Impact of Production Systems on the Levels of Vitamin E, ß-Carotene, and Cholesterol in the Liver of Cattle Raised in the Eastern Amazon.

The nutritional composition of bovine liver, particularly in terms of vitamins E, ß-carotene, and cholesterol concentration, is significantly influenced by the cattle-rearing system and diet. This study aimed to elucidate the impact of four predominant cattle-rearing systems in the Eastern Amazon region on the vitamin E, ß-carotene content, and cholesterol levels in bovine liver during the rainy season. Liver-tissue samples were collected from 48 cattle, with twelve specimens representing each rearing system. The systems encompassed two native pastures located in flood-prone areas, cultivated pastures on upland terrain and a confinement-rearing system. Our findings indicate that, when considering all rearing systems collectively, there were no significant differences in the levels of vitamins and cholesterol in the liver tissues (p > 0.05). However, a marked disparity in cholesterol levels emerged when comparing intensive rearing systems to extensive ones, with the former demonstrating notably higher concentrations (p = 0.01). Additionally, the intensive rearing system was associated with elevated levels of ß-carotene (p < 0.01), α-tocopherol (p = 0.01), and ß-tocopherol (p = 0.01) relative to the extensive systems. No significant variations were observed amongst the different extensive systems (p > 0.05). These results suggest that, while all rearing systems yielded liver tissues with typical concentrations of vitamins and cholesterol, the intensive rearing system led to a higher accumulation of certain vitamin compounds. This study highlights the substantial nutritional implications of different cattle-rearing systems in the Eastern Amazon and provides valuable insights for developing dietary strategies to optimize the nutritional quality of bovine liver. Therefore, the generated results are groundbreaking in the Eastern Amazon, Brazil, and inspire the development of new research projects to address other demands in this field and achieve additional outcomes.

Organic medium-growing chickens fed live black soldier fly larvae: A welfare improvement study.

The overall beneficial effect of live black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) on the welfare of broiler chickens, turkeys, and laying hens has already been discussed in the literature. However, scant information is available regarding the benefits of feeding live BSFL to medium-growing chicken hybrids reared under organic/free-range conditions, and whose welfare is frequently cited as being inadequate. The aim of this research was to advance our knowledge of this topic. To this end, 240 label naked neck birds (Hubbard JA57 hybrid) were assigned, at 21 days of age, to four experimental groups (6 replicates/treatment, 10 chickens/replicate), created according to sex (M/F) and the provision of a 10% live BSFL dietary supplementation (control males, control females, larvae males, and larvae females), and raised until 82 days of age. We performed behavioural observations, a tonic immobility test, and an avoidance distance (AD) test. We assessed feather damage and cleanliness, hock burn, footpad dermatitis, and skin lesion scores, and determined the concentration of excreta corticosterone metabolites (ECM) and the heterophile to lymphocyte heterophile/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio. The behavioural observations demonstrated increased physical and foraging activity (p < 0.05) in the live BSFL administered groups compared with C ones, providing valuable data on the explorative and recreational behaviour of this chicken genotype. The results also evidenced the usefulness of live BSFL as a fear reducer in females, as those receiving the BSFL supplement moved closer to the operator during the AD test (p < 0.01). No physical injuries or damage were observed on the birds, regardless of whether they received the BSFL supplementation or not. The ECM were unaffected by BSFL supplementation, while the H/L ratio was higher in the larvae groups than in the control ones (p = 0.050). In conclusion, live BSFL provision could constitute a powerful tool for improving life quality in medium-growing chickens. Further research is required to clarify the stress modulation role of live BSFL on poultry production.

Effects of Cage and Floor Rearing Systems on the Metabolic Components of the Uropygial Gland in Ducks.

BACKGROUND: As a unique skin derivative of birds, the uropygial gland has a potential role in maintaining feather health and appearance. Cage-reared ducks usually have a worse feather condition than floor-reared ducks. We suspected that the metabolic components in the uropygial gland might play a vital role in their feather conditions. METHODS: Herein, the uropygial glands of floor- and cage-reared ducks were weighed, and a nontargeted metabolic analysis was performed. RESULTS: At 20 weeks of age, the relative weight of floor-reared duck uropygial glands was significantly higher than that of cage-reared ducks, indicating that the floor rearing system is better for inducing the development of uropygial glands. The nontargeted metabolic data revealed 1190 and 1149 differential metabolites under positive and negative ion modes, respectively. Among them, 49 differential metabolites were annotated between the two rearing systems. Three sulfur-containing amino acids, namely, 2-ketobutyric acid, L-aspartate-semialdehyde, and N-formyl-L-methionine, and some lipids, including inositol and sphingosine, might be responsible for the changes in plumage appearance among the various rearing conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study revealed the differences in the metabolic components of the uropygial gland in ducks reared under different rearing systems and found metabolic components to be possibly responsible for the poor feather condition of caged ducks.

Untargeted metabolomics reveals the effect of rearing systems on bone quality parameters in chickens.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of rearing systems on the bone quality parameters in chickens using a metabolomics strategy. A total of 419 male one-day-old chicks were randomly allocated to two groups, a floor rearing group (FRG, n = 173) and a cage rearing group (CRG, n = 246). At 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks of age, all chickens were radiographed by a digital X-ray machine, and body weight was recorded. At 12 weeks of age, 12 birds were selected from each group to obtain tibia and femur, and bone quality parameters of bone mineral density (BMD), mineral content (BMC), breaking strength (BBS), stiffness, Young's modulus (YM), ash content, calcium content, and phosphorus content were determined. An untargeted metabolomics assay was performed to identify changes in the serum metabolic profile (n = 8 birds/group). The results showed that cage-reared chickens had wider tibiae and greater body weight compared with floor-reared chickens. There were no significant differences in BMC or BBS between the two groups (p > 0.05), but BMD, ash content, calcium content, and phosphorus content of the tibia and femur of FRG were significantly higher than those of CRG (p < 0.05). Greater stiffness and YM of the femur were also observed in birds raised in the FRG compared with those raised in the CRG (p < 0.05). Taken together, the results suggest that rearing systems affected bone quality parameters. Furthermore, 148 and 149 differential metabolites were identified in positive and negative ion modes by LC-MS/MS analysis, among which 257 metabolites were significantly correlated with 16 bone quality parameters, including leucine, myristoleic acid, glycocholic acid, and N-phenylacetamide. KEGG analysis indicated that 15 metabolic pathways, including six pathways of amino acid metabolism, two pathways of lipid metabolism, and two pathways of carbohydrate metabolism, were responsible for bone quality. Overall, the present study demonstrated the effect of rearing systems on bone quality parameters, and identified several metabolites and metabolic pathways associated with bone quality parameters.

Comparison of Quality Changes in Eurasian Perch (Perca fluviatilis L.) Fillets Originated from Two Different Rearing Systems during Frozen and Refrigerated Storage.

The current knowledge on how different Eurasian perch rearing systems impact the final fillet quality is scant. Therefore, two domestic storage conditions were investigated-10 months frozen (-20 °C) and 12 days refrigerated (+4 °C) storage conditions-in order to determine (i) how the choice of rearing system affects fillets quality during different processing conditions and (ii) if oxidative changes and other quality parameters were interactive. For the proposed idea, proteome analysis, oxidative changes, and some quality parameters were considered in this study. Sodium dodecyl-sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) indicated a higher loss of protein in the frozen fillets from ponds (PF) than the fillets from recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) (RF). Western blot showed a higher protein carbonyls level in RF compared to PF, which was confirmed by the total protein carbonyls during frozen storage. PF indicated less liquid loss, hardness, and oxidation progress than RF in both storage conditions. The biogenic amines index (BAI) in the fillets from either origin showed acceptable levels during storage at +4 °C. Furthermore, the n-3/n-6 ratio was similar for both fillets. The deterioration of fillets during frozen storage was mainly caused by formation of ice crystals followed by protein oxidation, while protein oxidation was the main concern during refrigerated storage confirmed by principal component analysis (PCA) analysis.

Effects of rearing systems on production performance, antioxidant capacity and immune status of meat ducks at different ages.

As potential substitutes for traditional free-range rearing system, floor-rearing system (FRS) and net-rearing system (NRS) are the current predominant dryland duck rearing systems. However, the influence of these two systems on production performance and duck health is poorly understood. In this study, a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement with two rearing systems (FRS and NRS) and three ages (4w, 8w and 13w) was conducted to study the effects of FRS and NRS on production, antioxidant capacity and immune status of Nonghua ducks. The production performance was mainly affected by the effect of rearing systems at 8w. Body weight, average daily gain, eviscerated weight and semi-eviscerated weight were higher in NRS ducks at 8w, but carcass yield at 8w and 13w was decreased (P < 0.05). Lipid deposition was enhanced in NRS and higher sebum and abdominal fat yields were seen at 8w and 13w (P < 0.05). NRS resulted in developmental retardation of the liver at 4w and decreased gizzard index at all ages (P < 0.05). Antioxidant capacity indicators were unaffected by rearing systems (P > 0.05), however, in NRS, slightly better antioxidant capacity was seen at 4w, while glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity was higher at 13w (P < 0.05). NRS ducks had higher thymus weight at 8w and higher spleen weight at 13w (P < 0.05). Immune cytokines were extensively affected by rearing system (P < 0.05) and higher levels of interferon-γ, interleukin-1ß, interleukin-4 and immunoglobulins were seen in NRS ducks. Serum biochemical parameters (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)) showed that NRS was better for liver health, and in the liver of FRS ducks, ALP was higher at 13w, and both ALP and interferon-γ were higher at 13w than at 4w and 8w (P < 0.05). In conclusion, this study showed that NRS was, to an extent, conducive to production performance and duck liver health, but compared to FRS, defects were seen in visceral organ development and lipid deposition. Although antioxidant capacity was not significantly affected, NRS ducks may have better antioxidant capacity at the early breeding stage, and GSH-Px activity was increased for scavenging excess free radicals at the later one. NRS increased serum levels of interferon-γ, interleukin-1ß, interleukin-4 and immunoglobulins and promoted thymus and spleen development, thus improving duck immune function. These findings will provide a reliable reference for selecting a rearing system.

Extensive Rearing Systems in Poultry Production: The Right Chicken for the Right Farming System. A Review of Twenty Years of Scientific Research in Perugia University, Italy.

The demand for poultry meat, being cheaper than red meat, will drive worldwide production of this product. Accordingly, an increase in production up to 16% is expected in 2025, most of which will occur in developing countries. Most poultry meat production is realized with intensive production systems, and extensive rearing systems (ERS) of poultry (organic, free-range, and low-input) represent only a small portion of poultry production in the EU (about 5%). However, there is an increasing interest in such rearing systems to maintain the good image of product and environmental sustainability, improved animal welfare, and meat quality with an annual trend of growth of about 10%. The aims of this work were to summarize the activities and the viewpoint of the researchers of the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Science of the University of Perugia (Italy). One of the most important goals of the research unit was the challenge of identifying the best poultry genotypes for ERS, which are important not only for the food industry but also for the improvement of human nutrition. Only the definition of the best genotypes adapted to ERS through the measurement of a wide panel of traits-genetic, physiologic, and behavior-and not only relying on daily weight gain will allow us to achieve this goal.

Sicilian Black Pig: An Overview.

The Sicilian black pig (SB) (Nero Siciliano), also known as the Nero dei Nebrodi, Nero delle Madonie, or Nero dell'Etna pig ecotype, is an autochthonous Italian breed. The origins of this breed date back to Greek and Carthaginian dominations. In ancient times, its breeding was fairly common throughout Sicily, registering only a temporary reduction during the Arab domination. This breed is known primarily for its distinctive black coat, although some individuals display wattles and a partially or wholly white face. The SB pig has a birth rate with an average per sow of 7.6 piglets, each of 1.4 kg live body weight, showing an average daily gain (ADG) of 346 g/day during the fattening period. Slaughter generally takes place at an average age of 390 days, with an average live weight of 95 kg. This breed also appears to withstand adverse climatic conditions and resist disease. The purpose of this manuscript is to offer a general overview regarding the Sicilian Black pig and to consider the recent findings related to genome investigation. The recent application of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies in the study of the genome of autochthonous breeds showed that polymorphisms of some candidate genes for production performance and phenotypic traits represent important information for selection processes. The protection of autochthonous breeds, intended as sources of genomic diversity for the further improvements of pigs for commercial use, constitutes a valuable opportunity to create new sustainable pig chains.

Analysis of high-throughput sequencing for cecal microbiota diversity and function in hens under different rearing systems.

Rearing systems play an important role in animal welfare, health and the composition of the gut microbiome. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different rearing systems on the composition and function of cecal microbiota in chickens. The 120-day-old Lohmann hens of cage rearing systems (CRS) and free-range systems (FRS) were studied. The cecal bacterial populations of hens were surveyed by high-throughput sequencing (HTS) of the bacterial 16S rRNA hypervariable region V3-V4 combined with metagenomic sequencing analysis. The 16S rRNA sequencing analysis showed that the cecal microbiota differed between the FRS and CRS. The three most abundant bacteria phyla in the two systems were the Bacteroidetes (> 48%), Firmicutes (> 37%), and Proteobacteria (> 6%), the Deferribacteres (> 2.4%) were found in FRS and almost absent in CRS (< 0.01%). The three most abundant genera were the Bacteroides, Rikenellaceae_RC9, and Faecalibacterium, and we found relative abundance of the Parabacteroides (P < 0.05), Prevotellaceae_Ga6A1 (P < 0.01), unclassified Proteobacteria (P < 0.05), and unclassified Spirochaetaceae (P < 0.01) was greater in FRS, whereas abundance of Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcaceae, and Helicobacter was greater in CRS (P < 0.05). Functional gene classification of metagenomic sequencing suggested that energy production and conversion, carbohydrate transport and metabolism, as well as amino acid transport and metabolism were significantly more abundant in FRS, and we identified a range of antibiotic resistance categories in gut microbes of hens reared under both systems. We confirmed differences in microbe gut composition and function in hens reared using two contrasting systems, and ARGs were also identified in the microbiota of these hens. This work has produced new data for laying hens in different production systems and increased the understanding of intestinal microorganisms in laying hens.

Relação entre adiposidade, perfil energético, proteínas inflamatórias e lesões osteoarticulares em equinos jovens sobre diferentes sistemas de criação / Relationship between adiposity, energy profile, inflammatory proteins and osteoarticular lesions in young horses on different rearing systems

Os atuais sistemas de criação de equinos estão associados às dietas ricas em carboidratos que resultam em sobre peso e acúmulo de gordura em animais ainda muito jovens. Nesses animais com sobre peso submetidos exercício físico intenso há aumento na incidência de osteoartrite juvenil e outras afecções inflamatórias. O objetivo deste estudo foi associar a adiposidade corporal e a forma de criação de potros com o perfil energético sanguíneo, as concentrações sanguíneas de proteínas inflamatórias e lesões osteoarticulares na região társica comparando animais criados em regimes intensivo ou extensivo. Foram avaliados 40 potros com 18 meses de idade da raça crioula, 23 fêmeas e 17 machos, sendo 20 animais criados exclusivamente em sistema extensivo e 20 animais criados em sistema intensivo. Foram efetuadas coletas de sangue para avaliação bioquímica e eletroforese proteica. Foram efetuadas através de ultrassonografia a mensuração da gordura na crista do pescoço, região retroperitoneal e na base da cauda. Em 17 animais do grupo intensivo e nove animais do grupo extensivo foi efetuado o estudo radiográfico da região do tarso esquerdo. Foi observado maiores níveis de colesterol total e LDL, glicemia, Amilóide A sérica (SAA), transferrina, haptoglobina, ceruloplasmina, glicoproteína ácida e uma proteína de 23Kda de peso molecular (não identificada) nos animais do grupo intensivo com relação aos do grupo extensivo. O grupo intensivo também apresentou maior depósito de gordura na região da crista do pescoço, região retroperitoneal e base da cauda. Em 100% dos animais do grupo intensivo foram observados lesões compatíveis com osteoartrite juvenil, enquanto que em apenas 23% dos animais do grupo extensivo apresentaram tais alterações. No teste exato de Fisher foi observado que os animais do grupo intensivo apresentaram 105% mais chance de desenvolver osteoartrite que os animais do grupo extensivo. Ainda, no teste de Pearson foi observada correlação positiva entre a gordura na crista do pescoço com o grau de comprometimento articular dos potros. A gordura na crista do pescoço apresentou correlação positiva com as alterações osteoarticulares, com os níveis séricos de colesterol LDL, níveis séricos de glicose, níveis de glicoproteína ácida, haptoglobina, transferrina e SAA. A SAA apresentou correlação com a espessura de gordura retroperitoneal. Conclui-se que o depósito de gordura na crista do pescoço apresenta correlação com as alterações no perfil energético, inflamatório e no comprometimento osteoarticular dos animais avaliados. Os níveis de glicose, colesterol LDL, glicoproteína ácida, haptoglobina, ceruloplasmina, transferrina e SAA estiveram correlacionados ao depósito de gordura na crista do pescoço. Potros em sistema intensivo apresentam, em relação aos criados em sistema extensivo, 105 % mais chance de apresentarem lesões articulares degenerativas crônicas compatíveis com osteoartrite juvenil.(AU)

High carbohydrate diets are increasingly used in horse rearing systems. This can result in weight gain and fat accumulation in young horses. There is a growing incidence of juvenile osteoarthritis and other inflammatory conditions in overweight young horses that undergo intense physical exercise. The aim of this study was to associate corporal adiposity with energy profile, serum concentration of acute phase proteins and presence of osteo-articular lesion in the tarsal region of young horses raised in two different rearing systems: intensive system and extensive system. We evaluated 40 young horses 18 months old, 23 of them were females and 17 were males. Twenty horses were raised in the extensive rearing system and twenty horses were raised in intensive rearing system. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis and protein electrophoresis. Fat deposition on the crest of the neck, peritoneum and tailhead was measured by ultrasonography. Radiographic examination of the left tarsus was performed in 17 horses of the farm rearing system and in nine horses of the extensive rearing system. We observed higher levels of total cholesterol, LDL, glucose, serum amyloid A (SAA), transferrin, haptoglobin, acid glycoprotein and unidentified protein 23Kda in horses of the intensive system. These horses also showed higher fat deposition on the crest of the neck, peritoneum and tailhead than horses raised on extensive system. All horses on the intensive system group that underwent radiographic examination had lesions compatible with juvenile osteoarthritis while only 23% of the animals of the extensive system group showed such changes. With Fisher's exact test we observed that horses of the intensive rearing system are 105% more likely to develop osteoarthritis than horses of the extensive rearing system. With the Pearson correlation test we found a positive correlation between fat deposition on the crest of the neck and degree of articular injury. Fat deposition on the crest of the neck also showed a positive correlation with serum levels of LDL, glucose, acid glycoprotein, haptoglobin, transferrin and SAA. The SAA correlated with the thickness of retroperitoneal fat. There was a positive correlation between retroperitoneal fat deposition and presence of osteoarticular abnormalities. In conclusion, fat deposition on the crest of the neck has a correlation with energetic profile changes, cute phase proteins changes and with articular injuries. Levels of glucose, LDL cholesterol, acid glycoprotein, haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, transferrin and SAA have a correlation with fat deposition on the crest of the neck. In addition, young horses of the intensive rearing system are 105% more likely to have chronic degenerative joint lesions compatible with juvenile osteoarthritis than horses of the extensive rearing system.(AU)

Meat quality of buffaloes finished in traditional or silvopastoral system in the Brazilian Eastern Amazon.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to assess the physical, chemical and sensory characteristics of meat from buffaloes finished in a Traditional System (TS) or Traditional + Silvopastoral System (TSPS) with dietary supplementation. Crossbred Murrah × Mediterranean buffaloes were raised from weaning to slaughter in the TS (n = 15) or were raised in the traditional system and finished in the TSPS (n = 15). After finishing, animals were slaughtered and their carcasses refrigerated for 24 h. The right side of each half-carcass was cut between the 12th and 13th ribs and the Longissimus thoracis muscle was removed. The cranial part underwent analyses of pH, color, weight loss as a result of cooking, water holding capacity, texture and sensory characteristics, whereas the rest of the muscle underwent microbiological analyses and determination of the chemical composition, fatty acid profile and mineral content. RESULTS: No major difference between finishing systems was found (P > 0.05) in the physical analyses and chemical composition of meat. The percentage of myristic acid (C14:0) and the sum of polyunsaturated fatty acids differed between treatments. The TS meat had the best 'characteristic meat aroma'. CONCLUSION: Considering the quality of meat produced in the TS or TSPS, it is concluded that finishing buffaloes in the pasture still represents the best alternative. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Creating Public Awareness of How Goats Are Reared and Milk Produced May Affect Consumer Acceptability.

This study evaluated whether showing a video of the different ways of raising goats for milk affected consumer acceptability. Four combinations, 2 Videos (intensive [INT] and semiextensive [SEM] system) × 2 Milk Types (semiskimmed [S] and whole [W] milk), were evaluated by 70 habitual consumers of goat milk, who scored their liking and purchase intention during blind (B), expected (E), and informed (I) acceptability sessions. In the B session, consumers tasted both milk types without information. S samples were preferred over W samples. In the E session, SEM video created high expectations in terms of milk liking and purchase intent, whereas the opposite happened when showing INT video. In the I session, consumers showed a clear preference for combinations created using SEM video, regardless of milk type. W-SEM and S-INT were worse (negative disconfirmation) and better (positive disconfirmation) than expected, respectively. A complete assimilation toward expectations occurred only for S-INT. INT video adversely affected the acceptability of S samples. Concerning purchase intent, W-SEM and S-SEM were worse than expected, but the assimilation was complete only for S-SEM: SEM video increased purchase intent for S samples.

Reproductive performance of layer chickens reared on deep litter system with or without access to grass or legume pasture.

Despite several studies carried out to investigate the effects of access to pasture on poultry performance, there is a dearth of information on the comparative benefit of grass and legumes. This study investigated the effects of rearing systems [deep litter system (DL), deep litter with access to legumes (LP) or grass (GP) pastures] on the performance of ISA Brown layers. Two hundred and forty 12-week-old pullets were housed for this study. They were reared until 60 weeks of age. Eighty birds were assigned to each treatment; each treatment had four replicates of 20 birds each. Two birds per replicate were slaughtered at weeks 20, 35 and 58 for determination of the weights of liver, ovary, oviduct and the number of follicles. Daily egg production records were kept from the day of first egg to 42 weeks in lay. Body weights were recorded weekly. Results indicated that at 20 weeks of age, the hens kept in the LP had higher (p < 0.05) ovary weight (g) (34.98 ± 1.4), oviduct weight (52.55 ± 2.28) and oviduct length (cm) (49.73 ± 11.34), and higher number of large yellow follicles (3.75 ± 1.31) and small yellow follicles (12.75 ± 5.17) than those in the GP (0.83 ± 0.02, 1.68 ± 0.19, 16.38 ± 1.14, 0.00 and 0.00), and DL (1.03 ± 0.11, 1.48 ± 0.48, 14.43 ± 0.58, 0.00 and 0.00) respectively. The age (days) at first oviposition was earlier (p < 0.05) in the LP (139.25 ± 0.85) than that in the GP (146.75 ± 0.48) and DL (146.75 ± 0.48). The hen-day egg production was lower (p < 0.05) in GP (74.19 ± 1.25) than that in the DL (78.82 ± 0.78) and LP (79.93 ± 1.13) at mid-laying phase. Concentrate feed intake was lower (p < 0.05) in LP and GP than DL suggesting economic benefit. It was concluded that access to LP enhanced the performance of layers than DL and GP as indicated by the parameters measured.

Comparison among different gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) farming systems: activity of intestinal and hepatic enzymes and 13C-NMR analysis of lipids.

In order to evaluate differences in general health and nutritional values of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata), the effects of semi-intensive, land-based tanks and sea-cages intensive rearing systems were investigated, and results compared with captured wild fish. The physiological state was determined by measuring the activity of three different intestinal digestive enzymes: alkaline phosphatase (ALP), leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) and maltase; and the activity of the hepatic ALP. Also, the hepatic content in protein, cholesterol, and lipid were assessed. 13C-NMR analysis for qualitative and quantitative characterization of the lipid fraction extracted from fish muscles for semi-intensive and land based tanks intensive systems was performed. The lipid fraction composition showed small but significant differences in the monounsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio, with the semi-intensive characterized by higher monounsaturated and lower saturated fatty acid content with respect to land based tanks intensive rearing system.