Milk Quality and Animal Welfare as a Possible Marketing Lever for the Economic Development of Rural Areas in Southern Italy

Diet supplementation with hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) inflorescences: effects on quanti-qualitative milk yield and fatty acid profile on grazing dairy goats

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is an annual plant belonging to the family of Cannabaceae with several varieties characterized by different fatty acid profile, content in flavonoids, polyphenols, and cannabinoid compounds. Hemp is mostly used in livestock nutrition as oil or as protein cake, but not as inflorescences. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary hemp inflorescences on milk yield and composition in grazing dairy goats. Twenty Camosciata delle Alpi goats at their 3rd parity and with a mean body weight of 45.2 ± 2.0 kg, immediately after kidding, were equally allocated into two groups (G: Grazing and GH: grazing and hemp). For three months, all goats were fed on a permanent pasture and received 700/head/day of concentrate; diet of group GH was supplemented with 20 g/head/day of hemp inflorescences. Goats' body weight did not change during the trial. Individual milk yield was daily recorded and samples collected every 20 days for chemical composition and fatty acid profile analysis. No significant differences were found for milk yield and chemical composition. Caproic (C6:0) (1.80 vs. 1.74%; p < 0.01) and lauric acids (C12:0) were significantly higher in milk of group GH (4.83 vs. 4.32%; p < 0.01) as well as linoleic (C18:2) (2.04 vs. 1.93%; p < 0.05), adrenic acid (C22:4) (0.046 vs. 0.031%, p < 0.05), omega-6/omega-3 ratio (3.17 vs. 2.93, p < 0.05) and total conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) (0.435 vs. 0.417%; p < 0.01). The results of this study suggest that the supplementation of grazing goats' diet with hemp inflorescences may enhance the milk nutritional characteristics by increasing its content of CLAs and other beneficial fatty acids.

Suitability of different machine learning algorithms for the classification of the proportion of grassland-based forages at herd-level using mid-infrared spectral information from routine milk control

As the call for an international standard for milk from grassland-based production systems continues to grow, so too do the monitoring and evaluation policies surrounding this topic. Individual stipulations by countries and milk producers to market their milk under their own grass-fed labels include a compulsory number of grazing days per year, ranging from 120 d for certain labels to 180 d for others, a specified amount of herbage in the diet or a prescribed dietary proportion of grassland-based forages (GBF) fed and produced on farm. As these multifarious policy and label requirements are laborious and costly to monitor on farm, fast economical proxies would be advantageous to verify the proportion of GBF consumed by the cows in the final product. With this in mind, we employed readily available mid-infrared spectral data (n = 1132 spectra) from routine milk controls to develop binary classification models for 4 main feed groups from a primarily forage-based diet: Total GBF (≥50% n = 955, ≥ 75% n = 599, ≥ 85% n = 356), pasture (≥20% n = 451, ≥ 50% n = 284, ≥ 70% n = 152), fresh herbage (pasture + fresh herbage indoor feeding, ≥ 20% n = 517, ≥ 50% n = 325, ≥ 70% n = 182) and whole plant corn (fresh + conserved) (≥10% n = 646, ≥ 30% n = 187), the latter as a negative control. We compared 4 machine learning methods to assess which statistical model performs best at discriminating these classes. Three of these models have not yet been tested for herd-level dietary proportion classification and all 4 follow completely different approaches: least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), random forest (RF) and support vector machines (SVM). Seasonality has been a missing element from previous dietary herbage proportion classification models. As grazing and fresh herbage indoor feeding are highly dependent on the season, we developed an indicator to incorporate seasonality in a consistent, unbiased manner into our models. We also tested 3 sets of covariates. The first set included only mid-infrared spectra derived data, the second included mid-infrared spectra derived data plus seasonality indices and the third included mid-infrared spectra derived data, seasonality indices and additional herd specific information (DIM, breed and parity). Of the 4 machine learning algorithms tested for the binary classification of GBF proportion at herd level, LASSO and PLS-DA performed best according to evaluation metrics; however, the RF and SVM models were not far behind the best performing model evaluation metrics in each feed category. Our best performing model, the LASSO model containing seasonality indices and herd specific information, classified total GBF ≥50% with an accuracy of 78.6%, precision of 85.1%, sensitivity of 90.6%, specificity 14.1% and F1 score (harmonic mean of precision and sensitivity) of 87.7%, this was very similar to the PLS-DA model. Our results suggest that in general LASSO and PLS-DA machine learning algorithms perform better for dietary GBF classification than RF or SVM algorithms.

The effect of first-lactation calving season, milk production, and morphology on the survival of Simmental cows

Longevity in dairy and dual-purpose cattle is a complex trait which depends on many individual and managerial factors. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the survival (SURV) rate of Italian Simmental dual-purpose cows across different parities. Data of this study referred to 2 173 primiparous cows under official milk recording that calved between 2002 and 2020. Only cows linearly classified for type traits, including muscularity (MU) and body condition score (BCS) were kept. Survival analysis was carried out, through the Cox regression model, for different pairwise combinations of classes of milk productivity MU, BCS, and calving season. Herd-year of first calving was also considered in the model. SURV (0 = culled; 1 = survived) at each lactation up to the 6th were the dependent variables, so that, for example, SURV2 equal to 1 was attributed to cows that entered the 2nd lactation. Survival rates were 98, 71, 63, 56, and 53% for 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th lactation, respectively. Results revealed that SURV2 was not dependent on milk yield, while in subsequent parities, low-producing cows were characterized by higher SURV compared to high-producing ones. Additionally, cows starting the lactation in autumn survived less (47.38%) than those starting in spring (53.49%), suggesting that facing the late gestation phase in summer could increase the culling risk. The present study indicates that SURV in Italian Simmental cows is influenced by various factors in addition to milk productivity. However, it is important to consider that in this study all first-calving cows culled before the linear evaluation - carried out between mid- and late lactation in this breed - were not accounted for. Finding can be transferred to other dual-purpose breeds, where the cows' body conformation and muscle development - i.e. meat-related features - are often considered as important as milk performance by farmers undertaking culling decisions.

Effect of a Dairy Cow's Feeding System on the Flavor of Raw Milk: Indoor Feeding or Grazing

The flavor of fresh, raw milk is considered to be the key to maintaining the quality of dairy products, and is very crucial in affecting a consumer's choice. To better understand the differences in flavor of fresh milk between feeding patterns, we conducted the following study. Twelve Holstein cows reared in pure grazing mode and twelve reared intensively in medium to large farms were selected from the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Regions at the same time, and the flavor of their raw milk was analyzed. Aroma profiles and taste attributes were assessed by electronic nose and electronic tongue, respectively, and volatile flavor compounds were characterized and quantified by Headspace-Solid Phase Microextraction/Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Thirteen volatile compounds were identified in the indoor feeding pattern and 12 in the grazing; most of them overlapped. W1S, W2S and W5S were the main contributing sensors of the electronic nose for the overall assessment of the aroma profile. Raw milk from grazing had more intense astringency, bitterness, sourness and richness in taste compared to indoor feeding. Different dietary conditions may contribute to a variety of aroma profiles. Oxime-, methoxy-phenyl-, octadecanoic acid, furfural and dodecanoic acid were the key volatile flavor compounds of grazing. Meanwhile, raw milk from indoor feeding patterns was unique in 2-nonanone, heptanoic acid and n-decanoic acid. All three detection techniques were valid and feasible for differentiating raw milk in both feeding patterns, and the compounds were significantly correlated with the key sensors by correlation analysis. This study is promising for the future use of metabolic sources of volatile organic compounds to track and monitor animal feeding systems.

Nutritional Characterization of Hay Produced in Campania Region: Analysis by the near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) Technology

Since the dietary characteristics of hays can be very variable, it is of great importance for nutritionists to know their chemical composition in order to formulate adequate rations for the animals. Laboratory analyses are time-consuming and expensive while the Near Infrared Spectroscopy offers several advantages, including obtaining information on feeds nutritional characteristics very quickly and in situ at the farm, thanks to portable NIRS. In this trial, over 400 hay samples collected in the Campania region (Italy) were analyzed with portable NIRS device. The final aim was to analyze the differences in hay quality in different production areas, highlighting the possible factors involved and suggesting possible corrective measures. All the analyzed hays (polyphite, Gramineae and alfalfa) were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by the area of cultivation/preservation. In particular, the polyphite and Gramineae hays produced in most of the areas of Campania region showed poor nutritional value due to the low protein content and high structural carbohydrate that significantly reduced its digestibility. The use of high-quality forages in the ration represents a pivotal factor to allow the production of high-quality products of animal origin. The use of NIRS seems to be a valuable strategy to select potential treatments that can increase feed digestibility and to avoid long chemical analysis.

Udder Health Monitoring for Prevention of Bovine Mastitis and Improvement of Milk Quality

To maximize milk production, efficiency, and profits, modern dairy cows are genetically selected and bred to produce more and more milk and are fed copious quantities of high-energy feed to support ever-increasing milk volumes. As demands for increased milk yield and milking efficiency continue to rise to provide for the growing world population, more significant stress is placed on the dairy cow's productive capacity. In this climate, which is becoming increasingly hotter, millions of people depend on the capacity of cattle to respond to new environments and to cope with temperature shocks as well as additional stress factors such as solar radiation, animal crowding, insect pests, and poor ventilation, which are often associated with an increased risk of mastitis, resulting in lower milk quality and reduced production. This article reviews the impact of heat stress on milk production and quality and emphasizes the importance of udder health monitoring, with a focus on the use of emergent methods for monitoring udder health, such as infrared thermography, biosensors, and lab-on-chip devices, which may promote animal health and welfare, as well as the quality and safety of dairy products, without hindering the technological flow, while providing significant benefits to farmers, manufacturers, and consumers.

The Italian Cilentana goat breed: productive performances and economic perspectives of goat farming in marginal areas

In the internal areas of Cilento, province of Salerno (Campania), the Cilentana, a small native goat breed population, is reared quite widespread, due to its dual-purpose attitude and to its typical productions. The extensive livestock system adopted for this breed allows the use of otherwise abandoned territories and a sustainable farming capable of ensuring high-quality levels. In addition, Cilentana goat farming represents an important source of income for the local communities and also preserves the territory itself guaranteeing the protection of biodiversity and the conservation of local activities that have a historical tradition. The aim of this study is twofold: give an overview of Cilentana breed morphological and productive traits linked to the historical and gastronomic tradition of the area and emphasize the economic role of this breed in the perspective of the ongoing new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) rules.

Effects of Linseed Supplementation on Milk Production, Composition, Odd- and Branched-Chain Fatty Acids, and on Serum Biochemistry in Cilentana Grazing Goats

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of linseed supplementation on milk yield and quality, serum biochemistry and, in particular, to evaluate its possible effects on the production of odd- and branched-chain fatty acids (OBCFA) in the milk of Cilentana grazing goats. Twelve pregnant Cilentana dairy goats were divided into two groups (CTR, control, and LIN, linseed supplementation group). After kidding, the goats had free access to the pasture and both groups received a supplement of 400 g/head of concentrate, but the one administered to the LIN group was characterized by the addition of linseed (in a ratio of 20% as fed) to the ingredients. During the trial, milk samples were taken from April to August in order to evaluate milk production, composition, and fatty acid profile. In addition, blood samples were taken for evaluating the effects of linseed supplementation on goats’ health status. The health status of the goats was not influenced by the linseed supplementation, as confirmed by blood analyses. Concerning the effects on milk, the supplementation positively affected (p < 0.001) milk production and fat percentage and the fatty acid profile was markedly influenced by the lipid supplementation. In particular, milk from the LIN group was characterized by significantly lower concentrations of saturated fatty acids (FA; p < 0.001) and higher proportions of monounsaturated FA, polyunsaturated FA, and conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) than milk from the CTR group (p < 0.001). In contrast, the OBCFA were negatively influenced by the linseed supplementation (p < 0.0001). Further studies are needed to test the effects of different fat sources and other nutrients on the diets.

Milk Fat Depression and Trans-11 to Trans-10 C18:1 Shift in Milk of Two Cattle Farming Systems

Milk fat depression (MFD) syndrome, a consistent decrease in milk fat content, is related to important changes in fatty acid composition due to feed imbalances and the consequent ruminal metabolism alteration. Milk produced in two different farming systems was compared: Holstein Friesian fed with unified in intensive production and Podolica raised on a pasture in an extensive system. Milk chemical characteristics and fatty acid composition were determined comparing milk with a normal fat level (>3.8%) to milk with a low fat level (<3.2%) in each breeding system. Holstein Friesian milk showed the decrease in trans-11 and increase in trans-10 C18:1 (shift from trans-11 to trans-10 C18:1) in low fat with respect to normal fat milk with a consequent decrease in the trans-11/trans-10 C18:1 ratio. Even conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), C18:2 cis-9, trans-11, was lower while CLA trans-10, cis-12 was higher in low fat milk than in normal fat milk from Holstein Friesian. These changes, that are indicators of MFD syndrome, were not found in Podolica milk between fat levels. Holstein Friesian milk showed less short-chain fatty acids (9.48 % vs. 11.05%, p < 0.001), trans vaccenic acid (C18:1 trans-11, 0.51% vs. 3.39%, p < 0.001), rumenic acid (CLA C18:2 cis-9, trans-11, 0.32% vs. 1.45%, p < 0.001) and total CLA (0.53% vs. 1.91%, p < 0.001) contents than Podolica milk. Further losses of these human healthy nutrients in low fat Friesian milk reduced the nutritional quality of the milk, while the milk from animals raised on the pasture was of better quality even when the level of fat was low.

Effect of Olive Cake and Cactus Cladodes Incorporation in Goat Kids' Diet on the Rumen Microbial Community Profile and Meat Fatty Acid Composition

Simple Summary

Throughout the world, the ruminant diet is based on conventional feedstuffs, which their price constantly fluctuates, and their use presents a concurrence to human nutrition. The use of alternative feed resources seems to be a solution to reduce charges and diversify ruminants’ diet. Olive cake and cactus cladodes are two alternative feed resources that are recommended to be used in ruminant feed. However, their effect on the bacterial community of ruminants is not widely investigated. This study aims to evaluate the effect of olive cake and cactus cladodes on the ruminal microbial ecosystem and meat fatty acids of goat kids. The incorporation of these feedstuffs did not change the bacterial abundance and diversity. Goat kids’ rumen liquor seemed to be able to adapt to alternative feed resources incorporation. The introduction of olive cake and cactus cladodes slightly affect meat fatty acids without a negative effect. Thus, ruminants seem to have the ability to adapt to the alternative feed resources digestion, and their use as a feed could diversify feed and reduce feed cost.

Abstract

The olive cake (OC) and the cactus cladodes (CC) are two alternative feed resources widely available in the southern Mediterranean region that could be used in ruminants’ diet. Their impact on the rumen bacterial ecosystem is unknown. This work aims to evaluate their effects on the microbial community and meat fatty acids of goat’s kids. Forty-four goat kids were divided into four groups receiving diets with conventional concentrate, or 35% OC, or 30% CC, or 15% OC, and 15% CC. After 3 months, these animals were slaughtered, and the rumen liquor and longissimus dorsi and semimembranosus muscles samples were collected. Animals receiving a control diet had rumen liquor with high acidity than test groups (p < 0.001). Test rumen liquor was more adapted to digest efficiently their matching diet than control liquor (p < 0.05). These feedstuffs did not affect rumen bacteria abundance and alpha diversity (richness, evenness, and reciprocal Simpson indexes), and these results were confirmed by beta-diversity tests (NMDS plot, HOMOVA, PERMANOVA). The test diets slightly affected the individual fatty acids of meat (p < 0.05) without effect on fatty acids summaries, indexes, and ratios. Thus, these alternative feed resources could take place in goat kids’ diet to diversify their feed and to reduce feed costs.