Characterisation of Dry-Salted Violino and Bresaola from Grass-Fed Bergamasca Sheep.

This study focuses on characterising two seasoned products, violino and bresaola, derived from grass-fed Bergamasca sheep monitored with a GPS system. The evaluation includes both nutritional and sensory aspects. Results reveal that both products boast a high protein content (approximately 40%) and a beneficial fatty acid profile, endorsing a healthy n-6/n-3 ratio (2.2), along with rumenic acid (92-184 mg/100 g) and branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs) (237-621 mg/100 g). The sensory evaluation highlights distinctive ovine characteristics in aroma and flavour. Violino and bresaola from grass-fed Bergamasca sheep showcase positive attributes for human consumption. The study emphasises the potential for added value to seasoned products from Bergamasca sheep through a traceable, sustainable, and health-conscious supply chain.

Verbascoside-Rich Plant Extracts in Animal Nutrition.

In recent years, the search for dietary intervention with natural products able to sustain animal health and decrease environmental impact, has raised the number of studies pertaining to the use of plants' secondary metabolites. In fact, in livestock, there is a clear relationship between the animals' antioxidant status and the onset of some diseases that negatively affect animal welfare, health, and productive performance. An interesting compound that belongs to the secondary metabolites family of plants, named phenylpropanoids, is verbascoside. The genus Verbascum, which includes more than 233 plant species, is the genus in which this compound was first identified, but it has also been found in other plant extracts. Verbascoside exhibits several properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, chemopreventive, and neuroprotective properties, that have been evaluated mainly in in vitro studies for human health. The present work reviews the literature on the dietary integration of plant extracts containing verbascoside in livestock. The effects of dietary plant extracts containing verbascoside on the productive performance, antioxidant status, blood parameters, and meat quality in several animal species were evaluated. The present data point out that dietary plant extracts containing verbascoside appear to be a favorable dietary intervention to enhance health, antioxidant status, and product quality in livestock.

Poultry Meat Quality in Antibiotic Free Production Has Improved by Natural Extract Supplement.

Modern consumers are conscious of the relationship between meat quality and animal welfare. Today, slow-growing chickens are associated with a higher broiler welfare. The present work aims to evaluate the effect of dietary natural extract supplementation with polyphenols and seaweed mixtures (PPE) on breast and thigh muscles quality parameters in Hubbard JA57 slow growth chicken in antibiotic-free production. Five hundred Hubbard female chickens (250 from control and 250 from experimental group) were housed on floor pens (10 pens/treatment, 25 birds/pen) and assigned to two experimental groups: a control group (CON) receiving a commercial diet and another group receiving the same diet supplemented with 0.3% of polyphenols and seaweed mixtures (PPE). Dietary supplementation with PPE did not affect (p > 0.05) growth performances. The breast pH tended to be lower (p = 0.062) in PPE groups. The protein content of breast muscles resulted higher in PPE samples (p < 0.05) than controls. The thigh muscles from PPE group showed a lower (p < 0.05) malondialdehyde content than CON during refrigerated storage. In conclusion, the PPE supplement improves breast muscle protein content and oxidative stability of thigh muscle. This feeding practice is suggested to enhance the nutritional and technological parameters of meat Hubbard slow growth chicken in antibiotic-free production.

Long Term Dietary Supplementation with Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Charolais Beef Cattle Reared in Italian Intensive Systems: Nutritional Profile and Fatty Acids Composition of Longissimus lumborum Muscle.

Recently, the quality of beef has received great attention, and health concerns have been focused on fatty acid composition in relation to dietary requirements. The present work aims to evaluate the effect of omega-3 fatty acids (FA) lipid supplement in beef diet on the nutritional characteristics of Longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle. One hundred and eighty Charolais beef were divided in two groups: the control group (CON) received a basal diet and the second one (TR) an isoenergetic diet containing the omega-3 supplement. Dietary treatment did not affect (p > 0.05) growth performances, carcass characteristics and LL colour indices. Cholesterol content resulted lower (p < 0.001) in LL muscle from TR group than CON. The omega-3 FA and conjugated linoleic acid content were higher (p < 0.001) in LL muscle from TR than CON. As expected, LL muscle from TR group showed an increased value of malondialdehyde than CON during refrigerated storage, anyway, remaining within the threshold value of 1 mg/kg meat. In conclusion, the lipid supplement, rich in omega-3 FA improves the fatty acid profile and decreases cholesterol content of LL muscle. This feeding practice is suggested to enhance the nutritional value of meat from beef reared in intensive condition, improving the consumer's health.

The effect of brown seaweed and polyphenol supplementation in male rabbits on the blood profile and antioxidant markers.

Currently, in animal nutrition, the replacement of synthetic substances with natural ones was expected to improve animal health. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a dietary brown seaweed and plant polyphenol mixture in adult male rabbits on the haematological profile and antioxidant markers. Twenty-four adult male rabbits were divided into three experimental groups receiving a control diet (C) or diets supplemented with 0.3% (T1) and 0.6% (T2) of a feed additive containing brown seaweed (Laminaria spp.) and plant extracts of seaweed origin. The trial lasted for 90 days. A lower potassium concentration was observed at 30 days in the T2 group, compared with the T1 and C groups. An increase in the antioxidant status was observed (P < 0.05) from day 60 of the trial in the rabbits fed diets with an algae-polyphenolic supplement (T1 and T2 groups). Concluding, the diet supplementation of brown seaweed and polyphenol stimulates the antioxidant status of the blood, however, it does not affect the haematological profile.

Antioxidants in Animal Nutrition.

Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and their neutralization by the antioxidants' defenses [...].

Innovative Blood Antioxidant Test in Standardbred Trotter Horses.

In athletic horses, prolonged and intense training gives rise to an imbalance between the production of free radicals and antioxidant molecules, leading to oxidative stress. Considering the relation between exercise and oxidative stress in horses, the present work aims to validate the Kit Radicaux Libres (KRL) test as a tool to verify the influence of taming, training and racing on the total blood antioxidant activity and some haematochemical parameters. Five Italian Standardbred racehorses (two males and three females, aged 12 ± 1 months) from the same training center were selected and monitored upon arrival and during the following year until the racing season. Blood samples were obtained at different timepoints, corresponding to different steps of training. The data showed that KRL values were higher (p < 0.001) before the beginning of the taming period and at 60 days of taming, compared with the training and racing periods; additionally, the total protein value was affected by the training program, whereas no effects of training on muscle enzymes were detected. These results confirm that exercise plays a role in the production of free radicals and show that the KRL test may represent a valid method to determine oxidative stress in athletic horses.

Prebiotic Effects of Seaweed Polysaccharides in Pigs.

To ensure environmental sustainability, according to the European Green Deal and to boost the One Health concept, it is essential to improve animals' health and adopt sustainable and natural feed ingredients. Over the past decade, prebiotics have been used as an alternative approach in order to reduce the use of antimicrobials, by positively affecting the gut microbiota and decreasing the onset of several enteric diseases in pig. However, dietary supplementation with seaweed polysaccharides as prebiotics has gained attention in recent years. Seaweeds or marine macroalgae contain several polysaccharides: laminarin, fucoidan, and alginates are found in brown seaweeds, carrageenan in red seaweeds, and ulvan in green seaweeds. The present review focuses on studies evaluating dietary seaweed polysaccharide supplementation in pig used as prebiotics to positively modulate gut health and microbiota composition.

Stages of Gut Development as a Useful Tool to Prevent Gut Alterations in Piglets.

During the prenatal, neonatal, and weaning periods, the porcine gastrointestinal tract undergoes several morpho-functional, changes together with substantial modification of the microbial ecosystem. Modifications of the overall structure of the small intestine also occur, as well as a rapid increase of the volume, mainly in the last period of gestation: intestinal villi, starting from jejunum, appears shortly before the sixth week of gestation, and towards the end of the third month, epithelial cells diversify into enterocytes, goblet cells, endocrine, and Paneth cells. Moreover, in the neonatal period, colostrum induces an increase in intestinal weight, absorptive area, and brush border enzyme activities: intestine doubles its weight and increases the length by 30% within three days of birth. During weaning, intestinal environment modifies drastically due to a replacement of highly digestible sow milk by solid feed: profound changes in histological parameters and enzymatic activity are associated with the weaning period, such as the atrophy of the villi and consequent restorative hypertrophy of the crypts. All these modifications are the result of a delicate and precise balance between the proliferation and the death of the cells that form the intestinal mucosa (i.e., mitosis and apoptosis) and the health conditions of the piglet. An in-depth knowledge of these phenomena and of how they can interfere with the correct intestinal function can represent a valid support to predict strategies to improve gut health in the long-term and to prevent weaning gut alterations; thus, reducing antimicrobial use.

Dietary Plant Extracts Improve the Antioxidant Reserves in Weaned Piglets.

Reducing the use of antibiotics in livestock in order to contain antibiotic resistance and studying natural substance additives are key to sustainability. Among the various biological activities of plant extracts, antioxidant activity plays an important role. The present study assesses the total antioxidant activity and antioxidant reserves using the Kit Radicaux Libres test (KRL™ Kirial International, Couternon, France). One hundred and sixty piglets (Topics × Tempo) weaned at 28 days of age were divided into four dietary treatment groups that were fed a commercial diet (the control group, C); 500 mg/kg Boswellia extract (BOS); 200 and 50 mg/kg Uncaria and Tanacetum extracts (UT) respectively; and 225 mg/kg of an antioxidant plant extract mixture (AOX). The blood antioxidant activity of the piglets was measured using the KRL test and the reserves were analyzed on whole blood samples after hydrolysis with glucosidase, sulfatase and glucuronidase. No significant differences were observed in growth performance. The delta KRL values of the whole blood showed a significantly higher total antioxidant status of the piglets from the BOS and AOX groups than the UT and C groups (+30.7 BOS; +27.7 AOX vs. +17.81 UT +13.30 C; p = 0.002) between 18 and 28 days post-weaning. The delta KRL values of red blood cells (RBCs) showed a significantly higher total antioxidant status of the piglets from the AOX groups than the UT and BOS groups (+22.2 AOX; vs. +9.90 UT +9.4 BOS; p = 0.016) between the two sampling times. Reserves of UT and AOX were higher than C and BOS for all enzymes, glucosides, sulphates, and glucuronides. The biological KRL test proved to be an extremely sensitive tool to evaluate the piglets' antioxidant status. Determining the antioxidant reserve also provides a better understanding of the real antioxidant status of pigs.

Effects of dietary plant polyphenols and seaweed extract mixture on male-rabbit semen: Quality traits and antioxidant markers.

Feed additive consisting of polysaccharides from brown seaweeds plus phenolic acid, hydroxycinnamic acids, tannins, and flavonoids from plant extracts, was used as rabbit food supplement. Main aim of the study was to determine the effect of natural mix of marine and freshwater seaweed polyphenols on selected reproductive characteristics of male rabbits during the 90-days experiment. Natural mix was incorporated in feed-pellets for rabbits in two different concentrations - 0.3% (T1 group) and 0.6% (T2 group), compared with a control group (C group). In experimental groups a significant increase of concentration of calcium during first 30 days of supplementation was found. An increase of alanine aminotransferase, glutathione peroxidase and ferric reducing ability of plasma and a decrease in aspartate aminotransferase after 90 days were recorded in the same groups. Except for that we noticed decrease of semen distance of curved line and velocity of curved line after 30 days though only while being supplemented with 0.6% proportion of seaweed polyphenols in feed mixture. Based on the results it can be stated that the natural mix in the tested levels do not show adverse effect on male rabbit reproductive parameters, and an improvement of antioxidant status was observed. The feed additives can have a very important effect on growth, health and development of animals in general as it supplies the with the much-needed minerals, nutritional substances and antioxidants, on which we focused in our study.

Sensory characteristics and volatile compounds of dry cured ham Speck are affected by pig dietary supplementation with antioxidant mixture.

BACKGROUND: Dry cured ham named Speck is a typical Italian product, with consolidated processing techniques and specific quality parameters. It has gained importance in the international market after obtaining the Protected Geographical Indication. Recent studies indicate that dietary plant extracts in pig may affect quality of processed meats but there are no data on their effect on Speck. Consequently, the effects of dietary supplementation with antioxidant mixture (AOX), containing vitamin E and polyphenols, in pigs on the nutritional characteristics, volatile compounds, sensory properties and consumers' preference of Speck were evaluated. RESULTS: The Speck weight loss during seasoning was lower in the AOX group, while products quality parameters were not affected by dietary treatments. Alcohol and terpenes concentrations were lower (P < 0.05) in the AOX samples than the control. Sensory profile revealed slight differences (P < 0.05) in Speck salty and sweet taste, whereas the consumer tests showed a higher (P < 0.05) preference, with mean score of seven, for Speck from pigs fed AOX. CONCLUSION: Our results provide new insights on the quality parameters of Speck. Dietary integration with antioxidant mixture decreased Speck weight losses during seasoning. Volatile compounds concentrations and sensory profile were slightly affected by dietary treatment. The consumer test revealed that dietary antioxidants, increased the overall preference for Speck, and can potentially increase its consumption. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Verbascoside Protects Pancreatic ß-Cells against ER-Stress.

Substantial epidemiological evidence indicates that a diet rich in polyphenols protects against developing type 2 diabetes. The phenylethanoid glycoside verbascoside/acteoside, a widespread polyphenolic plant compound, has several biological properties including strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities. The aim of this research was to test the possible effects of verbascoside on pancreatic ß-cells, a target never tested before. Mouse and human ß-cells were incubated with verbascoside (0.8-16 µM) for up to five days and a combination of biochemical and imaging techniques were used to assess the ß-cell survival and function under normal or endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress inducing conditions. We found a dose-dependent protective effect of verbascoside against oxidative stress in clonal and human ß-cells. Mechanistic studies revealed that the polyphenol protects ß-cells against ER-stress mediated dysfunctions, modulating the activation of the protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) branch of the unfolded protein response and promoting mitochondrial dynamics. As a result, increased viability, mitochondrial function and insulin content were detected in these cells. These studies provide the evidence that verbascoside boosts the ability of ß-cells to cope with ER-stress, an important contributor of ß-cell dysfunction and failure in diabetic conditions and support the therapeutic potential of verbascoside in diabetes.

Impact of IFN-Free and IFN-Based Treatment on Blood Myeloid Dendritic Cell, Monocyte, Slan-DC, and Activated T Lymphocyte Dynamics during HCV Infection.

Chronic hepatitis C virus infection leads to the activation of innate immunity, a key component in HCV fibrosis. In the past, the use of IFN-based treatment regimens did not permit an adequate evaluation of the impact of HCV clearance on immune cells, because of their antiviral and immunomodulatory properties. The recent development of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy, which is associated with high rates of sustained virological response, enables a more accurate analysis of the immunological modifications following HCV eradication. We studied the dynamics of blood myeloid dendritic cells, monocytes, slan-DCs, and T lymphocytes during IFN-free and IFN-based regimens in hepatitis C virus infection.

Effects of Long-Term Supplementation with Brown Seaweeds and Polyphenols in Rabbit on Meat Quality Parameters.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of dam and offspring dietary supplementation with a natural feed additive on the growth performance and meat quality parameters of growing rabbits. The growing rabbits are selected from lactating does receiving a control diet (C) or diets supplemented with 0.3% (SP1) and 0.6% (SP2) of feed additive containing brown seaweeds (Laminaria spp.) and plant extracts. In the postweaning phase, the growing rabbits remained in the treatment group defined by their does and the trial lasted 42 days. The average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio were improved in the rabbit fed 0.6% of the natural feed additive. The cholesterol content tended to be lower in Longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle and decrease in Semimembranosus (SM) muscle (in SP2 -41.36% than controls). The α tocopherol and retinol content were enhanced in both muscles of rabbit fed the natural mixture (SP1 and SP2 groups). An improvement of sensory attributes of texture was observed in both muscles from rabbit fed natural mixture. In conclusion, long term supplementation of both lactating does and offspring with the high dosage of brown seaweed and plant polyphenols improves growth performance and enhances meat nutritional and sensory parameters.

Effects of dietary levels of brown seaweeds and plant polyphenols on growth and meat quality parameters in growing rabbit.

Growth performances, carcass characteristics and meat quality parameters from growing rabbit fed with two levels of dietary brown seaweed (Laminaria spp) and plant polyphenols were investigated. One hundred and forty-four New Zealand White rabbits were allotted into three dietary treatments containing 0 (C), 0.3% (T1), and 0.6% (T2) of brown seaweed and plant polyphenols mixture for 42 days. Growth performances and carcass weight were improved in T1 group. Vitamin A and E content in Longissimus thoracis and lumborum (LTL) and Semimembranosus (SM) muscle were enhanced in the treated groups. In the SM muscle, the oxidative stability was improved in rabbit fed with both dosages of dietary supplement, and the cholesterol content tended to be lower in T1 than in T2 and C groups. The LTL and SM muscle sensory characteristics were improved. In conclusion, dietary integration with a low dosage of brown seaweed and plant polyphenols is a valid strategy for enhance growth performance and produce healthier rabbit meat.

Nutritional Regulation of Gut Barrier Integrity in Weaning Piglets.

Weaning is very stressful for piglets and leads to alterations in the intestinal barrier, a reduction in nutrient absorption and a higher susceptibility to intestinal diseases with heavy economic losses. This review describes the structures involved in the intestinal barrier: the epithelial barrier, immune barrier and the enteric nervous system. Here, new insights into the interactions between feed components and the physiology and morphology of the epithelial barrier are highlighted. Dietary strategies focused on improving gut health are also described including amino acids, phytochemicals and organic acids.

Seaweeds in Pig Nutrition.

Seaweeds are macroalgae, with different sizes, colors and composition. They consist of brown algae, red algae and green algae, which all have a different chemical composition and bioactive molecule content. The polysaccharides, laminarin and fucoidan are commonly present in brown seaweeds, ulvans are found in green seaweeds and, red algae contain a large amount of carrageenans. These bioactive compounds may have several positive effects on health in livestock. In order to reduce the antimicrobials used in livestock, research has recently focused on finding natural and sustainable molecules that boost animal performance and health. The present study thus summarizes research on the dietary integration of seaweeds in swine. In particular the influence on growth performance, nutrients digestibility, prebiotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities were considered. The review highlights that brown seaweeds seem to be a promising dietary intervention in pigs in order to boost the immune system, antioxidant status and gut health. Data on the use of green seaweeds as a dietary supplementation seems to be lacking at present and merit further investigation.

ASSESSMENT OF MOVEMENT-INDUCED TIME-VARYING MAGNETIC FIELDS EXPOSURE IN MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING BY A COMMERCIAL PORTABLE MAGNETOMETER.

The purpose of this study was to describe a simple procedure to assess head exposure of MRI workers to time-varying magnetic field, due to their movements in the static magnetic field of a 3T MRI scanner. A group of MRI workers were provided with a commercial portable meter that stored in its internal memory the instantaneous B values. The dB/dt was obtained by the post hoc processing of measured data. The movement-induced time-varying electric field (TVEF) was calculated from dB/dt. The weighted peak index was evaluated in the frequency domain, by first computing the spectrum of dB/dt waveform, to verify the compliance with the exposure limits. The portable magnetometer may be useful to locally explore the MRI workers exposure to time-varying magnetic field and perform the local risk assessments in order to carry out the obligations laid down by Directive 2013/35/EU.

Dietary Verbascoside Influences Gut Morphology and the Expression of α-Transducin and α-Gustducin in the Small Intestine of Weaned Piglets Exposed to n-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids-Induced Oxidative Stress.

Reducing oxidative stress is an important goal in post-weaning piglets; previous studies have reported that verbascoside decreases oxidative stress in piglets. The effect of verbascoside on gut morphology and α-transducin and α-gustducin expression in weaned piglets fed high dosages of sunflower oil, inducing oxidative stress, was evaluated. A diet with 9% sunflower oil (T1), the same diet supplemented with 5 mg of verbascoside/kg feed (T2) and a diet containing starch (control-CTR) were employed. Histology, histometry, histochemistry, immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses were performed on the piglets' small intestine. In the T1 group, apical erosion was observed and villi height was lower than in other groups. The mucin profile was acidic in goblet cells of both the T1 and T2 groups. However, it was both neutral and acidic in the CTR group. Dietary treatments did not affect α-gustducin expression. Otherwise, the expression of α-transducin in the duodenum was lower (p < 0.01) in the T1 groups than in the other groups. The colocalization of α-transducin with chromogranin A and ghrelin revealed that the endocrine cells were immunopositive for both ghrelin and α-transducin. Overall, these results provide new insights into gut sensory perception in piglets and contribute to understanding how feed ingredients such as fat and polyphenols may be involved in gustatory signal transduction.