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This study aimed to assess the urination and defecation frequency along with the nitrogen excretion produced by lactating cows spending either 2 or 4 h a day in an outdoor exercise area, to then estimate the load of cows allowed considering the nitrogen limitation in manure established by the EU directive. Six Italian Simmental lactating cows housed in a free-stall were paired and alternatively subjected to the following exit managements: no daily outdoor access, a 2-h daily outdoor access (U2; from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.), and a 4-h daily outdoor access (U4) divided into a morning (U4a; 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.) and an afternoon (U4b; 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.) exit. Using a crossover design, each pair of cows was subjected to each exit management for a period of 2 weeks, then switched twice, until the completion of 6 weeks of evaluation in order to ensure all the three different group combinations. The study considered as treatments the two exit managements: U2 and U4. Cows in the paddock urinated and defecated on average 0.76 and 0.94 times per hour, respectively. The content of nitrogen in urine and feces was 0.42% and 1.96% on average, respectively. Excretion variables such as nitrogen output of urine, nitrogen output of feces and total nitrogen output were 6.19, 4.91, and 11.10 g/h on average respectively, and they were not affected by the treatment. The total nitrogen output by the cows spending 2 or 4 h of daily outdoor activity was 22.68 and 44.07 g per cow, respectively (P < 0.001). In conclusion, the duration of the outdoor exit did not influence the number of urination or defecations events per hour, the nitrogen excretion output in urine and feces, and therefore, the total nitrogen output per hour in the outside paddock. Considering a 2 or 4-h daily exit along the whole year and the limit of nitrogen of 170 kg N/ha/year given by the EU Directive, the maximum stocking rate per hectare would be equal to 21 and 11 dairy cows, respectively.

Striped venus (Chamelea gallina) is one of the most important fish resources on the west coast of the Adriatic Sea. Recently, there has been a widespread die-off of C. gallina populations in Friuli-Venezia Giulia (northern Adriatic Sea, Italy), probably due to unfavorable climatic events. Overall, wild populations have become increasingly rare due to many factors affecting the ecological balance of the species. In this study, the available literature was reviewed to determine the current state of knowledge on the biology, ecology, fisheries, and status of C. gallina populations with reference to populations in Friuli-Venezia Giulia. However, few data are available in terms of peer-reviewed articles; much of it can be found in the gray literature (e.g., project reports, ministerial reports, institutional websites, etc.). However, a critical review of the sources reveals that the species is as endangered as the habitats it inhabits. As a result, conservation and restoration efforts have been undertaken to date as part of some larger project to protect the species. Therefore, considering the ecological and economic importance of this species, the results of the new studies will be useful for the scientific community and will be a key element in the conservation of this species.

The aim of the experiment was to study the effects of flaxseed inclusion on milk yield (MY), milk fat and protein contents and milk fatty acids (FA) composition in dairy cows diets. Eight Italian Friesian primiparous cows were divided into two homogeneous groups and fed a control diet (based on corn silage, fescue hay and a concentrate) or the same diet having 0.9 Kg DM concentrate replaced by coarsely grounded flaxseed for a 21 d experimental period. The groups were inverted in respect to the dietary treatments in a subsequent experimental period according to a change-over design. The flaxseed inclusion (4-5% DM) had a positive effect on dry matter intake (DMI, 22.2 vs. 21.3Kg/d) and significantly (P

The aim of the survey was to study the effect of Alpine pasture and breed on welfare of dairy cattle bred in tie-stalls in mountain area of Friuli Venezia Giulia Region. Twenty-four representative farms were divided into 4 groups following a factorial design: 2 managements (with vs. without summer grazing) x 2 breeds (Italian Simmental vs. Italian Brown). Data were collected following a protocol that considers direct animals’ measures or remarks, buildings and equipments information. The results showed that summer grazing affected some physical parameters - BCS, claw conformation and injuries - and some behaviour parameters such as rising movements. In this trial the breed did not seem to markedly influence cows’ welfare, except for BCS and lie down time.