTwenty lactating buffalo cows, organically farmed, were used to examine the effects of including peas in total mixed ration. Two concentrates were formulated to contain, as the main pro tein sources, either 350 g/kg of soybean cake (CC) or 450 g/kg of peas (ExpC). C were blocked into two groups according to parity and previous milk yield and were assigned to one of two dietary treatments: one group was fed a diet with 6 kg/d of CC, whereas the treatment group was fed diet in which 3 kg/d of CC were replaced by an equal quantity of ExpC. Digestibility of the diets and milk yield of the cows were measured. The experimental period covered the whole lactation period. No differences were observed between groups for milk yield and composition, and for digestibility. The main hypothesis tested, that the replacement of soybean cake with peas in buffalo diet would not affect milk yield and composition, was confirmed. This suggested that the partial substitution of soybean cake with peas in diet for buffalo cows can be possible without affect performances.

Cardoon is a crop well adapted to Mediterranean climatic conditions that is able to grow also in marginal lands thus reducing competition for land with food crops. It is considered a key crop for bio-refinery since it allows producing different interesting molecules for industrial application. From stems it is possible to obtain large amounts of cellulose, grains are a good source of oil and proteins and roots can be a source of inulin. The aim of this research has been to evaluate the productive levels of different genotypes of cardoon in two different climatic conditions of Mediterranean cropland (a site in the Vesuvius plain and a site in the internal hilly cropland). In both the sites, during 3 years (from 2012-2013 to 2014-2015), three genotypes (Altilis, Gigante e Trinaseed) were cultivated with 2 planting densities (4 and 8 plants per m2). A low input cropping system was adopted (no irrigation and 150 kg ha–1of N supplied as ammonium nitrate). In flat site (NA-Ac.), lignocellulosic biomass yield was 19 t ha–1d.m. and grain yield 2.7 t ha–1on the average of the 3 years period. In the hilly site, biomass yield was similar (20 t ha–1d.m.) while grain yield was higher (3.9 t ha–1on the average) as compared to the flat site. As regards biomass composition, an increase of hemicellulose and a decrease of cellulose content were measured in the flat site, maybe as a response of plant to the higher drought stress.