Does the Wolf () Exhibit Human Habituation Behaviours after Rehabilitation and Release into the Wild? A Case Report from Central Italy.

The knowledge of how wolves’ movement patterns and habitat selection are affected by habituation to persons after a period of veterinary isolation, treatment and non-agonistic experience with humans is scarce. Unnatural behaviours could be transferred by imitation to members of the pack and to subsequent generations, increasing direct interaction risks. We used GPS data from a rescued radio-collared female wolf after an 11-day rehabilitation to estimate home range, movement patterns, circadian rhythms, and habitat selection, searching for signals of eventual behavioural distortions.

Sowing Date and Seeding Rate Affect Bioactive Compound Contents of Chickpea Grains.

Chickpea grains may represent an alternative to soybean meals and energetic concentrates in animal feeding, as their nutritional value can help to increase the sustainability of livestock systems. Unfortunately, the presence of bioactive compounds with anti-nutritional effects can prevent its direct use, especially in mono-gastrics. It is known that the synthesis of these compounds depends on genetic expression, which is also influenced by growth conditions.

The Effects of Diet Formulation on the Yield, Proximate Composition, and Fatty Acid Profile of the Black Soldier Fly ( L.) Prepupae Intended for Animal Feed.

The black soldier fly (BSF; L.) is a very promising insect species due to the ability to convert low-value substrates in highly nutrient feed. This work aimed to study the effect of three nominally isoenergetic diets containing plant ingredients such as barley, alfalfa, and wheat byproducts, formulated to be higher in nonfiber carbohydrates (TMD1), fibers (TMD2), and protein (TMD3) in comparison to an extensively genetic modified cereal (cornmeal)-based diet (C), on the growth, yield, and nutritive traits of BSF prepupae (BSFPs).

Surveying selected European feed and livestock production chains for features enabling the case-specific post-market monitoring of livestock for intake and potential health impacts of animal feeds derived from genetically modified crops.

This review, which has been prepared within the frame of the European Union (EU)-funded project MARLON, surveys the organisation and characteristics of specific livestock and feed production chains (conventional, organic, GM-free) within the EU, with an emphasis on controls, regulations, traceability, and common production practices. Furthermore, an overview of the origin of animal feed used in the EU as well as an examination of the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in feed is provided. From the data, it shows that livestock is traceable at the herd or individual level, depending on the species.

Aflatoxin B1 and fumonisin B1 affect the oxidative status of bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites having a high cytotoxic potential. They are produced by molds and released in food and feed. To date, the mechanisms underlying the mycotoxin-induced cytotoxicity have not been fully clarified.

Dynamics of the temperature-humidity index in the Mediterranean basin.

The study was aimed at describing the temperature humidity index (THI) dynamics over the Mediterranean basin for the period 1951-2007. The THI combines temperature and humidity into a single value, and may help to predict the effects of environmental warmth in farm animals. In particular, on the basis of THI values, numerous studies have been performed to establish thresholds for heat stress in dairy cows.

Heat shock modulates adipokines expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Studies have demonstrated that heat shock is associated with alteration in energy metabolism. In this study, we investigated the effect of heat shock on gene expression and secretion of adiponectin and leptin, and gene expression of Hspa2 and Ppargamma in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Compared with 37 degrees C, adiponectin mRNA was higher at 39 degrees C, and lower at 41 degrees C.

Lymphocyte functions in dairy cows in hot environment.

This study was carried out to ascertain the effects of intense high environmental temperatures (HET) on lymphocyte functions in periparturient dairy cows. The study was undertaken from the beginning of March through the end of July 2003 in a commercial dairy unit located approximately 40 km north of Rome. Thirty-four Holstein cows were utilised in the study.

Evaluation of antibody response and nonspecific lymphocyte blastogenesis following inoculation of a live attenuated bluetongue virus vaccine in goats.

Objective: To evaluate vaccine safety, antibody response, and nonspecific lymphocyte blastogenesis following inoculation of a commercial monovalent live attenuated bluetongue virus (BTV) serotype 2 vaccine in goats.

Animals: 12 nonpregnant and nonlactating Saanen goats.

Procedure: 6 goats were inoculated with the monovalent live attenuated BTV serotype 2 vaccine, which has been widely used in Italy during the proceding 2 years.

Effects on functions of ovine blood mononuclear cells for each of several fatty acids at concentrations found in plasma of healthy and ketotic ewes.

Objective: To assess effects on functions of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) obtained from ewes for each of several fatty acids represented in ovine plasma at concentrations mimicking those of ketotic or healthy ewes.

Sample Population: Blood samples obtained from 6 Sardinian ewes.

Procedure: The PBMC were cultured in media that contained oleic (OA), palmitic (PA), stearic (SA), linoleic (LA), or palmitoleic (POA) acid at concentrations similar to those of ketotic or healthy ewes.

Moderate summer heat stress does not modify immunological parameters of Holstein dairy cows.

The study was undertaken during spring and summer months in a territory representative of the Mediterranean climate to assess the effects of season on some immunological parameters of dairy cows. Twenty Holstein cows were used. Eleven of those cows gave birth during spring; the remaining nine cows gave birth in summer.

Effects of nonesterified fatty acids and beta-hydroxybutyrate on functions of mononuclear cells obtained from ewes.

Objective: To assess the effects of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) on functions of mononuclear cells obtained from ewes.

Animals: 6 Sardinian ewes.

Procedure: Mononuclear cells were cultured with concentrations of NEFA (0, 15.