Weaning is a critical period for calves, affecting their well-being, health, and productivity. The present study analyzed 61 calves to evaluate the effects of weaning as a stress factor by monitoring hematological, biochemical, and immune parameters. Blood samples were collected at the start of weaning at 130–135 days (T0), 3 (T1) and 7 (T2) days later, and finally at 150 days of age. The results showed changes in the levels of cortisol, inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, INF-γ and IL-8) and acute-phase proteins. Alterations in white blood cells were also observed, such as neutrophilia and lymphopenia, which are typical signs of an adverse stress response. Biochemically, the switch from milk to solid food caused imbalances in protein, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, indicating a relevant metabolic adaptation. Serum electrophoresis showed a decrease in albumin and an increase in γ-globulins, a sign of immune maturation. The results suggest that weaning is one of the most important stressors for calves, with both physiological and immune effects. However, this practice is necessary for breeding productivity. Future research could investigate the role of genetics and environment in weaning resilience to further optimize breeding practices.

Apis mellifera honey bees are keystone species for agriculture and global biodiversity, yet their populations are increasingly affected by multiple stressors, including the microsporidian parasite Nosema ceranae. Early and accurate detection of this pathogen is critical to prevent colony losses and sustain pollination services. This study compares qPCR and ddPCR for detecting N. ceranae in bees and hive debris. qPCR is suitable for routine screening, whereas ddPCR offers higher sensitivity and precise quantification. The high diagnostic concordance between the two assays in bee samples, coupled with ddPCR’s enhanced detection capability in debris, underscores their complementary value in apicultural monitoring. This study provides the first experimental comparison between qPCR and ddPCR applied to matched field samples of bees and hive debris, establishing a sensitive and practical diagnostic framework for Nosema ceranae surveillance. The findings support improved diagnostic accuracy and early detection in apicultural health programs.

Consumer interest in alternative protein sources has grown rapidly, driven by concerns over health, sustainability and environmental impact. This study investigated perceptions, attitudes and behaviours towards alternative proteins among residents of Piedmont, northwestern Italy. A cross-sectional online and face-to-face survey was conducted between August and October 2023, collecting sociodemographic data, dietary habits, and respondents’ perception on plant-, insect-, snail-, and algae-derived products. Responses from 627 participants were analysed. Approximately one-third reported consuming alternative proteins, with uptake being higher among women, younger adults, and flexitarian respondents. Plant-based alternatives were by far the most frequently consumed, while insect- and snail-based products elicited strong aversion. Curiosity and interest on alternative options predominated among consumers, whereas indifference and disgust—particularly among women and towards animal-derived options—were common among non-consumers. Reported barriers included taste, quality, and safety concerns, with price emerging as a major constraint. These findings indicate that acceptance of alternative proteins is unevenly distributed across demographic groups and product types. Plant-based options currently appear best positioned to facilitate dietary shifts, whereas animal-derived alternatives remain hindered by cultural and sensory barriers. Supporting the protein transition will require strategies to improve affordability, sensory appeal and consumer trust.

Honey bees are affected by several pathogens, including different RNA viruses such as Acute Bee Paralysis Virus (ABPV), Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus (CBPV) and Deformed Wing Virus (DWV). Real‐time PCR (RT‐PCR) is a standard method to detect these viruses, but it requires the sacrifice of bees. In this study, we tested an RT‐PCR method, routinely used to detect ABPV, CBPV and DWV in bees, using hive debris as an alternative non‐invasive matrix to adult bees. We analysed results both at apiary and colony levels. The performances of hive debris as an alternative matrix to bees were tested by calculating sensitivity, specificity and the Kappa index using RT‐PCR results on bees as reference. At apiary level, specificity was high for ABPV and DWV, whereas sensitivity was high only for DWV. At colony level, specificity was over 75% for all the three viruses, whereas test sensitivity was poor. Hive debris has the potential to be an effective alternative matrix to detect viruses on honey bees at apiary level; therefore, new research studies focused on standardization of the sampling and RNA extraction procedure are needed to develop a reliable diagnostic tool for a field application.

Alongside traditional protein sources, alternatives of animal origin (insects, terrestrial gastropods) and plant origin (algae, processed legumes) are emerging. Changes in eating habits necessitate an update of knowledge about the safety and quality of these products, involving operators and authorities to protect the consumer. The objective of the study was to evaluate the chemical safety of snail-based food preparations, introduced as new products on the market. Specifically, the investigation focused on the search for environmental contaminants such as pesticides. The samples, consisting of twenty different snail-based food preparations, were analyzed in pools and subjected to preliminary operations (thawing, optional shell removal, and grinding). They were extracted using the QuEChERS method, followed by purification with d-SPE EMR Lipid. The extract was analyzed using both gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to ensure a wide range of analytes were covered. The analyzes conducted revealed the presence of various pesticide residues at concentrations well below the maximum residue limits (MRLs) established by current regulations (EC Regulation 396/2005, with reference to terrestrial invertebrates). Specifically, in pool 1 (containing snails in sauce, sautéed snails, sautéed snails in a bucket, natural snails), six compounds were detected, including the fungicides Mepanipyrim (0.019 mg/kg) and Difeconazole (0.006 mg/kg), all below their respective MRLs (0.01 mg/kg and 0.02 mg/kg) when the 50% uncertainty is subtracted as indicated in Regulation (EC) 396/2005. Pool 2 (containing snails in their natural state, snail pulp in its natural state, snail pâté, snails with leeks, snail salad) showed the presence of four substances, including Thiabendazole (0.003 mg/kg), with values close to the limit of quantification (LOQ) of the methods. In pool 3 (containing Burgundy snails, Burgundy snails in a bucket, snail arancini, breaded snails, snails with potatoes and olives), only Acetamiprid (0.001 mg/kg) was detected, while pool 4 (containing rigatoni with sauce, snail pulp with sauce, snail ragout, snails with mushrooms, snails alla puttanesca) showed the presence of four residues, including Fluopyram (0.002 mg/kg) and Thiabendazole (0.003 mg/kg), both below their respective LOQs and MRLs. In conclusion, all the samples analyzed were found to comply with European regulations regarding pesticide residues. However, further studies are needed to assess other potential chemical and microbiological risks associated with this matrix and its food preparations, which have been little explored by scientific literature.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global concern, exacerbated by the overuse of antibiotics in livestock farming. Honey bees (Apis mellifera), widely used as bioindicators of environmental contamination, may also serve as sentinels for monitoring the environmental spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). This study investigated the presence of ARGs and the gut microbiota composition of honey bees sampled from 11 apiaries located in a region of Northwestern Italy characterized by intensive livestock farming. PCR and sequencing analyses revealed a widespread presence of tetracycline resistance genes—particularly tet(B) and tet(C)—as well as occasional detection of blaTEM, qnrB, and int1 genes. ARGs were also identified in bacterial colonies isolated from bee guts, notably in Hafnia spp. 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the gut microbiota revealed dominance of genera such as Bartonella, Snodgrassella, Gilliamella, Bombilactobacillus and Lactobacillus. Some samples showed reduced microbial diversity or shifts associated with possible dysbiosis. The findings confirm the potential of honey bees as bioindicators for environmental AMR surveillance and underscore the need for further research to elucidate correlations between ARGs presence and microbial community structure in honey bees from various ecological contexts.