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Aromatic plants of Labiatae family are used in poultry diets because of their antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. The notion is that hens raised in organic systems face several health and environmental challenges. Hence, the objective here was to assess hens’ performances and the quality of their eggs in such systems following a dietary supplementation of Salvia officinalis L. in powder form. The experiments were conducted over two successive years (1 and 2). They lasted 16 weeks each and involved 198 laying hens aged 40 weeks old randomly assigned to three groups: Con (control diet), Sal-0.5%, and Sal-1.0% (diets supplemented with Salvia officinalis L. at 0.5% or 1.0%, respectively). The malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in egg yolks in year 2 were lower in both Sal-0.5% and Sal-1.0% compared to the Con (p< 0.05). The total number of Enterobacteriaceae in eggshells were lower in Sal-1.0% compared to the Con (p< 0.05) in both years. The results suggest that a dietary supplementation of Salvia officinalis L. at 1.0% improves the antioxidant status and reduces the microbial load of eggs produced in organic systems.
Dimitrios Galamatis; Georgios A. Papadopoulos; Diamanto Lazari; Dimitrios Fletouris; Evanthia Petridou; Georgios I. Arsenos; Paschalis Fortomaris. Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Salvia officinalis L. in Organic Laying Hens on Egg Quality, Yolk Oxidative Stability and Eggshell Microbiological Counts. Animals 2021, 11, 2502 .
AMA StyleDimitrios Galamatis, Georgios A. Papadopoulos, Diamanto Lazari, Dimitrios Fletouris, Evanthia Petridou, Georgios I. Arsenos, Paschalis Fortomaris. Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Salvia officinalis L. in Organic Laying Hens on Egg Quality, Yolk Oxidative Stability and Eggshell Microbiological Counts. Animals. 2021; 11 (9):2502.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDimitrios Galamatis; Georgios A. Papadopoulos; Diamanto Lazari; Dimitrios Fletouris; Evanthia Petridou; Georgios I. Arsenos; Paschalis Fortomaris. 2021. "Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Salvia officinalis L. in Organic Laying Hens on Egg Quality, Yolk Oxidative Stability and Eggshell Microbiological Counts." Animals 11, no. 9: 2502.
The objective of this study was to conduct a large-scale investigation of colostrum composition and yield and an evaluation of factors affecting them. In this study, 1017 clinically healthy Holstein cows from 10 farms were used. The colostrum TS were measured using a digital Brix refractometer. Fat, protein and lactose content were determined using an infrared Milk Analyzer. Statistical analysis was conducted using a series of univariate general linear models. The mean (±SD) percentage of colostrum fat, protein, lactose and TS content were 6.37 (3.33), 17.83 (3.97), 2.15 (0.73) and 25.80 (4.68), respectively. Parity had a significant positive effect on the protein and TS content and a negative one on fat content. The time interval between calving and colostrum collection had a significant negative effect on the fat, protein and TS contents and a positive one on lactose. Colostrum yield had a significant negative effect on the protein and TS content, and it was affected by all factors considered. In addition to TS, the evaluation of the colostrum fat content appears essential when neonates’ energy needs are considered. The Brix refractometer, an inexpensive and easy to use devise, can be used effectively in colostrum quality monitoring.
Aikaterini Soufleri; Georgios Banos; Nikolaos Panousis; Dimitrios Fletouris; Georgios Arsenos; Alexandros Kougioumtzis; Georgios Valergakis. Evaluation of Factors Affecting Colostrum Quality and Quantity in Holstein Dairy Cattle. Animals 2021, 11, 2005 .
AMA StyleAikaterini Soufleri, Georgios Banos, Nikolaos Panousis, Dimitrios Fletouris, Georgios Arsenos, Alexandros Kougioumtzis, Georgios Valergakis. Evaluation of Factors Affecting Colostrum Quality and Quantity in Holstein Dairy Cattle. Animals. 2021; 11 (7):2005.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAikaterini Soufleri; Georgios Banos; Nikolaos Panousis; Dimitrios Fletouris; Georgios Arsenos; Alexandros Kougioumtzis; Georgios Valergakis. 2021. "Evaluation of Factors Affecting Colostrum Quality and Quantity in Holstein Dairy Cattle." Animals 11, no. 7: 2005.
Cattle breeds or crossbreds with high productivity traits have been developed to meet a growing demand for food. When intensive farming practices are followed, animals face several challenges which can result in poor performance, compromised welfare and the reduced quality of their products. Our study aims to highlight the resting values of the physiological oxidative stress that three cattle breeds exhibit, and their potential relationship with meat quality. For this purpose, we determined the levels of five common redox biomarkers (glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) and protein carbonyls (CARBS)) in the tissues of three commonly used beef cattle breeds (Charolais (CHA), Limousin (LIM) and Simmental (SIM)) and their association with specific meat quality traits that depend on color, pH and texture. The results revealed that LIM cattle breed animals have elevated intrinsic antioxidant defense systems in comparison to CHA and SIM cattle breed animals. In addition, the meat quality parameters were associated with the redox biomarkers. We propose that the determination of specific antioxidant parameters in the blood might be used as potential biomarkers to predict meat quality. This would allow farmers to nutritionally intervene to improve the quality of their products.
Zoi Skaperda; Angeliki Argyriadou; Paraskevi Nechalioti; Maria Alvanou; Sotiria Makri; Efterpi Bouroutzika; Ioannis Kyriazis; Fotios Tekos; Aristidis Veskoukis; Theodoros Kallitsis; Robin Mesnage; Georgios Arsenos; Demetrios Kouretas. Redox Biomarker Baseline Levels in Cattle Tissues and Their Relationships with Meat Quality. Antioxidants 2021, 10, 958 .
AMA StyleZoi Skaperda, Angeliki Argyriadou, Paraskevi Nechalioti, Maria Alvanou, Sotiria Makri, Efterpi Bouroutzika, Ioannis Kyriazis, Fotios Tekos, Aristidis Veskoukis, Theodoros Kallitsis, Robin Mesnage, Georgios Arsenos, Demetrios Kouretas. Redox Biomarker Baseline Levels in Cattle Tissues and Their Relationships with Meat Quality. Antioxidants. 2021; 10 (6):958.
Chicago/Turabian StyleZoi Skaperda; Angeliki Argyriadou; Paraskevi Nechalioti; Maria Alvanou; Sotiria Makri; Efterpi Bouroutzika; Ioannis Kyriazis; Fotios Tekos; Aristidis Veskoukis; Theodoros Kallitsis; Robin Mesnage; Georgios Arsenos; Demetrios Kouretas. 2021. "Redox Biomarker Baseline Levels in Cattle Tissues and Their Relationships with Meat Quality." Antioxidants 10, no. 6: 958.
Most cows experience a period of nutrient deficit during the periparturient period. Body condition scoring (BCS) is widely used on farms to assess body nutrient reserves and mobilization. The aims of this study were to: (i) determine the association of BCS with ultrasound measurements of backfat (BFT) and longissimus dorsi muscle thickness (LDT) during the periparturient period of Holstein cows from different herds, accounting for potential sources of variation, such as herd, parity and period relative to calving and (ii) establish reference intervals (RIs) for BFT and LDT per BCS estimate. Two-hundred and fifty-two cows from six commercial farms were used. Body condition scores, BFT and LDT were assessed at seven time-points during the periparturient period. Assessments of BCS estimates as predictors of BFT and LDT and the contribution of BFT and LDT to BCS estimates were performed with the use of linear mixed models. Reference intervals for BFT and LDT per BCS estimate were established with the Reference Value Advisor. One unit of BCS change was associated with 8.2 mm of BFT and 10.9 mm of LDT pre- and postpartum. Range of BFT and LDT in established RIs per BCS was wide with significant overlap. Both subcutaneous fat and, to a lesser degree, skeletal muscle reserves contribute to BCS estimation. Repeated BCS estimations credibly predict energy balance status in periparturient dairy cows. The metabolic state of muscle tissue should be assessed by repeated ultrasound measurements.
Nektarios Siachos; Georgios Oikonomou; Nikolaos Panousis; Georgios Banos; Georgios Arsenos; Georgios Valergakis. Association of Body Condition Score with Ultrasound Measurements of Backfat and Longissimus Dorsi Muscle Thickness in Periparturient Holstein Cows. Animals 2021, 11, 818 .
AMA StyleNektarios Siachos, Georgios Oikonomou, Nikolaos Panousis, Georgios Banos, Georgios Arsenos, Georgios Valergakis. Association of Body Condition Score with Ultrasound Measurements of Backfat and Longissimus Dorsi Muscle Thickness in Periparturient Holstein Cows. Animals. 2021; 11 (3):818.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNektarios Siachos; Georgios Oikonomou; Nikolaos Panousis; Georgios Banos; Georgios Arsenos; Georgios Valergakis. 2021. "Association of Body Condition Score with Ultrasound Measurements of Backfat and Longissimus Dorsi Muscle Thickness in Periparturient Holstein Cows." Animals 11, no. 3: 818.
Food consumption in Europe is changing. Red meat consumption has been steadily decreasing in the past decades. The rising interest of consumers for healthier and more sustainable meat products provides red meat producers with the opportunity to differentiate their offers by ecolabels, origin and health claims. This international study analyses the European consumer preferences for red meat (beef, lamb and goat) in seven countries: Finland, France, Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom. Through a choice experiment, 2900 responses were collected. Mixed multinomial logit models were estimated to identify heterogeneous preferences among consumers at the country level. The results indicate substantial differences between the most relevant attributes for the average consumer, as well as their willingness to pay for them in each country. Nevertheless, national origin and organic labels were highly valued in most countries.
Emilia Cubero Dudinskaya; Simona Naspetti; Georgios Arsenos; Emmanuelle Caramelle-Holtz; Terhi Latvala; Daniel Martin-Collado; Stefano Orsini; Emel Ozturk; Raffaele Zanoli. European Consumers’ Willingness to Pay for Red Meat Labelling Attributes. Animals 2021, 11, 556 .
AMA StyleEmilia Cubero Dudinskaya, Simona Naspetti, Georgios Arsenos, Emmanuelle Caramelle-Holtz, Terhi Latvala, Daniel Martin-Collado, Stefano Orsini, Emel Ozturk, Raffaele Zanoli. European Consumers’ Willingness to Pay for Red Meat Labelling Attributes. Animals. 2021; 11 (2):556.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEmilia Cubero Dudinskaya; Simona Naspetti; Georgios Arsenos; Emmanuelle Caramelle-Holtz; Terhi Latvala; Daniel Martin-Collado; Stefano Orsini; Emel Ozturk; Raffaele Zanoli. 2021. "European Consumers’ Willingness to Pay for Red Meat Labelling Attributes." Animals 11, no. 2: 556.
The national infrastructure FoodOmicsGR_RI coordinates research efforts from eight Greek Universities and Research Centers in a network aiming to support research and development (R&D) in the agri-food sector. The goals of FoodOmicsGR_RI are the comprehensive in-depth characterization of foods using cutting-edge omics technologies and the support of dietary/nutrition studies. The network combines strong omics expertise with expert field/application scientists (food/nutrition sciences, plant protection/plant growth, animal husbandry, apiculture and 10 other fields). Human resources involve more than 60 staff scientists and more than 30 recruits. State-of-the-art technologies and instrumentation is available for the comprehensive mapping of the food composition and available genetic resources, the assessment of the distinct value of foods, and the effect of nutritional intervention on the metabolic profile of biological samples of consumers and animal models. The consortium has the know-how and expertise that covers the breadth of the Greek agri-food sector. Metabolomics teams have developed and implemented a variety of methods for profiling and quantitative analysis. The implementation plan includes the following research axes: development of a detailed database of Greek food constituents; exploitation of “omics” technologies to assess domestic agricultural biodiversity aiding authenticity-traceability control/certification of geographical/genetic origin; highlighting unique characteristics of Greek products with an emphasis on quality, sustainability and food safety; assessment of diet’s effect on health and well-being; creating added value from agri-food waste. FoodOmicsGR_RI develops new tools to evaluate the nutritional value of Greek foods, study the role of traditional foods and Greek functional foods in the prevention of chronic diseases and support health claims of Greek traditional products. FoodOmicsGR_RI provides access to state-of-the-art facilities, unique, well-characterised sample sets, obtained from precision/experimental farming/breeding (milk, honey, meat, olive oil and so forth) along with more than 20 complementary scientific disciplines. FoodOmicsGR_RI is open for collaboration with national and international stakeholders.
Georgios Theodoridis; Alexandros Pechlivanis; Nikolaos Thomaidis; Apostolos Spyros; Constantinos Georgiou; Triantafyllos Albanis; Ioannis Skoufos; Stavros Kalogiannis; George Tsangaris; Athanasios Stasinakis; Ioannis Konstantinou; Alexander Triantafyllidis; Konstantinos Gkagkavouzis; Anastasia Kritikou; Marilena Dasenaki; Helen Gika; Christina Virgiliou; Dritan Kodra; Nikolaos Nenadis; Ioannis Sampsonidis; Georgios Arsenos; Maria Halabalaki; Emmanuel Mikros; on behalf of the FoodOmicsGR_RI Consortium. FoodOmicsGR_RI: A Consortium for Comprehensive Molecular Characterisation of Food Products. Metabolites 2021, 11, 74 .
AMA StyleGeorgios Theodoridis, Alexandros Pechlivanis, Nikolaos Thomaidis, Apostolos Spyros, Constantinos Georgiou, Triantafyllos Albanis, Ioannis Skoufos, Stavros Kalogiannis, George Tsangaris, Athanasios Stasinakis, Ioannis Konstantinou, Alexander Triantafyllidis, Konstantinos Gkagkavouzis, Anastasia Kritikou, Marilena Dasenaki, Helen Gika, Christina Virgiliou, Dritan Kodra, Nikolaos Nenadis, Ioannis Sampsonidis, Georgios Arsenos, Maria Halabalaki, Emmanuel Mikros, on behalf of the FoodOmicsGR_RI Consortium. FoodOmicsGR_RI: A Consortium for Comprehensive Molecular Characterisation of Food Products. Metabolites. 2021; 11 (2):74.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGeorgios Theodoridis; Alexandros Pechlivanis; Nikolaos Thomaidis; Apostolos Spyros; Constantinos Georgiou; Triantafyllos Albanis; Ioannis Skoufos; Stavros Kalogiannis; George Tsangaris; Athanasios Stasinakis; Ioannis Konstantinou; Alexander Triantafyllidis; Konstantinos Gkagkavouzis; Anastasia Kritikou; Marilena Dasenaki; Helen Gika; Christina Virgiliou; Dritan Kodra; Nikolaos Nenadis; Ioannis Sampsonidis; Georgios Arsenos; Maria Halabalaki; Emmanuel Mikros; on behalf of the FoodOmicsGR_RI Consortium. 2021. "FoodOmicsGR_RI: A Consortium for Comprehensive Molecular Characterisation of Food Products." Metabolites 11, no. 2: 74.
Food consumption in Europe is changing. Red meat consumption has been steadily decreasing in the past decades. The rising interest of consumers for healthier and more sustainable meat products provide red meat producers with the opportunity to differentiate their offers by ecolabels, origin and health claims. This international study analyses the European consumer preferences for red meat (beef, lamb and goat) in seven countries: Finland, France, Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom. Through a choice experiment, 2.900 responses were collected. Mixed multinomial logit models were estimated to identify heterogeneous preferences among consumers at the country level. Results indicate substantial differences between the most relevant attributes for the average consumers, as well as their willingness to pay for them in each country. Nevertheless, national origin and organic labels were highly valued in most countries.
Emilia Cubero Dudinskaya; Simona Naspetti; Georgios Arsenos; Emmanuelle Caramelle-Holtz; Terhi Latvala; Daniel Martin-Collado; Stefano Orsini; Emel Ozturk; Raffaele Zanoli. European Consumers’ Willingness to Pay for Red Meat Attributes. 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleEmilia Cubero Dudinskaya, Simona Naspetti, Georgios Arsenos, Emmanuelle Caramelle-Holtz, Terhi Latvala, Daniel Martin-Collado, Stefano Orsini, Emel Ozturk, Raffaele Zanoli. European Consumers’ Willingness to Pay for Red Meat Attributes. . 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEmilia Cubero Dudinskaya; Simona Naspetti; Georgios Arsenos; Emmanuelle Caramelle-Holtz; Terhi Latvala; Daniel Martin-Collado; Stefano Orsini; Emel Ozturk; Raffaele Zanoli. 2021. "European Consumers’ Willingness to Pay for Red Meat Attributes." , no. : 1.
The European sheep and goat sector is characterized by low professionalization and management training. Moreover, it is fragmented in terms of production aims and farming systems. Here, iSAGEDSS, a web-based application allowing dairy and meat small ruminant farmers in different countries to make annual management plans by testing future scenarios, is presented. Data were obtained for the meat sheep (United Kingdom and Spain), dairy sheep (France and Greece) and dairy goat production systems (Greece) from partners of the Innovation for Sustainable Sheep and Goat Production in Europe (iSAGE) project. These were used to set default values and ranges for all important farm parameters in each system and country. An algorithm was developed assessing nutritional management and its impact on production and financial performance. Reports focus on profitability, productivity and environmental sustainability. A case study in three dairy sheep farms in Greece was performed. In each case, an evaluation scenario was created using actual farm data that were compared with the estimated ones. Two scenarios testing management decisions for gross margin maximization and milk pricing fluctuations were created. Application results showed high prediction accuracy for gross margin and production estimation (error of circa 9% and 4%, respectively). Moreover, the ability to promote financial, production and grazing management efficiency was demonstrated.
Sotiria Vouraki; Ioannis Skourtis; Konstantinos Psichos; Wendy Jones; Carol Davis; Marion Johnson; Leticia Riaguas Rupérez; Alexandros Theodoridis; Georgios Arsenos. A Decision Support System for Economically Sustainable Sheep and Goat Farming. Animals 2020, 10, 2421 .
AMA StyleSotiria Vouraki, Ioannis Skourtis, Konstantinos Psichos, Wendy Jones, Carol Davis, Marion Johnson, Leticia Riaguas Rupérez, Alexandros Theodoridis, Georgios Arsenos. A Decision Support System for Economically Sustainable Sheep and Goat Farming. Animals. 2020; 10 (12):2421.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSotiria Vouraki; Ioannis Skourtis; Konstantinos Psichos; Wendy Jones; Carol Davis; Marion Johnson; Leticia Riaguas Rupérez; Alexandros Theodoridis; Georgios Arsenos. 2020. "A Decision Support System for Economically Sustainable Sheep and Goat Farming." Animals 10, no. 12: 2421.
The objective was to investigate the effect of injectable eprinomectin on milk yield and quality of dairy ewes naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes when grazing in communal pastures. Onehundred and fifty (150) clinically healthy adult lactating ewes, equally selected from 3 farms, were included in the study. On day -7, the ewes on each farm were randomly allocated into 2 equal groups of 25 animals (n=50): Control group (C) and Treated group (T). On day 0, ewes in group T were given a single subcutaneous injection of eprinomectin at a dose rate of 0.2 mg/kg bodyweight. Ewes in group C were left untreated during the whole experiment. Ewes in group T with a fecal egg count (FEC) >300 eggs per g on day +60 were treated again. Fecal samples were individually collected on days -7, 0, +30, +60, +90, +120 for FEC estimations and coprocultures. On days -7, 0, +30, +60 and +90, individual milk yield (MY) was recorded using ICAR approved volumetric milk meters. Energy corrected milk yield (ECMY) for 6% fat was also calculated. Moreover, individual milk samples were collected on each day for determination of chemical composition [fat (F%), protein (P%) and lactose (L%) content] and somatic cell counts (SCC). On each day, individual fat and protein yield (FY and PY, respectively) were calculated. Total lactation MY, total ECMY, total FY and total PY were computed. The most prevalent parasite at pre-treatment and post-treatment days was Haemonchus spp. The overall efficacy on days +30 and +90 was 97.27 % and 98.80 %, respectively. In two out of the three farms, 80 % and 91.3 % of T ewes received a second treatment on day +60, due to high parasitic burden. Treatment had a significant effect (P=0.033) on MY with an average benefit of 8%. No significant effects of treatment were observed on the other parameters, although values were constantly numerically higher for treated ewes compared to control ones. In this field trial, injectable eprinomectin had a high overall efficacy and a beneficial effect on daily milk yield.
Sofia-Afroditi Termatzidou; Nektarios Siachos; Panagiota Kazana; Smaragda Sotiraki; Katerina Saratsi; Damien Achard; HamadI Karembe; Georgios Bramis; Vasileios Kanoulas; Georgios Arsenos. Effect of injectable eprinomectin on milk quality and yield of dairy ewes naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes. Veterinary Parasitology 2020, 286, 109245 .
AMA StyleSofia-Afroditi Termatzidou, Nektarios Siachos, Panagiota Kazana, Smaragda Sotiraki, Katerina Saratsi, Damien Achard, HamadI Karembe, Georgios Bramis, Vasileios Kanoulas, Georgios Arsenos. Effect of injectable eprinomectin on milk quality and yield of dairy ewes naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes. Veterinary Parasitology. 2020; 286 ():109245.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSofia-Afroditi Termatzidou; Nektarios Siachos; Panagiota Kazana; Smaragda Sotiraki; Katerina Saratsi; Damien Achard; HamadI Karembe; Georgios Bramis; Vasileios Kanoulas; Georgios Arsenos. 2020. "Effect of injectable eprinomectin on milk quality and yield of dairy ewes naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes." Veterinary Parasitology 286, no. : 109245.
This international study involving seven European countries (Italy, UK, Finland, France, Spain, Greece, Turkey) was conducted to explore the relevant reasons that affect both consumer and non-consumer perceptions of sheep and goat meat. Laddering and means–end chain theory were applied. The results indicate that consumers associate sheep and goat meat with a unique taste, authenticity and natural production, linked with values such as health and enjoyment of life. In contrast, non-consumers mainly feel disgusted when they think and feel about these meats, and do not associate any specific health benefits to their consumption, disliking their taste, odour and fat content. This study is based on qualitative research. Only analytical generalizations are possible, expanding the theory on what drives consumer behaviour when purchasing meat. No previous means–end chain studies are available in the literature regarding small ruminants’ meat consumer preferences.
Serena Mandolesi; Simona Naspetti; Georgios Arsenos; Emmanuelle Caramelle-Holtz; Terhi Latvala; Daniel Martin-Collado; Stefano Orsini; Emel Ozturk; Raffaele Zanoli. Motivations and Barriers for Sheep and Goat Meat Consumption in Europe: A Means–End Chain Study. Animals 2020, 10, 1105 .
AMA StyleSerena Mandolesi, Simona Naspetti, Georgios Arsenos, Emmanuelle Caramelle-Holtz, Terhi Latvala, Daniel Martin-Collado, Stefano Orsini, Emel Ozturk, Raffaele Zanoli. Motivations and Barriers for Sheep and Goat Meat Consumption in Europe: A Means–End Chain Study. Animals. 2020; 10 (6):1105.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSerena Mandolesi; Simona Naspetti; Georgios Arsenos; Emmanuelle Caramelle-Holtz; Terhi Latvala; Daniel Martin-Collado; Stefano Orsini; Emel Ozturk; Raffaele Zanoli. 2020. "Motivations and Barriers for Sheep and Goat Meat Consumption in Europe: A Means–End Chain Study." Animals 10, no. 6: 1105.
European sheep and goat farming faces diverse challenges at global or local scales and constitutes an important sector for many countries, playing important sociocultural, economic and environmental roles. A closer examination of the overall sustainability of the sector is necessary to assess the performance of different farm types in various geographical settings. This comparative study evaluates the use of a common sustainability assessment (SA) tool for the major European countries in the sheep and goat sector. In particular, the study reports the results of a SA using the Public Goods (PG) Tool, adapted within the Innovation for Sustainable Sheep and Goat Production in Europe (iSAGE) Horizon 2020 project, which includes questions accounting for 13 dimensions of a sheep and goat farm sustainability. In total, 206 farmers from Greece, Italy, Spain, Finland, United Kingdom, France and Turkey were interviewed, all of which were typical of specific types of a pan-European sheep and goat farm typologies elaborated within iSAGE. The study resulted in composite indicators of performance in each dimension for each country. Finland, Italy and the United Kingdom performed better than other countries, while Turkey and Greece performed below average in most categories. The results highlight challenges for each country but also at the European level, the latter mainly relating to generational renewal and an unwillingness to invest in the adoption of a more sustainable approach with long-term results.
Christina Paraskevopoulou; Alexandros Theodoridis; Marion Johnson; Athanasios Ragkos; Lisa Arguile; Laurence Smith; Dimitrios Vlachos; Georgios Arsenos. Sustainability Assessment of Goat and Sheep Farms: A Comparison between European Countries. Sustainability 2020, 12, 3099 .
AMA StyleChristina Paraskevopoulou, Alexandros Theodoridis, Marion Johnson, Athanasios Ragkos, Lisa Arguile, Laurence Smith, Dimitrios Vlachos, Georgios Arsenos. Sustainability Assessment of Goat and Sheep Farms: A Comparison between European Countries. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (8):3099.
Chicago/Turabian StyleChristina Paraskevopoulou; Alexandros Theodoridis; Marion Johnson; Athanasios Ragkos; Lisa Arguile; Laurence Smith; Dimitrios Vlachos; Georgios Arsenos. 2020. "Sustainability Assessment of Goat and Sheep Farms: A Comparison between European Countries." Sustainability 12, no. 8: 3099.
Goats play an important role in the livestock sector in Greece. The national herd consists mainly of two indigenous breeds, the Eghoria and Skopelos. Here, we report the population structure and genomic profiles of these two native goat breeds using Illumina’s Goat SNP50 BeadChip. Moreover, we present a panel of candidate markers acquired using different genetic models for breed discrimination. Quality control on the initial dataset resulted in 48,841 SNPs kept for downstream analysis. Principal component and admixture analyses were applied to assess population structure. The rate of inbreeding within breed was evaluated based on the distribution of runs of homozygosity in the genome and respective coefficients, the genomic relationship matrix, the patterns of linkage disequilibrium, and the historic effective population size. Results showed that both breeds exhibit high levels of genetic diversity. Level of inbreeding between the two breeds estimated by the Wright’s fixation index FST was low (Fst = 0.04362), indicating the existence of a weak genetic differentiation between them. In addition, grouping of farms according to their geographical locations was observed. This study presents for the first time a genome-based analysis on the genetic structure of the two indigenous Greek goat breeds and identifies markers that can be potentially exploited in future selective breeding programs for traceability purposes, targeted genetic improvement schemes and conservation strategies.
S. Michailidou; G. Th. Tsangaris; A. Tzora; I. Skoufos; Georgios Banos; A. Argiriou; Georgios Arsenos. Analysis of genome-wide DNA arrays reveals the genomic population structure and diversity in autochthonous Greek goat breeds. PLOS ONE 2019, 14, e0226179 .
AMA StyleS. Michailidou, G. Th. Tsangaris, A. Tzora, I. Skoufos, Georgios Banos, A. Argiriou, Georgios Arsenos. Analysis of genome-wide DNA arrays reveals the genomic population structure and diversity in autochthonous Greek goat breeds. PLOS ONE. 2019; 14 (12):e0226179.
Chicago/Turabian StyleS. Michailidou; G. Th. Tsangaris; A. Tzora; I. Skoufos; Georgios Banos; A. Argiriou; Georgios Arsenos. 2019. "Analysis of genome-wide DNA arrays reveals the genomic population structure and diversity in autochthonous Greek goat breeds." PLOS ONE 14, no. 12: e0226179.
The main objective of this study was to assess the genetic background of colostrum yield and quality traits after calving in Holstein dairy cows. The secondary objective was to investigate genetic and phenotypic correlations among laboratory-based and on-farm-measured colostrum traits. The study was conducted in 10 commercial dairy herds located in northern Greece. A total of 1,074 healthy Holstein cows with detailed pedigree information were examined from February 2015 to September 2016. All cows were clinically examined on the day of calving and scored for body condition. All 4 quarters were machine-milked, and a representative and composite colostrum sample was collected and examined. Colostrum total solids (TS) content was determined on-farm using a digital Brix refractometer. Colostrum fat, protein, and lactose contents were determined using an infrared milk analyzer, and energy content was calculated using National Research Council (2001) equations. Dry period length (for cows of parity ≥2), milk yield of previous 305-d lactation (for cows of parity ≥2), age at calving, parity number, season of calving, time interval between calving and first colostrum milking, and milk yield were recorded. Each trait (colostrum yield and quality traits) was analyzed with a univariate mixed model, including fixed effects of previously mentioned factors and the random animal additive genetic effect. All available pedigrees were included in the analysis, bringing the total animal number to 5,662. Estimates of (co)variance components were used to calculate heritability for each trait. Correlations among colostrum traits were estimated with bivariate analysis using the same model. Mean percentage (±SD) colostrum TS, fat, protein, and lactose contents were 25.8 ± 4.7, 6.4 ± 3.3, 17.8 ± 4.0, and 2.2 ± 0.7%, respectively; mean energy content was 1.35 ± 0.3 Mcal/kg and mean colostrum yield was 6.18 ± 3.77 kg. Heritability estimates for the above colostrum traits were 0.27, 0.21, 0.19, 0.15, 0.22, and 0.04, respectively. Several significant genetic and phenotypic correlations were derived. The genetic correlation of TS content measured on-farm with colostrum protein was practically unity, whereas the correlation with energy content was moderate (0.61). Fat content had no genetic correlation with TS content; their phenotypic correlation was positive and low. Colostrum yield was not correlated genetically with any of the other traits. In conclusion, colostrum quality traits are heritable and can be amended with genetic selection.
A. Soufleri; G. Banos; N. Panousis; D. Fletouris; G. Arsenos; G.E. Valergakis. Genetic parameters of colostrum traits in Holstein dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science 2019, 102, 11225 -11232.
AMA StyleA. Soufleri, G. Banos, N. Panousis, D. Fletouris, G. Arsenos, G.E. Valergakis. Genetic parameters of colostrum traits in Holstein dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science. 2019; 102 (12):11225-11232.
Chicago/Turabian StyleA. Soufleri; G. Banos; N. Panousis; D. Fletouris; G. Arsenos; G.E. Valergakis. 2019. "Genetic parameters of colostrum traits in Holstein dairy cows." Journal of Dairy Science 102, no. 12: 11225-11232.
Milk yield is the most important dairy sheep trait and constitutes the key genetic improvement goal via selective breeding. Mastitis is one of the most prevalent diseases, significantly impacting on animal welfare, milk yield and quality, while incurring substantial costs. Our objectives were to determine the feasibility of a concomitant genetic improvement programme for enhanced milk production and resistance to mastitis. Individual records for milk yield, and four mastitis-related traits (milk somatic cell count, California Mastitis Test score, total viable bacterial count in milk and clinical mastitis presence) were collected monthly throughout lactation for 609 ewes of the Chios breed. All ewes were genotyped with a mastitis specific custom-made 960 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array. We performed targeted genomic association studies, (co)variance component estimation and pathway enrichment analysis, and characterised gene expression levels and the extent of allelic expression imbalance. Presence of heritable variation for milk yield was confirmed. There was no significant genetic correlation between milk yield and mastitis traits. Environmental factors appeared to favour both milk production and udder health. There were no overlapping of SNPs associated with mastitis resistance and milk yield in Chios sheep. Furthermore, four distinct Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) affecting milk yield were detected on chromosomes 2, 12, 16 and 19, in locations other than those previously identified to affect mastitis resistance. Five genes (DNAJA1, GHR, LYPLA1, NUP35 and OXCT1) located within the QTL regions were highly expressed in both the mammary gland and milk transcriptome, suggesting involvement in milk synthesis and production. Furthermore, the expression of two of these genes (NUP35 and OXCT1) was enriched in immune tissues implying a potentially pleiotropic effect or likely role in milk production during udder infection, which needs to be further elucidated in future studies. In conclusion, the absence of genetic antagonism between milk yield and mastitis resistance suggests that simultaneous genetic improvement of both traits be achievable.
Georgios Banos; Emily L. Clark; Stephen J. Bush; Prasun Dutta; Georgios Bramis; Georgios Arsenos; David A. Hume; Androniki Psifidi. Genetic and genomic analyses underpin the feasibility of concomitant genetic improvement of milk yield and mastitis resistance in dairy sheep. PLOS ONE 2019, 14, e0214346 .
AMA StyleGeorgios Banos, Emily L. Clark, Stephen J. Bush, Prasun Dutta, Georgios Bramis, Georgios Arsenos, David A. Hume, Androniki Psifidi. Genetic and genomic analyses underpin the feasibility of concomitant genetic improvement of milk yield and mastitis resistance in dairy sheep. PLOS ONE. 2019; 14 (11):e0214346.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGeorgios Banos; Emily L. Clark; Stephen J. Bush; Prasun Dutta; Georgios Bramis; Georgios Arsenos; David A. Hume; Androniki Psifidi. 2019. "Genetic and genomic analyses underpin the feasibility of concomitant genetic improvement of milk yield and mastitis resistance in dairy sheep." PLOS ONE 14, no. 11: e0214346.
Sheep and goat transhumance provides a wide range of ecosystem services (ES). Transhumance-specific dairy products could function as a nexus between the system and the public, incorporating ES which are not remunerated in markets, but in Greece, there are actually no such dairy products. Within this context, the objective of this paper was to present a case study regarding a comparative assessment of three different approaches (supply chains) in milk sales from transhumant farms. The first involved production of cheese on-farm and direct sales to consumers. In the second approach, farmers sold their milk to the same industry throughout the year, where it was mixed with milk from non-transhumant farms. The third approach concerned cheese produced solely from milk of transhumant flocks in a small dairy in the highlands. An assessment framework was developed examining the perceived quality; economic performance of farms; compatibility and; representativeness and contribution of each approach. Based on five in-depth interviews with farmers and dairies, it was found that a combination of the three approaches would be beneficial for farms—to decrease risks—and for the system as a whole, in order to convey the ‘agro-pastoral message’ to wider audiences and to increase the recognisability of transhumance. In addition, the analysis showed that the economic performance of each approach was related more to managerial issues and organizational requirements rather than to the achievement of higher prices and more added value in the first and third approach.
Athanasios Ragkos; Alexandros Theodoridis; Georgios Arsenos. Alternative Approaches of Summer Milk Sales from Transhumant Sheep and Goat Farms: A Case Study from Northern Greece. Sustainability 2019, 11, 5642 .
AMA StyleAthanasios Ragkos, Alexandros Theodoridis, Georgios Arsenos. Alternative Approaches of Summer Milk Sales from Transhumant Sheep and Goat Farms: A Case Study from Northern Greece. Sustainability. 2019; 11 (20):5642.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAthanasios Ragkos; Alexandros Theodoridis; Georgios Arsenos. 2019. "Alternative Approaches of Summer Milk Sales from Transhumant Sheep and Goat Farms: A Case Study from Northern Greece." Sustainability 11, no. 20: 5642.
1. The study was conducted to investigate the effects of different dietary levels of an unsaturated or saturated fat source and the effects of different dietary energy levels in laying hen diets on the carotenoid content of the egg yolk. 2. Seventy-two ISA Brown laying hens aged 22 weeks old were allocated, for a 10 week period, to three treatments: control diet (HE group) with a 3.4% supplemented fat containing 2.1% soybean and 1.3% palm oil as fat sources and a ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acid (u/s) of 3.33; a lowered energy diet with 2.4% supplemented fat containing 1.4% soybean and 1.0% palm oil and u/s of 3.41 (LE+high u/s); a lowered energy diet with 2.4% supplemented fat containing 0.5% soybean and 1.9% palm oil and a u/s of 2.39 (LE+low u/s). A marigold plant extract supplement was used as a source of lutein. 3. Performance parameters (feed consumption, feed conversion, body weight), egg production rate and egg quality parameters were similar between treatments. Dietary fat digestibility at the middle of the study period was not different. Egg yolk total fat content was similar in all treatments at the middle and at the end of the study period. 4. Lutein, zeaxanthin, cis-lutein and total carotenoids content were significantly lower in eggs produced from the LE+low u/s group compared to those from the HE and the LE+high u/s groups (P < 0.01 for all parameters). 5. It was concluded that feeding laying hens with a diet containing 1% less supplemented fat and a lower u/s ratio compared to a control diet and to a diet with 1% less supplemented fat with a higher u/s ratio resulted in a significant reduction of carotenoid expression in the egg yolk at the end of experimental period. Performance and egg quality parameters were not affected by treatments.
Georgios A. Papadopoulos; Sofia Chalvatzi; Jiří Kopecký; Georgios Arsenos; Paschalis D. Fortomaris. Effects of dietary fat source on lutein, zeaxanthin and total carotenoids content of the egg yolk in laying hens during the early laying period. British Poultry Science 2019, 60, 431 -438.
AMA StyleGeorgios A. Papadopoulos, Sofia Chalvatzi, Jiří Kopecký, Georgios Arsenos, Paschalis D. Fortomaris. Effects of dietary fat source on lutein, zeaxanthin and total carotenoids content of the egg yolk in laying hens during the early laying period. British Poultry Science. 2019; 60 (4):431-438.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGeorgios A. Papadopoulos; Sofia Chalvatzi; Jiří Kopecký; Georgios Arsenos; Paschalis D. Fortomaris. 2019. "Effects of dietary fat source on lutein, zeaxanthin and total carotenoids content of the egg yolk in laying hens during the early laying period." British Poultry Science 60, no. 4: 431-438.
Sotiria Vouraki; Athanasios Gelasakis; Loukia V. Ekateriniadou; Georgios Banos; Georgios Arsenos. Impact of polymorphisms at the PRNP locus on the performance of dairy goats reared under low-input pastoral farming systems. Small Ruminant Research 2019, 174, 77 -82.
AMA StyleSotiria Vouraki, Athanasios Gelasakis, Loukia V. Ekateriniadou, Georgios Banos, Georgios Arsenos. Impact of polymorphisms at the PRNP locus on the performance of dairy goats reared under low-input pastoral farming systems. Small Ruminant Research. 2019; 174 ():77-82.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSotiria Vouraki; Athanasios Gelasakis; Loukia V. Ekateriniadou; Georgios Banos; Georgios Arsenos. 2019. "Impact of polymorphisms at the PRNP locus on the performance of dairy goats reared under low-input pastoral farming systems." Small Ruminant Research 174, no. : 77-82.
The anthelmintic activity of an injectable eprinomectin formulation (Eprecis® 20 mg/mL) was evaluated in 150 naturally infected dairy sheep raised in 3 semi-intensive flocks. All ewes were at the same stage of lactation and grazed on natural pastures. Ewes did not receive any anthelmintic treatment for at least 4 months prior to the experiment. In each flock, 50 ewes were selected and randomly allocated to control (C) or treatment (T) groups (n = 25 per group). Groups were balanced according to the ewes’ bodyweight (BW) and fecal egg count (FEC) measured seven days before eprinomectin administration (day -7). On study day 0, ewes in group T, received 0.2 mg/kg BW of eprinomectin subcutaneously (Eprecis® 20 mg/mL, Ceva). Ewes in group C were left untreated. Fecal samples were collected on day 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 post-treatment to assess FEC and for coprocultures. Ewes were weighed on day 0 and 28. Overall and within-flock efficacy of eprinomectin was calculated throughout the experimental period. No local or general adverse reaction after injection was observed. The most prevalent parasite genera were Teladorsagia, Haemonchus and Trichostrongylus. Following treatment, the overall mean FEC of C and T groups differed significantly (P < 0.001). Overall and within-flock efficacy of eprinomectin was 99.8%-100.0% and 99.7%-100.0%, respectively. Contrary to C group, ewes treated with injectable eprinomectin increased their BW during the study (- 0.5 kg vs. + 1.5 kg, P < 0.001). In this field study, a single subcutaneous injection of eprinomectin to dairy sheep, at 0.2 mg/kg BW, resulted in excellent curative anthelmintic activity; egg counts remain low for at least 28 days after treatment.
Sofia-Afroditi Termatzidou; Konstantinos Arsenopoulos; Nektarios Siachos; Panagiota Kazana; Elias Papadopoulos; Damien Achard; HamadI Karembe; Georgios Bramis; Georgios Arsenos. Anthelmintic activity of injectable eprinomectin (eprecis® 20 mg/mL) in naturally infected dairy sheep. Veterinary Parasitology 2019, 266, 7 -11.
AMA StyleSofia-Afroditi Termatzidou, Konstantinos Arsenopoulos, Nektarios Siachos, Panagiota Kazana, Elias Papadopoulos, Damien Achard, HamadI Karembe, Georgios Bramis, Georgios Arsenos. Anthelmintic activity of injectable eprinomectin (eprecis® 20 mg/mL) in naturally infected dairy sheep. Veterinary Parasitology. 2019; 266 ():7-11.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSofia-Afroditi Termatzidou; Konstantinos Arsenopoulos; Nektarios Siachos; Panagiota Kazana; Elias Papadopoulos; Damien Achard; HamadI Karembe; Georgios Bramis; Georgios Arsenos. 2019. "Anthelmintic activity of injectable eprinomectin (eprecis® 20 mg/mL) in naturally infected dairy sheep." Veterinary Parasitology 266, no. : 7-11.
The objective of the study was to investigate and quantify the effects of subclinical mastitis (SCM) on the gross chemical composition of milk in low-input dairy goat herds. Dairy goats (n=590) of two native Greek breeds from four representative low-input farms were randomly selected and used in the study. Α prospective study was conducted, including monthly monitoring and milk sampling of the same individual goats during the course of two consecutive milking periods. Mixed linear regression models were built to assess how the chemical composition of milk was affected by (1) SCM and (2) the different pathogens isolated from SCM cases. Goats with SCM had lower milk-fat content (MFC), daily milk-fat yield (DMFY), milk-lactose content (MLC) and daily milk-lactose yield (DMLY), and slightly higher milk-protein content (MPC) and daily milk-protein yield (DMPY), compared with goats without SCM. Milk produced by goats with SCM due to coagulase-positive staphylococci and Mycoplasma agalactiae had significantly lower MFC, DMFY, MLC and DMLY, and higher MPC and DMPY, compared with the milk produced by healthy goats. Finally, goats with SCM due to coagulase-negative staphylococci had lower DMFY, MLC and DMLY and higher DMPY compared with the healthy ones.
Athanasios Gelasakis; Apostolos Angelidis; Rebecca Giannakou; Georgios Arsenos. Bacterial subclinical mastitis and its effect on milk quality traits in low-input dairy goat herds. Veterinary Record 2018, 183, 449 -449.
AMA StyleAthanasios Gelasakis, Apostolos Angelidis, Rebecca Giannakou, Georgios Arsenos. Bacterial subclinical mastitis and its effect on milk quality traits in low-input dairy goat herds. Veterinary Record. 2018; 183 (14):449-449.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAthanasios Gelasakis; Apostolos Angelidis; Rebecca Giannakou; Georgios Arsenos. 2018. "Bacterial subclinical mastitis and its effect on milk quality traits in low-input dairy goat herds." Veterinary Record 183, no. 14: 449-449.
Polymorphisms at PRNP gene locus have been associated with resistance against classical scrapie in goats. Genetic selection on this gene within appropriate breeding programs may contribute to the control of the disease. The present study characterized the genetic profile of codons 146, 211 and 222 in three dairy goat breeds in Greece. A total of 766 dairy goats from seven farms were used. Animals belonged to two indigenous Greek, Eghoria (n = 264) and Skopelos (n = 287) and a foreign breed, Damascus (n = 215). Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples from individual animals. Polymorphisms were detected in these codons using Real-Time PCR analysis and four different Custom TaqMan® SNP Genotyping Assays. Genotypic, allelic and haplotypic frequencies were calculated based on individual animal genotypes. Chi-square tests were used to examine Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium state and compare genotypic distribution across breeds. Genetic distances among the three breeds, and between these and 30 breeds reared in other countries were estimated based on haplotypic frequencies using fixation index FST with Arlequin v3.1 software; a Neighbor-Joining tree was created using PHYLIP package v3.695. Level of statistical significance was set at P = 0.01. All scrapie resistance-associated alleles (146S, 146D, 211Q and 222K) were detected in the studied population. Significant frequency differences were observed between the indigenous Greek and Damascus breeds. Alleles 222K and 146S had the highest frequency in the two indigenous and the Damascus breed, respectively (ca. 6.0%). The studied breeds shared similar haplotypic frequencies with most South Italian and Turkish breeds but differed significantly from North-Western European, Far East and some USA goat breeds. Results suggest there is adequate variation in the PRNP gene locus to support breeding programs for enhanced scrapie resistance in goats reared in Greece. Genetic comparisons among goat breeds indicate that separate breeding programs should apply to the two indigenous and the imported Damascus breeds.
Sotiria Vouraki; Athanasios Gelasakis; Panoraia Alexandri; Evridiki Boukouvala; Loukia V. Ekateriniadou; Georgios Banos; Georgios Arsenos. Genetic profile of scrapie codons 146, 211 and 222 in the PRNP gene locus in three breeds of dairy goats. PLoS ONE 2018, 13, e0198819 .
AMA StyleSotiria Vouraki, Athanasios Gelasakis, Panoraia Alexandri, Evridiki Boukouvala, Loukia V. Ekateriniadou, Georgios Banos, Georgios Arsenos. Genetic profile of scrapie codons 146, 211 and 222 in the PRNP gene locus in three breeds of dairy goats. PLoS ONE. 2018; 13 (6):e0198819.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSotiria Vouraki; Athanasios Gelasakis; Panoraia Alexandri; Evridiki Boukouvala; Loukia V. Ekateriniadou; Georgios Banos; Georgios Arsenos. 2018. "Genetic profile of scrapie codons 146, 211 and 222 in the PRNP gene locus in three breeds of dairy goats." PLoS ONE 13, no. 6: e0198819.