126 results on '"Massimo Morgante"'
Search Results
2. A retrospective study on transabdominal ultrasound measurements of the rumen wall thickness to evaluate chronic rumen acidosis in beef cattle
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Enrico Fiore, Vanessa Faillace, Massimo Morgante, Leonardo Armato, and Matteo Gianesella
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Beef cattle ,Chronic rumen acidosis ,Rumen wall ,Ultrasonography ,Veterinary medicine ,SF600-1100 - Abstract
Abstract Background Chronic and subacute rumen acidosis are economically important in the beef industry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential suitability of the transabdominal ultrasonographic examination of the ruminal wall to diagnose chronic rumen acidosis in beef cattle compared to direct measurement of ruminal pH, as a fast non-invasive tool to be used in field condition. Ultrasonographic examination of the rumen was conducted in 478 beef cattle before rumenocentesis (chronic rumen acidosis group = pH ≤ 5.8; healthy group = pH ≥ 5.9). Rumen wall ultrasound measurements included rumen wall thickness (RWT) and rumen mucosa and submucosa thickness (RMST). Results The Analysis of Variance showed the high significant effect of the pH class for RWT and RMST (P 8.2 mm. The differentiation efficiency of RMST between healthy and chronic rumen acidosis groups, as a result of ROC curve analysis, was good with an AUROC of 0.90: p 5.3 mm. Conclusions In this study, the thickening of RWT and RMST is correlated with the changes of ruminal pH. Transabdominal rumen ultrasound has the potential to become a powerful diagnostic tool useful to identify fattening bulls affected by chronic rumen acidosis.
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- 2020
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3. Lung Ultrasonography and Clinical Follow-Up Evaluations in Fattening Bulls Affected by Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) during the Restocking Period and after Tulathromycin and Ketoprofen Treatment
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Enrico Fiore, Anastasia Lisuzzo, Andrea Beltrame, Barbara Contiero, Matteo Gianesella, Eliana Schiavon, Rossella Tessari, Massimo Morgante, and Elisa Mazzotta
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TUS ,bovine respiratory disease ,pulmonary lesions ,clinical follow-up ,Veterinary medicine ,SF600-1100 ,Zoology ,QL1-991 - Abstract
Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a global infectious disease, causing decreased well-being and economic losses in livestock, frequently during the restocking period. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of thoracic ultrasonography (TUS) to assess BRD in restocked animals, and the effectiveness of tulathromycin and ketoprofen treatment in sick animals. A total of 60 Limousin fattening bulls were enrolled. On the day of restocking (T0), the animals were divided into two groups based on TUS assessment of six lung areas: group C (ultrasonography score (US score) < 3) and group D (US score ≥ 3). Group D received a single administration of tulathromycin and ketoprofen at T0: this group was revaluated after 1.5, 3, 7, and 14 days. Both groups were revaluated after 21 days. The two groups showed a significant difference both in US score and clinical symptoms (respiratory score, nasal and ocular discharges, and rectal temperature) at T0. In group D, the treatment was effective in improving the clinical symptoms and US score, particularly reducing the severity of lung lesions. TUS represents a non-invasive and cost-effective tool for BRD early diagnosis and for monitoring treatment efficacy in restocked livestock.
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- 2022
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4. Thermographic Screening of Beef Cattle Metatarsal Growth Plate Lesions
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Giorgia Fabbri, Matteo Gianesella, Rossella Tessari, Andrea Bassini, Massimo Morgante, Barbara Contiero, Vanessa Faillace, and Enrico Fiore
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beef cattle ,growth plate lesions ,infrared thermography ,physitis ,Veterinary medicine ,SF600-1100 ,Zoology ,QL1-991 - Abstract
Lameness represents one of the main causes of decreased productive performance and impaired animal welfare in the bovine industry. Young beef bulls are predisposed to develop diseases of the growing skeleton, especially growth plate lesions. Early diagnosis is indispensable for ensuring correct treatment, fast recovery and reduction losses. However, when dealing with beef cattle, this is not always possible. Fast and reliable diagnostic imaging techniques are necessary to improve dealing with lameness in beef animals. The aim of the present study was to examine the potential of thermographic imaging as a non-invasive tool for rapidly screening beef bulls for the presence of growth plate lesions. Here, 20 Charolais and Limousine beef bulls affected by growth plate lesions in one of the rear limbs were selected. IRT was performed on both hind limbs using a digital infrared camera (ThermaCam T420 Model, Flir Systems, Boston, MA, USA), prior to radiographic imaging and clinical examination. The temperature of healthy and affected limbs was measured in two regions: the area correspondent to the growth plate (AR01) and the whole area of the metatarsus (AR02). Growth plate lesions were found to increase the maximum, mean, and minimum temperatures in AR01; and the mean and maximum temperatures in AR02, therefore, indicating the potential of IRT as a reliable, practical tool for screening growth plate lesions in beef bulls.
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- 2022
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5. Differences of the Plasma Total Lipid Fraction from Pre-Foaling to Post-Foaling Period in Donkeys
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Anastasia Lisuzzo, Francesca Bonelli, Micaela Sgorbini, Irene Nocera, Giulia Cento, Elisa Mazzotta, Luca Turini, Mina Martini, Federica Salari, Massimo Morgante, Tamara Badon, and Enrico Fiore
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plasma fatty acids ,gas chromatography ,donkeys ,peripartum period ,metabolism ,Veterinary medicine ,SF600-1100 ,Zoology ,QL1-991 - Abstract
The period from late gestation to early lactation is characterized by changes in energy metabolism. The aim of the current study was to analyze the plasma total lipid fraction using gas chromatography (GC) analysis, in order to highlight metabolic changes from the pre-foaling to post-foaling periods. Eleven pluriparous dairy jennies (mean age of 11.88 ± 3.79 years) belonging to the Amiata donkey breed were enrolled. Blood sampling was performed at 15 days before foaling (T0), and 15 (T1), 30 (T2), 60 (T3), and 90 (T4) days after foaling, for biochemical and GC analysis. A total of 37 fatty acids were identified in plasma samples: 4 medium chain (MCFA), 24 long chain (LCFA), and 9 very-long chain (VLCFA) fatty acids. Among them, 20 fatty acids changed significantly, and two fatty acid showed a trend toward significance. Furthermore, the LCFA, saturated, unsaturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated ω-3 fatty acids changed significantly during the study period. The main alterations were between T0 and the other time points and appeared to be related to lipid metabolism, cellular structure and function, and inflammatory and immune responses. Our findings reveal greater energy requirements at the end of gestation compared to early lactation in donkeys.
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- 2022
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6. Adaptation of some energetic parameters during transition period in dairy cows
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Enrico Fiore, Giuseppe Piccione, Maria Rizzo, Massimo Morgante, Antonio Barberio, Elisabetta Giudice, and Matteo Gianesella
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Dairy cows ,biochemical parameters ,transition period ,energetic metabolism ,Veterinary medicine ,SF600-1100 - Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of peripartum period and lactation class on serum β-hydroxybutyrate, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), insulin and glucose concentration in dairy cows. Thirty-five multiparous Holstein cows were selected from a high-producing dairy farm. The animals were divided according to their lactation class: second lactation group (L2, n = 16), third lactation group (L3, n = 10) and fourth lactation group (L4, n = 9). Blood sampling were performed 7 ± 5 days before calving (Pre/C) and 7 ± 5 days after calving (Post/C). Two-way analysis of variance was applied to determine significant effects of lactation class (L2, L3 and L4) and period (Pre/C and Post/C) on studied parameters. Increased NEFA values and lower insulin levels were found in Post/C respect to Pre/C in L2 and L4. These changes highlight the difficulty of dairy cows to cope with the energy demand characterizing the transition period. Improving in knowledge of energetic metabolism changes may help to supply a new strategy of farm management and reproductive performance in dairy cows during the transition period.
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- 2018
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7. Milk Fatty Acids Composition Changes According to β-Hydroxybutyrate Concentrations in Ewes during Early Lactation
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Enrico Fiore, Anastasia Lisuzzo, Rossella Tessari, Nicoletta Spissu, Livia Moscati, Massimo Morgante, Matteo Gianesella, Tamara Badon, Elisa Mazzotta, Michele Berlanda, Barbara Contiero, and Filippo Fiore
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β-Hydroxybutyrate ,ewes ,gas-chromatography ,milk fatty acids ,Veterinary medicine ,SF600-1100 ,Zoology ,QL1-991 - Abstract
Ketosis is a metabolic disease of pregnant and lactating ewes linked to a negative energy balance which can cause different economic losses. The aims of this study were to understand the metabolic status of the early-lactating ewes and to identify biomarkers for early diagnosis of subclinical ketosis. Forty-six Sarda ewes were selected in the immediate post-partum for the collection of the biological samples. A blood sample from the jugular vein was used to determine β-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations. Animals were divided into two groups: BHB 0 or healthy group (n = 28) with BHB concentration < 0.86 mmol/L; and BHB 1 or subclinical ketosis (n = 18) with a BHB concentration ≥ 0.86 mmol/L. Ten mL of pool milk were collected at the morning milking for the analyses. The concentration of 34 milk fatty acids was evaluated using gas chromatography. Two biochemical parameters and 11 milk fatty acids of the total lipid fraction presented a p-value ≤ 0.05. The study revealed different relationships with tricarboxylic acid cycle, blood flows, immune and nervous systems, cell functions, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress status. Eight parameters were significant for the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis with an area under the curve greater than 0.70.
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- 2021
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8. Application of Ultrasound Images Texture Analysis for the Estimation of Intramuscular Fat Content in the Longissimus Thoracis Muscle of Beef Cattle after Slaughter: A Methodological Study
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Giorgia Fabbri, Matteo Gianesella, Luigi Gallo, Massimo Morgante, Barbara Contiero, Michele Muraro, Matteo Boso, and Enrico Fiore
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beef cattle ,intramuscular fat prediction ,ultrasound texture analysis ,carcasses IMF evaluation ,ultrasonography ,Veterinary medicine ,SF600-1100 ,Zoology ,QL1-991 - Abstract
Intramuscular fat (IMF) is a major trait in the evaluation of beef meat, but its determination is subjective and inconsistent and still relies on visual inspection. This research objective was a method to predict IMF% from beef meat using ultrasound (US) imaging texture analysis. US images were performed on the longissimus thoracis muscle of 27 Charolaise heifers. Cuts from the 12th to 13th ribs were scanned. The lipid content of the muscle samples was determined with the petrol ether (Randall) extraction method. A stepwise linear discriminant analysis was used to screen US texture parameters. IMF% measured by chemical extraction (IMFqa) was the dependent variable and the results of the texture analysis were the explanatory variables. The model highlighted seven parameters, as a predictive and a multiple regression equation was created. Prediction of IMF content (IMFpred) was then validated using IMFqa as ground truth. Determination coefficient between IMFqa and IMFpred was R2 = 0.76, while the ROC analysis showing a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 90%. Bland-Altman plot upper and lower limit were +1.34 and −1.42, respectively (±1.96 SD), with a mean of −0.04. The results from the present study therefore suggest that prediction of IMF content in muscle mass by US texture analysis is possible.
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- 2021
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9. Changes of Plasma Fatty Acids in Four Lipid Classes to Understand Energy Metabolism at Different Levels of Non-Esterified Fatty Acid (NEFA) in Dairy Cows
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Rossella Tessari, Michele Berlanda, Massimo Morgante, Tamara Badon, Matteo Gianesella, Elisa Mazzotta, Barbara Contiero, and Enrico Fiore
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transition period ,non-esterified fatty acid ,β-hydroxybutyrate ,fatty acids ,lipid class ,hyperketonemia ,Veterinary medicine ,SF600-1100 ,Zoology ,QL1-991 - Abstract
The transition period is a central moment in dairy cows breeding because metabolic disorders may occur in relation to a dramatic increase in energy demand. This research aimed to identify new biomarkers for the diagnosis of hyperketonemia in bovine in early lactation phase with different value of plasmatic non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA). The profile of plasma fatty acids (FAs) divided into four lipid classes was evaluated using thin layer chromatography and gas chromatographic techniques (TLC-GC). A group of 60 multiparous Holstein–Friesian dairy cows were recruited in the present study. Blood samples were collected from the coccygeal vein and NEFA and the β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) were evaluated. All animals were divided in 2 groups based on NEFA, NEFA0 group had as mean value 0.24 ± 0.12 mEq/L and NEFA1 group had as mean value 0.87 ± 0.23 mEq/L. Plasma FA concentrations were analyzed separately in free fatty acids, cholesterol esters, phospholipids and triglycerides. Six FAs demonstrated a predictive value in the hyperketonemic dairy cows. In the free fatty acid class, the predictive FAs were C14:0 (AUC = 0.77), C18:1 ω 9 (AUC = 0.72), C18:1 ω 7 (AUC = 0.70) and C18:3 ω 3 (AUC = 0.68). In the phospholipids class the predictive parameters were C12:0 (AUC = 0.78) and C8:0 (AUC = 0.73). In cholesterol, esters and triglycerides lipidic classes no FA had a predictive function.
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- 2020
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10. Identification of Plasma Fatty Acids in Four Lipid Classes to Understand Energy Metabolism at Different Levels of Ketonemia in Dairy Cows Using Thin Layer Chromatography and Gas Chromatographic Techniques (TLC-GC)
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Enrico Fiore, Rossella Tessari, Massimo Morgante, Matteo Gianesella, Tamara Badon, Silvia Bedin, Elisa Mazzotta, and Michele Berlanda
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transition period ,β-hydroxybutyrate ,fatty acids ,lipid classes ,thin layer chromatography ,Veterinary medicine ,SF600-1100 ,Zoology ,QL1-991 - Abstract
Excessive mobilization of adipose tissue in high milk producing dairy cows predisposes to metabolic diseases. The aim of this research was to identify the plasma fatty acids in four lipid classes as biomarkers for the diagnosis of hyperketonemia in bovines using thin layer chromatography and gas chromatographic techniques (TLC-GC). Sixty multiparous Holstein–Friesian dairy cows were enrolled in the study. Blood samples from the coccygeal vein were collected and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) was evaluated. All animals were divided into three groups on the basis of ketonemia: BHB < 0.50 mmol/L, 0.50 < BHB < 1.0 mmol/L, and BHB > 1.0 mmol/L. Plasma fatty acid concentrations were evaluated in four lipid classes: Free Fatty Acids (FFA), Triglycerides (TG), Cholesterol Esters (CE) And Phospholipids (PL). The concentration of fatty acids was analyzed using TLC-GC. The results showed the following significance in the lipid classes: 19 fatty acids were significant (p < 0.053) in FFA, nine fatty acids were significant (p < 0.050) in TG, eight fatty acids were significant (p < 0.050) in CE and three fatty acids were significant (p < 0.049) in PL. Eleven parameters were considered as predictive fatty acids related to animals in hyperketonemia. The FFA increased simultaneously with blood BHB levels, although the identified predictive fatty acids related to the TG and CE lipid classes decreased, meanwhile the BHB values increased. In the PL lipid class, no fatty acids were predictive.
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- 2020
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11. Animal welfare: neuro-cognitive approaches
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Massimo Morgante and Giorgio Vallortigara
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Neurosciences, Animal cognition, Brain lateralization, Welfare, Animal production. ,Animal culture ,SF1-1100 - Abstract
Many people maintain a naive belief that non-human animals consciously experience pain and suffering in similar ways to humans. Others tend to assume a more sceptical or agnostic attitude. Drawing on recent advances in research on animal cognition and neuroscience, the science of animal welfare is now beginning to address these issues empirically. We describe recent advances that may contribute to the main questions of animal welfare, namely whether animals are conscious and how we can assess good and bad welfare in animals. Evidence from psychology is described which demonstrate that many complex actions in humans can be carried out quite unconsciously and that human patients with certain sorts of brain damage can behave and manipulate objects properly while at the same time o consciously denying experience of them. The relevance of these findings with respect to the issue of animal consciousness is discussed. Evidence from animal cognition is described concerning the possibility that animals monitor the state of their own memories, show episodic-like knowledge and exhibit self-medication. Evidence from neuroscience concerning brain lateralization in non-human animals and its relevance to animal welfare is described. It is argued that in animals raised for economic purposes (milk and meat production) differences in cognitive abilities and brain lateralization can affect adaptive behavioural, physiological and immune responses to environmental stressors.
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- 2010
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12. Enhancing Postgraduate Learning and Teaching: Postgraduate Summer School in Dairy Science
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Pietro Celi, Gianfranco Gabai, Massimo Morgante, and Luigi Gallo
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Veterinary medicine ,SF600-1100 - Abstract
Dairy science is a multidisciplinary area of scientific investigation and Ph.D. students aiming to do research in the field of animal and/or veterinary sciences must be aware of this. Ph.D. students often have vast spectra of research interests, and it is quite challenging to satisfy the expectation of all of them. The aim of this study was to establish an international Ph.D. training program based on research collaboration between the University of Sydney and the University of Padova. The core component of this program was a two-week Postgraduate Summer School in Dairy Science, which was held at the University of Padova, for Ph.D. students of both universities. Therefore, we designed a program that encompassed seminars, workshops, laboratory practical sessions, and farm visits. Participants were surveyed using a written questionnaire. Overall, participants have uniformly praised the Summer School calling it a rewarding and valuable learning experience. The Ph.D. Summer School in Dairy Science provided its participants a positive learning experience, provided them the opportunity to establish an international network, and facilitated the development of transferable skills.
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- 2014
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13. Subacute Ruminal Acidosis and Evaluation of Blood Gas Analysis in Dairy Cow
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Matteo Gianesella, Massimo Morgante, Chiara Cannizzo, Annalisa Stefani, Paolo Dalvit, Vanessa Messina, and Elisabetta Giudice
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Veterinary medicine ,SF600-1100 - Abstract
Subacute Ruminal Acidosis (SARA) corresponds to an imbalance between lactate-producing bacteria and lactate-using bacteria, which results in a change in ruminal pH associated with a prevalent consumption of rapidly fermentable carbohydrates. In our study, 216 primiparus and multiparus dairy cows were selected from 20 Italian intensive dairy herds and were divided into three groups based on the risk of SARA. All the dairy cows had high average milk production. After blood sampling, a complete blood gas analysis was performed. One-way ANOVA was performed to compare the three groups. O2 Cont, PCO2, blood pH, O2Hb, urinary pH, and rumen pH were significantly lower in cows with rumen pH
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- 2010
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14. Comparison between two preventive treatments for hyperketonaemia carried out pre-partum: effects on non-esterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate and some biochemical parameters during peripartum and early lactation
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Enrico Fiore, Massimo Morgante, Matteo Gianesella, Claudia Giannetto, Giuseppe Piccione, Laura Perillo, and Elisabetta Giudice
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Globulin ,040301 veterinary sciences ,Bilirubin ,Ice calving ,lactation ,liver ,0403 veterinary science ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Animal science ,NEFA ,Cow ,hyperketonaemia ,supplementation ,Medicine ,Cyanocobalamin ,biology ,business.industry ,0402 animal and dairy science ,Albumin ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,General Medicine ,Metabolism ,040201 dairy & animal science ,chemistry ,biology.protein ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Liver function ,business ,Food Science - Abstract
The objective of this study was to compare the effect of two different preventive protocols, on serum β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentration and liver health indices pre-partum and during early-lactation in high-yielding Holstein dairy cows. One hundred cows were randomly divided into three groups: control group (CTRL, n = 20, without preventive treatment), second group (SUPP, n = 40 animals treated with a compound based on acetyl-methionine, inositol, cyanocobalamin, l-alanine, l-arginine, l-threonine, l-glutamic acid supplementation and α-lipoic acid) and third group (MON, n = 40 animals treated with monensin). Blood samples were collected from all cows at on 3 occasions pre-partum and 3 occasions post-partum. Body condition (BCS) score was evaluated and glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), BHB, triglycerides, total cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), total bilirubin, total proteins, globulins, albumin and urea concentrations were assessed. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance was applied. Statistically significant differences among the three experimental groups were found in the values of all studied parameters (P < 0.05). Our results confirm the established beneficial effect of MON treatment in decreasing BHB levels and increasing glucose availability after calving. Serum biochemical analysis revealed the expected post-partum alterations attributable to adaptations that influenced the metabolism and liver function in CTRL, whereas these alterations were reduced or absent in SUPP and MON. Results from the present study suggest that both preventive protocols, but in particular SUPP, could positively affect selected indicators of energy metabolism reducing the risk of hyperketonaemia and increase of liver function in Holstein dairy cows, both pre- and post-partum.
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- 2021
15. LUNG ULTRASONOGRAPHY AS A DIAGNOSTIC SCREENING TOOL AND POST-TREATMENT MONITORING WITH TULATHROMYCIN AND KETOPROFEN IN FATTENING BULLS AFFECTED BY BOVINE RESPIRATORY DISEASE (BRD)
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Lisuzzo, Anastasia, Elisa, Mazzotta, Andrea, Beltrame, Contiero, Barbara, Gianesella, Matteo, Eliana, Schiavon, Rossella, Tessari, Massimo, Morgante, and Fiore, Enrico
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- 2022
16. Ultrasonographic alterations of bovine claws sole soft tissues associated with claw horn disruption lesions, body condition score and locomotion score in Holstein dairy cows
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Ortensio Bonato, Matteo Gianesella, Enrico Fiore, Massimo Morgante, Giorgia Fabbri, and Leonardo Armato
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Hoof and Claw ,Claw ,animal structures ,040301 veterinary sciences ,Lameness, Animal ,Cattle Diseases ,Biology ,Foot Diseases ,0403 veterinary science ,Lesion ,03 medical and health sciences ,medicine ,Animals ,Dairy cattle ,Ultrasonography ,030304 developmental biology ,0303 health sciences ,General Veterinary ,Horn (anatomy) ,business.industry ,Ultrasound ,Soft tissue ,Echogenicity ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,Anatomy ,Lameness ,Cattle ,Female ,medicine.symptom ,business - Abstract
Claw Horn Disruption Lesions (CHDL) negatively affect the sole soft tissue structures located beneath the sole horn. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of CHDL on sole soft tissues by ultrasound means, correlating Body condition score (BCS), locomotion score and CHDL with ultrasonography evaluations of sole soft tissues in Holstein dairy cows. 100 Holstein dairy cows were enrolled in the study. BCS and locomotion score were assessed and functional trimming was performed on all animals. 84 healthy claws and 174 claws with solely one CHDL per claw were evaluated both clinically and with ultrasound, and CHDL were identified and recorded. Sole soft tissues thickness (mm) and echogenicity was determined, and ultrasonographic alterations, related to CHDL presence, where measured long their vertical (L1) and horizontal (L2) axis. Statistically significant (P .001) differences were found in echogenicity between healthy claws and all the affected ones, with the healthy ones being mainly anechoic. Statistically significant (P .001) differences were found for vertical (L1) and horizontal (L2) axis measures between the diverse CHDL, confirming ultrasonography as a useful tool to distinguish lesions and their extension by measuring L1 and L2. BCS had an influence both on sole soft tissues ultrasonographic appearance and on CHDL insurgency. These results confirm ultrasonography as a reliable tool for detecting an increase in sole soft tissues echogenicity, that was seen to occur with CHDL insurgency, and in determining lesion extension.
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- 2020
17. Differences in the serum metabolome profile of dairy cows according to the BHB concentration revealed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (
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Anastasia, Lisuzzo, Luca, Laghi, Vanessa, Faillace, Chenglin, Zhu, Barbara, Contiero, Massimo, Morgante, Elisa, Mazzotta, Matteo, Gianesella, and Enrico, Fiore
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3-Hydroxybutyric Acid ,Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ,Cattle Diseases ,Ketosis ,Fatty Acids, Nonesterified ,Cross-Sectional Studies ,Milk ,Pregnancy ,Metabolome ,Animals ,Lactation ,Cattle ,Female ,Biomarkers - Abstract
The mobilization of body reserves during the transition from pregnancy to lactation might predispose dairy cows to develop metabolic disorders such as subclinical ketosis or hyperketonemia. These conditions are not easily identifiable and are frequently related to other diseases that cause economic loss. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum metabolome differences according to the β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentration. Forty-nine Holstein Friesian dairy cows were enrolled between 15 and 30 days in milk. According to their serum BHB concentration, the animals were divided into three groups: Group 0 (G0; 12 healthy animals; BHB ≤ 0.50 mmol/L); Group 1 (G1; 19 healthy animals; 0.51 ≤ BHB 1.0 mmol/L); and Group 2 (G2; 18 hyperketonemic animals; BHB ≥ 1.0 mmol/L). Animal data and biochemical parameters were examined with one-way ANOVA, and metabolite significant differences were examined by t-tests. Fifty-seven metabolites were identified in the serum samples. Thirteen metabolites showed significant effects and seemed to be related to the mobilization of body reserves, lipids, amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism, and ruminal fermentation.
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- 2021
18. Milk Fatty Acids Composition Changes According to β-Hydroxybutyrate Concentrations in Ewes during Early Lactation
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Filippo Fiore, Tamara Badon, Nicoletta Spissu, Enrico Fiore, Livia Moscati, Rossella Tessari, Massimo Morgante, Barbara Contiero, Michele Berlanda, Matteo Gianesella, Anastasia Lisuzzo, and Elisa Mazzotta
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Ewes ,Gas-chromatography ,Hydroxybutyrate ,Milk fatty acids ,Veterinary medicine ,medicine.disease_cause ,β-Hydroxybutyrate ,Article ,Milking ,Animal science ,Lactation ,SF600-1100 ,medicine ,Morning ,General Veterinary ,biology ,Chemistry ,Area under the curve ,ewes ,medicine.disease ,biology.organism_classification ,Citric acid cycle ,milk fatty acids ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,QL1-991 ,gas-chromatography ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Sarda ,Ketosis ,Zoology ,Oxidative stress - Abstract
Ketosis is a metabolic disease of pregnant and lactating ewes linked to a negative energy balance which can cause different economic losses. The aims of this study were to understand the metabolic status of the early-lactating ewes and to identify biomarkers for early diagnosis of subclinical ketosis. Forty-six Sarda ewes were selected in the immediate post-partum for the collection of the biological samples. A blood sample from the jugular vein was used to determine β-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations. Animals were divided into two groups: BHB 0 or healthy group (n = 28) with BHB concentration <, 0.86 mmol/L, and BHB 1 or subclinical ketosis (n = 18) with a BHB concentration ≥ 0.86 mmol/L. Ten mL of pool milk were collected at the morning milking for the analyses. The concentration of 34 milk fatty acids was evaluated using gas chromatography. Two biochemical parameters and 11 milk fatty acids of the total lipid fraction presented a p-value ≤ 0.05. The study revealed different relationships with tricarboxylic acid cycle, blood flows, immune and nervous systems, cell functions, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress status. Eight parameters were significant for the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis with an area under the curve greater than 0.70.
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- 2021
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19. Application of Ultrasound Images Texture Analysis for the Estimation of Intramuscular Fat Content in the Longissimus Thoracis Muscle of Beef Cattle after Slaughter: A Methodological Study
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Barbara Contiero, Matteo Gianesella, Massimo Morgante, Giorgia Fabbri, Luigi Gallo, Michele Muraro, Enrico Fiore, and Matteo Boso
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Longissimus thoracis muscle ,040301 veterinary sciences ,Beef cattle ,Texture (geology) ,Article ,0403 veterinary science ,Animal science ,beef cattle ,intramuscular fat prediction ,carcasses IMF evaluation ,lcsh:Zoology ,lcsh:QL1-991 ,Mathematics ,lcsh:Veterinary medicine ,General Veterinary ,business.industry ,Ultrasound ,0402 animal and dairy science ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,ultrasonography ,Linear discriminant analysis ,040201 dairy & animal science ,Carcasses IMF evaluation ,Intramuscular fat prediction ,Ultrasonography ,Ultrasound texture analysis ,ultrasound texture analysis ,Content (measure theory) ,lcsh:SF600-1100 ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Methodological study ,Intramuscular fat ,business - Abstract
Simple Summary Fat content in the muscle mass (IMF) is one of the most important characteristics influencing the aroma, tenderness, and juiciness of the meat and therefore has high importance for both commercialization purposes and consumers. However, IMF determination currently relies on visual inspection, which is a subjective and inconsistent technique. The aim of the present study is the elaboration of a procedure capable of predicting IMF% in beef carcasses using ultrasound imaging texture analysis. Ultrasound images taken on meat samples were compared to meat composition measured by chemical extraction. Determination coefficient between the two techniques was R2 = 0.76, while Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis showed a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 90%. The results therefore suggest that the described procedure is expected to determine IMF% in muscle with good accuracy. Ultrasound imaging could be applied in routine beef grading practices. This may help to solve the issues related to subjectivity and leave to the operator only imaging acquisition. Better consistency in beef products could enhance consumers’ satisfaction and commercial standardization programs. Abstract Intramuscular fat (IMF) is a major trait in the evaluation of beef meat, but its determination is subjective and inconsistent and still relies on visual inspection. This research objective was a method to predict IMF% from beef meat using ultrasound (US) imaging texture analysis. US images were performed on the longissimus thoracis muscle of 27 Charolaise heifers. Cuts from the 12th to 13th ribs were scanned. The lipid content of the muscle samples was determined with the petrol ether (Randall) extraction method. A stepwise linear discriminant analysis was used to screen US texture parameters. IMF% measured by chemical extraction (IMFqa) was the dependent variable and the results of the texture analysis were the explanatory variables. The model highlighted seven parameters, as a predictive and a multiple regression equation was created. Prediction of IMF content (IMFpred) was then validated using IMFqa as ground truth. Determination coefficient between IMFqa and IMFpred was R2 = 0.76, while the ROC analysis showing a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 90%. Bland-Altman plot upper and lower limit were +1.34 and −1.42, respectively (±1.96 SD), with a mean of −0.04. The results from the present study therefore suggest that prediction of IMF content in muscle mass by US texture analysis is possible.
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- 2021
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20. Evaluation of yeast supplementation in steers housed under suitable temperature–humidity index
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Matteo Gianesella, Silvia Bedin, Giuseppe Piccione, Tamara Badon, Elisabetta Giudice, Enrico Fiore, Claudia Giannetto, and Massimo Morgante
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serum protein fractions ,Physiology ,Saccharomyces cerevisiae ,Acute phase response ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Acute phase response, serum protein fractions, steers,total proteins ,Physiology (medical) ,polycyclic compounds ,Food science ,skin and connective tissue diseases ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,Heat index ,total proteins ,biology ,Chemistry ,Haptoglobin ,0402 animal and dairy science ,Acute-phase protein ,food and beverages ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,biology.organism_classification ,040201 dairy & animal science ,acute phase response ,steers ,Total proteins ,humanities ,Yeast ,biology.protein ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery - Abstract
The objective of the experiment was to study the effect temperature–humidity index and of live Saccharomyces cerevisiae (NCYC Sc47 E1702) supplementation on protein fractions and haptoglobin serum ...
- Published
- 2021
21. Milk Fatty Acids as Biomarkers of Metabolic Diseases in Dairy Cows identified through Thin Layer Chromatography and Gas Chromatographic Techniques (TLC-GC)
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Rossella, Tessari, Elisa, Mazzotta, Blasi, Francesca, Massimo, Morgante, Tamara, Badon, Silvia, Bedin, Giorgia, Fabbri, Anastasia, Lisuzzo, Barbara, Contiero, Enrico, Fiore, and Michele, Berlanda
- Subjects
Transition period ,milk fatty acids ,thin layer-gas chromatographic techniques ,Transition period, non-esterified fatty acid, milk fatty acids, lipid classes, thin layer-gas chromatographic techniques ,lipid classes ,non-esterified fatty acid - Published
- 2021
22. Changes of Plasma Fatty Acids in Four Lipid Classes to Understand Energy Metabolism at Different Levels of Non-Esterified Fatty Acid (NEFA) in Dairy Cows
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Michele Berlanda, Tamara Badon, Barbara Contiero, Enrico Fiore, Matteo Gianesella, Rossella Tessari, Massimo Morgante, and Elisa Mazzotta
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040301 veterinary sciences ,Energy metabolism ,Fatty acids ,Hyperketonemia ,Lipid class ,Non-esterified fatty acid ,Transition period ,β-hydroxybutyrate ,fatty acids ,Article ,0403 veterinary science ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,lipid class ,Animal science ,NEFA ,Lactation ,lcsh:Zoology ,medicine ,lcsh:QL1-991 ,transition period ,chemistry.chemical_classification ,Energy demand ,lcsh:Veterinary medicine ,General Veterinary ,Esterified fatty acid ,Cholesterol ,0402 animal and dairy science ,Fatty acid ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,040201 dairy & animal science ,Thin-layer chromatography ,non-esterified fatty acid ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,chemistry ,lcsh:SF600-1100 ,Animal Science and Zoology ,lipids (amino acids, peptides, and proteins) ,hyperketonemia - Abstract
The transition period is a central moment in dairy cows breeding because metabolic disorders may occur in relation to a dramatic increase in energy demand. This research aimed to identify new biomarkers for the diagnosis of hyperketonemia in bovine in early lactation phase with different value of plasmatic non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA). The profile of plasma fatty acids (FAs) divided into four lipid classes was evaluated using thin layer chromatography and gas chromatographic techniques (TLC-GC). A group of 60 multiparous Holstein&ndash, Friesian dairy cows were recruited in the present study. Blood samples were collected from the coccygeal vein and NEFA and the &beta, hydroxybutyrate (BHB) were evaluated. All animals were divided in 2 groups based on NEFA, NEFA0 group had as mean value 0.24 ±, 0.12 mEq/L and NEFA1 group had as mean value 0.87 ±, 0.23 mEq/L. Plasma FA concentrations were analyzed separately in free fatty acids, cholesterol esters, phospholipids and triglycerides. Six FAs demonstrated a predictive value in the hyperketonemic dairy cows. In the free fatty acid class, the predictive FAs were C14:0 (AUC = 0.77), C18:1 &omega, 9 (AUC = 0.72), C18:1 &omega, 7 (AUC = 0.70) and C18:3 &omega, 3 (AUC = 0.68). In the phospholipids class the predictive parameters were C12:0 (AUC = 0.78) and C8:0 (AUC = 0.73). In cholesterol, esters and triglycerides lipidic classes no FA had a predictive function.
- Published
- 2020
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23. Application of texture analysis of b-mode ultrasound images for the quantification and prediction of intramuscular fat in living beef cattle: A methodological study
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Enrico Fiore, Matteo Boso, Giorgia Fabbri, Matteo Gianesella, Luigi Gallo, Michele Muraro, and Massimo Morgante
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040301 veterinary sciences ,Texture (music) ,Beef cattle ,0403 veterinary science ,03 medical and health sciences ,Animal science ,Fat prediction ,Intramuscular fat ,Texture analysis ,Ultrasonography ,medicine ,Animals ,Muscle, Skeletal ,030304 developmental biology ,Mathematics ,0303 health sciences ,General Veterinary ,B mode ultrasound ,business.industry ,Ultrasound ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,Linear discriminant analysis ,Lipids ,Tenderness ,Adipose Tissue ,Methodological study ,Cattle ,Female ,medicine.symptom ,business - Abstract
Intramuscular fat (IMF) contributes significantly to the aroma and tenderness of the meat, therefore playing a key role in quality determination. Yet, IMF determination methods rely on visual inspection or on fat extraction from meat samples after animals' slaughter. The aim of this methodological study was the elaboration of a process capable of predicting IMF% using real-time ultrasound (RTU) images in live beef cattle. The longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle of 26 Charolaise heifers was investigated. In vivo ultrasound images were taken and texture analysis was performed. One week after the animals' slaughter, the whole twelfth rib cut was collected, and IMF% was determined by extraction with petrol ether (Randall) method. Animals were divided in 3 groups depending on their mean lipid content percentage in 100 g meat (Group 1: IMF ≤ 4.24%; Group 2: 4.25% ≤ IMF ≤ 5.75%; Group 3: IMF ≥ 5.76%). Texture parameters were selected by a stepwise linear discriminant analysis using IMF% measured by chemical extraction (IMFqa) as the dependent variable, and the results of the texture analysis as explanatory variables. 6 variables were found predictive and molded into a multiple regression equation, this equation was then validated using IMFqa as ground truth. A high linear correlation between IMFqa and IMFpred was evident (r2 = 0.8504), ROC analysis perfomed on IMFpred comparing it to IMFqa showed a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 93.7%, while results from the Bland-Altman plot were ± 1.96 (±1.11SD).
- Published
- 2020
24. Changes in Thyroid Hormones Levels and Metabolism in Dairy Cows around Calving
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Enrico Fiore, Massimo Morgante, Giuseppe Piccione, Matteo Gianesella, Barbara Contiero, Sonia Giambelluca, Irene Vazzana, Francesca Arfuso, and Tiziana Orefice
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medicine.medical_specialty ,endocrine system diseases ,040301 veterinary sciences ,Veterinary medicine ,Aspartate transaminase ,0403 veterinary science ,NEFA ,Internal medicine ,SF600-1100 ,medicine ,transition period ,Triiodothyronine ,General Veterinary ,biology ,business.industry ,dairy cow ,Thyroid ,0402 animal and dairy science ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,medicine.disease ,thyroid hormone ,040201 dairy & animal science ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Endocrinology ,Alanine transaminase ,biology.protein ,dairy cow, metabolism, thyroid hormone, transition period ,Ketosis ,business ,metabolism ,Postpartum period ,Hormone - Abstract
The hormonal activity of the thyroid gland has an important role in ruminants for the modulation of metabolic variables. In this study changes in thyroid hormones and biochemical parameters in dairy cows around calving were evaluated and the critical thyroid hormones thresholds for predicting the risk of ketosis were estimated. Blood samples were collected from 82 dairy cows at 5±3 days pre-partum and 5±3 days postpartum. Serum values of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), insulin, glucose, Ca, Cl, Mg, P, K, Na, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and urea were evaluated. Signifi cant decrease in the levels of T3, T4 and TSH was found in the postpartum period. The values of T3 and T4 were negatively correlated with NEFA and BHB levels, and TSH values were negatively correlated with NEFA. A critical T3 threshold was found by means of ROC analysis for predicting the risk of ketosis. T3 values < 1.23 nmol/L were associated with BHB > 1.10 mmol/L in postpartum, which represents the BHB threshold commonly used as the indicator of hyperketonaemia. The results confirm that the peripartum period is accompanied by marked changes in circulating thyroid hormone profile that is correlated with lipomobilization predictors.
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- 2017
25. Evaluation of venous blood gas levels, blood chemistry and haemocytometric parameters in milk fed veal calves at different periods of livestock cycle
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Irene Vazzana, Matteo Gianesella, Enrico Fiore, A. Sadocco, Tiziana Orefice, Sonia Giambelluca, and Massimo Morgante
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0301 basic medicine ,Aging ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Veterinary medicine ,040301 veterinary sciences ,Bilirubin ,Biology ,breeding, blood gas analysis, calf, hematology ,0403 veterinary science ,03 medical and health sciences ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Animal science ,Internal medicine ,medicine ,Animals ,calf ,Creatinine ,Hematologic Tests ,Hematology ,General Veterinary ,hematology ,business.industry ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,General Medicine ,Venous blood ,Animal Feed ,Diet ,Milk ,blood gas analysis ,030104 developmental biology ,chemistry ,Blood chemistry ,breeding ,Urea ,Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena ,Cattle ,Base excess ,Livestock ,business ,Blood Chemical Analysis - Abstract
An evaluation of blood chemistry profile in relation to specific stages of livestock cycle can help better understand variations in physiological conditions in order to adjust management systems to animal needs. In addition to basal hematological investigation, the acid-base balance and blood gases are essential tools in evaluating metabolism in calves. The relationship between blood gas parameters, diet and growth should be further investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in acid-base status, blood gases, serum chemistry and hematological parameters in veal calves at different periods of livestock cycle. One hundred twenty-eight healthy cross breeding calves were enrolled in a farm in North-East Italy. Blood samplings were carried out from the jugular vein on day 1 (t1), 60 (t2) and 150 (t3) after arrival. Blood gas analysis was performed and hematological parameters were evaluated. One-way ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer post-hoc test were performed to assess differences between blood parameter values at the different periods. The main differences in blood gas parameter levels during the livestock cycle concerned pH, Base Excess and HCO3 with higher values recorded in t3. Urea, creatinine, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and bilirubin mean values were significantly higher in t1 than in t2 and t3. Aspartate aminotransferase increased from t1 to t2 and t3. Alkaline Phosphatase was higher in t2. Fe levels severely dropped in t2 and in t3, and the decrease led to a restrained but significant reduction in haemoglobin values. A correspondent decrease in the other haemocytometric parameters was found.
- Published
- 2016
26. Texture analysis of B-mode ultrasound images to stage hepatic lipidosis in the dairy cow: A methodological study
- Author
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Tommaso Banzato, Elisabetta Manuali, Alessandro Zotti, Massimo Morgante, and Enrico Fiore
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0301 basic medicine ,Pathology ,medicine.medical_specialty ,040301 veterinary sciences ,Hepatic lipidosis ,Cattle Diseases ,Triacylglycerol ,Sensitivity and Specificity ,0403 veterinary science ,03 medical and health sciences ,Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease ,Ultrasound ,Biopsy ,medicine ,Animals ,Lactation ,Texture (crystalline) ,Stage (cooking) ,Triglycerides ,Ultrasonography ,Mathematics ,General Veterinary ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,business.industry ,Cow ,Fatty liver ,Area under the curve ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,Stepwise regression ,medicine.disease ,Texture analysis ,Veterinary (all) ,030104 developmental biology ,Liver ,Area Under Curve ,Linear Models ,Cattle ,Female ,Steatosis ,Nuclear medicine ,business - Abstract
Hepatic lipidosis is the most diffused hepatic disease in the lactating cow. A new methodology to estimate the degree of fatty infiltration of the liver in lactating cows by means of texture analysis of B-mode ultrasound images is proposed. B-mode ultrasonography of the liver was performed in 48 Holstein Friesian cows using standardized ultrasound parameters. Liver biopsies to determine the triacylglycerol content of the liver (TAGqa) were obtained from each animal. A large number of texture parameters were calculated on the ultrasound images by means of a free software. Based on the TAGqa content of the liver, 29 samples were classified as mild (TAGqa50mg/g), 6 as moderate (50mg/gTAGqa100mg/g) and 13 as severe (TAG100mg/g) in steatosis. Stepwise linear regression analysis was performed to predict the TAGqa content of the liver (TAGpred) from the texture parameters calculated on the ultrasound images. A five-variable model was used to predict the TAG content from the ultrasound images. The regression model explained 83.4% of the variance. An area under the curve (AUC) of 0.949 was calculated for50mg/g vs50mg/g of TAGqa; using an optimal cut-off value of 72mg/g TAGpred had a sensitivity of 86.2% and a specificity of 84.2%. An AUC of 0.978 for100mg/g vs100mg/g of TAGqa was calculated; using an optimal cut-off value of 89mg/g, TAGpred sensitivity was 92.3% and specificity was 88.6%. Texture analysis of B-mode ultrasound images may therefore be used to accurately predict the TAG content of the liver in lactating cows.
- Published
- 2016
27. Serum haptoglobin and protein electrophoretic fraction modifications in buffaloes (
- Author
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Matteo, Gianesella, Enrico, Fiore, Francesca, Arfuso, Domenico, Vecchio, Giulio, Curone, Massimo, Morgante, Elisa, Mazzotta, Tamara, Badon, Pasquale, Rossi, Silvia, Bedin, Alessandro, Zumbo, and Giuseppe, Piccione
- Subjects
Milk ,Buffaloes ,Haptoglobins ,Italy ,Pregnancy ,Parturition ,Peripartum Period ,Animals ,Lactation ,Female ,Serum Globulins ,Blood Proteins ,Serum Albumin - Abstract
Serum protein distribution and concentration can be affected by different physiological and pathological conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in the concentration of serum protein fractions and haptoglobin in clinically healthy dairy buffaloes during late pregnancy and early lactation. Blood and milk samples were collected from 30 buffaloes at around 7 d before expected calving (blood only) and 7, 30 and 50 d after calving. In serum samples, the total protein, haptoglobin, albumin, α1-, α2-, β1-, β2-, γ-globulins, and albumin/globulin ratio (A/G) values were evaluated. In milk, fat%, protein%, lactose%, somatic cell score (SCS) were assessed, along with milk yield (MY) and daily milk production (DMP). The peripartum period significantly influenced (P0.005) total protein, albumin, haptoglobin, α2-, β2- and γ-globulins (P0.005). Milk yield, DMP and fat% changed significantly throughout the monitoring period (P0.005). Milk yield and DMP were positively correlated with total protein, albumin, β2-globulins and A/G ratio, and negatively correlated with haptoglobin and α2-globulins. These results provide new knowledge about the serum protein electrophoretic pattern in Italian Mediterranean Buffaloes during the last phase of pregnancy and early stages of lactation.
- Published
- 2019
28. Serum haptoglobin and protein electrophoretic fraction modifications in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) around calving and during early lactation
- Author
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Enrico Fiore, Pasquale Rossi, Giuseppe Piccione, Elisa Mazzotta, Tamara Badon, Matteo Gianesella, Silvia Bedin, Massimo Morgante, Domenico Vecchio, Giulio Curone, Francesca Arfuso, and Alessandro Zumbo
- Subjects
Globulin ,Buffaloes ,040301 veterinary sciences ,Ice calving ,0403 veterinary science ,03 medical and health sciences ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Animal science ,Lactation ,milk composition ,medicine ,electrophoresis ,haptoglobin ,total proteins ,Lactose ,030304 developmental biology ,0303 health sciences ,Pregnancy ,biology ,Haptoglobin ,Albumin ,food and beverages ,Buffaloes, electrophoresis, haptoglobin, milk composition, total proteins ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,General Medicine ,medicine.disease ,biology.organism_classification ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,chemistry ,biology.protein ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Bubalus ,Food Science - Abstract
Serum protein distribution and concentration can be affected by different physiological and pathological conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in the concentration of serum protein fractions and haptoglobin in clinically healthy dairy buffaloes during late pregnancy and early lactation. Blood and milk samples were collected from 30 buffaloes at around 7 d before expected calving (blood only) and 7, 30 and 50 d after calving. In serum samples, the total protein, haptoglobin, albumin, α1-, α2-, β1-, β2-, γ-globulins, and albumin/globulin ratio (A/G) values were evaluated. In milk, fat%, protein%, lactose%, somatic cell score (SCS) were assessed, along with milk yield (MY) and daily milk production (DMP). The peripartum period significantly influenced (P < 0.005) total protein, albumin, haptoglobin, α2-, β2- and γ-globulins (P < 0.005). Milk yield, DMP and fat% changed significantly throughout the monitoring period (P < 0.005). Milk yield and DMP were positively correlated with total protein, albumin, β2-globulins and A/G ratio, and negatively correlated with haptoglobin and α2-globulins. These results provide new knowledge about the serum protein electrophoretic pattern in Italian Mediterranean Buffaloes during the last phase of pregnancy and early stages of lactation.
- Published
- 2019
29. Ultrasonographic measurement of liver, portal vein, hepatic vein and perivisceral adipose tissue in high-yielding dairy cows with fatty liver during the transition period
- Author
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Barbara Contiero, Matteo Gianesella, Silvia Pavone, Laura Perillo, Elisabetta Giudice, Giulio Curone, Giuseppe Piccione, Elisabetta Manuali, Massimo Morgante, and Enrico Fiore
- Subjects
metabolic parameters ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Diagnostic methods ,040301 veterinary sciences ,Adipose tissue ,Cattle Diseases ,Hepatic Veins ,High yielding ,Gastroenterology ,0403 veterinary science ,NEFA ,Internal medicine ,Dairy cow ,Grades der Leberverfettung ,liver ,ultrasound ,Food Science ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Portal Vein+Hepatic Vein ,medicine ,Animals ,Lactation ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,business.industry ,Portal Vein ,Fatty liver ,Ultrasound ,Fatty Acids ,Postpartum Period ,0402 animal and dairy science ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,General Medicine ,medicine.disease ,040201 dairy & animal science ,Fatty Liver ,Adipose Tissue ,Liver ,Liver biopsy ,Cattle ,Female ,business ,Energy Metabolism - Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential for diagnosis of fatty liver by means of ultrasonographic measurement of liver and perivisceral adipose tissue as an alternative to blood indicators of lipomobilization and liver biopsy in periparturient high-yielding dairy cows. Thirty cows were enrolled and divided into two groups. The evaluation of body condition score (BCS), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), liver and perivisceral adipose tissue ultrasonographic measurement and histological liver lipid content (GdL) was performed at 15 ± 5 d prepartum (T0), 10 ± 2 d postpartum (T1), 30 ± 2 d postpartum (T2) and 50 ± 2 d postpartum (T3). Mesenteric fat thickness (the thickness of the perivascular adipose tissue) measured on ultrasound was shown to be an independent determinant of fatty liver. The cut-off of the ultrasonographic evaluation of the liver may be useful as a first and practical approach in identifying fatty liver. In conclusion, a non-invasive and reliable diagnostic method for predicting the risk of fatty liver in high yielding dairy cows has been demonstrated.
- Published
- 2018
30. Evaluation of hepatic markers and body weight gain in growing and finishing steers
- Author
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Giuseppe Piccione, Enrico Fiore, Matteo Gianesella, Simona Marafioti, Daniela Alberghina, and Massimo Morgante
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,Finishing ,Globulin ,040301 veterinary sciences ,Beef cattle ,Growing ,Liver function ,Body weight ,Pathology and Forensic Medicine ,0403 veterinary science ,Excretion ,Internal medicine ,medicine ,Hematology ,biology ,0402 animal and dairy science ,Albumin ,Anatomy ,2734 ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,Metabolism ,040201 dairy & animal science ,Endocrinology ,biology.protein - Abstract
The liver plays an important role in nutrient metabolism, in detoxification and excretion of hydrophobic metabolites, and in the synthesis of most circulating proteins. Thus, enhanced knowledge of the processes that regulate liver function in beef cattle production stages can lead to significant improvements in their management. The authors studied the levels of some serum liver parameters during growing and finishing stages of steers. Blood samples were collected from (n = 60) steers at day 1 and at day 21 and 42 days after the start of the growing (group 1 n = 30: mean body weight (BW) 430 ± 5.8 Kg) or finishing (group 2 n = 30: mean BW 591 ± 5.3 Kg) phases. Steers from both groups were separated into two subgroups (A and B, respectively) according to the percentage of body weight gain (%WG). Subgroup A steers had a lower mean %WG than subgroup B steers. Serum total proteins (TP), albumin, globulins, serum urea nitrogen (SUN), total and conjugated bilirubin (TB, CB), aspartate amino transferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) were assessed in order to evaluate significant differences between groups and subgroups. All parameters showed significant differences between the phases and between groups with the exception of AST and GGT. Mean ± S.D. of %WG was 11.07 ± 1.95 for group 1 and 9.84 ± 0.77 % for group 2. For group 1 steers, there was a significant difference on SUN concentration and GGT activity between subgroup A and subgroup B. These findings suggest that hepatic markers in steers are influenced by production stages and improve the knowledge about the effect of growing and finishing phases on their hepatic markers. Furthermore, it underlies the importance of monitoring body weight gain in order to obtain a maximizing profitability.
- Published
- 2016
31. Serum thyroid hormone evaluation during transition periods in dairy cows
- Author
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Enrico Fiore, Matteo Gianesella, Massimo Morgante, V. Praticò, Salvatore Dara, Irene Vazzana, and Giuseppe Piccione
- Subjects
Cultural Studies ,Triiodothyronine ,Thyroid ,Religious studies ,lcsh:S ,Ice calving ,Biology ,lcsh:Agriculture ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Animal science ,Lactation ,lcsh:Zoology ,medicine ,Endocrine system ,lcsh:Q ,Analysis of variance ,lcsh:Animal culture ,lcsh:QL1-991 ,lcsh:Science ,Blood sampling ,Hormone ,lcsh:SF1-1100 - Abstract
Thirty-five multiparous Holstein dairy cows were selected from a high-producing dairy farm in northeastern Italy: 16 in second lactation (L2), 10 in third lactation (L3) and 9 in fourth lactation (L4). Blood sampling was carried out 7 ± 5 days before calving (Pre/C) and 7 ± 5 days after calving (Post/C). Serum triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were assessed. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed statistically significant effects of class (L2, L3, L4) and of period (Pre/C, Post/C) on the parameters studied (T3, T4, TSH). In particular, Bonferroni's multiple comparison test showed lower values in post-calving than in the pre-calving in L2 and L3 for TSH; lower values in post-calving than in the pre-calving in L2 for T3; and lower values in post-calving than in the pre-calving in L2, L3 and L4 for T4. Our results improve the knowledge of endocrine and metabolic changes occurring in dairy cows during transition periods and may be useful to supply a new strategy for the improvement of dairy cow farm management and reproductive performance.
- Published
- 2015
32. Identification of Plasma Fatty Acids in Four Lipid Classes to Understand Energy Metabolism at Different Levels of Ketonemia in Dairy Cows Using Thin Layer Chromatography and Gas Chromatographic Techniques (TLC-GC)
- Author
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Massimo Morgante, Enrico Fiore, Elisa Mazzotta, Tamara Badon, Matteo Gianesella, Silvia Bedin, Michele Berlanda, and Rossella Tessari
- Subjects
chemistry.chemical_classification ,lcsh:Veterinary medicine ,Chromatography ,Coccygeal vein ,General Veterinary ,Cholesterol ,thin layer chromatography ,Energy metabolism ,food and beverages ,Fatty acid ,Adipose tissue ,fatty acids ,Article ,Thin-layer chromatography ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,β-hydroxybutyrate ,chemistry ,lcsh:Zoology ,lcsh:SF600-1100 ,lipids (amino acids, peptides, and proteins) ,Animal Science and Zoology ,lcsh:QL1-991 ,lipid classes ,transition period - Abstract
Excessive mobilization of adipose tissue in high milk producing dairy cows predisposes to metabolic diseases. The aim of this research was to identify the plasma fatty acids in four lipid classes as biomarkers for the diagnosis of hyperketonemia in bovines using thin layer chromatography and gas chromatographic techniques (TLC-GC). Sixty multiparous Holstein&ndash, Friesian dairy cows were enrolled in the study. Blood samples from the coccygeal vein were collected and &beta, hydroxybutyrate (BHB) was evaluated. All animals were divided into three groups on the basis of ketonemia: BHB <, 0.50 mmol/L, 0.50 <, BHB <, 1.0 mmol/L, and BHB >, 1.0 mmol/L. Plasma fatty acid concentrations were evaluated in four lipid classes: Free Fatty Acids (FFA), Triglycerides (TG), Cholesterol Esters (CE) And Phospholipids (PL). The concentration of fatty acids was analyzed using TLC-GC. The results showed the following significance in the lipid classes: 19 fatty acids were significant (p <, 0.053) in FFA, nine fatty acids were significant (p <, 0.050) in TG, eight fatty acids were significant (p <, 0.050) in CE and three fatty acids were significant (p <, 0.049) in PL. Eleven parameters were considered as predictive fatty acids related to animals in hyperketonemia. The FFA increased simultaneously with blood BHB levels, although the identified predictive fatty acids related to the TG and CE lipid classes decreased, meanwhile the BHB values increased. In the PL lipid class, no fatty acids were predictive.
- Published
- 2020
33. Vitamin B12 and homocysteine levels in blood of dairy cows during subacute ruminal acidosis
- Author
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Luigi Michele Coppola, Annalisa Stefani, Chiara Cannizzo, Massimo Morgante, Elisabetta Giudice, Stefania Casella, and Matteo Gianesella
- Subjects
Cultural Studies ,Dairy cows ,Dairy herds ,Homocysteine ,Rumen pH ,Subacute ruminal acidosis ,Vitamin B12 ,medicine.medical_specialty ,animal structures ,Religious studies ,food and beverages ,Homocysteine levels ,Biology ,Rumen ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Endocrinology ,Animal science ,chemistry ,Internal medicine ,medicine - Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the variations of vitamin B12 and homocysteine in blood of dairy cows during subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA). On 228 subjects ruminal liquid was collected through rumenocentesis technique and rumen pH was immediately measured by a portable pH-meter. On the basis of pH values all cows were classified (bovine class) in Group A (animals with rumen pH>5.7), Group B (animals with rumen pH between 5.6 and 5.7) and Group C (animals with rumen pH
- Published
- 2018
34. Metabolic and hormonal adaptation in Bubalus bubalis around calving and early lactation
- Author
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Enrico Fiore, Giuseppe Piccione, Pasquale Rossi, Massimo Morgante, Elisa Mazzotta, Domenico Vecchio, Francesca Arfuso, Tamara Badon, Matteo Gianesella, and Silvia Bedin
- Subjects
Blood Glucose ,Genetics and Molecular Biology (all) ,Physiology ,Peptide Hormones ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Northearsten United-States, nonesterified fatty-acids, transition dairy-cattle, beta-hydroxybutyrate, blood parameters, milk-composition, body condition, cows, buffalos, period ,lcsh:Medicine ,Ice calving ,Fatty Acids, Nonesterified ,Biochemistry ,0403 veterinary science ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Endocrinology ,Glucose Metabolism ,Reproductive Physiology ,Pregnancy ,Lactation ,Medicine and Health Sciences ,Insulin ,Lactose ,lcsh:Science ,Mammals ,Multidisciplinary ,Triiodothyronine ,3-Hydroxybutyric Acid ,Organic Compounds ,Monosaccharides ,Fatty Acids ,Postpartum Period ,Eukaryota ,food and beverages ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,Body Fluids ,Chemistry ,Milk ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Vertebrates ,Physical Sciences ,Carbohydrate Metabolism ,Female ,Anatomy ,Research Article ,Thyroid Hormones ,Buffaloes ,040301 veterinary sciences ,Carbohydrates ,Biology ,Beverages ,Animal science ,NEFA ,Thyroid-stimulating hormone ,Bovines ,Peripartum Period ,medicine ,Animals ,Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone ,Nutrition ,Diabetic Endocrinology ,Endocrine Physiology ,Organic Chemistry ,lcsh:R ,Organisms ,Chemical Compounds ,0402 animal and dairy science ,Biology and Life Sciences ,Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (all) ,Agricultural and Biological Sciences (all) ,040201 dairy & animal science ,Hormones ,Diet ,Glucose ,Metabolism ,chemistry ,Amniotes ,Nonesterified ,lcsh:Q ,Hormone - Abstract
Pregnancy and lactation are physiological periods that result in an increased metabolic demand that, if not satisfied, could provoke a threat to homeostasis. In this study changes in the values of Non-Esterified Fatty Acids (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), glucose, insulin, thyroid hormones, milk composition and yield were investigated in buffaloes during the late pregnancy and early lactation. From a total of 50 buffaloes, blood samples were collected -7±5 days before expected calving; +7±5; +30±5 and +50±5 days post-partum; milk samples were collected at the same post-partum time points. On serum samples, the values of Non-Esterified Fatty Acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), glucose, insulin, Triiodothyronine (T3), Thyroxine (T4) and Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were evaluated. On milk, fat %, protein %, lactose %, somatic cells score (SCS), milk yield and daily milk production (DMP) were assessed. Peripartum period significantly influenced all studied parameters (P
- Published
- 2018
35. Sex of offspring influences metabolism during early transition period in dairy cows
- Author
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Massimo Morgante, Giuseppe Piccione, Matteo Gianesella, Claudia Giannetto, and Daniela Alberghina
- Subjects
Cultural Studies ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Offspring ,Period (gene) ,haematochemical parameters ,Biology ,postpartum period ,lcsh:Agriculture ,Animal science ,NEFA ,Internal medicine ,lcsh:Zoology ,medicine ,dairy cows ,lcsh:QL1-991 ,lcsh:Science ,Dairy cattle ,lcsh:SF1-1100 ,lcsh:S ,Religious studies ,Albumin ,Repeated measures design ,Metabolism ,Maternal metabolism ,Endocrinology ,lcsh:Q ,lcsh:Animal culture - Abstract
A study using 20 Holstein Friesian cows was conducted to investigate the influence of calf gender on metabolism during the transition period in dairy cattle. Blood samples were collected at three time points: 2–4 days prepartum (time 1), and 1 week and 2 weeks postpartum (time 2 and time 3 respectively). Serum samples obtained were analysed for total proteins, albumin, urea, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Depending on the sex of the offspring, cows were divided into two groups: Group 1 consisted of cows with heifer offspring (n = 12) and Group 2 consisted of cows with bull offspring (n = 8). A two-way repeated measures ANOVA and t tests for unpaired data were used to analyse the pattern of studied parameters and differences between the two groups. The results indicate differences in metabolic parameters between the two groups. These results highlight the importance of considering fetal sex as a factor that influences maternal metabolism during the early transition period in dairy cows.
- Published
- 2015
36. Variation in blood serum proteins and association with somatic cell count in dairy cattle from multi-breed herds
- Author
-
Enrico Fiore, Massimo Morgante, Alessio Cecchinato, P.L. Ruegg, Tania Bobbo, Luigi Gallo, Matteo Gianesella, and Giovanni Bittante
- Subjects
Globulin ,040301 veterinary sciences ,Cell Count ,Animal Welfare ,SF1-1100 ,globulin ,0403 veterinary science ,Blood serum ,Animal science ,Species Specificity ,Pregnancy ,Animals ,Lactation ,Dairy cattle ,albumin ,Serum Albumin ,biology ,somatic cell count ,dairy ,serum total protein ,Animal Science and Zoology ,0402 animal and dairy science ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,Blood Proteins ,040201 dairy & animal science ,Blood proteins ,Breed ,Animal culture ,Diet ,Dairying ,Parity ,Milk ,Phenotype ,Blood chemistry ,biology.protein ,Cattle ,Female ,Serum Globulins ,Brown Swiss ,Somatic cell count - Abstract
Blood serum proteins are significant indicators of animal health. Nevertheless, several factors should be considered to appropriately interpret their concentrations in blood. Therefore, the objectives of this study were (1) to assess the effect of herd productivity, breed, age and stage of lactation on serum proteins and (2) to investigate association between serum proteins and somatic cell count (SCC) in dairy cattle. Milk and blood samples were collected from 1508 cows of six different breeds (Holstein Friesian, Brown Swiss, Jersey, Simmental, Rendena and Alpine Grey) that were housed in 41 multi-breed herds. Milk samples were analyzed for composition and SCC, while blood samples were analyzed for serum proteins (i.e. total protein, albumin, globulin and albumin-to-globulin ratio (A : G)). Herds were classified as low or high production, according to the cow’s average daily milk energy yield adjusted for breed, days in milk (DIM) and parity. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed model that included the fixed effects of DIM, parity, SCS, breed, herd productivity and the random effect of the Herd-test date within productivity level. Cows in high producing herds (characterized also by greater use of concentrates in the diet) had greater serum albumin concentrations. Breed differences were reported for all traits, highlighting a possible genetic mechanism. The specialized breed Jersey and the two dual-purpose local breeds (Alpine Grey and Rendena) had the lowest globulin concentration and greatest A : G. Changes in serum proteins were observed through lactation. Total protein reached the highest concentration during the 4th month of lactation. Blood albumin increased with DIM following a quadratic pattern, while globulin decreased linearly. As a consequence, A : G increased linearly during lactation. Older cows had greater total protein and globulin concentrations, while albumin concentration seemed to be not particularly affected by age. A linear relationship between serum proteins and SCS was observed. High milk SCS was associated with greater total protein and globulin concentrations in blood. The rise in globulin concentration, together with a decrease in albumin concentrations, resulted in a decline in A : G as SCS of milk increased. In conclusion, such non-genetic factors must be considered to appropriately interpret serum proteins as potential animal welfare indicator and their evaluation represents an important first-step for future analysis based on the integration of metabolomics, genetic and genomic information for improving the robustness of dairy cows.
- Published
- 2017
37. Changes in some blood parameters, milk composition and yield of buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) during the transition period
- Author
-
Pasquale Rossi, Enrico Fiore, Barbara Contiero, Irene Vazzana, Matteo Gianesella, Massimo Morgante, Elisa Mazzotta, Domenico Vecchio, Giuseppe Piccione, Sonia Giambelluca, and Francesca Arfuso
- Subjects
Blood Glucose ,Transition period ,Buffaloes ,040301 veterinary sciences ,Lactose ,0403 veterinary science ,Fats ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Eating ,Animal science ,Lactation ,medicine ,Peripartum Period ,Animals ,biology ,3-Hydroxybutyric Acid ,Blood biochemical profile ,Cholesterol ,Fatty Acids ,0402 animal and dairy science ,food and beverages ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,General Medicine ,biology.organism_classification ,Milk Proteins ,040201 dairy & animal science ,Milk composition ,Agricultural and Biological Sciences (all) ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Milk ,chemistry ,Urea ,Female ,Bubalus ,General Agricultural and Biological Sciences ,Blood parameters ,Energy Metabolism ,Somatic cell count - Abstract
In this study changes in hematochemical parameters, milk composition and yield were investigated in buffaloes during the transition period. A total of 93 buffaloes 113.9 ± 8.03 months old and 535 ± 50 kg average body weight were used. Parity was recorded, blood samples were collected from 80 days pre-partum until 70 days post-partum; milk samples were collected from 5 days to 70 days post-partum. On serum samples, the values of non-esterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, urea, total proteins were evaluated. On milk, percentage of fat, protein and lactose, along with the somatic cell count (SCC), milk yield and daily milk production (DMP) were assessed. The peripartum period significantly (P ≤ 0.01) influenced all studied parameters with the exception of glucose. Milk fat percentage showed decreasing trend from 10 until 40 days post-partum; DMP significantly (P ≤ 0.01) increased from 1 day post-partum until 40 days post-partum. Milk yield significantly (P ≤ 0.01) decreased in animals over the sixth lactation. Our results confirmed the importance of transit period in buffaloes. Blood parameters and milk composition alterations are crucial to predict the energy balance status of buffaloes in order to improve their management and feed intake during the transition period.
- Published
- 2017
38. Expression of selected genes related to energy mobilisation and insulin resistance in dairy cows
- Author
-
E. Giudice, Massimo Morgante, Francesca Arfuso, Monica Colitti, Giuseppe Piccione, Enrico Fiore, and Matteo Gianesella
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Adipose tissue ,Biology ,Group A ,Group B ,03 medical and health sciences ,Insulin resistance ,Internal medicine ,medicine ,Receptor ,Adiponectin ,business.industry ,0402 animal and dairy science ,Glucose transporter ,adipose tissue, age, gene expression, hepatic tissue, muscle tissue ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,medicine.disease ,040201 dairy & animal science ,Biotechnology ,Solute carrier family ,030104 developmental biology ,Endocrinology ,Animal Science and Zoology ,business ,Food Science - Abstract
The physiological and metabolic adaptation characterising the transition period in the dairy cows is developed by a complex modulation of different metabolic pathways as well as the expression of selected tissue-specific gene. The aim of this study was to evaluate the age effect on expression of selected genes in adipose, hepatic and muscle tissues in dairy cows during their transition period using the quantitative real-time PCR. Twenty-two pluriparous dairy cows were divided into three groups in relation to age: Group A (38 ± 2 months); Group B (52 ± 2 months) and Group C (80 ± 8 months). Lower levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and higher levels of adiponectin were found in adipose tissue in Group C than Groups A and B (P < 0.05). Higher levels of solute carrier family 2/facilitated glucose transporter member 4 were found in muscle in Group C than Group A (P < 0.001) and Group B (P < 0.05). The present study showed in dairy cows that the expression of selected genes associated with mobilisation of energy and with insulin resistance are influenced by age demonstrating and highlighting the importance of a genomics approach to assess the metabolic status of dairy cows during the transition period.
- Published
- 2017
39. Associations between pathogen-specific cases of subclinical mastitis and milk yield, quality, protein composition, and cheese-making traits in dairy cows
- Author
-
Giorgia Stocco, Enrico Fiore, P.L. Ruegg, Massimo Morgante, Giovanni Bittante, Matteo Gianesella, Tania Bobbo, Alessio Cecchinato, and D. Pasotto
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Subclinical mastitis ,Cell Count ,Cheese yield ,Intramammary infection ,03 medical and health sciences ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Cheese ,Casein ,medicine ,Genetics ,Animals ,Lactation ,Food science ,Udder ,Lactose ,Mastitis, Bovine ,Coagulation properties ,Chromatography, Reverse-Phase ,Milk composition ,Food Science ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Syneresis ,Chemistry ,0402 animal and dairy science ,food and beverages ,Caseins ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,medicine.disease ,Milk Proteins ,040201 dairy & animal science ,Mastitis ,Dairying ,030104 developmental biology ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Milk ,Phenotype ,Rennet ,Cattle ,Female ,Brown Swiss ,Somatic cell count - Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate associations between pathogen-specific cases of subclinical mastitis and milk yield, quality, protein composition, and cheese-making traits. Forty-one multibreed herds were selected for the study, and composite milk samples were collected from 1,508 cows belonging to 3 specialized dairy breeds (Holstein Friesian, Brown Swiss, and Jersey) and 3 dual-purpose breeds of Alpine origin (Simmental, Rendena, and Grey Alpine). Milk composition [i.e., fat, protein, casein, lactose, pH, urea, and somatic cell count (SCC)] was analyzed, and separation of protein fractions was performed by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography. Eleven coagulation traits were measured: 5 traditional milk coagulation properties [time from rennet addition to milk gelation (RCT, min), curd-firming rate as the time to a curd firmness (CF) of 20 mm (k20, min), and CF at 30, 45, and 60 min from rennet addition (a30, a45, and a60, mm)], and 6 new curd firming and syneresis traits [potential asymptotical CF at an infinite time (CFP, mm), curd-firming instant rate constant (kCF, % × min-1), curd syneresis instant rate constant (kSR, % × min-1), modeled RCT (RCTeq, min), maximum CF value (CFmax, mm), and time at CFmax (tmax, min)]. We also measured 3 cheese yield traits, expressing the weights of total fresh curd (%CYCURD), dry matter (%CYSOLIDS), and water (%CYWATER) in the curd as percentages of the weight of the processed milk, and 4 nutrient recovery traits (RECPROTEIN, RECFAT, RECSOLIDS, and RECENERGY), representing the percentage ratio between each nutrient in the curd and milk. Milk samples with SCC > 100,000 cells/mL were subjected to bacteriological examination. All samples were divided into 7 clusters of udder health (UH) status: healthy (cows with milk SCC < 100,000 cells/mL and uncultured); culture-negative samples with low, medium, or high SCC; and culture-positive samples divided into contagious, environmental, and opportunistic intramammary infection (IMI). Data were analyzed using a linear mixed model. Significant variations in the casein to protein ratio and lactose content were observed in all culture-positive samples and in culture-negative samples with medium to high SCC compared to normal milk. No differences were observed among contagious, environmental, and opportunistic pathogens, suggesting an effect of inflammation rather than infection. The greatest impairment in milk quantity and composition, clotting ability, and cheese production was observed in the 2 UH status groups with the highest milk SCC (i.e., contagious IMI and culture-negative samples with high SCC), revealing a discrepancy between the bacteriological results and inflammatory status, and thus confirming the importance of SCC as an indicator of udder health and milk quality.
- Published
- 2017
40. Hepatic lipidosis in high-yielding dairy cows during the transition period: haematochemical and histopathological findings
- Author
-
Enrico Fiore, Massimo Morgante, Matteo Gianesella, Laura Perillo, A. Barberio, Giuseppe Piccione, and Elisabetta Manuali
- Subjects
medicine.diagnostic_test ,040301 veterinary sciences ,business.industry ,0402 animal and dairy science ,Ice calving ,Physical examination ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,medicine.disease ,040201 dairy & animal science ,High yielding ,Biotechnology ,0403 veterinary science ,NEFA ,Animal science ,Statistical significance ,medicine ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Analysis of variance ,Ketosis ,Hepatic lipidosis ,body condition score, dairy cow, Grades der Leberverfettung, liver, metabolic parameters ,business ,Food Science - Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the severity and distribution of hepatic lipidosis in high-yielding dairy cows during the transition period by the evaluation of body condition score (BCS), serum levels of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and histological liver lipid content (GdL). Twenty-seven dairy cows, with a milk production of ~10 000 kg per year were enrolled in an experiment. Clinical examination was performed to evaluate the health status or the presence of periparturient diseases after calving. Animals were divided into two groups: healthy (HG; n = 11) and sick (SG; n = 16). The evaluation of BCS, NEFA, BHB and liver biopsies were performed at 15 ± 5 days prepartum (T0), 10 ± 2 days postpartum (T1), 30 ± 2 days postpartum (T2) and 50 ± 2 days postpartum (T3). Two-way repeated-measure ANOVA was applied to assess statistical significance of sampling time and between groups for all variables. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to investigate the relationship between all variables. Results showed BCS loss from T0 to T3 in SG and a significant increase of NEFA and BHB at T1. The GdL began to be mild at T0 increasing and becoming moderate to severe at T1, fairly regressing, but not disappearing, at T2 and T3, in both groups. This study showed that high lipomobilisation with a mild to moderate fat infiltration does not imply that ketosis or other periparturient diseases might be present. Our results suggest that hepatic lipidosis is associated with long-term histological and metabolic changes in dairy cows.
- Published
- 2017
41. Methaphylactic effect of tulathromycin treatment on rumen fluid parameters in feedlot beef cattle
- Author
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Enrico, Fiore, Leonardo, Armato, Massimo, Morgante, Michele, Muraro, Matteo, Boso, and Matteo, Gianesella
- Subjects
animal structures ,Rumen ,Heterocyclic Compounds ,Animals ,Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex ,Cattle ,Disaccharides ,Article ,Anti-Bacterial Agents ,Body Fluids - Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of tulathromycin as a bovine respiratory disease (BRD) metaphylactic treatment on rumen fluid parameters in feedlot cattle in an intensive livestock production farm. One hundred beef cattle, immediately after housing, were divided in 2 equal groups: 50 animals with metaphylactic treatment against BRD (treated group; tulathromycin at 2.5 mg/kg BW) and 50 animals with placebo treatment (control group). Rumen fluid samples were collected from each animal by rumenocentesis in 3 periods: 1 d (T1), 8 d (T8), and 15 d (T15) after treatment. Rumen pH was determined by ruminal fluid using portable pH meter. Total volatile fatty acids (total VFA) were evaluated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). All animals were singularly weighed at T1 and T15. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to determine significant effects of treatment (treated group versus control group) and period (T1, T8, and T15) on rumen fluid parameters and body weight. No clinical signs of BRD or other related diseases were recorded during the periods of study from any animal. Statistically significant differences (P0.05) were found between treated group and control group for mean values of ruminal pH (6.02 versus 5.89) and total VFA (5.84 versus 5.13) at 8 d after treatment. The weight gain (Δ) showed an average increase of 8.6 kg in treated group (P0.05). The trends of ruminal pH and VFA values suggest an effect of tulathromycin as BRD metaphylactic treatment on the modulation of rumen fermentation, particularly 8 d after administration.L’objectif de cet étude a été l’évaluation des effets de l’utilisation de la tulathromycine comme traitement metaphylactique contre le syndrome «Bovine Respiratory Disease» (BRD) sur les paramètres du liquide ruminal chez les veaux d’engraissement en un élevage intensif. Cent veaux de boucherie ont été divisés en deux groups juste après la stabulation: 50 animaux ont reçu le traitement metaphylactique contre le BRD (group traité; 2,5 mg/kg PC de tulathromycine) et 50 animaux ont reçu un traitement placebo (group control). Les échantillons de liquide ruminal ont été prélevés sur chaque animal par ruminocentèse en trois moments : le premier jour (T1), 8 jours (T8) et 15 jours (T15) après le traitement. Le pH du rumen a été déterminé sur le liquide ruminal en utilisant un pH-mètre portable. Les acides gras volatiles totaux (AGV totaux) ont été évalués par chromatographie liquide à haute performance (CLHP). Tous les animaux ont étés pesés singulièrement au T1 et au T15. Les effets statistiquement significatifs du traitement (group traité
- Published
- 2016
42. Effect of combined acetylmethionine, cyanocobalamin and α-lipoic acid on hepatic metabolism in high-yielding dairy cow
- Author
-
Massimo Morgante, Giuseppe Piccione, Elisabetta Giudice, Leonardo Armato, Matteo Gianesella, Silvia Bedin, Laura Perillo, and Enrico Fiore
- Subjects
Blood Glucose ,cow ,Fatty Acids, Nonesterified ,Placebos ,0403 veterinary science ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Methionine ,Pregnancy ,Urea ,Cyanocobalamin ,cyanocobalamin ,α-lipoic acid ,3-Hydroxybutyric Acid ,Thioctic Acid ,biology ,Acetylation ,Alanine Transaminase ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,General Medicine ,Acetylmethionine ,Vitamin B 12 ,Lipoic acid ,liver ,Cholesterol ,Biochemistry ,Female ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Globulin ,040301 veterinary sciences ,Bilirubin ,Acetylmethionine, cyanocobalamin, α-lipoic acid, liver, cow ,NEFA ,Internal medicine ,medicine ,Animals ,Lactation ,Aspartate Aminotransferases ,Triglycerides ,0402 animal and dairy science ,Albumin ,Globulins ,040201 dairy & animal science ,Endocrinology ,chemistry ,biology.protein ,Cattle ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Drug metabolism ,Food Science - Abstract
The aim of the study reported in this Research Communication was to investigate the effect of a combined acetylmethionine, cyanocobalamin and α-lipoic acid treatment, on some metabolic parameters of early lactating high-yielding dairy cows. Thirty cows were randomly divided into two groups: experimental group (EG, n = 20) and control group (CG, n = 10). EG received 20 ml of treatment and CG received 20 ml of placebo. The treatments were administered for seven times every 2 d. Blood samples were collected from all cows at 3 time points: 10 ± 2, 30 ± 2 and 50 ± 2 d postpartum. Glucose, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), triglycerides, total cholesterol (TC), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamiltransferase (GGT), total bilirubin (TB), conjugated bilirubin (CB), total proteins (TP), globulins, albumin and urea concentrations were determined. Two-way repeated measure analysis of variance was applied. Significant differences in the values of glucose, BHB, NEFA, triglycerides, TC, AST and urea were found between EG and CG. Moreover, the increased glucose, TC, ALT, GGT, TP and globulins, and the reduced BHB, NEFA, AST, triglycerides, TB, CB and urea concentrations were evident in both groups, but the changes were more pronounced in EG. Our findings indicate that our treatment positively influenced liver metabolism in high-yielding dairy cows.
- Published
- 2016
43. A comparison of daily total locomotor activity between the lactation and the dry period in dairy cattle
- Author
-
Claudia Giannetto, Matteo Gianesella, Massimo Morgante, Giuseppe Piccione, and A. Schembari
- Subjects
Motor Activity ,Biology ,Milking ,Animal science ,Lactation ,medicine ,Animals ,Circadian rhythm ,Animal Husbandry ,Dairy cattle ,Analysis of Variance ,General Veterinary ,business.industry ,Repeated measures design ,Daily rhythms ,Total locomotor activity ,Farming conditions ,Circadian Rhythm ,Dairying ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Italy ,Hay ,Cattle ,Female ,Livestock ,Analysis of variance ,business - Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of farming management on the total locomotor activity (TLA) behaviour in dairy cattle. We recorded 24 h/day TLA in five not pregnant Holstein Friesian cows during parts of the lactation and dry periods, by means of an activity monitoring system (Actiwatch mini®) for seven days in each period. During mild lactation (period 1) animals were milked and fed twice a day. During the dry (period 2) they were kept to graze all day. In both periods hay and water were available ad libitum. Differences between the photophase and the scotophase were evaluated with a Student t-test. One-way repeated measure ANOVA was used to determine a statistical significant effect of time. A trigonometric statistical model was used to describe the main rhythmic parameters: mean level, amplitude, acrophase and robustness of rhythm. Our results showed a circadian rhythm of daily TLA in both periods, with different percentages of robustness, and acrophase in the middle of the photophase. The different patterns of activity in the two periods were attributed to the management practise during milking period. These results could be taken in consideration during farming management for the evaluation of such systems used in livestock, with respect to production and welfare.
- Published
- 2011
44. Circadian rhythm of foot temperature assessed using infrared thermography in sheep
- Author
-
G D'Alterio, Massimo Morgante, Giuseppe Piccione, Michele Gatto, Matteo Gianesella, and Stefania Casella
- Subjects
040301 veterinary sciences ,business.industry ,0402 animal and dairy science ,Rectal temperature ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,Blood flow ,Anatomy ,040201 dairy & animal science ,0403 veterinary science ,Clinical work ,Rhythm ,Time of day ,Thermography ,Medicine ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Circadian rhythm ,business ,Foot (unit) - Abstract
Abstr ACt : The circadian rhythm of body core and surface temperature in 10 Comisana sheep kept under a natural photoperiod (06:30/19:00) was evaluated. Every 3 h for 24 consecutive hours rectal temperature (RT) and foot temperature were recorded. Particularly, foot temperature was recorded by infrared thermog - raphy, an ideal technique for evaluating the temperature not only at one point but also at the eight points as follows: in the right front of the interdigital area (FA1), in the left front of the interdigital area (FA2), in the right rear of the interdigital area (RA1), in the left rear of the interdigital area (RA2), in the right front of the interdigital line (FL1), in the left front of the interdigital line (FL2), in the right rear of the interdigital line (RL1) and in the left rear of the interdigital line (RL2). Two-way repeated measures ANOVA using SPSS, followed by Scheffe's test, showed a significant effect of the time of day and side of temperature collection (P < 0.05) on temperature values. The single cosinor procedure showed a daily rhythmicity of RT and foot temperature in all tested sides. The circadian oscillations of RT reflected the familiar circadian patterns of endogenous sources and the results of foot temperatures supported the idea that the daily rhythm was, at least in part, influenced by variation in the blood flow to the extremities. The infrared thermography pro - viding more information on the development of disturbances in the peripheral circulation may be used with an advantage in occupational health examinations and in special clinical work.
- Published
- 2011
45. ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Physiological values and factors affecting the metacarpal bone density of healthy feedlot beef cattle as measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
- Author
-
C. Ceccato, Matteo Gianesella, Alessandro Zotti, and Massimo Morgante
- Subjects
Bone mineral ,Veterinary medicine ,Bone density ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,Beef cattle ,Biology ,Body weight ,Crossbreed ,Breed ,Animal science ,Food Animals ,Feedlot ,medicine ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry - Abstract
The metacarpal bone mineral density of 136 healthy feedlot beef cattle of four different breeds (Charolaise, Limousine, Irish Crossbreed and Slovakian Crossbreed) raised and fed on standard conditions was measured by means of a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry technique in an ex vivo study design. The average reference values (mean ± SD) of bone mineral density (BMD) for animals aged between 12 and 22 months and weighing between 236 and 546 kg have been reported and the effects of (i) breed, (ii) gender, (iii) age and (iv) body weight on bone mineral density have been considered. A significant difference (i) among different breeds and (ii) between genders resulted, whereas a high correlation between bone density and (iii) age and (iv) body weight was detected within the same breed and gender, with body weight being the most important factor affecting BMD. A modern new technological insight into the study of bovine bone physio-pathology is proposed.
- Published
- 2010
46. Preliminary study on metabolic profile of pregnant and non-pregnant ewes with high or low degree of behavioral lateralization
- Author
-
Matteo Gianesella, Elisabetta Versace, Chiara Cannizzo, Stefania Casella, Calogero Stelletta, Massimo Morgante, Giuseppe Piccione, and Laura Contalbrigo
- Subjects
Creatinine ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Pregnancy ,Fetus ,Bilirubin ,General Medicine ,Biology ,medicine.disease ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Endocrinology ,NEFA ,chemistry ,Internal medicine ,medicine ,Gestation ,Uric acid ,Analysis of variance ,General Agricultural and Biological Sciences - Abstract
To evaluate the metabolic profile of pregnant and non-pregnant ewes with high or low degree of behavioral lateralization, we used 57 clinically healthy Sardinian ewes. They were divided into three groups: Group A (nonpregnant ewes), Group B (pregnant ewes with one fetus) and Group C (pregnant ewes with twin fetuses). Using behavioral tests, in all groups lateralization was established and ewes were distinguished into ewes with high and low level of lateralization. Every 30 days for 4 months (at 35, 76, 103 and 145 days of gestation), blood samples were collected and total cholesterol, triglycerides, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), glucose, insulin, creatinine, urea, uric acid, total protein, total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), γ-glutamine transferase (γ-GT), β-hydroxybutyrate (β-OHB), chloride (Cl), potassium (K), sodium (Na) and calcium (Ca) were assessed. The repeated measures multifactor analysis of variance (MANOVA) showed statistical differences of time, pregnancy and degree of lateralization on some studied parameters. These results confirm that pregnancy represents a very important metabolic moment and show the effect of the degree of behavioral lateralization on the assessment of metabolic parameters in non-pregnant and pregnant ewes. Further studies are necessary to value the influence of these factors on other parameters such as hematological parameters and hormones.
- Published
- 2010
47. Short communication: Association between udder health status and blood serum proteins in dairy cows
- Author
-
Massimo Morgante, Enrico Fiore, D. Pasotto, Matteo Gianesella, Tania Bobbo, P.L. Ruegg, Giovanni Bittante, Luigi Gallo, and Alessio Cecchinato
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Subclinical mastitis ,Veterinary medicine ,Globulin ,Health Status ,Intramammary infection ,03 medical and health sciences ,Mammary Glands, Animal ,fluids and secretions ,Blood serum ,Animal science ,Blood serum proteins ,Genetics ,medicine ,Animals ,Dairy cattle ,Udder ,Mastitis, Bovine ,biology ,business.industry ,0402 animal and dairy science ,Albumin ,food and beverages ,Blood Proteins ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,040201 dairy & animal science ,Dairying ,030104 developmental biology ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Italy ,Food Science ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Herd ,biology.protein ,Cattle ,Female ,Brown Swiss ,business ,Somatic cell count - Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the association between udder health (UH) status and blood serum proteins (i.e., total protein, albumin, globulin, and albumin-to-globulin ratio) in dairy cows. Blood and milk samples were collected from 1,508 cows of 6 different breeds (Holstein Friesian, Brown Swiss, Jersey, Simmental, Rendena, and Alpine Grey) that were housed in 41 multibreed herds. Bacteriological analysis was performed on milk samples with somatic cell count (SCC)100,000 cells/mL and bacteria identification was confirmed by multiplex-PCR assays. Milk samples were grouped into 7 clusters of UH status: healthy (cows with milk SCC100,000 cells/mL and not cultured); culture-negative samples with low, medium, or high SCC; and culture-positive samples with contagious, environmental, and opportunistic intramammary infections. Data of blood serum proteins were analyzed using a linear mixed model that included the fixed effects of stage of lactation, parity, breed, herd productivity (high or low production) and UH status, and the random effect of herd-date within herd productivity. Culture-negative samples with high milk SCC, which were most likely undergoing a strong inflammatory response and whose pathogens could not be isolated because they were engulfed by macrophages or because they had already cleared, and milk samples infected by contagious and environmental bacteria were associated with greater globulin concentrations (and lower albumin-to-globulin ratio) in blood. Variation in blood serum proteins seems to be associated with inflammatory status rather than infection, as serum globulin significantly increased in UH status groups with the highest milk SCC and no differences were observed among intramammary infections pathogens. Blood serum proteins can be a mammary gland inflammation indicator, but cannot be used to differentiate among different UH status groups.
- Published
- 2017
48. Glucose infusion response to some biochemical parameters in dairy cows during the transition period
- Author
-
Enrico, Fiore, Antonio, Barberio, Massimo, Morgante, Rizzo, Maria, Giudice, Elisabetta, Piccione, Giuseppe, Marcello, Lora, and Matteo, Gianesella
- Subjects
Biochemical parameters ,Biochemical parameters, dairy cows, glucose tolerance test (GTT) ,dairy cows ,glucose tolerance test (GTT) - Published
- 2015
49. Relationships between exercise capacity and front hoof longitudinal balance in horses
- Author
-
Massimo Morgante, G. Tacchio, Daniele Bernardini, and Helen M. S. Davies
- Subjects
Orthodontics ,business.industry ,Hoof ,Anatomical structures ,Medicine ,STRIDE ,Phalanx ,Stride length ,Exercise capacity ,business ,Third phalanx ,Balance (ability) - Abstract
To the authors' knowledge, the effect of hoof balance alteration on exercise capacity or performance has not been investigated. With the aim of evaluating the relationships between longitudinal front hoof balance and exercise capacity (lactate vs. speed relationship, run time and stride characteristics), two experiments were undertaken. In the first test the horses, left unshod, performed an incremental speed test in which parameters chosen to evaluate exercise capacity were related to hoof longitudinal balance. In the second part of the study the same group of horses had the length of the toe altered (decreased and increased) with the application of shoes, while the angle of the foot and the height of the foot from the ground remained the same. The relative change in exercise capacity due to the alteration of longitudinal balance was observed. In the unshod experiment, lactate level at the speed of 10 ms-1 (5.0±2.0 mmoll-1) was significantly associated with the angles DC° (angle described by the dorsal cortex with respect to the ground; 50.0±3.2°) and PC° (angle described by the palmar cortex with respect to the ground; 29.6 ± 2.9°), while run time (14.07 ± 1.44 min) was associated with breakover indices (Breakover index1 0.33±0.03; Breakover index2 0.30 ± 0.04 – all values mean ± standard deviation (SD)) (breakover indices were created to express the distance between the point of the toe and the point of the third phalanx relative to the length of the palmar cortex or relative to the distance between the point of the third phalanx and the centre of rotation of the distal interphalangeal joint). These associations have to be judged cautiously because the influence of hoof balance on exercise capacity could be biased by other physiological factors and because hoof balance parameters themselves could reflect the conformation of other anatomical structures far from the phalanges. The selective alteration of front hoof balance in the second part of the study produced a significant difference in blood lactate level only at 6 ms-1 (mean ± SD: La6?m?s-1 0.32 ± 0.39 mmoll-1), with this benefit in terms of lactate level being associated with an increase in stride length (mean ± SD: ΔSL6ms-1 0.01 ± 0.05 m; ΔSL10ms-1 0.112 ± 0.218 m). In conclusion, while higher exercise capacity seemed to be associated with lower DC°, PC° and breakover indices, decreasing the toe length without altering the foot angle was beneficial only in terms of lactate level at the speed of 6 ms-1 for horses with DC° greater than 45°; this benefit was accompanied by a slight lengthening of the stride at both 6 and 10 ms-1.
- Published
- 2005
50. Relationship between metabolic bone disease and bone mineral density measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in the green iguana (Iguana iguana)
- Author
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Alessandro Zotti, Paolo Carnier, Massimo Morgante, Daniele Bernardini, and Paolo Selleri
- Subjects
Male ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Bone density ,Bone and Bones ,Metabolic bone disease ,Absorptiometry, Photon ,Bone Density ,Reference Values ,Internal medicine ,biology.animal ,medicine ,Animals ,Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry ,Bone mineral ,Iguana ,General Veterinary ,biology ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,business.industry ,Anatomy ,biology.organism_classification ,medicine.disease ,Bone Diseases, Metabolic ,Endocrinology ,Reference values ,Iguanas ,Female ,Densitometry ,business ,Green iguana - Abstract
The aim of our work was to study the feasibility of using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to obtain reference bone density values in relation to body weight, gender, and metabolic bone disease in the green iguana. The study was performed on 28 animals. The weight, age, and gender of each iguana were recorded. Each lizard was carefully examined and radiographed to detect signs of metabolic bone disease. Blood samples were collected from each animal to evaluate Ca/P and total protein. All animals, both affected (group B; n = 11) and unaffected (group A; n = 17) by metabolic bone disease, were individually scanned using an X-ray densitometer. The regions of interest were the head, lumbar spine, right, and left femur. Statistical analysis was performed separately for each region of interest. Body weight had the strongest relationship with bone density (P < 0.01). Within regions of interest, for iguanas of average weight (710 g), statistically significant differences between healthy and sick animals were found: head (0.140 vs. 0.090 g/cm2; P < 0.01); lumbar spine (0.164 vs. 0.107 g/cm2; P < 0.01); right femur (0.103 vs. 0.076 g/cm2; P < 0.01); left femur (0.103 vs. 0.078 g/cm2; P < 0.01). Regression equations to obtain reference values of bone density as a function of body weight for animals affected and not affected by metabolic bone disease are provided. Our data indicate that X-ray bone densitometry is an additional tool for studying bone pathophysiology in reptiles.
- Published
- 2004
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