This page has only limited features, please log in for full access.

Unclaimed
Luigi Liotta
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Palatucci, 13, 98168 Messina, Italy

Honors and Awards

The user has no records in this section


Career Timeline

The user has no records in this section.


Short Biography

The user biography is not available.
Following
Followers
Co Authors
The list of users this user is following is empty.
Following: 0 users

Feed

Journal article
Published: 12 August 2021 in Animals
Reads 0
Downloads 0

This study aimed to determine the thyroid and lipid profiles in 30 Nicastrese goats, along different physiological periods: before mating (nonpregnant goats), during the whole pregnancy (pregnant goats), and during postpartum and early lactation (milking goats). Blood samples were collected monthly from March 2020 to January 2021. Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), total and free triiodothyronine (T3, fT3), and thyroxine (T4, fT4) concentrations were measured using immunoenzymatic assay kits and serum lipid panels (triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (tCho)) by enzymatic colorimetric method; very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL Cho) was calculated. Pregnant and milking goats showed the lower T3 (p< 0.0002) and T4 (p< 0.0005) concentrations, with lower BCS (p< 0.001) only in pregnant ones. Milking goats showed tCho (p< 0.006) concentrations lower than nonpregnant ones, and TG and VLDL Cho (p< 0.001) lower than both pregnant and nonpregnant goats. T4:T3 and T3:fT3 were significantly and positively correlated in both pregnancy and lactation. Under similar environmental, nutrition, and management conditions, different physiological phases play a significant role in the thyroid and lipid profiles in Nicastrese goats. These endocrine and metabolic resources could contribute to the knowledge useful for the salvage of this endangered, local, native breed.

ACS Style

Luigi Liotta; Arianna Bionda; Marco Quartuccio; Floro De Nardo; Rosanna Visalli; Esterina Fazio. Thyroid and Lipidic Profiles in Nicastrese Goats (Capra hircus) during Pregnancy and Postpartum Period. Animals 2021, 11, 2386 .

AMA Style

Luigi Liotta, Arianna Bionda, Marco Quartuccio, Floro De Nardo, Rosanna Visalli, Esterina Fazio. Thyroid and Lipidic Profiles in Nicastrese Goats (Capra hircus) during Pregnancy and Postpartum Period. Animals. 2021; 11 (8):2386.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Luigi Liotta; Arianna Bionda; Marco Quartuccio; Floro De Nardo; Rosanna Visalli; Esterina Fazio. 2021. "Thyroid and Lipidic Profiles in Nicastrese Goats (Capra hircus) during Pregnancy and Postpartum Period." Animals 11, no. 8: 2386.

Brief report
Published: 03 June 2021 in Chronobiology International
Reads 0
Downloads 0

The effect of seasonal variation and lunar cycles on reproductive parameters in dogs is unknown. Lunar cycles have important effects on several biological events. Controversy exists about the influence of lunar cycles on offspring sex ratio. This study examined the sex offspring distribution of 973 puppies (48% females and 52% males) from 150 bitches in Italy between 2015 and 2020. A two-way ANOVA followed by post-hoc t-test (Bonferroni correction) was used to analyze the influence of season and lunar phase on offspring sex ratio at conception. Sex offspring distribution was not affected by season, whereas lunar phase had a significant effect (p< .05). During the new moon, the proportion of male puppies born was significantly lower than during the full moon phase (p < .05). We conclude that season had no effect on sex offspring distribution. The new moon phase at conception appeared to be related to a lower male sex ratio at birth. Further studies assessing additional factors will help provide a better understanding of the lunar cycle differences observed in the sex ratio distribution of dogs.

ACS Style

Daniela Alberghina; Mauro Gioè; Marco Quartuccio; Luigi Liotta. The influence of lunar cycle at the time of conception on sex offspring distribution in dogs. Chronobiology International 2021, 1 -5.

AMA Style

Daniela Alberghina, Mauro Gioè, Marco Quartuccio, Luigi Liotta. The influence of lunar cycle at the time of conception on sex offspring distribution in dogs. Chronobiology International. 2021; ():1-5.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Daniela Alberghina; Mauro Gioè; Marco Quartuccio; Luigi Liotta. 2021. "The influence of lunar cycle at the time of conception on sex offspring distribution in dogs." Chronobiology International , no. : 1-5.

Journal article
Published: 28 May 2021 in FEMS Microbiology Letters
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Nicastrese is an indigenous Italian goat breed reared in the Calabria region under semi-extensive practices. From January to June, the milk yield of 400 multiparous Nicastrese goats was evaluated. In addition, tank milk and ripened cheese samples were subjected to physico-chemical and microbiological analyses with the aim to assess the effect of the seasonality on quality parameters. The volatile organic compounds profile of the ripened Nicastrese cheese samples was evaluated. Results showed that the seasonality had a significant effect on milk fat, lactose, urea, citric acid contents and acidity. Microbiological analysis of tank milk samples revealed variability among the different microbial groups investigated except for Escherichia coli. In addition, faecal coliforms and Listeria spp. were never detected. Regarding 60 days ripened cheese samples, almost all microbial groups showed a significant decrease during the analysed period, with the exception of Enterobacteria. It is interesting to note that Escherichia coli and Listeria spp. were not detected in any cheese sample investigated, confirming the cheese safety. Overall, volatile organic compounds, detected on cheese samples, decreased trough the investigated period and this behavior could be related to the feeding quality and to the milk's goat nutritional components.

ACS Style

Alessandra Pino; Luigi Liotta; Cinzia Caggia; Vincenzo Chiofalo; Floro De Nardo; Alessandro Zumbo; Aldo Todaro; Cinzia Lucia Randazzo. Effect of seasonality on physico-chemical and microbiological properties of nicastrese milk and artisanal cheese. FEMS Microbiology Letters 2021, 368, 1 .

AMA Style

Alessandra Pino, Luigi Liotta, Cinzia Caggia, Vincenzo Chiofalo, Floro De Nardo, Alessandro Zumbo, Aldo Todaro, Cinzia Lucia Randazzo. Effect of seasonality on physico-chemical and microbiological properties of nicastrese milk and artisanal cheese. FEMS Microbiology Letters. 2021; 368 (10):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Alessandra Pino; Luigi Liotta; Cinzia Caggia; Vincenzo Chiofalo; Floro De Nardo; Alessandro Zumbo; Aldo Todaro; Cinzia Lucia Randazzo. 2021. "Effect of seasonality on physico-chemical and microbiological properties of nicastrese milk and artisanal cheese." FEMS Microbiology Letters 368, no. 10: 1.

Journal article
Published: 17 May 2021 in Animals
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is responsible for splenic pathological changes. The main features detectable from ultrasound examination are splenomegaly and diffuse alterations of the echostructure. The study aimed to highlight whether these ultrasound changes are related to the severity of the disease or to a modification of splenic microvascularization that can be detected in vivo through contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS). Twenty-five adult dogs tested for CanL were enrolled in this prospective, controlled study and staged according to LeishVet guidelines. Bidimensional ultrasonography revealed that splenomegaly was seen in 50% of the affected dogs, and diffuse parenchymal changes were seen in more than 60% of dogs with splenomegaly, showing a positive correlation with severity of the disease; therefore, splenomegaly could be of prognostic significance. CEUS showed that a persistent heterogeneous distribution pattern appeared only in spleens with diffuse echostructure alterations. The evaluation of quantitative CEUS parameters regarding the volume and velocity of flow in three regions of interest did not show differences between affected and control dogs. Diffuse spleen microvascular modifications evidenced by CEUS were reported for the first time in dogs with CanL. In endemic areas, CanL could be included in the differential diagnoses list when detecting splenic alterations in dogs.

ACS Style

Massimo De Majo; Giulia Donato; Marisa Masucci; Cyndi Mangano; Maria Persichetti; Luigi Liotta; Giuseppe Mazzullo; Rosanna Visalli; Marco Quartuccio; Nicola Iannelli; Santo Cristarella; Maria Pennisi. Bidimensional and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography of the Spleen in Dogs Affected by Leishmaniosis. Animals 2021, 11, 1437 .

AMA Style

Massimo De Majo, Giulia Donato, Marisa Masucci, Cyndi Mangano, Maria Persichetti, Luigi Liotta, Giuseppe Mazzullo, Rosanna Visalli, Marco Quartuccio, Nicola Iannelli, Santo Cristarella, Maria Pennisi. Bidimensional and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography of the Spleen in Dogs Affected by Leishmaniosis. Animals. 2021; 11 (5):1437.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Massimo De Majo; Giulia Donato; Marisa Masucci; Cyndi Mangano; Maria Persichetti; Luigi Liotta; Giuseppe Mazzullo; Rosanna Visalli; Marco Quartuccio; Nicola Iannelli; Santo Cristarella; Maria Pennisi. 2021. "Bidimensional and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography of the Spleen in Dogs Affected by Leishmaniosis." Animals 11, no. 5: 1437.

Journal article
Published: 07 February 2021 in Animals
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Sex-associated hormones such as testosterone have been demonstrated to modulate immune responses, which can result in different disease outcomes. The present study was aimed at evaluating the efficacy of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone GnRH agonist implant as deslorelin acetate in association with meglumine antimoniate plus allopurinol in dogs with canine leishmaniosis (CanL). Twenty-two dogs with CanL confirmed by clinical findings and laboratory tests were included in the study. Dogs were randomized into two groups. A control group (CTR, n = 12) was treated with meglumine antimoniate 50 mg/kg SC q 12 h for 28 days plus allopurinol at 10 mg/kg PO q 12 h for the whole study period (six months). An experimental group was treated with allopurinol and meglumine antimoniate, plus an implant of 4.7 mg deslorelin acetate (DES, n = 10). The animals were observed for three months, during which clinical evaluation, indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) titre and testosterone assay were performed on time at day (D)0, 90 and 180. A significantly lower clinical score was recorded in DES than in CTR (p < 0.01) at D90 and D180 (p < 0.01). After 180 days of treatment (D180), a significant reduction of mean levels of IFAT was observed in the DES group (p = 0.03). A highly significant reduction of testosterone (p = 0.01) was observed in the DES group during the study. No statistical correlation between clinical scores, IFAT titres and testosterone within two groups was observed. Data suggested that the agonist of GnRH may be useful in the treatment of CanL.

ACS Style

Michela Pugliese; Vito Biondi; Marco Quartuccio; Santo Cristarella; Giovanni Emmanuele; Gabriele Marino; Luigi Liotta; Annamaria Passantino. Use of GnRH Agonist in Dogs Affected with Leishmaniosis. Animals 2021, 11, 432 .

AMA Style

Michela Pugliese, Vito Biondi, Marco Quartuccio, Santo Cristarella, Giovanni Emmanuele, Gabriele Marino, Luigi Liotta, Annamaria Passantino. Use of GnRH Agonist in Dogs Affected with Leishmaniosis. Animals. 2021; 11 (2):432.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Michela Pugliese; Vito Biondi; Marco Quartuccio; Santo Cristarella; Giovanni Emmanuele; Gabriele Marino; Luigi Liotta; Annamaria Passantino. 2021. "Use of GnRH Agonist in Dogs Affected with Leishmaniosis." Animals 11, no. 2: 432.

Journal article
Published: 15 January 2021 in Microorganisms
Reads 0
Downloads 0

The present study aimed at selecting non-starter lactic acid bacteria strains, with desirable technological and enzymatic activities, suitable as adjunct culture for the Provola dei Nebrodi cheese production. One hundred and twenty-one lactic acid bacteria, isolated from traditional Provola dei Nebrodi cheese samples, were genetically identified by Rep-PCR genomic fingerprinting, using the (GTG)5-primer, and by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Twenty-seven strains, included in the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) list, were tested for technological and proteinase/peptidase activities. Results showed that technological features and flavour formation abilities were strain-dependent. Among the selected strains, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei PN 76 and Limosilactobacillus fermentum PN 101 were used as adjunct culture in pilot-scale cheese-making trials. Data revealed that adjunct cultures positively affected the flavour development of cheese, starting from 30 days of ripening, contributing to the formation of key flavour compounds. The volatile organic compound profiles of experimental cheeses was significantly different from those generated in the controls, suggesting that the selected adjunct strains were able to accelerate the flavour development, contributing to a unique profile of Provola dei Nebrodi cheese

ACS Style

Cinzia Randazzo; Luigi Liotta; Maria Angelis; Giuseppe Celano; Nunziatina Russo; Koenraad Hoorde; Vincenzo Chiofalo; Alessandra Pino; Cinzia Caggia. Adjunct Culture of Non-Starter Lactic Acid Bacteria for the Production of Provola Dei Nebrodi PDO Cheese: In Vitro Screening and Pilot-Scale Cheese-Making. Microorganisms 2021, 9, 179 .

AMA Style

Cinzia Randazzo, Luigi Liotta, Maria Angelis, Giuseppe Celano, Nunziatina Russo, Koenraad Hoorde, Vincenzo Chiofalo, Alessandra Pino, Cinzia Caggia. Adjunct Culture of Non-Starter Lactic Acid Bacteria for the Production of Provola Dei Nebrodi PDO Cheese: In Vitro Screening and Pilot-Scale Cheese-Making. Microorganisms. 2021; 9 (1):179.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Cinzia Randazzo; Luigi Liotta; Maria Angelis; Giuseppe Celano; Nunziatina Russo; Koenraad Hoorde; Vincenzo Chiofalo; Alessandra Pino; Cinzia Caggia. 2021. "Adjunct Culture of Non-Starter Lactic Acid Bacteria for the Production of Provola Dei Nebrodi PDO Cheese: In Vitro Screening and Pilot-Scale Cheese-Making." Microorganisms 9, no. 1: 179.

Journal article
Published: 01 January 2021 in Italian Journal of Animal Science
Reads 0
Downloads 0
ACS Style

Marco Quartuccio; Esterina Fazio; Pietro Medica; Santo Cristarella; Giovanni Emmanuele; Letizia Sinagra; Luigi Liotta. Correlation between sperm parameters and circulating thyroid hormones and testosterone concentrations in Labrador Retriever dog. Italian Journal of Animal Science 2021, 20, 947 -954.

AMA Style

Marco Quartuccio, Esterina Fazio, Pietro Medica, Santo Cristarella, Giovanni Emmanuele, Letizia Sinagra, Luigi Liotta. Correlation between sperm parameters and circulating thyroid hormones and testosterone concentrations in Labrador Retriever dog. Italian Journal of Animal Science. 2021; 20 (1):947-954.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Marco Quartuccio; Esterina Fazio; Pietro Medica; Santo Cristarella; Giovanni Emmanuele; Letizia Sinagra; Luigi Liotta. 2021. "Correlation between sperm parameters and circulating thyroid hormones and testosterone concentrations in Labrador Retriever dog." Italian Journal of Animal Science 20, no. 1: 947-954.

Papers
Published: 01 January 2021 in Italian Journal of Animal Science
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Cirneco dell’Etna is an old Italian breed of scent hunting dogs. Commonly used genomic measures such as heterozygosity, fixation indexes, and runs of homozygosity can help to improve knowledge about its genetic diversity. This study aimed to: (i) investigate Cirneco’s genomic background, (ii) quantify its genomic inbreeding, and (iii) detect genomic regions differentiating the Cirneco’s two allowed coat colours, self-coloured fawn and tan and white. Canine 230 K SNP BeadChips was used to investigate 24 Cirneco (19 self-coloured fawn, and 5 tan and white) and other 106 dogs from eight phylogenetically and historically related breeds. The genetic distance, ancestry, and relationship among breeds were explored by multidimensional scaling, Reynolds distances, phylogenetic tree, and admixture analysis. The genomic inbreeding (F ROH) was calculated for each breed. Averaged Wright’s fixation index F ¯ ST was used to identify the genes that most differentiated the two groups of Cirneco. All analyses highlighted that Segugio Italiano and Kelb tal Fenek are the closest breeds to Cirneco. Within the breed, tan and white subjects showed a more heterogeneous genetic background and a lower inbreeding in comparison with self-coloured fawn ones, even though more than half of the latter presented a superimposable admixture. The gene that most differentiated these two groups is Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor (MITF), previously associated with white spotting in other breeds. Given the small size of the Cirneco population and its open registry, its management should carefully combine morphological and genealogical evaluations with genetic tools to identify the best breeders while maintaining an acceptable genetic pool.

ACS Style

Matteo Cortellari; Arianna Bionda; Andrea Talenti; Simone Ceccobelli; George Attard; Emiliano Lasagna; Paola Crepaldi; Luigi Liotta. Genomic variability of Cirneco dell’Etna and the genetic distance with other dog breeds. Italian Journal of Animal Science 2021, 20, 304 -314.

AMA Style

Matteo Cortellari, Arianna Bionda, Andrea Talenti, Simone Ceccobelli, George Attard, Emiliano Lasagna, Paola Crepaldi, Luigi Liotta. Genomic variability of Cirneco dell’Etna and the genetic distance with other dog breeds. Italian Journal of Animal Science. 2021; 20 (1):304-314.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Matteo Cortellari; Arianna Bionda; Andrea Talenti; Simone Ceccobelli; George Attard; Emiliano Lasagna; Paola Crepaldi; Luigi Liotta. 2021. "Genomic variability of Cirneco dell’Etna and the genetic distance with other dog breeds." Italian Journal of Animal Science 20, no. 1: 304-314.

Papers
Published: 01 January 2021 in Italian Journal of Animal Science
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Several studies have recently investigated the birth weight of puppies from different pure-bred dogs. In general, birth weight decreased with litter size but there has been limited investigation into factors influencing growth during early development. The first month of life includes three stages of puppy development: neonatal (0–13 days), transitional (14–20 days), and first week of socialisation period (21–28 days). The aim of this study was to evaluate bodyweight and growth rate of 120 Labrador Retriever (LR) puppies during early development. Puppies from 19 show-line bitches under standardised composition of diet during pregnancy and lactation were involved in this study. Puppies were weighed weekly from birth to 28 days using an electronic digital balance. Relative weight gain (ΔW) was calculated for the neonatal period [ΔW1 = (Wday14-Wday0)/Wday0], transition period [ΔW2 = (Wday21-Wday14)/Wday14] and first week of socialisation period [ΔW2 = (Wday28-Wday21)/Wday21]. The effects of covariates on ΔW were assessed using generalised linear mixed models. Sex and photoperiod had no impact on relative weight gain, whereas litter size had a significant effect at ΔW1 (p < .01) but not at ΔW2 and at ΔW3. Relative weight gain was slightly lower in puppies from larger litter born during short photoperiod on ΔW1. A deeper knowledge of the factors that significantly influence weight gain during the first four weeks of life could be useful for physiological and behavioural science as well as for canine breeding management.

ACS Style

Daniela Alberghina; Mauro Gioè; Marco Quartuccio; Giovanni Majolino; Luigi Liotta. Puppy growth rate during early periods of labrador retriever development: role of litter size and photoperiod of birth. Italian Journal of Animal Science 2021, 20, 26 -32.

AMA Style

Daniela Alberghina, Mauro Gioè, Marco Quartuccio, Giovanni Majolino, Luigi Liotta. Puppy growth rate during early periods of labrador retriever development: role of litter size and photoperiod of birth. Italian Journal of Animal Science. 2021; 20 (1):26-32.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Daniela Alberghina; Mauro Gioè; Marco Quartuccio; Giovanni Majolino; Luigi Liotta. 2021. "Puppy growth rate during early periods of labrador retriever development: role of litter size and photoperiod of birth." Italian Journal of Animal Science 20, no. 1: 26-32.

Communication
Published: 11 September 2020 in Pathogens
Reads 0
Downloads 0

The pandemic respiratory disease COVID-19, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), emerged in Wuhan in December 2019 and then spread throughout the world; Italy was the most affected European country. Despite close pet–human contact, little is known about the predisposition of pets to SARS-CoV-2. Among these, felines are the most susceptible. In this study, a domestic cat with clear clinical signs of pneumonia, confirmed by Rx imaging, was found to be infected by SARS-CoV-2 using quantitative RT–qPCR from a nasal swab. This is the first Italian study responding to the request of the scientific community to focus attention on the possible role of pets as a viral reservoir. An important question remains unanswered: did the cat actually die due to SARS-CoV-2 infection?

ACS Style

Nicolò Musso; Angelita Costantino; Sebastiano La Spina; Alessandra Finocchiaro; Francesca Andronico; Stefano Stracquadanio; Luigi Liotta; Rosanna Visalli; Giovanni Emmanuele. New SARS-CoV-2 Infection Detected in an Italian Pet Cat by RT-qPCR from Deep Pharyngeal Swab. Pathogens 2020, 9, 746 .

AMA Style

Nicolò Musso, Angelita Costantino, Sebastiano La Spina, Alessandra Finocchiaro, Francesca Andronico, Stefano Stracquadanio, Luigi Liotta, Rosanna Visalli, Giovanni Emmanuele. New SARS-CoV-2 Infection Detected in an Italian Pet Cat by RT-qPCR from Deep Pharyngeal Swab. Pathogens. 2020; 9 (9):746.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Nicolò Musso; Angelita Costantino; Sebastiano La Spina; Alessandra Finocchiaro; Francesca Andronico; Stefano Stracquadanio; Luigi Liotta; Rosanna Visalli; Giovanni Emmanuele. 2020. "New SARS-CoV-2 Infection Detected in an Italian Pet Cat by RT-qPCR from Deep Pharyngeal Swab." Pathogens 9, no. 9: 746.

Journal article
Published: 07 August 2020 in Animals
Reads 0
Downloads 0

In cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH)–pyometra syndrome, toxic factors and endometrial remodeling culminate in changes characterized by exudative and degenerative inflammatory reaction. Recent studies on hemodynamic found an increased blood flow and lower vascular resistance in uterine arteries, suggesting color Doppler ultrasound as an adjunctive tool for quantitative assessment of endometrial vascularization during pyometra. The aim of this study was to assess, through contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) exam, the vascularization in endometrial microvessels in CEH-pyometra in order to evaluate the possibility of application in this syndrome. In twelve female dogs with clinical symptoms related to pyometra, B-mode, color Doppler and CEUS exams were performed. In CEH-pyometra uteri, histopathological examination revealed severe CEH and pyometra, immunohistochemical stain with CD 34 confirmed the presence of angiogenesis. CEUS exams revealed a widespread, intense and rapidly developing homogeneous enhancement of the hyperplastic endometrium, with absence of signal only in cystic areas. All parameters of the quantitative analysis were not significantly influenced by region of interest dimension and position. CEUS has the potential to improve clinical not invasive evaluations in the CEH-pyometra syndrome and virtually in CEH-mucometra.

ACS Style

Marco Quartuccio; Luigi Liotta; Santo Cristarella; Giovanni Lanteri; Antonio Ieni; Tiziana D’Arrigo; Massimo De Majo. Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Cystic Endometrial Hyperplasia–Pyometra Complex in the Bitch: A Preliminary Study. Animals 2020, 10, 1368 .

AMA Style

Marco Quartuccio, Luigi Liotta, Santo Cristarella, Giovanni Lanteri, Antonio Ieni, Tiziana D’Arrigo, Massimo De Majo. Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Cystic Endometrial Hyperplasia–Pyometra Complex in the Bitch: A Preliminary Study. Animals. 2020; 10 (8):1368.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Marco Quartuccio; Luigi Liotta; Santo Cristarella; Giovanni Lanteri; Antonio Ieni; Tiziana D’Arrigo; Massimo De Majo. 2020. "Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Cystic Endometrial Hyperplasia–Pyometra Complex in the Bitch: A Preliminary Study." Animals 10, no. 8: 1368.

Preprint
Published: 17 July 2020
Reads 0
Downloads 0

The pandemic respiratory disease COVID-19, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), emerged in Wuhan in December 2019 and then spread throughout the world; Italy was the most affected European country. Despite the close pet-human contact, little is known about the predisposition of pets to SARS-CoV-2. Among these, felines are the most susceptible. In this study, a domestic cat with clear symptoms of pneumonia, confirmed by Rx imaging, was found to be infected by SARS-CoV-2 using quantitative RT–qPCR from a nasal swab. This is the first Italian study reporting on the request of the scientific community to focus attention on the possible role of pets as a SARS-CoV-2 reservoir. An important question remains unanswered: did the cat die from SARS-CoV-2 infection?

ACS Style

Nicolò Musso; Angelita Costantino; Sebastiano La Spina; Alessandra Finocchiaro; Francesca Andronico; Stefano Stracquadanio; Luigi Liotta; Rosanna Visalli; Giovanni Emmanuele. New SARS-CoV-2 Infection in a Pet Cat with Severe Lung Disease in Italy. 2020, 1 .

AMA Style

Nicolò Musso, Angelita Costantino, Sebastiano La Spina, Alessandra Finocchiaro, Francesca Andronico, Stefano Stracquadanio, Luigi Liotta, Rosanna Visalli, Giovanni Emmanuele. New SARS-CoV-2 Infection in a Pet Cat with Severe Lung Disease in Italy. . 2020; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Nicolò Musso; Angelita Costantino; Sebastiano La Spina; Alessandra Finocchiaro; Francesca Andronico; Stefano Stracquadanio; Luigi Liotta; Rosanna Visalli; Giovanni Emmanuele. 2020. "New SARS-CoV-2 Infection in a Pet Cat with Severe Lung Disease in Italy." , no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 10 July 2020 in Animals
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Dietary partially destoned olive cake supplementation on performance, carcass traits and meat quality of intensively finished bulls was evaluated. Forty-five Limousin bulls, divided into three homogenous groups, received a diet with no supplementation (Control-CTR), 7.5% (Low Olive Cake-LOC), and 15.0% of olive cake supplementation (High Olive Cake-HOC). The trial was realized for 150 days; all bulls were individually weighed at the beginning, middle, and end of the trial, to calculate the individual average daily gain (ADG). At slaughtering, on each carcass, hot weight was recorded and, after 7 days, the pH and temperature were measured. On Longissimus lumborum muscle, color, cooking loss, and shear force of the cooked sample were determined. The chemical composition and the fatty acid content of muscle were determined. Olive cake inclusions (7.5% and 15.0%) increased (p < 0.05) the body weight, ADG, slaughter traits and intramuscular fat content and influenced (p < 0.05) the quality indices. The 15.0% of the inclusion reduced (p < 0.05) the cooking loss and shear force, and increased the unsaturated fatty acid content. The olive cake can be considered as a functional component in beef production and, in substitution to a quote of cereals into the diet of bulls, could be an opportunity to improve agriculture sustainability.

ACS Style

Vincenzo Chiofalo; Luigi Liotta; Vittorio Lo Presti; Fabio Gresta; Ambra Rita Di Rosa; Biagina Chiofalo. Effect of Dietary Olive Cake Supplementation on Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Meat Quality of Beef Cattle. Animals 2020, 10, 1176 .

AMA Style

Vincenzo Chiofalo, Luigi Liotta, Vittorio Lo Presti, Fabio Gresta, Ambra Rita Di Rosa, Biagina Chiofalo. Effect of Dietary Olive Cake Supplementation on Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Meat Quality of Beef Cattle. Animals. 2020; 10 (7):1176.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Vincenzo Chiofalo; Luigi Liotta; Vittorio Lo Presti; Fabio Gresta; Ambra Rita Di Rosa; Biagina Chiofalo. 2020. "Effect of Dietary Olive Cake Supplementation on Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Meat Quality of Beef Cattle." Animals 10, no. 7: 1176.

Journal article
Published: 19 June 2020 in Animals
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Since in the mare and other animal species such as bitches and cats, the endometrial cell pattern varies depending on the phase of the estrous cycle, the aim of this study was to describe and quantify the endometrial cytological (EC) findings in cycling jennies. EC of eight nonpregnant jennies by cytobrush (CB) at diestrus (day 1 and day 14) and estrous (day 21) were evaluated. All slides were stained with Wright´s stain and microscopically examined at both 400× and 1000× magnification. Seven high-power fields (400×) were assessed in each smear and the endometrial epithelial cells and neutrophils (PMNs) were counted. Endometrial epithelial cells were classified as intact, distorted or fragmented and, on the basis of the presence of dense groups, in monolayer or single clusters. Cytoplasmic characteristics, such as vacuolation or streaming and size, form, position of nuclear characteristics, including karyorrhexis, were recorded. Background aspect, as clear, proteinaceous, or debris, was also considered. In general, sampling by CB provided a yield of cells and clumped endometrial epithelial cells in many smears, being more abundant in estrus than early and late diestrus. Individual endometrial epithelial cells, during estrous, presented a columnar morphology, ciliated or not ciliated and basal nuclei. During diestrus phase, endometrial epithelial cells presented a more cuboidal ciliated or not ciliated morphology. Moderate amount of proteinacious material and red blood cells (RBC) was also observed. Non variation in the percentage of PMNs during diestrus was obtained, but lower and segmented PMNs in CB smears were shown in estrous. This study provides new insights on the physiological changes of endometrial epithelial cells in cycling jennies during the estrus cycle. The CB technique represents a suitable and adequate method for endometrial evaluation, taking into account cytological and/or cytopathological purposes also in jennies.

ACS Style

Marco Quartuccio; Santo Cristarella; Pietro Medica; Esterina Fazio; Giuseppe Mazzullo; Claudia Rifici; Luigi Liotta; Katiuska Satué. Endometrial Cytology During the Different Phases of the Estrous Cycle in Jennies: New Evidences. Animals 2020, 10, 1062 .

AMA Style

Marco Quartuccio, Santo Cristarella, Pietro Medica, Esterina Fazio, Giuseppe Mazzullo, Claudia Rifici, Luigi Liotta, Katiuska Satué. Endometrial Cytology During the Different Phases of the Estrous Cycle in Jennies: New Evidences. Animals. 2020; 10 (6):1062.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Marco Quartuccio; Santo Cristarella; Pietro Medica; Esterina Fazio; Giuseppe Mazzullo; Claudia Rifici; Luigi Liotta; Katiuska Satué. 2020. "Endometrial Cytology During the Different Phases of the Estrous Cycle in Jennies: New Evidences." Animals 10, no. 6: 1062.

Review
Published: 13 June 2020 in Italian Journal of Animal Science
Reads 0
Downloads 0

In view of the important progress made in veterinary science and the increasing availability of new reproductive technologies in the 21st century, demand for canine artificial insemination (CAI) for medical and/or breeding management reasons is growing worldwide resulting in raising some legal and ethical concerns. Currently, imported chilled and frozen semen from European countries can be sold to the final consumer with no strings attached. To compound this problem, the importation in Europe has no bio-security procedures. Given the potential role of this canine semen’s movements in spreading of bacterial (i.e. leptospirosis), parasitic (i.e. leishmaniasis), viral (i.e. canine herpesvirus) or genetic (i.e. progressive retinal atrophy) diseases from one state to another, the authors propose the application of regulatory measures regarding importation and exportation of semen in order to secure animal welfare and health. They underline that the interests and welfare of puppies that will be born as well as the health and welfare of bitches and sperm donors should be respected. For these reasons, ethical implications related to the use of canine semen should be taken into account.

ACS Style

Marco Quartuccio; Vito Biondi; Luigi Liotta; Annamaria Passantino. Legislative and ethical aspects on use of canine artificial insemination in the 21st century. Italian Journal of Animal Science 2020, 19, 630 -643.

AMA Style

Marco Quartuccio, Vito Biondi, Luigi Liotta, Annamaria Passantino. Legislative and ethical aspects on use of canine artificial insemination in the 21st century. Italian Journal of Animal Science. 2020; 19 (1):630-643.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Marco Quartuccio; Vito Biondi; Luigi Liotta; Annamaria Passantino. 2020. "Legislative and ethical aspects on use of canine artificial insemination in the 21st century." Italian Journal of Animal Science 19, no. 1: 630-643.

Journal article
Published: 04 June 2020 in Animals
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Aim of the present study was to assess the effect of dietary dried partially destoned olive cake supplement on nutritional quality and sensory profile of milk and cheese produced by dairy cows. The experiment was carried out on eighty-four healthy dairy Friesian cows divided into two homogenous groups. The control group (CTR) received a conventional diet, whereas the experimental group (OC) received a conventional diet supplemented with olive cake as 15% of DM. The trial lasted five months. Monthly, on individual milk samples, yield and physical-chemical parameters were determined. Milk was used for the artisanal cheese production. On 10 samples of cheese for each group, physical-chemical and fatty acid profile were determined. Electronic nose analysis and sensory evaluation were performed. Data were analyzed by ANOVA. The diet affected (p < 0.05) the milk yield, exclusively in September. Yield and quality of cheese of OC group after 60 d of ripening showed higher (p < 0.05) yield, moisture and fat content, lower (p < 0.05) pH, protein, salt and ash content, higher (p < 0.01) MUFA and PUFA and CLA content, lower (p < 0.05) SFA, higher (p < 0.01) UFA/SFA and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratios, better (p < 0.01) atherogenic and thrombogenic indices. Data show dietary olive cake supplementation in lactating dairy cows improves nutritional and nutraceutical properties of cheese, volatile profile and level of assessors’ acceptance.

ACS Style

Biagina Chiofalo; Ambra Rita Di Rosa; Vittorio Lo Presti; Vincenzo Chiofalo; Luigi Liotta. Effect of Supplementation of Herd Diet with Olive Cake on the Composition Profile of Milk and on the Composition, Quality and Sensory Profile of Cheeses Made Therefrom. Animals 2020, 10, 977 .

AMA Style

Biagina Chiofalo, Ambra Rita Di Rosa, Vittorio Lo Presti, Vincenzo Chiofalo, Luigi Liotta. Effect of Supplementation of Herd Diet with Olive Cake on the Composition Profile of Milk and on the Composition, Quality and Sensory Profile of Cheeses Made Therefrom. Animals. 2020; 10 (6):977.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Biagina Chiofalo; Ambra Rita Di Rosa; Vittorio Lo Presti; Vincenzo Chiofalo; Luigi Liotta. 2020. "Effect of Supplementation of Herd Diet with Olive Cake on the Composition Profile of Milk and on the Composition, Quality and Sensory Profile of Cheeses Made Therefrom." Animals 10, no. 6: 977.

Journal article
Published: 16 May 2020 in Animals
Reads 0
Downloads 0

In poultry production, the intensive use of high-performing hybrid animals led to loss of genetic variability and a consequent lower response to climatic change and disease. Poultry biodiversity is seriously threatened, and its safeguard is a strong objective in developed countries. According to the FAO, which emphasized the importance of native breeds for its country of origin, the aim of this study was to present the first contribution on eggs quality for endangered the Siciliana chicken breed and deepen knowledge on the local Livorno breed. At 20 weeks of age, 108 laying hens (54 Siciliana breed and 54 Livorno breed) were divided into six homogeneous groups of 18 hens each and reared according to requirements imposed by the EC Regulation 889/08 for organic production. The production cycle was controlled over one year, and egg production was recorded daily by group. Eggs were collected, weighted, and measured. Physico-chemical parameter and fatty acids profile were analyzed and nutritional indexes calculated. The statistical model included the effects of breed (Siciliana, Livorno). Egg production was 190 egg/head for Siciliana and 180 for Livorno group. The results showed similar values for Siciliana and Livorno egg quality, highlighting several valuable quality traits from these breeds which might be taken into account for conservation programs.

ACS Style

Ambra R. Di Rosa; Biagina Chiofalo; Vittorio Lo Presti; Vincenzo Chiofalo; Luigi Liotta. Egg Quality from Siciliana and Livorno Italian Autochthonous Chicken Breeds Reared in Organic System. Animals 2020, 10, 864 .

AMA Style

Ambra R. Di Rosa, Biagina Chiofalo, Vittorio Lo Presti, Vincenzo Chiofalo, Luigi Liotta. Egg Quality from Siciliana and Livorno Italian Autochthonous Chicken Breeds Reared in Organic System. Animals. 2020; 10 (5):864.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ambra R. Di Rosa; Biagina Chiofalo; Vittorio Lo Presti; Vincenzo Chiofalo; Luigi Liotta. 2020. "Egg Quality from Siciliana and Livorno Italian Autochthonous Chicken Breeds Reared in Organic System." Animals 10, no. 5: 864.

Papers
Published: 02 March 2020 in Italian Journal of Animal Science
Reads 0
Downloads 0

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the production system on growth performances and meat quality of suckling Messinese goat kids. At birth, 102 suckling kids were divided into two homogeneous groups for sex and body weight (3.4 kg); animals of the SES group were fed exclusively with spontaneous pasture and kept in the stable during the evening; animals of the ES group were fed exclusively with spontaneous pasture, characterised by the presence of Quercus suber, and kept exclusively outdoors. From birth to weaning, kids were weighed every10 days. At slaughter, carcase yields and meat quality traits on the Longissimus dorsi muscle were studied. Data were subjected to ANOVA. ES group showed the highest final body weight (10.53 kg vs. 9.40 kg; p < .001). As regard the meat traits, ES group showed the lowest final pH (5.63 vs. 5.96; p < .001), the lowest value of Hue (46.24 vs. 62.64; p < .005) and the highest values of cooking loss (ES 25.53% vs. SES 19.60%; p < .05) and shear force (ES 5.04 kg/cm2 vs. SES 3.63 kg/cm2; p < .05). Chemical composition showed similar values in both groups. Meat fatty acid composition showed the highest values of MUFA (45.89% vs. 40.90%; p < .05) and PUFA (0.14% vs. 0.11%; p < .05) and the lowest of ω – 6/ω – 3 ratio (4.89 vs. 6.98; p < .05) and Thrombogenic Index (1.64 vs. 1.98; p < .05) in the ES group. The results confirm the favourable characteristics of goat meat and the relation between the typical production system of goats in the Nebrodi area and their performances.

ACS Style

Luigi Liotta; Vincenzo Chiofalo; Vittorio Lo Presti; Biagina Chiofalo. Effect of production system on growth performances and meat traits of suckling Messinese goat kids. Italian Journal of Animal Science 2020, 19, 245 -252.

AMA Style

Luigi Liotta, Vincenzo Chiofalo, Vittorio Lo Presti, Biagina Chiofalo. Effect of production system on growth performances and meat traits of suckling Messinese goat kids. Italian Journal of Animal Science. 2020; 19 (1):245-252.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Luigi Liotta; Vincenzo Chiofalo; Vittorio Lo Presti; Biagina Chiofalo. 2020. "Effect of production system on growth performances and meat traits of suckling Messinese goat kids." Italian Journal of Animal Science 19, no. 1: 245-252.

Journal article
Published: 17 December 2019 in Animals
Reads 0
Downloads 0

The aim of the study was to assess the inclusion of different levels of olive cake in pigs’ diet as a strategy to replace conventional ingredients and to improve meat quality traits. Seventy-two Pietrain pigs, during the growing–finishing period (50–120 kg BW), were fed with three dietary treatments that contained or did not contain olive cake: 0% (Ctrl), 5% (Low), and 10% (High). The trial lasted 90 days. Weekly, individual body weight (BW) and feed intake (FI) were recorded to calculate average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). At slaughter, the dressing percentage was calculated and carcass weight and backfat thickness were measured. On a section of Longissimus thoracis muscle (LT), pH, color, chemical, and fatty acid composition were determined. Fatty acid profile was also determined in backfat. The statistical model included the effects of diet (Ctrl, Low, and High). The inclusion of 5% of olive cake in the diet improved significantly (p < 0.05) BW and FCR. Both levels of inclusion (5% and 10%) significantly reduced (p < 0.05) backfat thickness and intramuscular fat and modified their fatty acid composition, increasing (p < 0.05) the concentration of MUFA and PUFA and improving (p < 0.05) quality indices. Results suggest that olive cake did not negatively affect the productive performances.

ACS Style

Luigi Liotta; Vincenzo Chiofalo; Vittorio Lo Presti; Biagina Chiofalo. In Vivo Performances, Carcass Traits, and Meat Quality of Pigs Fed Olive Cake Processing Waste. Animals 2019, 9, 1155 .

AMA Style

Luigi Liotta, Vincenzo Chiofalo, Vittorio Lo Presti, Biagina Chiofalo. In Vivo Performances, Carcass Traits, and Meat Quality of Pigs Fed Olive Cake Processing Waste. Animals. 2019; 9 (12):1155.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Luigi Liotta; Vincenzo Chiofalo; Vittorio Lo Presti; Biagina Chiofalo. 2019. "In Vivo Performances, Carcass Traits, and Meat Quality of Pigs Fed Olive Cake Processing Waste." Animals 9, no. 12: 1155.

Journal article
Published: 14 August 2019 in Animals
Reads 0
Downloads 0

The purpose of the study is to determine the nutritional characteristics of some by-products derived from fruit juice and olive oil production to evaluate their use in pig nutrition. Five by-products of citrus fruit (three citrus fruit pulp and two molasses) and three by-products of olive oil (olive cake) obtained by different varieties are analysed for chemical composition. The fermentation characteristics are evaluated in vitro using the gas production technique with swine faecal inoculum. All the citrus by-products are highly fermentable, producing gas and a high amount of short-chain fatty acids. The fermentation kinetics vary when comparing pulps and molasses. Citrus fruit pulps show lower and slower fermentation rates than molasses. The olive oil by-products, compared to citrus fruits ones, are richer in NDF and ADL. These characteristics negatively affect all the fermentation parameters. Therefore, the high concentration of fiber and lipids represents a key aspect in the nutrition of fattening pigs. The preliminary results obtained in this study confirm that the use of by-products in pig nutrition could represent a valid opportunity the reduce the livestock economic cost and environmental impact.

ACS Style

Alessandro Vastolo; Serena Calabró; Luigi Liotta; Nadia Musco; Ambra Rita Di Rosa; Monica Isabella Cutrignelli; Biagina Chiofalo. In Vitro Fermentation and Chemical Characteristics of Mediterranean By-Products for Swine Nutrition. Animals 2019, 9, 556 .

AMA Style

Alessandro Vastolo, Serena Calabró, Luigi Liotta, Nadia Musco, Ambra Rita Di Rosa, Monica Isabella Cutrignelli, Biagina Chiofalo. In Vitro Fermentation and Chemical Characteristics of Mediterranean By-Products for Swine Nutrition. Animals. 2019; 9 (8):556.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Alessandro Vastolo; Serena Calabró; Luigi Liotta; Nadia Musco; Ambra Rita Di Rosa; Monica Isabella Cutrignelli; Biagina Chiofalo. 2019. "In Vitro Fermentation and Chemical Characteristics of Mediterranean By-Products for Swine Nutrition." Animals 9, no. 8: 556.