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With the aim to assess the kind of development of meat colour, pH, chemical composition and fatty acids content, lean meat from a sample cut, taken in correspondence of the first 4 thoracic vertebrae from 164 animals of the Cornigliese sheep breed, was analysed. The animals (104 females, 60 males) were fed with the same nutritional plan; they were between 3.6 and 80.0 months old and their body weight (BW) was between 15.90 and 111.15 kg. Prior to slaughter, the BW was recorded after 12 h of fasting. Based on BW at slaughter, animals were assigned to one of four BW-classes, identified by means of percentiles distribution: 0-25th percentile, 15.90–50.70 kg BW (n. = 42); 25th-50th percentile, 50.71–63.22 kg BW (n. = 40); 50th-75th percentile, 63.23–75.50 kg BW (n. = 42); 75th-100th percentile, 75.51–111.15 kg BW (n. = 40). They were slaughtered during 11 sessions. Data were analysed by ANOVA with sex, BW-class, year of birth (2013–2016) and interaction between sex and BW-class as fixed factors and slaughter session as a covariate. The relative growth of physical-chemical parameters of meat on BW was then calculated by applying the nonlinear allometric equation (y = axb). Proximate analysis revealed differences between males and females in protein and fat content at the highest BW-class, with males showing a higher protein and a lower fat content than females (P 0.05). Meat colour parameters were not affected by sex in the BW-classes 1 and 4 (P > 0.05), whereas in the middle phase of growth (from 50 to 75 kg BW) males showed higher values for yellowness and chroma, and from 50 to 63 kg BW, also for redness (P

Genetic diversity is a key factor for both adaptation and response to selection. The loss of genetic diversity causes a decrease in individual fitness, and it has a dramatically negative effect on population lifespan in the long term. This study aimed at exploring the genetic diversity at pedigree level of the Bardigiano horse breed, which is a native breed from Italy shaped for living in rural areas. In 1977, the Bardigiano studbook was founded to preserve the breed and for improving its use for riding and draft purposes. Pedigree data contained 9,469 horses, of which 3,416 were alive. Demographic and genetic parameters were estimated on subpopulations to evaluate potential genetic diversity differences among breeding and nonbreeding animals, and animals showing different breeding values (EBVs) for an index combining 18 conformation traits. Throughout the studied period, inbreeding steadily increased, reaching in the last birth year cohort a mean value equal to 0.10. The rate of inbreeding per generation, assuming a mean generation interval of 8.74 years, was equal to 1.64%. Moreover, significant differences on both average relatedness and inbreeding among horses with high and low EBVs were shown. Our study unravelled the state of genetic diversity in the Bardigiano breed, highlighting that breeding strategies for optimizing the contribution of breeding animals in the coming generations are needed to ensure long-term survival of the Bardigiano horse breed.

The aim of the research was to assess the type of development of carcass and non-carcass components and tissue partitioning in the Cornigliese sheep breed. The study involved 164 animals (104 females, 60 males) from one flock. The selection of those animals accounted for ages and weights differences. Fasted body weight (BW) was recorded before slaughtering. Four BW-classes were identified by means of percentiles distribution: 0–25th percentile, 15.90–50.70 kg BW; 25th–50th percentile, 50.71–63.22 kg BW; 50th–75th percentile, 63.23–75.50 kg BW; 75th–100th percentile, 75.51–111.15 kg BW. After slaughter, the carcasses were weighed, measured (carcass length, croup width, chest width, chest depth, thigh length) and sectioned (shoulder, neck, thigh, ribs, loin, and lean and fat trimmings). A samplecut from 1st to 4th thoracic vertebra was then separated into its tissue components (lean meat, fat, bone). Non-carcass components (skin + fleece, head, liver, heart, lungs + trachea) were weighed. The data were analyzed using a GLM procedure accounting for the following fixed effects: sex, BW-class, year of birth and the interaction between sex*BW-class and the covariate: day of slaughter. The relative growth of carcass and non-carcass components on BW was calculated by applying the nonlinear allometric function (y = axb). We found high coefficients of variation (CVs) (from 39% to 77%) for the weight of carcass components and low CVs (from 8% to 22%) for carcass measures. Non-carcass parameters showed intermediate values of CVs (from 30% to 42%). Body weight-class had a significant effect (P

With the aim to find indirect parameters for meat production that potentially could be used for selective purposes in Cornigliese sheep breed, 368 animals were weighed and measured (16 linear measures) during two years in 4 flocks with pasture and open range management from spring to autumn and closed facilities during winter. An amount of 0.2–0.4 kg/head/day of the same concentrate was provided to growing lambs from weaning to slaughter and to lactating ewes. Thirteen morphologic indexes were then calculated from body weight (BW) and linear measures. Analysis of variance on the basis of general linear model procedure was conducted with sex, age-class, year of birth, flock, type of lambing and interaction of sex*age-class as fixed factors and individual as a random factor. The allometric function was applied to body measures and indexes in relation to BW. A positive allometry was recorded for croup width between the trochanters (CrW1: 0.381), at ileum (CrW2: 0.452) and at ischium (CrW3: 0.615), indicating that this region has the fastest growth in relation to BW. All other body measures showed isometry or negative allometry, indicating a slower development in relation to BW. The lowest common allometric coefficient was recorded for front shank circumference (FSC) (0.131) followed by head width (0.200). Among indexes, the lowest growth was recorded by dactyl-thoracic index, due to the slow development of FSC. Sex related differences in allometric coefficients were noted for height at withers and head length (P

European legislation stipulates that food no longer intended for human consumption, due to commercial reasons, manufacturing problems, or some defect, can be used in pet feed. However, the presence of former foodstuffs in pet diets could constitute a public health issue because pets can act as reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance genes. In this study, for the first time, biological hazards due to the presence of Escherichia coli and Salmonella in former foodstuff meat products were evaluated. Among the 112 samples of packaged fresh meat (poultry, pork, and beef) collected from cold storage warehouses of a mass market retailer, the overall prevalence of E. coli and Salmonella, the prevalence of strains with multidrug resistance, the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of strains that produce extended-spectrum β-lactamase, and the presence of biofilm producers were assessed. A high prevalence of E. coli was observed in former foodstuffs of poultry (100%), pork (100%), and beef (93.3%). Salmonella Derby and Salmonella Typhimurium were found in 11.5% of the poultry samples, and Salmonella Typhimurium was found in 13.3% of the pork samples. Salmonella was not recovered from the beef samples. Multidrug resistance was found in E. coli and Salmonella isolates from poultry, pork, and beef. Overall, 18.2% of E. coli isolates and 20% of Salmonella isolates were resistant to various types of antibiotics with various mechanisms of action. Salmonella isolates from pork are an important source of extended-spectrum β-lactamase production. Both E. coli and Salmonella were carriers of antibiotic resistance marker genes ( blaTEM, blaSHV, and blaCTX-M) associated with β-lactamase production in poultry and pork. Approximately 30% of the E. coli isolates from the various types of meat were phenotypically biofilm producers, and all carried the fimH gene. These findings indicate that the use of former foodstuff meat products in pet diets can represent a risk for public health.

Adipose tissue produces hormones, such as leptin and adiponectin, that are key factors in energy metabolism. The aim of this study was to assess the endocrine role of the adipose tissue in controlling intrauterine growth, so we evaluated the relationships among maternal adiposity, leptin and adiponectin-pregnancy trends and foetal growth in 48 Large White x Landrace crossbreed sows. Two groups of sows were designated based on backfat(BF) depth at the end of the lactation phase: a Low Fat group (LF, 11.60 mm ; n = 24) and a High Fat group (HF, 18.20 mm ; n = 24). During the subsequent pregnancies, the same level of feed was provided to both groups. The BF values of the sows were recorded, and blood samples were collected to assess the concentrations of leptin and adiponectin at mating and during gestation. The weights and temperatures of piglets were recorded at farrowing and after 24 h, and their body mass index and ponderal index values were calculated at farrowing. Before the piglets suckled colostrum, blood samples were collected, and the leptin, adiponectin and IGF-1 plasma levels were analysed. The observed differences in backfat depth between the LF and HF groups at mating persisted during pregnancy, and a decrease in adiponectin and an increase in leptin plasma levels were observed throughout gestation in both groups. Plasma adiponectin was lower in the HF group than in the LF group, but plasma leptin did not differ significantly. Compared to HF sows, LF sows gave birth to lighter piglets (P = 0.014). In addition, the weights of 27% of the piglets in the LF group and 14% in the HF group fell within the first 25th percentile (weight ≤ 1 kg). A positive correlation between offspring weight and maternal adiposity at mating(r = 0.149 ; P = 0.020) and a negative correlation between offspring weight and adiponectin-leptin ratio at mating (r = −0.198 ; P = 0.022) were observed. The morphometric parameters (body mass index, ponderal index) and thermoregulatory abilities of the piglets were unaffected by maternal adiposity. In terms of haematology, differences were found in the IGF-1 level, which was lower in piglets born from LF than HF sows(P < 0.001). The knowledge gained from this study suggested that differences in maternal adiposity, which were due to individual variability and not feeding strategies, influence the plasma concentration of adipokines, thus affecting offspring weight.

Caffeine has been demonstrated to have a protective effect on neonatal viability of piglets. In order to assess whether caffeine, administered to parturient sows, also affects maternal behaviour, respiratory rate, and dopamine, nitric oxide and serotonin plasma levels, 20 sows, with induced parturition, received orally 27 mg/kg of body weight of caffeine (T group; n=10) or not (NT group; n=10), on day 113 of gestation. Treatment did not affect the farrowing length. There were less stillborn piglets in T group than NT group (0.67 vs 2.44; P

The mechanism of action of leptin in pregnant breeding sows, in which hyperphagia is managed through dietary strategies, is yet to be clarified. The aim of this study was to monitor leptin concentrations and their interactions with lactogenic hormones in Large White×Landrace breeding multiparous sows (n=15). All sows showed a normal body condition (mean body condition score: 2.96). Blood samples were collected the day after weaning the litters, at insemination, every 15 days up to day 45 of pregnancy and every 7 days from day 46 to farrowing. At delivery, the placenta was collected for the analysis of leptin and leptin receptor expressions. Plasma leptin levels increased from the end of mid gestation (day 72) and remained high until farrowing (P

Aims: The aims of the study were to investigate i) the kind of the relationship among BCS and subcutaneous fat thickness (FT) in horses, as affected by breed, gender and age, and ii) the effectiveness of a combination of the two variables in order to better estimate adiposity. Study Design: Body weight (BW), FT (at croup level, by means of an ultrasound device) and BCS (5 point scale) were recorded in 124 horses (55 Standardbred; 25 Italian Saddler; 44 Thoroughbred) of different gender (95 mares; 14 stallions; 15 geldings) and age (26 ≤4 years of age; 98 >4 years of age) at five commercial herds. Methodology: After at least one hour from the morning meal, BW, by means of an electronic balance, and FT on the croup, at approximately 11 cm cranial to the tail head and 10 cm lateral to the midline, by means of an ultrasound device (Lean-Meater, Renco Corporation) were recorded. BCS was evaluated at the same moment on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 = emaciated and 5 = extremely obese). Results: BCS was affected by breed (P .05). Overall FT and BCS were moderately correlated (r=0.335; P

To counteract the effects of perinatal hypoxia in piglets, the oral administration of caffeine to sows with induced parturition was evaluated. On day 113 of gestation 9 sows received 27 mg/kg body weight (BW) of caffeine mixed with 200 g of standard diet. The same amount of feed without the addition of caffeine was administered to 9 control sows. Additionally, on day 113 of gestation, all sows were treated by two injections in the perianal area of 1 mg of alfaprostol (at 8:00 am and 14:00 pm), and on the morning of farrowing by 14 IU of oxytocin in the perianal area. Caffeine did not affect BW of piglets and size of litters; however piglets from treated sows showed a higher capacity to adapt to extra-uterine life. Particularly, they showed a greater thermoregulatory ability (P 80 nmol/L) in piglets born from treated sows (P=0.001). In conclusion, the caffeine orally administered to sows with induced parturition showed a protective effect on the consequences of neonatal hypoxia in tissue ischemia–reperfusion injury in piglets.

Many fibre sources can help the adaptation of piglets at weaning, improving the growth. In this study, the effects of a dietary crude fibre concentrate (CFC) on piglet’s growth was investigated. From 31 to 51 days of age, 108 weaned piglets (D×(Lw×L)), had access to two isofibrous, isoenergetic and isonitrogenous diets, supplemented with 1% of CFC (CFC group) or not (control (CON) group). From days 52 to 64 all piglets received the same starter diet. During the dietary treatment period the CFC group showed higher average daily gain, average daily feed intake and feed efficiency (P

The occurrence of wattles, the inheritance model of the trait and the effects of wattle genotype on Gompertz growth parameters for weight and some body measures were evaluated in “Nero di Parma” swine population. To these aims, the complete database of “Nero di Parma” pig, containing the parentage and morphologic description of 4031 pigs born between 1998 and 2009 was used: of them, 68.3% showed no wattles, 3.2% one and 28.5% two wattles. The wattle allele frequency was 0.174. On 1229 pigs (both females and castrated males) the weight and the hearth girth were measured during growth. Additionally, some body measures (height at withers and at rump, length of the body, fore–rear length of the thigh, and width of the rump) were recorded on a random set of 305 pigs from the 1229 pigs. Heritability estimates of Gompertz growth curve parameters for weight were high (0.671; 0.448; 0.249 for parameters A , b and c , resp.), so indicating their utility for selection purposes. Significant effects of the genotype at the wattle locus on growth and body measures were shown. Wattled pigs showed a significantly lower body weight at maturity (6.4%) than non wattled pigs (P 0.05). Moreover, wattled pigs showed a significantly reduced height at withers (10.5%), height at rump (11.3%), body length (11.0%), ham length (14.2%), rump width (19.0%) and chest circumference (19.6%) at maturity. They grew significantly faster in dimensions and reached maturity significantly earlier than non wattled pigs (P

Standardbred maiden mares are generally stressed and in poor physical condition because of their incorrect management at the end of their racing careers. The purpose of this study was to identify an objective assessment that, similar to body condition score (BCS) determination, is easy to measure and able to confirm or improve fattening status assessment, as well as to ascertain whether a relationship with reproduction efficiency exists in subjects destined for a first-time insemination program. The authors assessed 29 Standardbred maiden mares (7 ± 2 years old) during the breeding season. On January 15 (day 0), the same operator performed the following on all subjects: the first gynecological and ultrasound examination, a BCS assessment (range 0 to 5), and an adiposity objective assessment (i.e., measurement of fat thickness by ultrasound scan). At day 0, all mares were in seasonal anestrous. On ovulation day, all subjects exited the study. Both techniques were shown to be significantly and reciprocally correlated (r = 0.976; P

The Authors report the results of a study carried out on 23 pregnant Italian Brown heifers, with the aim to determine the relationships between blood serum ß-lactoglobulin (ß-LG) concentrations during first gestation and subsequent milk production and quality in first lactation, in order to obtain an improved selection method for replacement heifers. At weeks 20, 26 and 32 of gestation, ß-LG concentrations (±SE) were 706±78, 753±66 and 772±63 ng/ml, respectively (P>0.05). High and significant (P≤0.05) correlation coefficients were observed only between ß-LG content at week 32 and total milk and protein yields in first lactation. Prediction equations of milk, fat and protein production in first lactation from log10 ß-LG content at week 32 of gestation, from parent average genetic indexes and from both were calculated by means of multiple regression analysis. When the contribution of both ß-LG content and predicted genetic indexes were considered, the regression equations gave generally a better estimate of the production parameters in first lactation (higher R2, lower SE of estimate) than the above mentioned parameters alone. These results suggest that it is valuable to pre-estimate milk, fat and protein production in Italian Brown first lactating cows by means of the analysis of serum ß-LG content during gestation.

The relationship between β-lactoglobulin (β-LG) serum concentration in sows during the last 8 weeks of gestation and subsequentpiglet performance was investigated in 10 Dunel gilts. Two classes of gilts were identified with low (or high (>150 ng/ml) average serum β-LG content. For both low and high content groups, equations were calculated todescribe trends in serum β-LG content, respectively y1=10.07e0.0237x (R2=0.3122) and y2=69.00e0.0201x (R2=0.6959), wherex is the number of days of gestation. Differences in serum β-LG content between the two groups were highly significantat all weeks (P(P>0.05) between groups were shown for total number of piglets born, born alive, stillborn or mummified and piglet survivalrates up until d 21 after farrowing. The group with high serum β-LG content during gestation showed higher litterweights at d 5 (Presults indicate that serum β-LG content during the final weeks of gestation could be used as an early indicator of reproductiveefficiency, and that gilts with high content could be selected to improve herd productivity.

The growth curves of “Nero di Parma” pigs were studied by applying the Gompertz equation to 1069 body weight (BW) records from 285 pigs (156 females, 129 castrated males) born in 11 outdoor and 5 indoor herds; pigs were fed commercial complete feeds offered ad libitum and, on a limited basis in the outdoor system, diets were integrated with pasture. The parameters of the Gompertz equation were compared with reference to sex and season of birth. Mature BW for castrated males (229.0 kg) was 3.5% greater than that for females (221.3 kg) (P180 kg).

In sows, a strong relationship exists between body condition and reproductive efficiency and milk yield. Leptin may act as a metabolic gate which permits the activation of reproductive axis: in the sow, serum concentration of leptin was positively correlated with adiposity at farrowing. An interesting aspect useful to clarify the biology of leptin, was the discovery that the placenta expresses the ob gene, the ob receptor gene and it is a site of leptin production, suggesting a possible role of the hormone in fetal growth; after birth, the placenta functions were taken over from milk, especially to the delivery of maternal hormones and growth factors to the neonate. The exact role of maternal leptin in the physiology of neonatal piglets remains to be determined. Our aim was to evaluate if maternal leptin levels at the beginning of lactation and at weaning could predict the resumption of cycle activity and/or the piglet gain. Thirty-eight Large White × Landrace pregnant sows (16 nulliparous and 22 pluriparous) were used. Blood samples were taken from sows and piglets at d 5 and d 21 after farrowing; in the same days, milk samples were taken after oxytocin injection by means of complete manual milking of all mammary glands of one side. On the basis of the blood leptin at d 5, sows were divided into 3 groups (Low: 2.6 ng/ml). Our results show a correlation at d 5 between backfat thickness and blood leptin ( r = 0.342; P P P − 1 for piglets from Low group and 0.224 for High group). Piglets weaned by High group sows have shown a greater blood leptin content at weaning ( P

A decrease in reproductive performance in boars during and immediately after hot summer weather has been previously reported (Park and Yi, 2002). High temperature causes germ-cell destruction and results in a temporary decrease in sperm production and fertility. The increase of metabolic activity following thermic stress matches with a higher production of free radicals that impairs cells, such as spermatozoa, particularly rich in polyunsatured fatty acids and poor in antioxidants systems.

The Bardigiano horse is a local breed of the province of Parma. Since the institution of the Stud Book in 1977, the breed has improved its diffusion and is currently present with 110 stallions and over 1700 mares in 43 provinces in Italy and beyond that in Germany, Switzerland and Hungary.

The effects of dietary nucleotide supplementation from 9 days of age until the end of post-weaning on piglets hormonal and immune responses and on growth performance were investigated. During lactation (days 9 to 21) and post-weaning (days 22 to 55) 10 [HBI Fomeva11 × (Large White × Landrace)] litters (n = 108 piglets) had ad libitum access to two standard diets, both supplemented with 0% (T0 group) or 0.1% (T1 group) of yeast extract nucleotides. BW of piglets at days 21 (P < 0.10), 35 and 55 (P < 0.05) was greater in T1 compared with T0. Feed intake was not different between groups (P > 0.05). Cortisol content was lower in T1 than in T0 at days 28 and 35 (P < 0.05), whereas growth hormone was lower at day 35 (P < 0.05). Levels of IGF-1 were similar across groups (P > 0.05). Nucleotide-supplemented diets increased lymphocyte subpopulation CD4−CD8+high at days 21 and 35 (P < 0.05), whereas CD4+CD8− cells were higher in T1 than in T0 at day 21 (P < 0.05). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells cytokine expression was influenced by dietary nucleotide supplementation. At weaning, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β expression was lower (P < 0.05) in T1 compared with T0, whereas the expression of interferon (IFN)-γ and IL-10 was higher (P < 0.05). At day 28, piglets in T1 showed higher values of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α expression than T0 and lower values of IL-10 expression (P < 0.05). Dietary nucleotide supplementation had a suppressive effect on IL-6 and IL-10 expression (P < 0.05) at day 35. On the contrary, the expression of IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-1β was enhanced (P < 0.05). In conclusion, these results suggest that starting a dietary nucleotide supplementation before weaning can improve the adaptive capabilities of weaned piglets to the stressors, enhancing the growth performance.

The aim of this study was to evaluate milk production and lactation curve parameters of Bianca Val Padana (BVP) and Italian Friesian (IF) cattle reared in the same herds in relation to different housing-feeding systems. Therefore, 8488 test-day records of 103 BVP and 367 IF cows from 7 herds were used; 2 herds had free stalls and total mixed ration feeding (FS-TMR group) and 5 had tie stalls and traditional feeding (TS-TF group). Data for milk production (kg), fat, protein, lactose production (kg) and content (%), and somatic cell score (SCS) were submitted to analysis by ANOVA, using a model with breed, housingfeeding type, test day, herd within housingfeeding type, season of calving, lactation number, class of days in milk, and two- and threeway interactions as fixed factors. A mixed model according to Wood’s equation in linear form was also performed. Interactions between breed and type of housing-feeding were always significant (P

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the peripheral cytokine expression could be affected by differences in fat thickness in healthy mares during the periparturient period (last weeks of pregnancy and first weeks of lactation). At the beginning of the 11th month of gestation, 18 mares with normal body condition score (BCS; 5) were divided into two groups with low (L; ⩽12 mm; n = 12) and high (H; >12 mm; n = 6) fat thickness. Blood samples were collected every 10 days from the 11th month of gestation to 20 days post partum. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were separated and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-1α (IL-1α), -1β (ILβ), -2 (IL-2) and -6 (IL-6) gene expressions were performed by using reverse transcriptase PCR. TNF-α and IFN-γ expressions were affected by fatness group, as the sampling period influenced the expression of all cytokines with the exception of IFN-γ. The interaction between fatness group and sampling period tended to be significant (P < 0.10) only for IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-2. In H group, compared with L group, IL-1β and IL-2 significantly (P < 0.05) increased at parturition. TNF-α peripheral expression increased from parturition to reach the peak at +10 days (P < 0.05) only in H group. In conclusion, in normal BCS periparturient mares, small body fat thickness variations influence the peripheral cytokine expression, showing a possible role for cytokines in parturition and lactation, events strongly linked to adipose tissue availability.

Digestive and metabolic disorders in the horse were previously associated withhydrolyzable and nonhydrolyzable but rapidly fermentable components of nonstructural carbohydrates, particularly fructans. Aim of the study was to assess the contribution of the carbohydrate fractions to the composition of pastures in specific areas of Italy ordinarily designed for horses feeding. Seventy-seven samples from 11 pastures differing for floristic composition were collected across two growing seasons from April 18th 2008 to May 10th 2009 in the foothills (380 m a.s.l.) of the province of Parma (Italy). All samples were collected during the vegetative growth phase. To identify the bioclimatologic conditions of the growth, the average fortnightly thermohygrometric index (THI) was used. Slow fermentable carbohydrates mean concentration (NDF: 510.6, ADF: 274.7, ADL: 31.5 g/kg DM) reflected the typical chemical composition of high-quality grass and grass-legume mixtures. Among the nonstructual carbohydrates (NSC 199.9 g/kg DM), hydrlolyzable carbohydrates content accounted for about the 18%. Nonhydrolyzable but rapidly fermentable carbohydrates were constituted for about the 23% by fructans (37.7 g/kg DM, range 15.5 to 138.2). The environmental conditions significantly affected the carbohydrate concentration in forages. Between NSC, fructans concentration in pastures was affected by bioclimatologic conditions (P

The swine genetic type “Nero di Parma” has been obtained after a preservation programme of a local breed suitable for outdoor rearing systems in Parma province. Actually, 480 females and 35 males are registered by Italian Swine Breeders Association and are reared in 28 herds of Parma province. The study involved the analysis of the reproductive performance of 120 sows from 19 boars, born between 1999 and 2005, during 211 parities from 2002 to 2006. For each parity, the boar, the age of the sow, the length of the farrowing interval, and the litter size (number of born alive, stillborn and weaned piglets) were recorded. Two rearing systems of the farrowing sows (from the final phase of gestation to the end of lactation) were considered: indoor (sows closed off in individual stalls or farrowing cages) and outdoor (sows in individual huts inside the paddocks, with straw bedding); dry sows in both systems had access on pasture with forage and concentrate integration. Data concerning sows performance we...

The growth curves of 280 “Nero di Parma” pigs from birth to maturity were calculated by applying nine different models (regressions from 1st to 4th degree and nonlinear regressions following the Brody, Logistic, Janoschek, Bertalannfy and Gompertz models) to 1109 individual records of body weight (BW) from two different data sets. The goodness of fit of experimental data was calculated by means of Residual Variance, Akaike Information Criterion, Residual Standard Deviation and R2. The best fit was obtained by Gompertz equation, as follows: BW(kg)= 240.2±2.4 * esp (-exp (-0.0069±0.0001*(age(d)–213.5±3.1))). Regardless to the model, all correlations between actual and estimated BW were highly significant (P