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Giovanni Piccolo
Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Napoli Federico II, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Napoli, Italy

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Journal article
Published: 08 June 2021 in Sustainability
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The effects of replacement of maize grain with ancient wheat by-products on intestinal morphometry and enzymatic activity in laying hens was studied. Eighty hens were divided into two groups (40 each, 8 replicates, 5 hens/replicate) fed two isoproteic and isoenergetic diets. In the treated group, part of the maize was replaced by a mix of ancient grains (AGs) middling, in a 50:50 ratio of Triticum aestivum L. var. spelta (spelt) and Triticum durum dicoccum L. (emmer wheat). The AG diet affected the weight of all the large intestine tracts, decreasing the weight of caeca (p< 0.01) and increasing those of colon (p< 0.01), rectum and cloaca (p< 0.05). Villus height in the AG group was higher (p< 0.01) than the control for the duodenum and jejunum, while for the ileum, the control group showed the highest values (p< 0.01). The submucosa thickness was higher (p< 0.01) in the control group for the duodenum and ileum, while the jejunum for the AG group showed the highest (p< 0.05) submucosa thickness. The crypts depth was higher (p< 0.01) in the control group for the duodenum and ileum. Enzyme activity was enhanced by AGs (p< 0.01) in the duodenum. Regarding the jejunum, sucrase-isomaltase and alkaline phosphatase had higher activity (p< 0.05 and p< 0.01, respectively) in the AG group. In the ileum, sucrase-isomaltase showed higher activity (p< 0.01) in the control group, while alkaline phosphatase showed the highest values (p< 0.05) in the AG group. Overall, results suggested that the dietary inclusion of AGs exerted positive effects in hens, showing an improved intestinal function.

ACS Style

Nicola Addeo; Basilio Randazzo; Ike Olivotto; Maria Messina; Francesca Tulli; Nadia Musco; Giovanni Piccolo; Antonino Nizza; Carmelo Di Meo; Fulvia Bovera. Replacing Maize Grain with Ancient Wheat Lines By-Products in Organic Laying Hens’ Diet Affects Intestinal Morphology and Enzymatic Activity. Sustainability 2021, 13, 6554 .

AMA Style

Nicola Addeo, Basilio Randazzo, Ike Olivotto, Maria Messina, Francesca Tulli, Nadia Musco, Giovanni Piccolo, Antonino Nizza, Carmelo Di Meo, Fulvia Bovera. Replacing Maize Grain with Ancient Wheat Lines By-Products in Organic Laying Hens’ Diet Affects Intestinal Morphology and Enzymatic Activity. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (12):6554.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Nicola Addeo; Basilio Randazzo; Ike Olivotto; Maria Messina; Francesca Tulli; Nadia Musco; Giovanni Piccolo; Antonino Nizza; Carmelo Di Meo; Fulvia Bovera. 2021. "Replacing Maize Grain with Ancient Wheat Lines By-Products in Organic Laying Hens’ Diet Affects Intestinal Morphology and Enzymatic Activity." Sustainability 13, no. 12: 6554.

Journal article
Published: 09 March 2021 in Journal of Insects as Food and Feed
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The aim of the research was to propose the larvae of honeybee queens, discarded from royal jelly production as possible dietary supplement in animal nutrition. To this purpose, the chemical characteristics, chitin content, amino acid, fatty acid and mineral profile (including toxic elements) were determined on pooled samples of queen bee larvae. Queen bee larvae meal is rich in chitin, protein, essential amino acids, and in some essential mineral such as phosphorous and magnesium; it is also relatively poor in fat, and with negligible levels of toxic elements such as Cd, Pb, As and Hg. However, its fatty acid profile showed a very low amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and the meal was poor of Ca and other trace elements when compared to the most common insect meals used in animal nutrition. Queen bee larvae have a standard nutrition based on royal jelly and this could represent a great advantage to use in animal production. However, the collection of queen bee larvae does not allow to give high quantities of final product due both the low amount of larvae collected (an average 58.9 g/hive/month) and the relatively low yield in meal (an average 23.12%) recorded. Thus, the queen bee larvae meal cannot be considered as an alternative protein source in animal production but could represent a potential feed supplement to include at low doses to exploit the possible activities of gut microbiota modulator due to the high levels of chitin.

ACS Style

N.F. Addeo; A. Roncarati; G. Secci; G. Parisi; G. Piccolo; A. Ariano; M. Scivicco; A. Rippa; F. Bovera. Potential use of a queen bee larvae meal (Apis mellifera ligustica Spin.) in animal nutrition: a nutritional and chemical-toxicological evaluation. Journal of Insects as Food and Feed 2021, 7, 173 -186.

AMA Style

N.F. Addeo, A. Roncarati, G. Secci, G. Parisi, G. Piccolo, A. Ariano, M. Scivicco, A. Rippa, F. Bovera. Potential use of a queen bee larvae meal (Apis mellifera ligustica Spin.) in animal nutrition: a nutritional and chemical-toxicological evaluation. Journal of Insects as Food and Feed. 2021; 7 (2):173-186.

Chicago/Turabian Style

N.F. Addeo; A. Roncarati; G. Secci; G. Parisi; G. Piccolo; A. Ariano; M. Scivicco; A. Rippa; F. Bovera. 2021. "Potential use of a queen bee larvae meal (Apis mellifera ligustica Spin.) in animal nutrition: a nutritional and chemical-toxicological evaluation." Journal of Insects as Food and Feed 7, no. 2: 173-186.

Journal article
Published: 12 October 2020 in Italian Journal of Animal Science
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ACS Style

Giuliana Parisi; Francesca Tulli; Riccardo Fortina; Rosaria Marino; Paolo Bani; Antonella Dalle Zotte; Anna De Angelis; Giovanni Piccolo; Luciano Pinotti; Achille Schiavone; Genciana Terova; Aldo Prandini; Laura Gasco; Alessandra Roncarati; Pier Paolo Danieli. Protein hunger of the feed sector: the alternatives offered by the plant world. Italian Journal of Animal Science 2020, 19, 1204 -1225.

AMA Style

Giuliana Parisi, Francesca Tulli, Riccardo Fortina, Rosaria Marino, Paolo Bani, Antonella Dalle Zotte, Anna De Angelis, Giovanni Piccolo, Luciano Pinotti, Achille Schiavone, Genciana Terova, Aldo Prandini, Laura Gasco, Alessandra Roncarati, Pier Paolo Danieli. Protein hunger of the feed sector: the alternatives offered by the plant world. Italian Journal of Animal Science. 2020; 19 (1):1204-1225.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giuliana Parisi; Francesca Tulli; Riccardo Fortina; Rosaria Marino; Paolo Bani; Antonella Dalle Zotte; Anna De Angelis; Giovanni Piccolo; Luciano Pinotti; Achille Schiavone; Genciana Terova; Aldo Prandini; Laura Gasco; Alessandra Roncarati; Pier Paolo Danieli. 2020. "Protein hunger of the feed sector: the alternatives offered by the plant world." Italian Journal of Animal Science 19, no. 1: 1204-1225.

Review
Published: 01 April 2020 in Italian Journal of Animal Science
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This paper reviews current knowledge on two feedstuffs, that is, insect meal and fish by-products, as alternatives to conventional animal protein sources. After an introductory part that highlights the need for sustainable development of animal production, the alternative protein sources are discussed. In particular, after providing some indications on their production and supply focussing on EU, a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis was performed to identify the key factors that could help or impair the development of both protein sources production sectors. Finally, future perspectives are presented. The use of processed animal proteins derived from insects in farmed fish feeding is recognised by the EU legislation that authorises the use of proteins from seven insect species and the allowed substrates to rear insects. Insects have several advantages in nutritional value and the amino acid composition of their proteins generally meet animal requirements for good growth and health. The SWOT analysis indicated that insect meals can be considered as feed functional ingredients with beneficial properties that depend on the insect species, rearing system adopted, and the substrate used for their growth. Insects are expected to be increasingly used as a replacement for conventional animal-derived proteins, especially in aquafeeds. In the section regarding fishery and aquaculture by-products, the potential use of raw materials obtained during seafood processing is discussed. Peptides and amino acids recovered from as hydrolysed proteins can be used in animal feeds to partially substitute conventional protein feedstuffs thus providing nutrients, bioactive compounds and feed additives for animals. The SWOT analysis identified opportunities and weaknesses. Both the alternative protein sources are promising alternative feed ingredients for livestock production.

ACS Style

Laura Gasco; Gabriele Acuti; Paolo Bani; Antonella Dalle Zotte; Pier Paolo Danieli; Anna De Angelis; Riccardo Fortina; Rosaria Marino; Giuliana Parisi; Giovanni Piccolo; Luciano Pinotti; Aldo Prandini; Achille Schiavone; Genciana Terova; Francesca Tulli; Alessandra Roncarati. Insect and fish by-products as sustainable alternatives to conventional animal proteins in animal nutrition. Italian Journal of Animal Science 2020, 19, 360 -372.

AMA Style

Laura Gasco, Gabriele Acuti, Paolo Bani, Antonella Dalle Zotte, Pier Paolo Danieli, Anna De Angelis, Riccardo Fortina, Rosaria Marino, Giuliana Parisi, Giovanni Piccolo, Luciano Pinotti, Aldo Prandini, Achille Schiavone, Genciana Terova, Francesca Tulli, Alessandra Roncarati. Insect and fish by-products as sustainable alternatives to conventional animal proteins in animal nutrition. Italian Journal of Animal Science. 2020; 19 (1):360-372.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Laura Gasco; Gabriele Acuti; Paolo Bani; Antonella Dalle Zotte; Pier Paolo Danieli; Anna De Angelis; Riccardo Fortina; Rosaria Marino; Giuliana Parisi; Giovanni Piccolo; Luciano Pinotti; Aldo Prandini; Achille Schiavone; Genciana Terova; Francesca Tulli; Alessandra Roncarati. 2020. "Insect and fish by-products as sustainable alternatives to conventional animal proteins in animal nutrition." Italian Journal of Animal Science 19, no. 1: 360-372.

Original research article
Published: 25 February 2020 in Frontiers in Veterinary Science
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In the present study, the immune-stimulatory effect of two levels of honey bee pollen (5 and 10%, P5 and P10 treatment, respectively) and its supercritical fluid extract (0. 5 and 1%, E0.5 and E1, respectively) included in the diet, was tested in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). The in vivo trial was preceded by the evaluation of antioxidant properties of three different bee pollen extracts obtained by water, ethanol 80%, and Supercritic Fluids Extraction (SFE). The preliminary evaluation attested that the SFE showed the lowest extraction yield (10.47%) compared to ethanol 80% (48.61%) and water (45.99%). SFE extract showed good antioxidant properties with high polyphenol content (13.06 mg GAE/g), radical scavenging activity (3.12 mg/ml), reducing power (38.68 mg/mL EC50). On the contrary, the water extract showed the significantly lowest polyphenol content (2 mg GAE/g; P < 0.05). The results of in vivo trial demonstrate that the diets supplemented with SFE bee pollen extract had a stimulatory effect on fish serum immunity, respect to the inclusion of raw pollen, this latter revealing some inhibitory effects in the immune response, such a decrease of serum peroxidase and lysozyme activities, particularly in P10 group significantly different (P < 0.05) from the control group. On the contrary, serum peroxidase, protease, antiprotease, were significantly increased in fish fed the diets supplemented with supercritical fluid extract, respect to the fish fed on control and on diets supplemented with 5 and 10% of raw pollen. For what concerns the bactericidal activity against Vibrio harveyii, all the treatments containing bee pollen regardless of the type showed their serum bactericidal activity significantly increased with respect to the control groups (p < 0.05). Given its high antioxidant properties, the absence of toxic solvents and the positive action carried out on improving the humoral response in gilthead seam bream, honey bee pollen SFE extract can be taken into account in the formulation of fish feeds.

ACS Style

Concetta Maria Messina; Valentina Panettieri; Rosaria Arena; Giuseppe Renda; Cristóbal Espinosa Ruiz; Maria Morghese; Giovanni Piccolo; Andrea Santulli; Fulvia Bovera. The Inclusion of a Supercritical Fluid Extract, Obtained From Honey Bee Pollen, in the Diet of Gilthead Sea Bream (Sparus aurata), Improves Fish Immune Response by Enhancing Anti-oxidant, and Anti-bacterial Activities. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2020, 7, 1 .

AMA Style

Concetta Maria Messina, Valentina Panettieri, Rosaria Arena, Giuseppe Renda, Cristóbal Espinosa Ruiz, Maria Morghese, Giovanni Piccolo, Andrea Santulli, Fulvia Bovera. The Inclusion of a Supercritical Fluid Extract, Obtained From Honey Bee Pollen, in the Diet of Gilthead Sea Bream (Sparus aurata), Improves Fish Immune Response by Enhancing Anti-oxidant, and Anti-bacterial Activities. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. 2020; 7 ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Concetta Maria Messina; Valentina Panettieri; Rosaria Arena; Giuseppe Renda; Cristóbal Espinosa Ruiz; Maria Morghese; Giovanni Piccolo; Andrea Santulli; Fulvia Bovera. 2020. "The Inclusion of a Supercritical Fluid Extract, Obtained From Honey Bee Pollen, in the Diet of Gilthead Sea Bream (Sparus aurata), Improves Fish Immune Response by Enhancing Anti-oxidant, and Anti-bacterial Activities." Frontiers in Veterinary Science 7, no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 31 January 2020 in Animals
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Recently, several studies have focused on the use of nutraceuticals and honey bee products to improve the welfare and sustainability of animal husbandry. Honey bee pollen is rich in bioactive substances, presenting a strong antioxidant activity with possible positive effects on growth performance and non-specific immune responses in reared fish. Despite its favorable characteristics, the addition of honey bee pollen to a meagre (Argyrosomus regius) diet in our trial resulted in a reduction of growth performances and diet digestibility, histological alterations of intestinal morphology, and high levels of biomolecular stress markers, probably due to its complex ultrastructure, which is indigestible for monogastric animals. These negative effects could be overcome by using bioactive component extraction methods and thus eliminating the indigestible fractions. Our results confirmed the general assumption that it should always be considered necessary to test nutraceutical additives of natural origin in a given species in order to verify the effective positive action and exclude any negative repercussions on animal health. This research aimed to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of honey bee pollen (HBP) in meagre (Argyrosoumus regius) juveniles’ diets on growth performance, diet digestibility, intestinal morphology, and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, stress-related molecular markers and biochemical blood profile of fish were evaluated, together with mineral trace and toxic element concentration in pollen and diets. Specimens of meagre (360) of 3.34 ± 0.14 g initial body weight, were randomly allocated to twelve 500 L circular tanks (30 fish per tank). Four diets were formulated: a control diet and three experimental diets with 1%, 2.5%, and 4% of HBP inclusion. All the growth parameters and crude protein and ether extract digestibility coefficients were negatively linearly affected by increased HBP inclusion (p < 0.0001). Histology of medium intestine showed slight signs of alterations in group HPB1 and HPB2.5 compared to control. Fish from HBP4 group showed severe alterations at the intestinal mucosa level. Immunohistochemical detection of TNF-α in the medium intestine showed the presence of TNF-α+ cells in the lamina propria, which resulted in accordance with the increased level of the TNF-α protein detected by immunoblotting in the liver. This stress situation was confirmed by the increased hepatic level of HSP70 (p < 0.05) in fish fed the HBP4 diet and by the linear decrease of total serum protein levels in HBP-containing diets (p < 0.0001). These negative effects can be related to the ultrastructure of the bee pollen grain walls, which make the bioactive substances unavailable and can irritate the intestine of a carnivorous fish such as meagre.

ACS Style

Valentina Panettieri; Stavros Chatzifotis; Concetta Maria Messina; Ike Olivotto; Simona Manuguerra; Basilio Randazzo; Andrea Ariano; Fulvia Bovera; Andrea Santulli; Lorella Severino; Giovanni Piccolo. Honey Bee Pollen in Meagre (Argyrosomus regius) Juvenile Diets: Effects on Growth, Diet Digestibility, Intestinal Traits, and Biochemical Markers Related to Health and Stress. Animals 2020, 10, 231 .

AMA Style

Valentina Panettieri, Stavros Chatzifotis, Concetta Maria Messina, Ike Olivotto, Simona Manuguerra, Basilio Randazzo, Andrea Ariano, Fulvia Bovera, Andrea Santulli, Lorella Severino, Giovanni Piccolo. Honey Bee Pollen in Meagre (Argyrosomus regius) Juvenile Diets: Effects on Growth, Diet Digestibility, Intestinal Traits, and Biochemical Markers Related to Health and Stress. Animals. 2020; 10 (2):231.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Valentina Panettieri; Stavros Chatzifotis; Concetta Maria Messina; Ike Olivotto; Simona Manuguerra; Basilio Randazzo; Andrea Ariano; Fulvia Bovera; Andrea Santulli; Lorella Severino; Giovanni Piccolo. 2020. "Honey Bee Pollen in Meagre (Argyrosomus regius) Juvenile Diets: Effects on Growth, Diet Digestibility, Intestinal Traits, and Biochemical Markers Related to Health and Stress." Animals 10, no. 2: 231.

Journal article
Published: 01 September 2019 in Animals
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The aim of this work was to propose a model of free-range raising for rabbit able to maximize the animal welfare and at the same time the productive performances through the use of mirrors. A total of 81 rabbits were allocated into free-range areas and divided into three groups (nine replicates per group): in the first group (face to face, F2F), the rabbits of each replicate could see each other. In the second group (blind) each replicate was isolated from the others; in the third group (mirrors), the replicates were divided as for the Blind group but two mirrors were placed in a corner of the perimeter. The blind group rabbits showed the lowest final weight (p < 0.05), while rabbits from the mirrors groups showed the best FCR and net dressing out values. The blind group showed the highest production of total short chain fatty acids, acetate (p < 0.05) and propionate (p < 0.01). The F2F rabbits showed higher levels of creatine phosphokinase and lactate dehydrogenase and lower values of blood glucose than those of the other groups, due to the higher locomotion activity. The use of mirrors can improve rabbit’s growth performance and carcass traits by lowering the rabbit’s locomotion activity in comparison to the other tested systems.

ACS Style

Nadia Musco; Pietro Lombardi; Nicola Francesco Addeo; Giulia Secci; Giuliana Parisi; Maria Elena Pero; Giovanni Piccolo; Antonino Nizza; Fulvia Bovera; Pero. Mirrors Can Affect Growth Rate, Blood Profile, Carcass and Meat Traits and Caecal Microbial Activity of Rabbits Reared in a “Small Group” Free-Range System. Animals 2019, 9, 639 .

AMA Style

Nadia Musco, Pietro Lombardi, Nicola Francesco Addeo, Giulia Secci, Giuliana Parisi, Maria Elena Pero, Giovanni Piccolo, Antonino Nizza, Fulvia Bovera, Pero. Mirrors Can Affect Growth Rate, Blood Profile, Carcass and Meat Traits and Caecal Microbial Activity of Rabbits Reared in a “Small Group” Free-Range System. Animals. 2019; 9 (9):639.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Nadia Musco; Pietro Lombardi; Nicola Francesco Addeo; Giulia Secci; Giuliana Parisi; Maria Elena Pero; Giovanni Piccolo; Antonino Nizza; Fulvia Bovera; Pero. 2019. "Mirrors Can Affect Growth Rate, Blood Profile, Carcass and Meat Traits and Caecal Microbial Activity of Rabbits Reared in a “Small Group” Free-Range System." Animals 9, no. 9: 639.

Journal article
Published: 06 August 2019 in Animals
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The aim of this research was to evaluate the possible usefulness of mirrors in improving rabbit behavior in a free-range breeding system. Three groups (each consisting of nine replicates of three animals) were compared: isolated, isolated with mirrors and separated by a wire mesh (possible visual and olfactory contacts). Rabbits allowed to have a visual and olfactory contact showed a significantly higher expression of important natural behaviors (olfactory investigation, gnawing, alertness, stretching, locomotion) compared to the isolated rabbits (with or without mirrors); while rabbits in the mirror group showed higher allo-grooming activity than those isolated and no different locomotion activity than those separated by wire mesh. Thus, mirrors seemed to be able to modify the behavioral repertoire of isolated rabbits by acting on social perception in rabbits reared in small groups in a free-range system. Nevertheless, despite it being advisable to use a combination of different indicators in order to assess the stress level of an animal, the accuracy of serum cortisol, as well as of some secondary stress markers assay, appeared to be limited in this type of breeding.

ACS Style

Vincenzo Mastellone; Fulvia Bovera; Nadia Musco; Valentina Panettieri; Giovanni Piccolo; Anna Scandurra; Carmelo Di Meo; Youssef A. Attia; Pietro Lombardi. Mirrors Improve Rabbit Natural Behavior in a Free-Range Breeding System. Animals 2019, 9, 533 .

AMA Style

Vincenzo Mastellone, Fulvia Bovera, Nadia Musco, Valentina Panettieri, Giovanni Piccolo, Anna Scandurra, Carmelo Di Meo, Youssef A. Attia, Pietro Lombardi. Mirrors Improve Rabbit Natural Behavior in a Free-Range Breeding System. Animals. 2019; 9 (8):533.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Vincenzo Mastellone; Fulvia Bovera; Nadia Musco; Valentina Panettieri; Giovanni Piccolo; Anna Scandurra; Carmelo Di Meo; Youssef A. Attia; Pietro Lombardi. 2019. "Mirrors Improve Rabbit Natural Behavior in a Free-Range Breeding System." Animals 9, no. 8: 533.

Journal article
Published: 10 March 2019 in Animals
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To evaluate the effects of feeding a Hermetia illucens (HI) larvae meal on the different intestinal traits of hens, and to determine the toxic elements' concentration in the insect meal and diets, 162 hens were randomly allotted to three groups. The control received a corn-soybean meal-based diet (SBM); the HI25 and HI50 groups received two diets in which the 25% and 50% of the dietary protein were replaced by the HI protein, respectively. The duodenal and jejunal villi height and villi/crypt were higher (p < 0.01) in the SBM than in the HI groups. The ileal villi height was higher (p < 0.05) in the SBM and HI25 groups than the HI50. The HI50 group exhibited a lower duodenal maltase activity. The intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) activity linearly decreased in the duodenum and jejunum as the dietary insect meal inclusion increased. The HI50 group had a higher acetate and butyrate level than the SBM. The levels of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and arsenic (As) in the diets and insect meal were lower than the maximum values established by the EU Commission. The 25% soybean protein replacement with Hermetia illucens larvae meal in the diet of laying hens was more suitable and closer to the optimal level than 50%.

ACS Style

Giuseppe Moniello; Andrea Ariano; Valentina Panettieri; Francesca Tulli; Ike Olivotto; Maria Messina; Basilio Randazzo; Lorella Severino; Giovanni Piccolo; Nadia Musco; Nicola Francesco Addeo; Georges Hassoun; Fulvia Bovera. Intestinal Morphometry, Enzymatic and Microbial Activity in Laying Hens Fed Different Levels of a Hermetia illucens Larvae Meal and Toxic Elements Content of the Insect Meal and Diets. Animals 2019, 9, 86 .

AMA Style

Giuseppe Moniello, Andrea Ariano, Valentina Panettieri, Francesca Tulli, Ike Olivotto, Maria Messina, Basilio Randazzo, Lorella Severino, Giovanni Piccolo, Nadia Musco, Nicola Francesco Addeo, Georges Hassoun, Fulvia Bovera. Intestinal Morphometry, Enzymatic and Microbial Activity in Laying Hens Fed Different Levels of a Hermetia illucens Larvae Meal and Toxic Elements Content of the Insect Meal and Diets. Animals. 2019; 9 (3):86.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giuseppe Moniello; Andrea Ariano; Valentina Panettieri; Francesca Tulli; Ike Olivotto; Maria Messina; Basilio Randazzo; Lorella Severino; Giovanni Piccolo; Nadia Musco; Nicola Francesco Addeo; Georges Hassoun; Fulvia Bovera. 2019. "Intestinal Morphometry, Enzymatic and Microbial Activity in Laying Hens Fed Different Levels of a Hermetia illucens Larvae Meal and Toxic Elements Content of the Insect Meal and Diets." Animals 9, no. 3: 86.

Journal article
Published: 01 April 2018 in Developmental & Comparative Immunology
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Feeding small European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax, for 6 weeks with Tenebrio molitor larval meal showed significant anti-inflammatory responses (ceruloplasmin, myeloperoxidase and nitric oxide). Serum bacteriolytic activity against a Gram negative bacterium was not significantly affected by dietary Tenebrio, while both lysozyme antibacterial activity and serum trypsin inhibition usually linked to the anti-parasite activity of the fish, were significantly enhanced. The latter may be due to the similarities in the composition of the exoskeleton of parasites and insects that may therefore act as an immunostimulant potentially increasing the anti-parasitic activity. The addition of exogenous proteases significantly decreased both trypsin-inhibition and serum bacteriolytic activity probably through direct inhibition of the proteins responsible for these immune functions. Further investigation involving bacterial or parasitic challenges will be necessary to assess if the effects of dietary mealworm meal on the immune system observed in the present study are translated into an improved resistance to diseases.

ACS Style

M.A. Henry; L. Gasco; Stavros Chatzifotis; G. Piccolo. Does dietary insect meal affect the fish immune system? The case of mealworm, Tenebrio molitor on European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax. Developmental & Comparative Immunology 2018, 81, 204 -209.

AMA Style

M.A. Henry, L. Gasco, Stavros Chatzifotis, G. Piccolo. Does dietary insect meal affect the fish immune system? The case of mealworm, Tenebrio molitor on European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax. Developmental & Comparative Immunology. 2018; 81 ():204-209.

Chicago/Turabian Style

M.A. Henry; L. Gasco; Stavros Chatzifotis; G. Piccolo. 2018. "Does dietary insect meal affect the fish immune system? The case of mealworm, Tenebrio molitor on European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax." Developmental & Comparative Immunology 81, no. : 204-209.

Journal article
Published: 01 June 2017 in Poultry Science
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The aim of the research was to study the effects of an insect meal from Hermetia illucens larvae (HILM) as complete replacement of soybean meal (SBM) on productive performance and blood profiles of laying hens, from 24 to 45 wk of age. A total of 108 24-week-old Lohmann Brown Classic laying hens was equally divided into 2 groups (54 hens/group, 9 replicates of 6 hens/group). From 24 to 45 wk of age, the groups were fed 2 different isoproteic and isoenergetic diets: the control group (SBM) was fed a corn-soybean meal based diet, while in the HILM group the soybean meal was completely replaced by Hermetia illucens larvae meal. Feed intake, number of eggs produced, and egg weight were recorded weekly along the trial. At 45 wk of age, blood samples were collected from 2 hens per replicate. The use of HIML led to a more favorable (P < 0.01) feed conversion ratio in hens but lay percentage, feed intake, average egg weight, and egg mass were higher (P < 0.01) in hens fed the SBM diet. Hens fed insect meal produced a higher percentage of eggs from small (S), medium (M), and extra-large (XL) classes (P < 0.01) than SBM, while the SBM group had a higher percentage of eggs from the large (L) class (P < 0.01). The levels of globulin and albumin to globulin ratio were, respectively, higher and lower (P < 0.05) in HILM than the SBM group. Cholesterol and triglycerides were higher (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively) in hens from SBM than in the HILM group. Blood levels of Ca were higher (P < 0.01) in hens fed insect meal, while creatinine was higher (P < 0.01) in blood of hens fed SBM. Hermetia illucens larvae meal can be a suitable alternative protein source for laying hens even if the complete replacement of soybean meal needs further investigation to avoid the negative effects on feed intake.

ACS Style

S. Marono; R. Loponte; Pietro Lombardi; G. Vassalotti; M. E. Pero; F. Russo; L. Gasco; Giuliana Parisi; G. Piccolo; S. Nizza; C. Di Meo; Youssef Attia; F. Bovera. Productive performance and blood profiles of laying hens fed Hermetia illucens larvae meal as total replacement of soybean meal from 24 to 45 weeks of age. Poultry Science 2017, 96, 1783 -1790.

AMA Style

S. Marono, R. Loponte, Pietro Lombardi, G. Vassalotti, M. E. Pero, F. Russo, L. Gasco, Giuliana Parisi, G. Piccolo, S. Nizza, C. Di Meo, Youssef Attia, F. Bovera. Productive performance and blood profiles of laying hens fed Hermetia illucens larvae meal as total replacement of soybean meal from 24 to 45 weeks of age. Poultry Science. 2017; 96 (6):1783-1790.

Chicago/Turabian Style

S. Marono; R. Loponte; Pietro Lombardi; G. Vassalotti; M. E. Pero; F. Russo; L. Gasco; Giuliana Parisi; G. Piccolo; S. Nizza; C. Di Meo; Youssef Attia; F. Bovera. 2017. "Productive performance and blood profiles of laying hens fed Hermetia illucens larvae meal as total replacement of soybean meal from 24 to 45 weeks of age." Poultry Science 96, no. 6: 1783-1790.

Journal article
Published: 10 February 2017 in Animal Feed Science and Technology
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The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of Tenebrio molitor larvae meal in practical diets for gilthead sea bream on growth performance, nutrients digestibility, somatic and marketable indexes. Two separate trials were carried out: in the first a total of 153 gilthead sea bream (105.2 ± 0.17 g average initial body weight) were randomly allocated in 9 fiberglass 220 l tanks (17 fish per tank) in an indoor water recirculating system. The fish were fed three isoenergetic and isoproteic diets formulated to contain increasing levels of TM meal inclusion and precisely: a control diet (TM0), in which fish meal was the main protein source; TM25 and TM50 diets, in which 25% and 50% of Tenebrio molitor larvae meal was added to the diet, respectively. These inclusion rates corresponded to 30% and 60% of inclusion on protein bases and 35% and 71% of fish meal substitution on protein bases for TM25 and TM50 diets, respectively. Each diet was randomly assigned to 3 tanks and the trial lasted 163 days. In the second trial, the apparent digestibility coefficients of the 3 diets were measured on 72 fish randomly distributed to 3 digestibility tank-units (24 fish per unit, average body weight: 86.97 ± 2.3 g) using an indirect method (acid insoluble ash). The group fed TM25 showed a higher (P < 0.05) final weight, specific growth rate, weight gain%, protein efficiency ratio, and a lower feed conversion ratio compared to the other 2 groups. The estimated apparent digestibility coefficients of crude protein and ether extract of the diets were lower (P < 0.01) in TM50 than in the other 2 groups. No significant differences have been found between TM0 and Tenebrio molitor larvae meal groups in morphometric and commodity-related characteristics, except for dressed yield and viscerosomatic index (VSI), that resulted the lowest and the highest, respectively, in TM50. The general evaluation of the results demonstrates that Tenebrio molitor larvae meal can replace fish meal up to 25% of inclusion in the diet for Sparus aurata without negative effects on weight gain, crude protein and ether extract digestibility, marketable indexes after 163 days of feeding. On the contrary, when Tenebrio molitor larvae meal was included at 50%, nutrients digestibility and dressed yield were penalized.

ACS Style

G. Piccolo; V. Iaconisi; S. Marono; L. Gasco; R. Loponte; S. Nizza; F. Bovera; G. Parisi. Effect of Tenebrio molitor larvae meal on growth performance, in vivo nutrients digestibility, somatic and marketable indexes of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata). Animal Feed Science and Technology 2017, 226, 12 -20.

AMA Style

G. Piccolo, V. Iaconisi, S. Marono, L. Gasco, R. Loponte, S. Nizza, F. Bovera, G. Parisi. Effect of Tenebrio molitor larvae meal on growth performance, in vivo nutrients digestibility, somatic and marketable indexes of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata). Animal Feed Science and Technology. 2017; 226 ():12-20.

Chicago/Turabian Style

G. Piccolo; V. Iaconisi; S. Marono; L. Gasco; R. Loponte; S. Nizza; F. Bovera; G. Parisi. 2017. "Effect of Tenebrio molitor larvae meal on growth performance, in vivo nutrients digestibility, somatic and marketable indexes of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata)." Animal Feed Science and Technology 226, no. : 12-20.

Journal article
Published: 01 February 2016 in Journal of Animal Science
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The aim of this research was to study the effect of insect meal from Tenebrio molitor larvae (Tenebrio molitor larvae meal [TML]) as complete replacement of soybean meal (SBM) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and carcass and meat traits of broilers. A total of eighty 30-d-old male Shaver brown broilers were homogenously divided into 2 groups (each consisting of 8 replicates of 5 birds). Up to 62 d of age, the groups were fed 2 isoproteic and isoenergetic diets differing for the ingredient used as the main protein source: the control group was fed a corn–SBM–based diet, whereas in the TML group, the SBM was completely replaced by TML. Broiler growth performance was measured during the trial. At 62 d of age, 2 broilers per replicate (16 per group) were slaughtered and apparent ileal digestibility coefficients and carcass and meat traits were determined. The use of TML as the main protein source in the broiler diet had no significant effect on most growth performance and carcass traits and chemical and physical properties of meat, the latter being important for marketing purposes. The feed conversion ratio in the entire experimental period (from 30 to 62 d) was improved in the TML group compared with the SBM group (P < 0.05). The apparent ileal digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, and CP in broilers fed the SBM diet were greater (P < 0.01) than the other group. The full digestive system in broilers fed SBM had a lower (P < 0.05) absolute and relative weight than that of broilers fed TML. Also, the weight and the percentage of the spleen in the SBM group were lower (P < 0.05) than those in the TML group. The length of the entire intestine in the group fed TML was greater (P < 0.05) than the other group and the same happened when intestinal length was expressed as percentage of broiler BW (P < 0.05). Among the different intestinal tracts, the ileum and ceca of broilers fed TML had a greater (P < 0.05) length than that of broilers fed SBM. Also, ceca weight (as an absolute value or percentage on live weight) in broilers fed TML was greater (P < 0.05) than that of broilers fed SBM. Breast pH and cooking losses in broilers fed TML were greater (P < 0.05) than those of broilers fed SBM. Chemical characteristic of meat obtained from right breast of slaughtered broilers were unaffected by dietary treatments. Tenebrio molitor larvae meal can be a suitable alternative protein source for growing broilers and also when used as principal protein contributor to the diet. Copyright © 2016. American Society of Animal Science.

ACS Style

F. Bovera; R. Loponte; S. Marono; G. Piccolo; Giuliana Parisi; V. Iaconisi; Laura Gasco; A. Nizza. Use of Tenebrio molitor larvae meal as protein source in broiler diet: Effect on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and carcass and meat traits. Journal of Animal Science 2016, 94, 639 -647.

AMA Style

F. Bovera, R. Loponte, S. Marono, G. Piccolo, Giuliana Parisi, V. Iaconisi, Laura Gasco, A. Nizza. Use of Tenebrio molitor larvae meal as protein source in broiler diet: Effect on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and carcass and meat traits. Journal of Animal Science. 2016; 94 (2):639-647.

Chicago/Turabian Style

F. Bovera; R. Loponte; S. Marono; G. Piccolo; Giuliana Parisi; V. Iaconisi; Laura Gasco; A. Nizza. 2016. "Use of Tenebrio molitor larvae meal as protein source in broiler diet: Effect on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and carcass and meat traits." Journal of Animal Science 94, no. 2: 639-647.

Journal article
Published: 01 January 2016 in Animal
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R. Tudisco; V. Mastellone; M. I. Cutrignelli; P. Lombardi; F. Bovera; N. Mirabella; G. Piccolo; S. Calabrò; L. Avallone; F. Infascelli. Fate of transgenic DNA and evaluation of metabolic effects in goats fed genetically modified soybean and in their offsprings – RETRACTION. Animal 2016, 10, 1076 -1.

AMA Style

R. Tudisco, V. Mastellone, M. I. Cutrignelli, P. Lombardi, F. Bovera, N. Mirabella, G. Piccolo, S. Calabrò, L. Avallone, F. Infascelli. Fate of transgenic DNA and evaluation of metabolic effects in goats fed genetically modified soybean and in their offsprings – RETRACTION. Animal. 2016; 10 (6):1076-1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

R. Tudisco; V. Mastellone; M. I. Cutrignelli; P. Lombardi; F. Bovera; N. Mirabella; G. Piccolo; S. Calabrò; L. Avallone; F. Infascelli. 2016. "Fate of transgenic DNA and evaluation of metabolic effects in goats fed genetically modified soybean and in their offsprings – RETRACTION." Animal 10, no. 6: 1076-1.

Journal article
Published: 15 October 2015 in British Poultry Science
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The aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with Tenebrio molitor larvae (TML) meal in broiler diets. A total of 80 30-d-old male Shaver brown broilers were divided into two groups fed on two isoproteic and isoenergetic diets differing for protein source (SBM vs. TML). Up to 62 d of age, body weight and feed intake were recorded weekly and body weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and European efficiency factor (EEF) were calculated. At 62 d, blood samples were collected from 16 birds/group for evaluation of blood profiles. Feed intake was not different between groups considering the entire period of the trial. The FCR was more favourable in the TML than SBM group from 46 d of age and in the entire period of the trial (4.13 vs. 3.62). The PER was higher in the SBM than in the TML group (1.92 vs. 1.37) while the EEF was higher in broilers fed on the TML diet (132.6 vs. 156.2). Albumin-to-globulin ratio was higher in broilers fed on SBM than in the other group (0.44 vs. 0.30). aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were higher in TML than SBM (195.1 vs. 178.6 U/l and 82.07 vs. 46.71 U/l, respectively). Uric acid was higher in broilers fed on SBM than TML (5.40 vs. 4.16 mg/dl). TML did not affect feed intake and growth rate of broilers from 30 to 62 d of age when compared to an isoproteic and isoenergetic SBM diet, but FCR of the TML group was more favourable than that of the SBM group. The lowest albumin-to-globulin ratio in broilers fed on TML suggests a higher immune response, probably due to the prebiotic effects of chitin.

ACS Style

F. Bovera; G. Piccolo; Laura Gasco; S. Marono; Rosa Loponte; G. Vassalotti; Vincenzo Mastellone; Pietro Lombardi; Youssef Attia; A. Nizza. Yellow mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor, L.) as a possible alternative to soybean meal in broiler diets. British Poultry Science 2015, 56, 1 -7.

AMA Style

F. Bovera, G. Piccolo, Laura Gasco, S. Marono, Rosa Loponte, G. Vassalotti, Vincenzo Mastellone, Pietro Lombardi, Youssef Attia, A. Nizza. Yellow mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor, L.) as a possible alternative to soybean meal in broiler diets. British Poultry Science. 2015; 56 (5):1-7.

Chicago/Turabian Style

F. Bovera; G. Piccolo; Laura Gasco; S. Marono; Rosa Loponte; G. Vassalotti; Vincenzo Mastellone; Pietro Lombardi; Youssef Attia; A. Nizza. 2015. "Yellow mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor, L.) as a possible alternative to soybean meal in broiler diets." British Poultry Science 56, no. 5: 1-7.

Review
Published: 01 May 2015 in Animal Feed Science and Technology
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M. Henry; Laura Gasco; G. Piccolo; Eleni Fountoulaki. Review on the use of insects in the diet of farmed fish: Past and future. Animal Feed Science and Technology 2015, 203, 1 -22.

AMA Style

M. Henry, Laura Gasco, G. Piccolo, Eleni Fountoulaki. Review on the use of insects in the diet of farmed fish: Past and future. Animal Feed Science and Technology. 2015; 203 ():1-22.

Chicago/Turabian Style

M. Henry; Laura Gasco; G. Piccolo; Eleni Fountoulaki. 2015. "Review on the use of insects in the diet of farmed fish: Past and future." Animal Feed Science and Technology 203, no. : 1-22.

Journal article
Published: 01 April 2015 in Aquaculture International
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The effects of mannanoligosaccharides (MOS) and inulin (INU) inclusion (8 g kg−1) in a soybean meal (SBM)-containing diet on histology, macro- and micromorphology of proximal and distal intestine of sharpsnout seabream (Diplodus puntazzo) were evaluated. 144 sharpsnout seabream (100 g average initial body weight) were fed with 4 isolipidic and isoproteic diets. At the end of the experimental period (114 days), four fish per diet were randomly sampled. The partial substitution of fish meal (FM) with SBM affected the intestine histology and macromorphology of sharpsnout seabream and modified the enterocyte parameters. The addition of prebiotics has not produced positive effects, leading in some cases to a worsening, especially for INU diet that markedly altered the intestine histology. The micromorphological values were in both proximal and distal intestines significantly affected by the diet: in proximal tract, the nucleus was closer to the apex of the enterocyte in soy-fed fish (SBM, IMU, MOS diets), while fish fed with MOS diet showed the lowest value of enterocyte height, significantly different from the FM diet. In distal tract of intestine, fish fed with FM diet showed the highest value for all considered parameters, while MOS diet resulted in the lowest enterocyte height and supranucleus height among the four diets. SBM-containing diets (SBM, IMU, MOS) resulted in lower values than FM diet for the features of enterocyte nucleus. Microvilli height was not affected by the diet in both proximal and distal tracts. In conclusion in this study, the partial substitution of FM with SBM (40 % on protein basis) induced inflammatory reaction of the gut in sharpsnout seabream, evidenced by histological analysis and changes in morphometric characters of villi and enterocytes, not amended by the addition of MOS and even worsened in the case of inulin.

ACS Style

Ermete Ferrara; Andrea Gustinelli; Maria Letizia Fioravanti; Brunella Restucci; Francesco Quaglio; Stefania Marono; Giovanni Piccolo. Histological and micro-/macro-morphological evaluation of intestine in sharpsnout seabream (Diplodus puntazzo) fed soybean meal-based diets added with MOS and inulin as prebiotics. Aquaculture International 2015, 23, 1525 -1537.

AMA Style

Ermete Ferrara, Andrea Gustinelli, Maria Letizia Fioravanti, Brunella Restucci, Francesco Quaglio, Stefania Marono, Giovanni Piccolo. Histological and micro-/macro-morphological evaluation of intestine in sharpsnout seabream (Diplodus puntazzo) fed soybean meal-based diets added with MOS and inulin as prebiotics. Aquaculture International. 2015; 23 (6):1525-1537.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ermete Ferrara; Andrea Gustinelli; Maria Letizia Fioravanti; Brunella Restucci; Francesco Quaglio; Stefania Marono; Giovanni Piccolo. 2015. "Histological and micro-/macro-morphological evaluation of intestine in sharpsnout seabream (Diplodus puntazzo) fed soybean meal-based diets added with MOS and inulin as prebiotics." Aquaculture International 23, no. 6: 1525-1537.

Nutrition and metabolism
Published: 04 July 2014 in British Poultry Science
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1. The aim of this study was to assess regression equations able to predict the digestible energy (DE) and gross energy digestibility (GEd) of feed ingredients and diets for ostriches. 2. Results of chemical-nutritional characteristics from 17 ingredients (two varieties of maize, two barleys, oat, triticale, wheat bran, soybean meal, sunflower meal, beet pulp, maize silage, alfalfa hay, 4 alfalfa meals and lupin) and 12 experimental diets were used in a stepwise procedure. 3. Acid detergent lignin (ADL) was the first independent variable included in the model to predict the DE of all the samples (R2 = 0.65 and Residual Standard Deviation (RSD) 1.02). When the concentration of ash, acid detergent fibre (ADF) and crude fibre were included in the model, the R2 value of the regression equation increased (from 0.65 to 0.85) and RSD decreased (from 1.02 to 0.48). 4. The ADL concentration was also the first independent variable chosen by the stepwise regression analysis for the estimation of GEd from chemical-nutritional characteristics of feeds, explaining 57% of the total GEd variation. The concentrations of crude protein and ADF included at the second and third steps in the model increased the R2 (up to 0.70 and 0.73, respectively) and decreased the RSD values (from 0.29 to 0.21 and 0.20, respectively). When other variables as crude fibre, ash and gross energy were included in the model, the coefficient of determination and the RSD strongly improved (0.85 and 0.12, respectively).

ACS Style

F. Bovera; S. Nizza; Youssef Attia; C. Di Meo; G. Piccolo; A. Nizza. Prediction of digestible energy and gross energy digestibility of feeds and diets in ostriches. British Poultry Science 2014, 55, 518 -523.

AMA Style

F. Bovera, S. Nizza, Youssef Attia, C. Di Meo, G. Piccolo, A. Nizza. Prediction of digestible energy and gross energy digestibility of feeds and diets in ostriches. British Poultry Science. 2014; 55 (4):518-523.

Chicago/Turabian Style

F. Bovera; S. Nizza; Youssef Attia; C. Di Meo; G. Piccolo; A. Nizza. 2014. "Prediction of digestible energy and gross energy digestibility of feeds and diets in ostriches." British Poultry Science 55, no. 4: 518-523.

Randomized controlled trial
Published: 01 January 2013 in Animal
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The study investigates the effects of a post-weaning water restriction on performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass traits and meat quality of 84-day-old rabbits. A total of 1388 weaned rabbits (35 days) were randomly divided into two groups on the basis of BW and sex. The two groups were fed the same diets ad libitum both in the post-weaning (35 to 60 days) and fattening (61 to 84 days) periods. In the post-weaning period, one group (AL) also received drinking water ad libitum, whereas the other (WR) had a water restriction from 35 to 41 days 2 h/day; from 42 to 48 days 2.5 h/day; from 49 to 55 days 3 h/day; and from 56 to 60 days 4 h/day. During the fattening period, both groups had water-free access. Individual live weights and feed intake per cage were recorded weekly for 32 cages randomly chosen per group (64 rabbits) to calculate the BW gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The apparent digestibility values of nutrients were measured using acid-insoluble ash. Carcass data were collected from 16 rabbits (8 males and 8 females) per group selected for similar final BW in both groups. Mortality from 35 to 60 days was higher in the AL group (10.1% v. 5.2%, for AL and WR, respectively, P < 0.0001). BW gain was higher for the AL group during both the post-weaning (+22.4%, P < 0.01) and the entire period (+7.5%, P < 0.05). Water restriction reduced feed intake both in the post-weaning (-17.4%, P < 0.0001) and in the entire period (-9.9%, P < 0.05). During the fattening period, FCR was lower for the WR group (5.15 v. 5.75 g/g, for WR and AL, respectively, P < 0.05). The apparent digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter, NDF, ADF and cellulose were greater in the restricted rabbits (+4.7%, +4.5%, +10.2%, +18.8% and +12.8%, P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.05, P < 0.01, P < 0.05, respectively). Perirenal and scapular fat percentages were higher in the AL rabbits (+30.7% and +116.6%, P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively). Water restriction increased saturated fatty acids (C16:0, +12.9%, P < 0.05), lauroleic acid (C12:1, +75.0%, P < 0.01), n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (C20:5, +50.0%, P < 0.01 and C22:5, +16.6%, P < 0.05) and the n-3/n-6 ratio (+28.6%, P < 0.05). The applied water restriction between 35 and 60 days executed during the winter months improved the digestive health of rabbits, with no negative effects on carcass traits, or physical and chemical meat characteristics. However, from the animal welfare point of view, a water restriction can be criticized as a method to restrict feed intake. RI Attia, Youssef/I-7231-2013 OI Attia, Youssef/0000-0001-6505-324

ACS Style

F. Bovera; A. Lestingi; G. Piccolo; F. Iannaccone; Youssef Attia; A. Tateo. Effects of water restriction on growth performance, feed nutrient digestibility, carcass and meat traits of rabbits. Animal 2013, 7, 1600 -1606.

AMA Style

F. Bovera, A. Lestingi, G. Piccolo, F. Iannaccone, Youssef Attia, A. Tateo. Effects of water restriction on growth performance, feed nutrient digestibility, carcass and meat traits of rabbits. Animal. 2013; 7 (10):1600-1606.

Chicago/Turabian Style

F. Bovera; A. Lestingi; G. Piccolo; F. Iannaccone; Youssef Attia; A. Tateo. 2013. "Effects of water restriction on growth performance, feed nutrient digestibility, carcass and meat traits of rabbits." Animal 7, no. 10: 1600-1606.

Journal article
Published: 13 December 2011 in Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition
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The in vitro gas production technique was applied to evaluate the biological activity of tannins in sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) hay cut at four progressive phenological stages. The buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) rumen fluid was used as inoculum, polyethylene glycol (PEG) was added as specific binding agent and an alfalfa hay (AH) was used as control. All samples were analysed for chemical composition and condensed tannin (CTs). According to the phenological stage of sainfoin, crude protein gradually decreased [from 219 to 122 g/kg dry matter (DM)] and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) increased (from 391 to 514 g/kg DM). Condensed tannins showed the highest value at the first phenological stage [31.5 mg catechin equivalents (CE)/g DM], and their level significantly decreased at the subsequent growth stages. Gas production and fermentation rate were significantly affected by substrate type and PEG addition. The first stage of sainfoin showed the lowest value of gas and volatile fatty acids production and the slowest fermentation kinetics compared with the other samples, when incubated without PEG, because of the CTs effect. The incubation with PEG improved the fermentation process of the first stage of sainfoin, but no effect was registered on AH, where CTs were not detected. Among the sainfoin samples, the slowest kinetics with PEG was observed in the hay harvested at the fourth stage, probably due to its chemical composition. The use of PEG allowed to verify the effect of tannins on the in vitro fermentation characteristics of sainfoin hay.

ACS Style

S. Calabrò; A. Guglielmelli; F. Iannaccone; P. P. Danieli; R. Tudisco; C. Ruggiero; G. Piccolo; Monica Isabella Cutrignelli; Federico Infascelli. Fermentation kinetics of sainfoin hay with and without PEG. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition 2011, 96, 842 -849.

AMA Style

S. Calabrò, A. Guglielmelli, F. Iannaccone, P. P. Danieli, R. Tudisco, C. Ruggiero, G. Piccolo, Monica Isabella Cutrignelli, Federico Infascelli. Fermentation kinetics of sainfoin hay with and without PEG. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition. 2011; 96 (5):842-849.

Chicago/Turabian Style

S. Calabrò; A. Guglielmelli; F. Iannaccone; P. P. Danieli; R. Tudisco; C. Ruggiero; G. Piccolo; Monica Isabella Cutrignelli; Federico Infascelli. 2011. "Fermentation kinetics of sainfoin hay with and without PEG." Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition 96, no. 5: 842-849.