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Dr. MARICA SIMONI
Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma

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Review
Published: 14 May 2021 in Antioxidants
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The interest for safe and natural foods of animal origin is currently increasing the use of plant feed additives (PFA) as antioxidants in animal nutrition. However, studies with livestock animals dealing with PFA as antioxidants are scarce. The aim of the present review was to evaluate the antioxidant impact of PFA compared with synthetic vitamins on animal food product yield and quality. For this purpose, peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2020 were collected. Most papers were carried out on ruminants (n = 13), but PFA were also tested in swine (n = 6) and rabbits (n = 2). The inclusion of PFA in the diets of pigs, rabbits, and ruminants improved the products’ quality (including organoleptic characteristics and fatty acids profile), oxidative stability, and shelf life, with some impacts also on their yields. The effects of PFA are diverse but often comparable to those of the synthetic antioxidant vitamin E, suggesting their potential as an alternative to this vitamin within the diet.

ACS Style

Eleni Tsiplakou; Rosario Pitino; Carmen Manuelian; Marica Simoni; Christina Mitsiopoulou; Massimo De Marchi; Federico Righi. Plant Feed Additives as Natural Alternatives to the Use of Synthetic Antioxidant Vitamins in Livestock Animal Products Yield, Quality, and Oxidative Status: A Review. Antioxidants 2021, 10, 780 .

AMA Style

Eleni Tsiplakou, Rosario Pitino, Carmen Manuelian, Marica Simoni, Christina Mitsiopoulou, Massimo De Marchi, Federico Righi. Plant Feed Additives as Natural Alternatives to the Use of Synthetic Antioxidant Vitamins in Livestock Animal Products Yield, Quality, and Oxidative Status: A Review. Antioxidants. 2021; 10 (5):780.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Eleni Tsiplakou; Rosario Pitino; Carmen Manuelian; Marica Simoni; Christina Mitsiopoulou; Massimo De Marchi; Federico Righi. 2021. "Plant Feed Additives as Natural Alternatives to the Use of Synthetic Antioxidant Vitamins in Livestock Animal Products Yield, Quality, and Oxidative Status: A Review." Antioxidants 10, no. 5: 780.

Review
Published: 11 May 2021 in Antioxidants
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Scientific evidence demonstrates that plant feed additives (PFA) can be a viable alternative to synthetic antioxidant vitamins in poultry nutrition. PFA are represented by plants, essential oils, plant extracts, and by-products from herbal or crop processing. The use of PFA in the feed industry has increased in recent years as their biologically active compounds (polyphenols) have demonstrated antimicrobial and antioxidant effects in food-producing animals. However, few trials have directly compared the effects of PFA with synthetic vitamins. After a systematic literature review of studies comparing the effects of PFA and synthetic vitamins on poultry products in the last 20 years (2000–2020), a total of 44 peer-reviewed articles were included in the present work. A positive effect of PFA on poultry products’ oxidative stability during storage, organoleptic characteristics, and fatty acids profile has been observed without a specific impact on their performances. The effects of PFA are variable but often similar to those of vitamin E, suggesting the opportunity for a partial substitution of the latter in poultry diets.

ACS Style

Rosario Pitino; Massimo De Marchi; Carmen Manuelian; Marion Johnson; Marica Simoni; Federico Righi; Eleni Tsiplakou. Plant Feed Additives as Natural Alternatives to the Use of Synthetic Antioxidant Vitamins on Yield, Quality, and Oxidative Status of Poultry Products: A Review of the Literature of the Last 20 Years. Antioxidants 2021, 10, 757 .

AMA Style

Rosario Pitino, Massimo De Marchi, Carmen Manuelian, Marion Johnson, Marica Simoni, Federico Righi, Eleni Tsiplakou. Plant Feed Additives as Natural Alternatives to the Use of Synthetic Antioxidant Vitamins on Yield, Quality, and Oxidative Status of Poultry Products: A Review of the Literature of the Last 20 Years. Antioxidants. 2021; 10 (5):757.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Rosario Pitino; Massimo De Marchi; Carmen Manuelian; Marion Johnson; Marica Simoni; Federico Righi; Eleni Tsiplakou. 2021. "Plant Feed Additives as Natural Alternatives to the Use of Synthetic Antioxidant Vitamins on Yield, Quality, and Oxidative Status of Poultry Products: A Review of the Literature of the Last 20 Years." Antioxidants 10, no. 5: 757.

Journal article
Published: 23 April 2021 in Antioxidants
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There is limited information on the impact of dietary supplementation with separate rumen-protected (RP) amino acids (AA), or with their combination, on ewes’ oxidative status. Sixty ewes were divided into five groups; C: basal diet (control); M: basal diet + 6 g/ewe RP methionine; L: basal diet + 5 g/ewe RP lysine; LML: basal diet + 6 g methionine and 5 g lysine/ewe; and HML: basal diet + 12 g methionine + 5 g lysine/ewe. Milk’s fat content increased in RP-AA fed ewes, while that of protein in M and L only. In blood plasma, the malondialdehyde (MDA) content was reduced in the M, LML, and HML compared to C-fed ewes. An increase in glutathione transferase activity in the blood plasma of the M and LML compared to the C and HML-fed ewes were found. In milk, lower values of the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) in the LML and HML-fed ewes and of 2,2′-Azino-bis 3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) in LML only, were found. Lysine increased milk’s FRAP values and MDA content. Both L and HML diets increased milk’s protein carbonyls content. Methionine improves the organism’s oxidative status, without adversely affecting milk’s oxidative stability. Lysine dietary inclusion affects negatively the oxidative stability of milk.

ACS Style

Alexandros Mavrommatis; Christina Mitsiopoulou; Christos Christodoulou; Paraskevi Kariampa; Marica Simoni; Federico Righi; Eleni Tsiplakou. Effects of Supplementing Rumen-Protected Methionine and Lysine on Milk Performance and Oxidative Status of Dairy Ewes. Antioxidants 2021, 10, 654 .

AMA Style

Alexandros Mavrommatis, Christina Mitsiopoulou, Christos Christodoulou, Paraskevi Kariampa, Marica Simoni, Federico Righi, Eleni Tsiplakou. Effects of Supplementing Rumen-Protected Methionine and Lysine on Milk Performance and Oxidative Status of Dairy Ewes. Antioxidants. 2021; 10 (5):654.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Alexandros Mavrommatis; Christina Mitsiopoulou; Christos Christodoulou; Paraskevi Kariampa; Marica Simoni; Federico Righi; Eleni Tsiplakou. 2021. "Effects of Supplementing Rumen-Protected Methionine and Lysine on Milk Performance and Oxidative Status of Dairy Ewes." Antioxidants 10, no. 5: 654.

Review
Published: 23 April 2021 in Antioxidants
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Plant feed additives (PFA) such as essential oils, extracts, and by-products from plant processing can be included in poultry diets. A total of 39 peer-reviewed articles were selected from the literature published in the last 20 years (2000–2020) comparing PFA antioxidant effects with synthetic antioxidant vitamins (mainly vitamin E) in poultry nutrition. The PFA can be used as an effective nutritional strategy to face poultry’s oxidative stress with positive impact also on their productivity and efficiency. They can partially or completely replace antioxidant synthetic vitamins (the latter administered at doses between 150 and 500 mg/kg) in animal diets, sometimes affecting important physiological functions or expressing synergistic effect with the synthetic antioxidants. It is crucial to take into consideration the issues related to the absorption and the metabolism of these additives and their interaction with gut microbiota. However, some form- and dose-dependent negative effects on growth performances are observed.

ACS Style

Federico Righi; Rosario Pitino; Carmen Manuelian; Marica Simoni; Afro Quarantelli; Massimo De Marchi; Eleni Tsiplakou. Plant Feed Additives as Natural Alternatives to the Use of Synthetic Antioxidant Vitamins on Poultry Performances, Health, and Oxidative Status: A Review of the Literature in the Last 20 Years. Antioxidants 2021, 10, 659 .

AMA Style

Federico Righi, Rosario Pitino, Carmen Manuelian, Marica Simoni, Afro Quarantelli, Massimo De Marchi, Eleni Tsiplakou. Plant Feed Additives as Natural Alternatives to the Use of Synthetic Antioxidant Vitamins on Poultry Performances, Health, and Oxidative Status: A Review of the Literature in the Last 20 Years. Antioxidants. 2021; 10 (5):659.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Federico Righi; Rosario Pitino; Carmen Manuelian; Marica Simoni; Afro Quarantelli; Massimo De Marchi; Eleni Tsiplakou. 2021. "Plant Feed Additives as Natural Alternatives to the Use of Synthetic Antioxidant Vitamins on Poultry Performances, Health, and Oxidative Status: A Review of the Literature in the Last 20 Years." Antioxidants 10, no. 5: 659.

Journal article
Published: 05 March 2021 in Antioxidants
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This study aimed to determine the impact of sesame meal, selenium (Se), and vitamin E (VitE) on goats’ oxidative status. Thirty mid-lactation crossbred goats were divided into five homogeneous groups, and were fed 1 kg of alfalfa hay and 1.2 kg of concentrates daily. The control group (C) received a basal diet. In the concentrates of the treated groups, 10% of the soybean meal was replaced by sesame meal and no extra VitE or Se (SM), or an extra 60 mg of VitE (SME), or 0.1 mg organic Se (SMSe), or their combination (60 mg VitE and 0,1 mg organic Se/kg of concentrate (SMESe). In the plasma of the goats, the dietary treatments did not affect glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione transferase, catalase, superoxide dismutase activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, or the total antioxidant capacity. A reduction and a trend for lower protein carbonyls content was found in goats fed SM (p = 0.03) and SME (p = 0.06) compared to SMESe. In the milk, the lactoperoxidase activity decreased with SMSe and SMESe. A numerical decrease in the total antioxidant capacity and an increase in the MDA content in the milk of the SMESe group compared with the other treated groups was found. In mid-lactation goats, SM improves the oxidative status of both the organism and the milk.

ACS Style

Eleni Tsiplakou; Christina Mitsiopoulou; Chrysoula Karaiskou; Marica Simoni; Athanasios Pappas; Federico Righi; Kyriaki Sotirakoglou; Nikolaos Labrou. Sesame Meal, Vitamin E and Selenium Influence Goats’ Antioxidant Status. Antioxidants 2021, 10, 392 .

AMA Style

Eleni Tsiplakou, Christina Mitsiopoulou, Chrysoula Karaiskou, Marica Simoni, Athanasios Pappas, Federico Righi, Kyriaki Sotirakoglou, Nikolaos Labrou. Sesame Meal, Vitamin E and Selenium Influence Goats’ Antioxidant Status. Antioxidants. 2021; 10 (3):392.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Eleni Tsiplakou; Christina Mitsiopoulou; Chrysoula Karaiskou; Marica Simoni; Athanasios Pappas; Federico Righi; Kyriaki Sotirakoglou; Nikolaos Labrou. 2021. "Sesame Meal, Vitamin E and Selenium Influence Goats’ Antioxidant Status." Antioxidants 10, no. 3: 392.

Journal article
Published: 10 January 2021 in Sustainability
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Fat rich microorganisms, such as microalgae Schizochytrium spp., are potential biotechnological tools in the modulation of rumen microbiome towards ecofriendly and high nutritional value end-products. However, limited in vivo trials have been reported on the topic. The aim of this study was to contribute to the knowledge on the effect of fat rich microalgae on the methanogenic and feed degrading particle-associated microbes in goats’ rumen content. For the trial, twenty-four goats were divided into four homogenous clusters (six goats/treatment) according to their fat corrected (4%) milk yield, body weight and age and individually were fed with alfalfa hay and concentrate feeds (F/C = 50/50). The concentrate of the control group (CON) contained no microalgae, while those of the treated groups were supplemented daily with 20 (ALG20), 40 (ALG40), and 60 (ALG60) g of Schizochytrium spp./goat. The relative abundances of total Archaea, methanogens, Methanomassiliicoccales, Methanobrevibacter spp., Methanosphaera stadmanae and Methanobacterium formicicum were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in microalgae-fed goats compared to the CON ones. Moreover, a significant decline in the relative abundances of Firmicutes, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, Butyrivibrio fibrosolvents, and Neocallimastigales in the rumen particle-associated microbiota of microalgae supplemented goats were observed. In conclusion, goats’ diets supplementation with Schizochytrium spp., could be considered a sustainable nutritional strategy for methanogens inhibition in their rumen particle-associated microbiota.

ACS Style

Alexandros Mavrommatis; Dimitrios Skliros; Marica Simoni; Federico Righi; Emmanouil Flemetakis; Eleni Tsiplakou. Alterations in the Rumen Particle-Associated Microbiota of Goats in Response to Dietary Supplementation Levels of Schizochytrium spp. Sustainability 2021, 13, 607 .

AMA Style

Alexandros Mavrommatis, Dimitrios Skliros, Marica Simoni, Federico Righi, Emmanouil Flemetakis, Eleni Tsiplakou. Alterations in the Rumen Particle-Associated Microbiota of Goats in Response to Dietary Supplementation Levels of Schizochytrium spp. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (2):607.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Alexandros Mavrommatis; Dimitrios Skliros; Marica Simoni; Federico Righi; Emmanouil Flemetakis; Eleni Tsiplakou. 2021. "Alterations in the Rumen Particle-Associated Microbiota of Goats in Response to Dietary Supplementation Levels of Schizochytrium spp." Sustainability 13, no. 2: 607.

Research article
Published: 01 January 2021 in Animal Production Science
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Context Determination of the neutral detergent fibre digestibility is one of the important parameters to consider when formulating diets. However, the in vitro determination shows low repeatability because of the source of rumen-fluid inoculum. Priming of the rumen fluid inocula, obtained through an oesophageal probe, has been proposed to overcome this issue. Aim The objective of the study was to investigate the evolution of the microbial enzymatic activities of different rumen fluids during a priming procedure, to establish the fermentation interval that minimises the differences among rumen-fluid degradative potentials. Methods Three farms for each type of diet were involved in the study. Rumen fluids were obtained from dry and lactating cows fed the following four diet types: 100% hay or a diet with 80:20 forage:concentrate ratio (F:C) as dry-cow diets, and ad libitum hay and concentrate, or a total mixed ration (both at 60:40 F:C) as lactating-cow diets. On each farm, rumen fluid was collected from three Holstein cows by using an oesophageal probe, and mixed. Two aliquots of each rumen fluid mix were added to the medium containing the same priming substrate in an in vitro batch-fermentation system. During the incubation, the fermentation fluids were sampled in duplicate at 0-, 1-, 2-, 4-, 8-, 24- and 48-h intervals. Enzymatic activities of amylase, cellulase and xylanase were determined by radial enzyme diffusion method. Key results Initial enzymatic activities were quite variable and increased with an increasing incubation time. By 24 h, amylase showed similar values among high-concentrate diet fermentation fluids, and a lower data dispersion in comparison to the other intervals; cellulase was characterised by similar values in all the fermentation fluids derived from diets including concentrates, and xylanase showed similar activity in the fermentation fluids derived from high-concentrate diets. Development of the enzymatic activity of the fermentation fluids derived from the 100% hay diet differed from the others. Conclusions A 24-h priming procedure was needed to stabilise and equalise the enzymatic activity of the rumen fluid from cows fed high-concentrate diets. This was not observed in rumen fluid from cows fed hay-based diets. Implications The 24-h-primed rumen fluid can be used to increase the repeatability of neutral detergent fibre digestibility determination.

ACS Style

M. Simoni; E. Tsiplakou; R. Pitino; A. Quarantelli; F. Righi. Determination of the optimal priming interval of rumen fluids used as inocula for the in vitro digestibility trials through radial enzyme diffusion method. Animal Production Science 2021, 61, 525 .

AMA Style

M. Simoni, E. Tsiplakou, R. Pitino, A. Quarantelli, F. Righi. Determination of the optimal priming interval of rumen fluids used as inocula for the in vitro digestibility trials through radial enzyme diffusion method. Animal Production Science. 2021; 61 (5):525.

Chicago/Turabian Style

M. Simoni; E. Tsiplakou; R. Pitino; A. Quarantelli; F. Righi. 2021. "Determination of the optimal priming interval of rumen fluids used as inocula for the in vitro digestibility trials through radial enzyme diffusion method." Animal Production Science 61, no. 5: 525.

Papers
Published: 01 January 2021 in Italian Journal of Animal Science
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Data about diet and digestion process of cattle are important for the fine-tuning of the diet and from an environmental point of view. Given the capacity of the near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) to provide easily, quickly and cheap data its ability in predicting dietary and faecal chemical composition, fibre-bound N and total-tract apparent digestibility (ttaD) of beef cattle were tested. The ttaD was estimated using the dietary and faecal undigestible neutral detergent fibre (uNDF) as an internal marker. A total of 172 pool faecal samples and 164 total mixed ration (TMR) samples were randomly collected 24 h post-feeding across the fattening groups of young males and females Charolaise beef cattle. Both TMR and faeces were analysed chemically and through visible/NIRS instrument. Calibration models were developed using a modified partial least squares (mPLS) regression analysis and tested by a leave-one-out cross-validation procedure and the best calibrations were selected based on various parameters including the coefficient of determination of calibration (R2CrV) and the residual predictive deviation (RPD). The overall composition of TMR and faeces were similar to that reported in literature and the coefficient of variation was higher than 12% for most of the parameters studied. The NIRS was able to accurately predict the ADF, nitrogen (N), and ash content in the TMR, whereas in faeces only the ADF prediction was acceptable. The ttaD and total-tract true digestibility of N using the uNDF as an internal marker were inaccurately predicted both in TMR and in faeces (R2CrV ≤0.66; RPD ≤ 1.71).

ACS Style

Marica Simoni; Arianna Goi; Massimo De Marchi; Federico Righi. The use of visible/near-infrared spectroscopy to predict fibre fractions, fibre-bound nitrogen and total-tract apparent nutrients digestibility in beef cattle diets and faeces. Italian Journal of Animal Science 2021, 20, 814 -825.

AMA Style

Marica Simoni, Arianna Goi, Massimo De Marchi, Federico Righi. The use of visible/near-infrared spectroscopy to predict fibre fractions, fibre-bound nitrogen and total-tract apparent nutrients digestibility in beef cattle diets and faeces. Italian Journal of Animal Science. 2021; 20 (1):814-825.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Marica Simoni; Arianna Goi; Massimo De Marchi; Federico Righi. 2021. "The use of visible/near-infrared spectroscopy to predict fibre fractions, fibre-bound nitrogen and total-tract apparent nutrients digestibility in beef cattle diets and faeces." Italian Journal of Animal Science 20, no. 1: 814-825.

Paper
Published: 14 December 2020 in Italian Journal of Animal Science
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The aim of this trial was to investigate the effects of a blend of monoglycerides of short- and medium-chain fatty acids (SMCFA) on health status and growth of preweaned male calves from 16 to 72 days of age. The in vivo study was conducted as a complete randomised block design. Twenty Italian Holstein calves received starter administered ad libitum and 6 L of milk replacer/day (12% powder concentration) and were divided into treated (T) and control (C) groups. A preliminary in vitro antibiotic activity test of SMCFA was performed on several bacterial strains showing a minimum inhibiting concentration ranging from 0.8 to 12.5%. The group T received SMCFA (11 g/day) within the milk replacer while, to obtain isoenergetic liquid diets, the group C received additional 18 g/day of milk replacer powder. Body weight and morphological measurements of the calves were performed weekly. Health scores were checked daily. Faecal and blood samples were collected every two weeks for routine clinical investigations including serum concentration of non-esterified fatty acids and β-Hydroxybutyric acid. At the end of the trial calves were slaughtered and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) organs weighed. The group T reported a better health status and did not require Ab therapy. No differences in biometrical measurements, feed efficiency, blood parameters, and GIT measures were found between the two groups. At 44 days of age, group T showed higher β-Hydroxybutyric acid concentration compared to group C (p < .05). The SMCFA improved the calf health status avoiding the use of antimicrobics.

ACS Style

Federico Righi; Marica Simoni; Carla Bresciani; Clotilde Silvia Cabassi; Sara Flisi; Mikenzie England Hanlon; Andrea Sala; Costanza Spadini; Massimiliano Festuccia; Giorgio Morini; Ferdinando Gazza; Luisa Ragionieri; Afro Quarantelli. Adding monoglycerides containing short and medium chain fatty acids to milk replacer: effects on health and performance of preweaned calves. Italian Journal of Animal Science 2020, 19, 1417 -1427.

AMA Style

Federico Righi, Marica Simoni, Carla Bresciani, Clotilde Silvia Cabassi, Sara Flisi, Mikenzie England Hanlon, Andrea Sala, Costanza Spadini, Massimiliano Festuccia, Giorgio Morini, Ferdinando Gazza, Luisa Ragionieri, Afro Quarantelli. Adding monoglycerides containing short and medium chain fatty acids to milk replacer: effects on health and performance of preweaned calves. Italian Journal of Animal Science. 2020; 19 (1):1417-1427.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Federico Righi; Marica Simoni; Carla Bresciani; Clotilde Silvia Cabassi; Sara Flisi; Mikenzie England Hanlon; Andrea Sala; Costanza Spadini; Massimiliano Festuccia; Giorgio Morini; Ferdinando Gazza; Luisa Ragionieri; Afro Quarantelli. 2020. "Adding monoglycerides containing short and medium chain fatty acids to milk replacer: effects on health and performance of preweaned calves." Italian Journal of Animal Science 19, no. 1: 1417-1427.

Journal article
Published: 16 September 2020 in Animals
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The aim of the present study was to investigate the ability of a handheld near-infrared spectrometer to predict total and gelatinized starch, insoluble fibrous fractions, and mineral content in extruded dry dog food. Intact and ground samples were compared to determine if the homogenization could improve the prediction performance of the instrument. Reference analyses were performed on 81 samples for starch and 99 for neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), and minerals, and reflectance infrared spectra (740 to 1070 nm) were recorded with a SCiO™ near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer. Prediction models were developed using modified partial least squares regression and both internal (leave-one-out cross-validation) and external validation. The best prediction models in cross-validation using ground samples were obtained for gelatinized starch (residual predictive deviation, RPD = 2.54) and total starch (RPD = 2.33), and S (RPD = 1.92), while the best using intact samples were obtained for gelatinized starch (RPD = 2.45), total starch (RPD = 2.08), and K (RPD = 1.98). Through external validation, the best statistics were obtained for gelatinized starch, with an RPD of 2.55 and 2.03 in ground and intact samples, respectively. Overall, there was no difference in prediction models accuracy using ground or intact samples. In conclusion, the miniaturized NIR instrument offers the potential for screening purposes only for total and gelatinized starch, S, and K, whereas the results do not support its applicability for the other traits.

ACS Style

Arianna Goi; Marica Simoni; Federico Righi; Giulio Visentin; Massimo De Marchi. Application of a Handheld Near-Infrared Spectrometer to Predict Gelatinized Starch, Fiber Fractions, and Mineral Content of Ground and Intact Extruded Dry Dog Food. Animals 2020, 10, 1660 .

AMA Style

Arianna Goi, Marica Simoni, Federico Righi, Giulio Visentin, Massimo De Marchi. Application of a Handheld Near-Infrared Spectrometer to Predict Gelatinized Starch, Fiber Fractions, and Mineral Content of Ground and Intact Extruded Dry Dog Food. Animals. 2020; 10 (9):1660.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Arianna Goi; Marica Simoni; Federico Righi; Giulio Visentin; Massimo De Marchi. 2020. "Application of a Handheld Near-Infrared Spectrometer to Predict Gelatinized Starch, Fiber Fractions, and Mineral Content of Ground and Intact Extruded Dry Dog Food." Animals 10, no. 9: 1660.

Journal article
Published: 11 July 2020 in Italian Journal of Animal Science
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ACS Style

Marica Simoni; Rokia Temmar; Davide Augusto Bignamini; Andreas Foskolos; Alberto Sabbioni; Michela Ablondi; Afro Quarantelli; Federico Righi. Effects of the combination between selected phytochemicals and the carriers silica and Tween 80 on dry matter and neutral detergent fibre digestibility of common feeds. Italian Journal of Animal Science 2020, 19, 723 -738.

AMA Style

Marica Simoni, Rokia Temmar, Davide Augusto Bignamini, Andreas Foskolos, Alberto Sabbioni, Michela Ablondi, Afro Quarantelli, Federico Righi. Effects of the combination between selected phytochemicals and the carriers silica and Tween 80 on dry matter and neutral detergent fibre digestibility of common feeds. Italian Journal of Animal Science. 2020; 19 (1):723-738.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Marica Simoni; Rokia Temmar; Davide Augusto Bignamini; Andreas Foskolos; Alberto Sabbioni; Michela Ablondi; Afro Quarantelli; Federico Righi. 2020. "Effects of the combination between selected phytochemicals and the carriers silica and Tween 80 on dry matter and neutral detergent fibre digestibility of common feeds." Italian Journal of Animal Science 19, no. 1: 723-738.

Journal article
Published: 16 July 2019 in Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics
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Horses are nowadays mainly used for sport and leisure purposes, and several local breeds, traditionally used in agriculture, are exposed to the risk of extinction. The long-term survival of local horse breeds depends on strategies to both monitor their genetic diversity and to find their sustainable role in the equine market. Thus, several local horse breeds need to adapt their breeding objective to allow a modernization process. The Bardigiano is an example of such horse breeds; we, therefore, studied the existing evaluation protocol from a genetic standpoint to assess the protocol's suitability to convert the Bardigiano from an agricultural to a riding horse. To this end, we estimated genetic parameters for four conformation measurements, ten grading traits and 23 linear traits. For conformation measurements, the heritabilities ranged from 0.31 for cannon bone circumference to 0.63 for height at withers. For conformation and attitude grading traits, the highest heritability (0.34) was estimated for development and the lowest (0.09) for gaits. The heritabilities for linear traits ranged from 0.05 for the leg straightness to 0.32 for the coat colour. Genetic correlations between linear traits and corresponding grading traits varied considerably, ranging from -0.42 to 0.98. This study showed that the current evaluation protocol in the Bardigiano horse is appropriate for genetic evaluation. Genetic parameters estimation can, in turn, be used to develop novel breeding values to help this conversion. Our study paves the way to optimize the Bardigiano horse breeding programme, and it may help several other local horse breeds experiencing similar issues.

ACS Style

Michela Ablondi; Andrea Summer; Matteo Vasini; Marica Simoni; Alberto Sabbioni. Genetic parameters estimation in an Italian horse native breed to support the conversion from agricultural uses to riding purposes. Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics 2019, 137, 200 -210.

AMA Style

Michela Ablondi, Andrea Summer, Matteo Vasini, Marica Simoni, Alberto Sabbioni. Genetic parameters estimation in an Italian horse native breed to support the conversion from agricultural uses to riding purposes. Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics. 2019; 137 (2):200-210.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Michela Ablondi; Andrea Summer; Matteo Vasini; Marica Simoni; Alberto Sabbioni. 2019. "Genetic parameters estimation in an Italian horse native breed to support the conversion from agricultural uses to riding purposes." Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics 137, no. 2: 200-210.

Short communication
Published: 02 January 2019 in Italian Journal of Animal Science
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Aim of the study was to investigate the oxidative status during peripartum period in mares fed high amount of dietary α-tocopherol. α-Tocopherol, ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) levels were measured in blood samples from 17 Thoroughbred mares at three intervals: (1) 20 days before the expected foaling date; (2) 12 h following parturition; (3) 7 days post-partum. The levels of α-tocopherol, d-ROMs and FRAP were retrospectively analysed in relation to the number of insemination services (Ins) after foaling performed per conception. The parameters α-tocopherol and d-ROMs evidenced minimal fluctuations during peripartum period while FRAP levels showed a linear decrease. The α-tocopherol did not show significant variations and was numerically higher in mares >10 years old while FRAP levels were significantly higher in older mares in the post-partum. Mares receiving three natural insemination services showed higher levels of FRAP in the pre-partum period (p = .009) and lower values of α-tocopherol (p = .015) in the postpartum compared to mares receiving one service. No d-ROMs level differences appeared among service classes. Oxidative stress is not present in periparturient mares fed 2.750 IU of supplementary α-tocopherol. Differences in redox metabolism are detectable between young and old mares. Plasma antioxidant potential is higher in older mares particularly in the post-partum period.

ACS Style

Francesca Martuzzi; Carla Bresciani; Marica Simoni; Giuseppina Basini; Afro Quarantelli; Federico Righi. Evaluation of the oxidative status of periparturient mares supplemented with high amount of α-tocopherol. Italian Journal of Animal Science 2019, 18, 1404 -1409.

AMA Style

Francesca Martuzzi, Carla Bresciani, Marica Simoni, Giuseppina Basini, Afro Quarantelli, Federico Righi. Evaluation of the oxidative status of periparturient mares supplemented with high amount of α-tocopherol. Italian Journal of Animal Science. 2019; 18 (1):1404-1409.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Francesca Martuzzi; Carla Bresciani; Marica Simoni; Giuseppina Basini; Afro Quarantelli; Federico Righi. 2019. "Evaluation of the oxidative status of periparturient mares supplemented with high amount of α-tocopherol." Italian Journal of Animal Science 18, no. 1: 1404-1409.

Ruminants
Published: 01 January 2019 in Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia
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This study evaluated the effects of feeding calcareous marine algae or sodium bicarbonate as rumen buffer on the performance, behaviour, in vitro diet digestibility, and meat quality of beef cattle. A total of 180 Charolaise bullocks (536±38 kg; 14±1 months of age) were divided into two homogeneous groups and fed a diet with a mineral mix containing 40% sodium bicarbonate or 20% calcareous marine algae (CMA) for the entire fattening period (130 days). Of the in vivo and in vitro parameters evaluated, CMA supplementation improved average daily gain and feed conversion ratio and reduced the prevalence of bloat and lameness. Bullocks fed CMA tended to exhibit a calmer behaviour while in the pen. Supplementation with CMA improved rumen pH and in vitro digestion. Meat from bullocks fed CMA showed a lower pH and higher lightness and tenderness. The results suggest that CMA is more effective than sodium bicarbonate in buffering beef cattle, with a positive impact on growth performance, feed efficiency, health, and meat quality.

ACS Style

Carlo Angelo Sgoifo Rossi; Riccardo Compiani; Gianluca Baldi; Stephen J. Taylor; Federico Righi; Marica Simoni; Afro Quarantelli. Replacing sodium bicarbonate with half amount of calcareous marine algae in the diet of beef cattle. Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia 2019, 48, 1 .

AMA Style

Carlo Angelo Sgoifo Rossi, Riccardo Compiani, Gianluca Baldi, Stephen J. Taylor, Federico Righi, Marica Simoni, Afro Quarantelli. Replacing sodium bicarbonate with half amount of calcareous marine algae in the diet of beef cattle. Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia. 2019; 48 ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Carlo Angelo Sgoifo Rossi; Riccardo Compiani; Gianluca Baldi; Stephen J. Taylor; Federico Righi; Marica Simoni; Afro Quarantelli. 2019. "Replacing sodium bicarbonate with half amount of calcareous marine algae in the diet of beef cattle." Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia 48, no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 01 December 2017 in Livestock Science
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Federico Righi; Marica Simoni; Giulio Visentin; Carmen L. Manuelian; Sarah Currò; Afro Quarantelli; Massimo De Marchi. The use of near infrared spectroscopy to predict faecal indigestible and digestible fibre fractions in lactating dairy cattle. Livestock Science 2017, 206, 105 -108.

AMA Style

Federico Righi, Marica Simoni, Giulio Visentin, Carmen L. Manuelian, Sarah Currò, Afro Quarantelli, Massimo De Marchi. The use of near infrared spectroscopy to predict faecal indigestible and digestible fibre fractions in lactating dairy cattle. Livestock Science. 2017; 206 ():105-108.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Federico Righi; Marica Simoni; Giulio Visentin; Carmen L. Manuelian; Sarah Currò; Afro Quarantelli; Massimo De Marchi. 2017. "The use of near infrared spectroscopy to predict faecal indigestible and digestible fibre fractions in lactating dairy cattle." Livestock Science 206, no. : 105-108.

Journal article
Published: 20 September 2017 in Journal of Animal and Feed Sciences
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The effects of essential oils (EO) and their active compounds (EOC) on dry matter digestibility and neutral detergent fibre digestibility (DMD and NDFD, respectively) are still not enough described since in vitro methods are limited. So, the aim of the study was to screen and compare the main...

ACS Style

F. Righi; Marica Simoni; Andreas Foskolos; V. Beretti; Alberto Sabbioni; A. Quarantelli. In vitro ruminal dry matter and neutral detergent fibre digestibility of common feedstuffs as affected by the addition of essential oils and their active compounds. Journal of Animal and Feed Sciences 2017, 26, 204 -212.

AMA Style

F. Righi, Marica Simoni, Andreas Foskolos, V. Beretti, Alberto Sabbioni, A. Quarantelli. In vitro ruminal dry matter and neutral detergent fibre digestibility of common feedstuffs as affected by the addition of essential oils and their active compounds. Journal of Animal and Feed Sciences. 2017; 26 (3):204-212.

Chicago/Turabian Style

F. Righi; Marica Simoni; Andreas Foskolos; V. Beretti; Alberto Sabbioni; A. Quarantelli. 2017. "In vitro ruminal dry matter and neutral detergent fibre digestibility of common feedstuffs as affected by the addition of essential oils and their active compounds." Journal of Animal and Feed Sciences 26, no. 3: 204-212.