Maria Elena Careddu

Dr. Maria Elena Careddu


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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30 October 2026 in Veterinary Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
BTBenedetta Torsiello
Benedetta Torsiello
EMElisabetta Macchi
Elisabetta Macchi
Manuela RennaManuela Renna
Manuela Renna
MCMaria Elena Careddu
Maria Elena Careddu
SBStefania Bergagna
Stefania Bergagna
MTMARTINA TARANTOLA
MARTINA TARANTOLA
This study evaluated the short-term response to pour-on eprinomectin (EPM) treatment in buffaloes naturally infested by Haematopinus tuberculatus, focusing on haematobiochemical parameters, serum and milk cortisol levels, and milk production. Twenty-four Italian Mediterranean buffaloes were allocated to two groups: an untreated Control group and a group receiving 0.5 mg EPM/kg body weight. From treatment day (T0), blood was sampled every 14 days, while milk yield was recorded and milk samples collected every 7 days for 4 weeks. Haematobiochemical parameters, serum and milk cortisol, and milk composition were analysed. Data were statistically analysed using a linear mixed-effects model including treatment, time (as fixed categorical effects) and their interaction, T0 as a covariate and the animal as a random effect. No differences were detected for cortisol and most haematobiochemical parameters between groups (p > 0.05). Haptoglobin showed lower values in EPM-treated buffaloes when compared to Controls (34.8 vs. 43.6 μg/mL; p = 0.026). Milk yield remained unaffected by treatment (p > 0.05), whereas milk fat was higher (83.1 vs. 69.1 g/kg; p = 0.011) and milk urea was lower (36.1 vs. 40.1 mg/dL; p = 0.002) in EPM-treated buffaloes. Overall, EPM treatment against H. tuberculatus infestation was associated with limited short-term changes in physiological and productive responses in lactating buffaloes, including lower serum haptoglobin concentrations and differences in selected milk composition traits.