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The incidence and the potential risk factors for cross-sucking in calves and intersucking in lactating cows were assessed in 73 buffalo farms located in the area of PDO ‘Mozzarella di Bufala Campana’. Two trained assessors collected the data through a questionnaire including resource and management measures, which were directly taken and asked to the farmer, respectively. The incidences of cross-sucking, intersucking and mortality were also asked to the farmer. The farm was used as experimental unit. For each discrete risk factor, an ANOVA was performed to assess the association with outcome variables (i.e. the incidence of cross-sucking and intersucking), whereas for continuous risk factors the association was tested using Pearson correlation coefficients. Cross-sucking and intersucking were observed in 91% and 45% of the farms, respectively; their mean incidences were 21.9 ± 22.3 and 1.2 ± 1.9 (mean ± SD), respectively. Crosssucking was negatively correlated with the number of calves in the collective pen (n = 34, r= −0.47, p=.01). Furthermore, cross-sucking tended to be positively correlated with calf mortality from 24 h to weaning (n = 34, r=.27, p=.11). The incidence of intersucking was positively correlated with the number of buffalo cows on the farm (n = 73, r=.26, p=.03), the number of lactating buffalo in the pen (n = 73, r = 0.23, p=.04), the percentage of weaned calves cross-sucking (n = 73, r=.29, p=.01), the percentage of heifers and pregnant heifers cross-sucking (n = 73, r=.61, p=.001 and n = 73, r=.52, p=.001; respectively). As expected the percentage of buffalo cows with nose-ring was highly correlated with the incidence of intersucking (n = 73, r = 0.75, p=.001). Moreover, the expression of cross-sucking in the categories of weaned calves, heifers and pregnant heifers induced a higher incidence of intersucking (F1,69=5.5, p=.02, F1,70=28.8, p=.0001 and F1,71=15.5, p=.0002; respectively). We conclude that appropriate management strategies should be implemented in order to reduce the incidence of cross-sucking and intersucking. In addition, the onset of cross-sucking in replacement stock, such as calves and heifers, may favour the development of intersucking in their later lives.

The present study was aimed to assess the relationship among stockperson behaviour and buffalo behaviour. The research was carried out in 17 buffalo farms located in southern Italy. Observations were conducted by two trained assessors. Human–animal relationship was assessed performing two different tests: behavioural observations of stockperson and animals during milking and avoidance distance at the manger. These tests were repeated within one month to assess test–retest reliability. Stockpeople attitude was also evaluated using a questionnaire divided into four sections (general beliefs about buffaloes, general beliefs about working with buffaloes, behavioural intentions with respect to interacting with buffaloes and job satisfaction) including 21 statements. A high degree of test–retest reliability was observed for all the variables concerning the behaviour of stockperson and animals. The values of coefficients (Spearman rank correlation coefficient: rs)) ranged from 0.587 (P

The effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain CNCM I-1077 dietary supplementation were examined in lactating buffalo cows. On a farm in Caserta province, 44 buffalo cows were divided into Control and Saccharomyces groups balanced for age (on average, 52.7 ± 2.1 mo), days in milk (120 ± 64 d) and milk production (9.2 ± 1.37 kg/head/d). The groups were fed the same total mixed ration (TMR) that was supplemented, in Saccharomyces group, with 50 g/day of yeast supplement (Levucell SC), corresponding to 10 × 109 cfu/day live cells. The experimental period lasted 16 weeks. At the beginning and at the end of this period, each cow was weighted and scored for BCS. Every 2 weeks milk yield of each cow was measured and sampled; DMI was also evaluated on pen basis. At the end of experimental period, total tract in vivo digestibility was evaluated by using acid insoluble ash as indigestible marker. Milk traits and estimated mozzarella cheese yield were analyzed by a linear mixed model for repeated measures including the effects of diet, time and the interaction diet*time. The effect of diet on DMI, BCS and digestibility coefficients were analyzed by one-way ANOVA. No differences (P > 0.05) were found between the dietary groups for live weight (663.0 vs. 689.6 kg, respectively for Control and Saccharomyces group, SEM 11.8) and BCS (6.33 vs. 6.11 SEM 0.39). Saccharomyces supplemented cows presented higher (P < 0.05) TMR-DMI (16.1 vs. 16.5 kg/d, SEM 0.11) and milk yield (7.6 vs. 8.3 kg/head/d, SEM 0.251). Although milk fat (9.10 vs. 9.64%, SEM 0.254) and milk protein (5.39 vs. 5.34%, SEM 0.10) were not influenced by the treatment (P > 0.05), Saccharomyces group had greater (P < 0.01) estimated mozzarella yield (2.17 vs. 2.45 kg/d SEM 0.075). Total tract in vivo digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and NDF were significantly higher in Saccharomyces compared with Control group. Overall, live yeast supplementation to lactating buffaloes significantly increased milk production, without decreasing milk quality, live weight and BCS

The introduction of twenty pregnant buffalo cows in a dairy cattle farm of Benevento province was used as case study of farm diversification. For the whole lactation period, milk traits and reproductive performances were assessed monthly. Sensory properties of mozzarella cheese at 12 and 36 h of storage were assessed twice at 1 week interval. Sensory data were subjected to ANOVA with assessor (10), replication (3), batch of production (1° vs. 2° batch), time after production (12 vs. 36 h), and the interactions as factors. In order to verify the suitability of locally produced forages for buffalo farming, from 35th to 235th day of lactation cows were allotted into two groups fed diets based either on maize silage or hays. Productive data were analysed by a mixed model for repeated measures including the effects of diet, time and the interaction diet*time. The effect of diet on BCS and reproductive data were analysed by one-way-ANOVA. No significant differences between the two dietary groups were observed. Therefore, all parameters are expressed as overall means. Length of lactation was shorter than the standard value of 270 d: 253.5±75.9 d. Milk yield was 1,546±622 kg/head/lactation, percent milk fat and protein were 8.64±0.83 and 4.43±0.32 %, respectively. Milk yield was below the mean of buffalo cows raised in Campania and lower than the yield of the same cows in the previous lactation completed in the farm of origin (2.463±632 kg/head/lactation). These poor results are probably due to mismanagement practices, since the body condition was scored as satisfactory. The calving interval was 486.5±120.2 d, longer than the average value of 400 d, most likely as instrumental insemination was unsuccessfully used. Sensory properties of mozzarella were quite stable and did not change after 24 h of storage (P>0.05 for most of the attributes). Nevertheless, the sensory profile largely varied between the two batches of production indicating that the cheese-making technology was inadequate to obtain consistent cheese quality. Therefore, expanding buffalo farming outside the traditional areas has to be closely monitored in order to minimize detrimental effects on lactation length, increase insemination techniques efficiency and standardise cheese-making technology.

Aim of this study was to evaluate growth performance and meat quality of buffalo bulls maintained in different group sizes. Twentyone young buffalo bulls were assigned into two different sized groups of 7 (group LS) or 14 (group HS) individuals. The groups were homogenous for body weight (337±67 kg) and age (455±72 d). Total pen area (3.2 indoor + 3.2 outdoor m2/animal) was kept constant in the two groups. All animals were fed the same diet [CP 14.7% dry matter (DM); Milk FU 0.91/kg DM]. Average daily gain (ADG) was calculated every 2 weeks, along with DM intake (DMI), calculated on pen basis. On a subgroup of 4 individuals per groups, carcass traits were recorded at slaughter. Meat quality (hardness, cohesion, chewiness, WB shear force) and meat colour (L*, a*, b*) were evaluated on 7-day aged muscles (Longissimus dorsi, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus). DMI and carcass traits were analyzed by one-way ANOVA; ADG, calculated only for 7 animals from group HS, and meat quality parameters were analyzed by a linear mixed model for repeated measures. There was no significant effect of group size on DMI (8.65 vs 8.51 kg DM/day for LS and HS animals, respectively; SE 0.41), ADG (0.89 vs 0.96 kg/d; SE 0.048), carcass weight (249 vs 260 kg; SE 8.13) and dressing percentages (50.6 vs 50.8%; SE 1.12). All carcasses from the two groups were classified O, for carcass conformation, and 4, for fat score, according to SEUROP grading system. There were no differences between the groups for the any meat quality traits, although hardness (3.92 vs 4.80; SE 0.48) and chewiness (2845 vs 3659; SE 4.77) tended to be higher in larger group. In conclusion, group size did not affect growth performance, although meat quality tended to be lower in the larger group.

Aim of this study was to evaluate whether growth performance and meat quality of Maremmana bulls organically farmed could be significantly improved by the dietary inclusion of chickpea during the finishing period. The study was conduced in an extensive organic farm located in Viterbo province, Central Italy. Twelve Maremmana bulls (270±8.1 days of age; 239±31.4 kg body weight (BW)) were divided into two homogeneous groups: one was fed the farmer’s diets, based on barley meal, maize meal and alfalfa hay, and the other was fed diets in which barley meal was substituted by chickpea meal. Composition of diets was adjusted for growth-related changes in BW until the fixed slaughter weight of 630 kg. The dietary content of chickpea ranged from 23 to 11%, as fed. Animals were weighed at the beginning of the trial and thereafter every 3 weeks. Carcasses form each animal were weighed and scored for conformation and fat grade. Meat quality assessment was performed on 7-day aged Longissimus thoraci. Average growth curves were calculated by the regression of BW against age, the regression slopes of the two curves were compared by the F- test. Carcass traits and meat quality parameters were analyzed by one-way ANOVA. Carcass conformation and fatness score were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis test. BW increased linearly with age and chickpea-fed bulls showed higher BW from the age of 410 days onward. There were significant differences among dietary treatments for almost all the growth parameters evaluated. Carcasses from bulls fed chickpea were significantly better conformed than carcasses from barley fed bulls, but had higher fatness score. No differences were observed for meat quality parameters except for drip loss (higher in barley group) and cooking loss (higher in chickpea group). The analysis of feed costs indicated that the use of chickpea can determine an increase in the profit per bulls over 50%.

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of milking pre-partum training on behaviour, milk production and milk flow profile of buffalo heifers. The study was conducted in the Improsta farm of Campania Region. Fifteen animals aged 30 to 44 months were divided in two groups. Eight animals served as control (group C), whereas 7 animals received in the morning a pre-partum training for at least 7 days (group T). During the pre-partum training sessions, an animal was moved to the milking parlour (tandem 3x3) and left for 10 min in the milking stall, where the udder was thoroughly washed and massaged for 1 min. The massage included the stripping of the teats. Once calved, all the heifers were observed in the parlour for their first milking then on 7 occasions (3, 7,14, 28, 42, 56 days after calving) during afternoon milking. The behaviours, recorded from the entrance in the milking stall to the removal of milking cluster, were step (foot lifted less than 15 cm off of the ground) and kick (foot raised above 15 cm off of the ground, even if a clear kick was not visible). Milk flow profiles were measured with electronic mobile milk flow meters. Milk samples were also collected to assess milk quality (CFU, SCC, lactose, protein, and fat). All variables were analysed with a linear mixed model for repeated measures. Animals of group T performed a lower number of steps (0.08-0.03 vs 0.20-0.03 n/min) and kicks(0.13-0.04 vs 0.26-0.03 n/min) than C animals. A reduction of number of kicks was observed as the lactation proceeded. Milk quality, milk production and milk flow profile were not affected by treatment. It can be concluded that a milking pre-partum training would reduce the level of fear in buffalo heifers.

Growth performance and meat quality of buffalo young bulls: 2. Effect of dietary level of maize silage Felicia Masucci1, Carmela Maria Assunta Barone1, Fabio Napolitano2, Maria Luisa Varricchio1, Antonio Zullo1, Antonio Di Francia1 1Dipartimento di Scienze del Suolo, della Pianta, dell’Ambiente e delle Produzioni Animali Università di Napoli Federico II, Italy 2Dipartimento di Scienze delle Produzioni Animali, Università della Basilicata, Potenza, Italy Corresponding author: felicia.masucci@unina.it Aim of this study was to evaluate growth performance and meat quality of buffalo bulls fed two diets with different maize silage contents. Compositions (kg/head/d) of low (LS) and high silage diets (HS) were the following: maize silage 3.0 vs 10.5; alfalfa hay 0 vs 2.0; barley 0.25 vs 0.75; wheat flour middlings 1.0 vs 1.0; wheat straw 3.0 vs 0; commercial concentrate for lactating buffalo cows 0 vs 2.5; commercial concentrate for young buffalo bulls 4.5 vs 0. The diets were approximately isoenergetic [0.92 vs 0.91 Milk FU/kg dry matter (DM)] and isonitrogenous (14.7 vs 14.7 CP% DM). Fourteen young buffalo bulls (316±70 days of age and 436±67 kglive weight) were assigned into the two dietary groups. Average daily gain (ADG) was calculated every 2 weeks, along with DM intake (DMI), calculated on pen basis. On a subgroup of 4 individuals per groups, carcass traits were recorded at slaughter. Meat quality (hardness, cohesion, chewiness, WB shear force) and meat colour (L*, a*, b*) were evaluated on 7-day aged muscles (Longissimus dorsi, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus). DMI and carcass traits were analyzed by one-way ANOVA. ADG and meat quality parameters were analyzed by a linear mixed model for repeated measures. No differences were observed for diet DMI (8.41 vs 8.64 kg DM/day for LS and HS diets, respectively; SE 0.44), as a consequence ADG did not differ between the groups (0.92 vs 0.89 kg/day; SE 0.04). All carcasses had the same carcass conformation (O) and fatness (4) scores. No differences were observed for carcass traits (carcass weight 250 vs 249 kg; SE 8.13; dressing percentages 52.1 vs 50.6%; SE 1.1) and any meat quality parameters. Therefore, maize silage can be either used as the primary source of roughage or in combination with other forages without affecting growth performance and meat quality.

INTRODUZIONE Gli sforzi intrapresi negli ultimi anni per la valorizzazione del formaggio tradizionale irpino Pecorino di Carmasciano, si sono concretizzati in un premium price per le imprese di allevamento e trasformazione che hanno adottato una strategia di differenziazione. Tuttavia, la tecnica di svezzamento abitualmente utilizzata prevede l’allattamento materno fino alla vendita degli agnelli, in genere a 3 mesi di età, con conseguente protratta carenza di latte per la produzione di formaggio. Il sistema adottato risponde alla sola necessità di minimizzare i costi di produzione degli agnelli e, pertanto, non è adeguato alle più recenti scelte aziendali. Ricerche condotte sull’effetto della modifica dello svezzamento su performance di accrescimento e qualità della carne in contesti differenti hanno fornito risultati discordanti (Sevi et al., 1999; McKusick et al., 2001; Palazzo et al., 2005; Maiorano et al., 2009). Scopo della sperimentazione è stato di valutare se la riduzione della quantità di latte fornito agli agnelli durante lo svezzamento possa rappresentare una scelta tecnicamente ed economicamente valida per gli allevamenti dell’area. MATERIALI E METODI La prova è stata condotta in un allevamento ovino (160 pecore; SAU 63 ha), sito a Guardia Lombardi (AV), che produce Pecorino di Carmasciano. All’inizio della prova, 22 pecore con i relativi agnelli sono state suddivise in 2 gruppi, omogenei per numerosità, data e ordine di parto, peso, numero e sesso degli agnelli. Per il gruppo di controllo è stata utilizzata l’abituale tecnica di svezzamento, che prevede l’allattamento materno in stalla, al ritorno delle pecore dal pascolo, per 3 mesi. Per il gruppo sperimentale, a partire dal 30° d dal parto, è stata effettuata la mungitura serale delle pecore, prima del ricongiungimento con gli agnelli. I 2 gruppi hanno ricevuto in stalla la medesima integrazione alimentare (fieno ad libitum e idonei concentrati del commercio). La produzione lattea delle pecore munte è stata rilevata giornalmente a partire dal 30° d dal parto. Gli incrementi ponderali degli agnelli e l’ingestione di alimento sono stati rilevati ogni 2 settimane fino alla macellazione, effettuata all’età di 90.7 ± 7.3 d. Su 4 carcasse per gruppo sono stati prelevati 4 muscoli della coscia (Gluteobiceps, Vastus lateralis, Rectus femoris, Semimembranosus) per la determinazione dei principali parametri di qualità della carne (ASPA, 1996). Al fine di valutare la convenienza per l’azienda della modifica sperimentata sono stati rilevati dati tecnici ed economici relativi a gestione del gregge, struttura produttiva, trasformazione del latte e vendita dei prodotti aziendali. RISULTATI E CONSIDERAZIONI L’accrescimento degli agnelli è risultato linearmente crescente con l’età e non sono state osservate perdite di peso o malattie. Non sono state rilevate differenze significative tra i due gruppi per l’incremento ponderale medio giornaliero (IMG) e per il peso vivo finale. Gli agnelli del gruppo sperimentale hanno consumato il concentrato di svezzamento in misura maggiore rispetto al controllo (tabella 1). Questo dato, unitamente alla assenza di differenze statisticamente significative per l’IMG, indica che la mancata somministrazione di latte materno è stata adeguatamente bilanciata dall’apporto di concentrato. I due gruppi hanno evidenziato valori simili per resa alla mattazione e grado di adiposità delle carcasse. Non sono state evidenziate differenze significative relativamente ai parametri colorimetrici e tissutali della carne del coscio, fatta eccezione della durezza, che ha evidenziato valori più elevati negli agnelli del gruppo sperimentale (tabella 1), senza però avere conseguenze negative sulla qualità percepita dai consumatori locali e sul prezzo di vendita degli agnelli. Per il gruppo sperimentale, la produzione media giornaliera di latte è stata di 231±27 g/capo, con un incremento produttivo medio totale nei due mesi aggiuntivi di mungitura pari a 13.9 kg/capo. Il surplus di latte destinato alla produzione di formaggio, proiettato su base annua per l’intero gregge, permetterebbe un aumento della PLV aziendale di € 11.697, che deriverebbe dalla maggiore produzione di formaggio a fronte di un immutato contributo del valore della carne. Infatti, il peso totale degli agnelli è invariato, mentre la maggiore durezza della carne rilevata analiticamente non ha avuto effetti negativi sulla qualità percepita dagli attuali acquirenti, che hanno confermato le precedenti quantità e il prezzo di acquisto. La nuova tecnica di svezzamento impone un incremento dei costi dovuto sia agli alimenti per gli agnelli (+ € 325), sia alle remunerazioni associate al maggior fabbisogno di lavoro (manuale e direttivo), che è soddisfatto dalla manodopera familiare già presente in azienda (tabella 2). Il risultato netto degli effetti complessivi conferma la convenienza economica della modifica della tecnica di svezzamento. La validità dell’orientamento strategico aziendale è rafforzata, incoraggiando l’approfondimento della differenziazione della sua offerta. La stabilità dei risultati è, tuttavia, strettamente legata a quella dei prezzi di vendita del formaggio. Al fine di non erodere l’attuale premium price, attenzione deve essere posta alla costruzione di un solido rapporto con gli acquirenti oltre che all’aumento della loro numerosità.

Il Regolamento UE prevede che gli animali allevati secondo il sistema biologico debbano essere alimentati esclusivamente con alimenti biologici. Inoltre prevede che qualunque sia la provenienza (nazionale, comunitaria o da paesi terzi) e l’origine degli alimenti e dei mangimi (comprendendo materie prime, additivi ed ausiliari di fabbricazione) introdotti nella razione alimentare degli animali, essi non debbano mai essere ottenuti con l’impiego di organismi geneticamente modificati (OGM) o di prodotti da essi derivati. Purtroppo si sta dimostrando sempre più arduo il reperimento sul mercato di alcuni prodotti (essenzialmente soia, mais, colza e cotone) realmente esenti da OGM. Le soluzioni proposte per prevenire la presenza di OGM nei mangimi vanno dall’affrontare i punti critici del sistema di controllo, al miglioramento delle metodiche di analisi, all’articolazione delle competenze tra i vari soggetti istituzionali (MIPAF, altri Ministeri, Organismi di Controllo), compresa la definizione di strategie da condividere con gli altri operatori della filiera. Ciò che, più di ogni altra cosa, potrebbe essere decisivo per la risoluzione del problema, sarebbe l’eliminazione degli alimenti ad alto rischio OGM, e la loro sostituzione con altri non a rischio, con caratteristiche qualitative simili e di facile produzione aziendale. La nostra ricerca si è basata sulla sostituzione, nella razione delle lattifere (bovine e bufale), della soia con altre leguminose facilmente coltivabili in azienda o comunque facilmente acquistabili in loco. La scelta delle essenze è variata a seconda dell’ambito geografico. Sono stati utilizzati: favino, pisello proteico, e lupino come tali o integrati in mangimi appositamente preparati. La valutazione della qualità delle produzioni ha compreso sempre anche la raccolta dei dati di produzione e qualità antecedenti alla prova di alimentazione al fine di poter avere un confronto. Il progetto ha voluto rappresentare tutte le realtà delle produzioni biologiche bovine e bufaline da latte del nostro Paese. A tal fine sono state fatte cinque prove secondo il seguente schema: 1. In Lombardia (Nord Italia, pianura) l’Università degli Studi di Milano ha lavorato in bovine Pezzate Nere ad alta produzione; 2. In Trentino (Nord Italia, montagna) l’Università degli Studi di Padova ha lavorato su bovine Rendene; 3. In Toscana (Centro Italia, collina) l’Università degli Studi di Firenze ha lavorato su bovine Pezzate Nere ad alta produzione; 4. In Campania (Sud Italia, pianura) l’Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II ha lavorato su bufale; 5. In Sicilia (Sud Italia, isole) l’Università degli Studi di Palermo, ha lavorato su bovine Brune. In tutte le prove si è analizzato il latte per determinarne gli aspetti qualitativi.

Development of feeding strategies based on the available feed resources is one of the research efforts for organic livestock production. This problem is particularly relevant in marginal beef production areas of central and southern Italy, where traditionally local breeds are used and diets are based on home grown cereal with scarce or no use of expensive organic protein source. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of home grown chickpea (Cicer arietinum) on growth performance and carcass characteristics of Maremmana young bulls, organically farmed. The study was conduced in an extensive farm located in Viterbo province, in central Italy. Twelve Maremmana bulls (232 kg average live weight, 9 months of age) were allotted into two homogenous groups. The control group was fed the same diets used by the farmer prior to and during the experiment, based on barley meal, maize meal and alfalfa hay; four diets were used throughout the study. The experimental group was fed diets in which barley meal was substituted by chickpea meal. The dietary content of chickpea ranged from 23 to 11% (as fed basis). The average hay/concentrate ratio of diets was 60/40. The nutritive characteristics of the diets were, on average, 0.82 vs 0.83 Meat FU/kg DM and 11.0 vs 12.7 CP %DM, for control and experimental diets, respectively. Diets were not designed to be isocaloric or isonitrogenous, but to assess the effect of dietary inclusion of a protein source on performance of Maremmana bulls. Animals were weighted at the age of 9 months and thereafter every two weeks until to the fixed slaughter weight of 630 kg. Carcasses were scored for carcass conformation and fat score, according to SEUROP grading system. Average growth curves were calculated by the regression of weights against time. The growth curves showed a good fit to a linear -regression model (control group R2=0.94, b=0.009455; experimental group R2=0.93, b=0.0112018). Chickpea-fed bulls showed higher live weight from the age of 410 days onward. This finding is consistent with the high average daily gain (945 vs 1120 g day−1 for the control and experimental groups, respectively) and the younger slaughter age (675 vs 630 d) observed for chickpea-fed group. No differences were observed for carcass weight and dressing percentage (cold carcass weight/slaughter weight). Carcasses from bulls fed chickpea were graded as R (100%) in the SEUROP scale with a fat score of 3 (50%) and 4 (50%). Control carcasses were graded as R (40%) and O (60%) in the SEUROP scale with a fat score of 3 (50%) and 2 (50%). The higher fattening score of chickpea fed bulls suggests that some attention should be paid to the energy intake in last phase of finishing in order to prevent excessive fat deposition. Although, the chickpea cost was higher than that of barley, the estimated dietary costs were lower for chickpea-fed bulls, which reached slaughter weight 45 days before the control group. Overall, the use of home grown chickpea in organic diets for young bulls could be an advantageous choice for animal performance, feeding cost, crop rotation and sustainability.

A study was conduced in order to evaluate the effects of dietary treatment (commercial starter concentrate vs commercial starter concentrate with free access to ryegrass hay) on faecal score, dry matter intake (DMI), body weight (BW) and in vivo digestibility in buffalo calves Twenty-four buffalo calves (4 male, 20 female; 12 calves per treatment) kept in individual calf cages were started on the experiment at 10 d of age and for 12 weeks. Faecal scoring was assessed twice weekly, and DMI was measured weekly. BW gain was recorded every two weeks.. At the end of the experimental period, on a subset of 10 calves (5 per treatment), nutrient in vivo digestibility was measured by using acid-insoluble ash as internal indigestibility marker. The growth curves showed a good fit to a linear -regression model (on average R2=0.89; a= 43.8; b=0.525). Calves that were provided with hay consumed less starter (524 vs 421 g/d; P

Chemical and nutritional characteristics of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) cultivars and the effects of inclusion of chickpea in diets for Maremmana bulls were studied. Twenty-four cultivars were analysed; starch content widely varied whereas crude protein percentages were more constant and regular. In the feeding study, twelve Maremmana bulls, organically farmed, were allotted into two homogenous groups: the control one was fed the same diets used by the farmer, whereas the experimental group was fed diets in which barley meal was substituted by chickpea meal. Chickpea-fed bulls showed higher live weight from the age of 410 days onward, higher average daily gain and younger slaughter age. Carcasses from experimental group were better conformed compared to those of control group. Meat quality did not substantially differ between the groups. The estimated costs were comparable for chickpea-based and barley-based diets.

In this study the effect of feeding peas (Pisum sativum L.) as an alternative protein source for buffalo cow diets during middle and late stage of lactation was examined. Results support the partial substitution of soybean meal with peas in diets for buffalo cows with no negative effects on milk yield and composition.

In un’azienda bufalina biologica ed in una convenzionale della Piana del Sele, a cadenza quindicinale e per sei mesi, sono stati prelevati campioni di latte e di mozzarella al fine di confrontare la composizione in acidi grassi di questi alimenti nei due sistemi di produzione. Non sono state evidenziate differenze significative tra i prodotti biologici e convenzionali relativamente al contenuto in acidi grassi a corta e media catena mentre il grado di insaturazione è apparso più elevato nel latte biologico. Latte e mozzarella biologici hanno fatto registrare un maggiore contenuto in acido linoleico coniugato e acido trans vaccenico; la percentuale di acido linoleico, invece, è apparsa più elevata nei prodotti convenzionali. Il diverso profilo acidico osservato tra gli alimenti prodotti con i due sistemi appare riconducibile a differenze nel tipo di dieta somministrata.

Nelle aziende zootecniche della Comunità Montana Alta Irpinia (AV) nel periodo estivo sono largamente utilizzati i pascoli, demaniali o di pertinenza aziendale. Notoriamente, l’ingestione di foraggi freschi da parte delle bovine in lattazione può influenzare le caratteristiche quanti-qualitative del latte. Scopo di questa ricerca è stato quello di esaminare in alcune aziende il profilo acidico del grasso del latte durante il periodo di pascolamento. A tal fine, sono state individuate nell’area di riferimento quattro aziende che utilizzano il pascolo nel periodo estivo. Per 6 mesi (maggio - ottobre 2006) sono stati condotti rilievi aziendali a cadenza quindicinale al fine di: (a) prelevare campioni di latte di massa su cui determinare la composizione chimica e il profilo acidico; (b) controllare l’effettivo utilizzo del pascolo e l’eventuale integrazione alimentare praticata. I dati raccolti sono stati analizzati mediante analisi della varianza valutando gli effetti prelievo, azienda e la loro iterazione. Le percentuali di grasso e proteine e il contenuto in cellule somatiche del latte sono apparse in linea con i valori medi dell’area. Gli acidi grassi (AG) più rappresentativi sono stati il palmitico (in media, 25.8 ± 2.9 % in peso), l’oleico (22.7 ± 2.8), lo stearico (9.8 ± 1.9), il miristico (7.8 ± 1.1) e il linoleico (2.6 ± 0.5); questa gerarchia, tipica del latte bovino, è stata rispettata in tutti i campioni raccolti. La composizione acidica è apparsa abbastanza simile tra le diverse aziende, mentre si è modificata al variare del mese di prelievo. Gli AG della serie C18 sono progressivamente diminuiti da luglio in poi, come effetto della progressiva degradazione della vegetazione e conseguente graduale abbandono del pascolo. In particolare, l’acido linolenico ha fatto registrare la maggiore variazione (-42%) passando da 1.10% (maggio) a 0.64% (ottobre). Analoga tendenza, anche se meno regolare, è stata osservata per i CLA (conjugated linoleic acids). Gli AG a media catena hanno evidenziato un andamento opposto rispetto a quello rilevato per gli AG a lunga catena, così come il contenuto in AG saturi. Non sono state osservate, invece, differenze rilevanti relativamente agli AG a corta catena, che, essendo sintetizzati ex novo dall’animale, risentono in misura attenuata delle variazioni alimentari. In definitiva, il pascolo ha aumentato nel latte gli AG polinsaturi, migliorandone le caratteristiche nutrizionali, e non ha modificato gli AG a corta catena, che agiscono favorevolmente sulle caratteristiche organolettiche dei prodotti caseari.

E’ stato valutato l’effetto della parziale sostituzione della soia con differenti fonti proteiche (pisello e favino) su quantità e qualità del latte bufalino. Il favino fioccato, somministrato tal quale, non è stato appetito dalle bufale, mentre pisello estruso, inserito in un concentrato appositamente formulato è stato accettato. Le bufale alimentate con il concentrato contenente pisello non hanno fatto registrare differenze significative nella produzione e nella qualità del latte rispetto a quelle che ricevevano il concentrato a base di panello di soia. Anche il contenuto in urea nel latte non ha fatto registrare differenze significative nonostante la maggiore solubilità delle proteine del pisello. I risultati ottenuti indicano la validità dell’utilizzo del pisello come fonte proteica alternativa alla soia nell’allevamento biologico della bufala.

The aim of this research was to monitor milk fatty acid (FA) composition over the year in severa) buffalo herds. In this paper the preliminary results obtained on a buffalo dairy farm (on average, 287 cows in milk, milk pro¬duction 7.8 kg/head/d, 8.04 % fat and 4.66 % protein) are reported. Our research lasted one year (from May to April). Weekly milk production (kg/d), number of milked animals, feed administered and refusals were record¬ed. Feed and bulk milk samples were also collected. Feeds were analysed according Weende and Van Soest. The milk samples were analysed for composition, somatic celi count and FA composition. Over the year, from September to April a standard TMR based on corn silage (St-TMR) was used. The standard ration was supplemented in May - June, by 1 kg of whole sunflower seeds (diet Su-TMR), and in July - August, by 1 kg of flaked soybeans (diet So-TMR). As expected, the addition of whole seeds substantially modified the FA profile. The concentrations of short-chain (C4:0 to C10:0)) and medium-chain (C12:0 to C16:1) FA decreased while those of long chain FA (C18:0 to C20:0) increased in the milk of cows fed St-TMR. Cows fed sunflower seed compared with soybean showed higher levels of long chain FA, especially C18:0 and C18:1 The CLA content was affected by diet, with the highest level observed for Su-TMR. Diet with sunflower seeds resulted in the lowest omega 6 to omega 3 FA ratio. The data suggest that both sunflower and soybean seed are acceptable fat sources for buffalo cows and that sunflower allows the production of milk with a healthier FA profile. Non diet related differences were also observed in FA composition. Indeed from September to April when the same St-TMR diet was used, progressive increments in medium-chain FA and saturation degree were observed. The reasons for these variations are still unclear, but DIM average, age of the herd and climate are probably involved.