Oxidative status during late pregnancy and early lactation in dairy cows

In the last few years, the detection of free radical damage and the body's defences against it have become increasingly important in clinical medicine as a complementary tool in the evaluation of metabolic status. The aim of this study was to evaluate, under field conditions, the anti-oxidant status of healthy cows during late pregnancy and lactation onset using two parameters: (1) plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), a degradation product of lipid peroxidation, and (2) total antioxidant status (TAS). Results were compared with those obtained in another group of cows with lesser metabolic demands. We also investigated possible relationships between antioxidant status markers and other relevant blood parameters. Our results confirmed the characteristic metabolic changes associated with late pregnancy and early lactation. MDA and TAS provided an accurate reflection of the internal physiological status of the animal. The data indicated increased lipid peroxidation around parturition, but with wide individual variations that may be attributable not only to the physiological stage but also to unknown factors that will have to be further considered in future studies.

Plasma malonaldehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant status (TAS) during lactation in dairy cows

Metabolic profiles are widely used to monitor health, reproductive status and nutritional status. In the last few years, the evaluation of oxidative stress has contributed increasingly to our knowledge of the fundamental mechanisms involved in metabolic disorders, especially important in dairy cows, in which lactation imposes great physiological demands on the body's homeostatic mechanisms. The aim of the present study was to evaluate oxidative status in healthy cows during lactation (from lactation onset to peak lactation) using two parameters: (i) plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and (ii) total antioxidant status (TAS). Our results confirm that nutrition can influence the characteristic metabolic changes occurring between lactation onset and peak lactation. In addition, the combination of MDA and TAS can provide complementary information about the metabolic status of the cow. Thus, the proper metabolic adaptation to the onset of lactation, showed by metabolic profiles, contrasts with the high levels of free radicals which cause lipid peroxidation and high MDA values (68.99+/-33.64 microm/L) which is maintained only for a short period of time. In this moment, the antioxidant system can cope efficiently with lipoperoxide production. The most remarkable fact was the great inter-individual variations observed in MDA that might be studied in further investigations. When the animal reaches peak lactation, metabolic status is stabilized, and this is reflected by antioxidant status with mean values of 28.87+/-5.33 microm/L for MDA and 0.154+/-0.002 mmol/L for TAS values.

Arsenic, cadmium, lead, copper and zinc in cattle from Galicia, NW Spain

Knowledge of trace and toxic metal concentrations in livestock is important for assessing the effects of pollutants on domestic animals and contaminant intakes by humans. Metal levels in cattle have been measured in various countries but not in Spain. In this study, the (wet wt.) concentrations of three toxic elements (arsenic, cadmium, lead) and two trace elements (copper, zinc) were quantified in the liver (Li), kidney (Ki), muscle (M) and blood (Bl) of calves (males and females between 6 and 10 months old) and cows (2-16 years old) from Galicia, NW Spain. For the toxic elements, geometric mean concentrations of arsenic in calves (sexes combined) and cows were 10.8 and 10.2 microg/kg (Li), 11.3 and 15.2 microg/kg (Ki), 3.75 and 4.25 microg/kg (M), 3.23 and 2.92 microg/l (Bl). The corresponding cadmium concentrations were 7.78 and 83.3 microg/kg (Li), 54.3 and 388 microg/kg (Ki), 0.839 and 0.944 microg/kg (M), 0.373 and 0.449 microg/l (Bl). Geometric mean concentrations of lead in calves and cows were similarly low and were 33.0 and 47.5 microg/kg (Li), 38.9 and 58.3 microg/kg (Ki), 6.37 and 12.5 microg/kg (M), 5.47 and 12.2 microg/l (Bl). Sex had almost no effect on the amount of toxic metal accumulated except that kidney cadmium concentrations were significantly higher in females than males. Age did influence accumulation; cadmium and lead (but not arsenic) concentrations in most tissues were significantly greater in cows than female calves. For the trace elements, geometric mean copper levels in calf and cow tissues were 49.9 and 36.6 mg/kg (Li), 4.27 and 3.63 mg/kg (Ki), 0.649 and 1.68 mg/kg (M) and 0.878 and 0.890 mg/l (Bl). The corresponding zinc concentrations were 46.3 and 52.5 mg/kg (Li), 14.2 and 20.7 mg/kg (Ki), 47.3 and 52.5 mg/kg (M) and 2.80 and 2.22 mg/l (Bl). Female calves had significantly higher levels than males of muscle zinc and blood copper and zinc. Female calves accumulated more copper but less zinc in the liver and kidneys compared with cows; this may have been associated with the chronic, low-level cadmium accumulation observed in cows. Overall, the levels of arsenic, cadmium, lead and zinc in cattle in Galicia do not constitute a risk for animal health. However, up to 20% of cattle in some regions in Galicia had levels of copper in the liver that exceeded 150 mg/kg wet wt. These animals may be at risk from copper poisoning.

Composition assessment of raw meat mixtures using ultrasonics

The use of ultrasonic velocity measurements to determine the composition of dry fermented sausages was assessed. Mixtures of ground lean and fatty tissues were prepared to cover a wide range of fat (2-90 wt.%), moisture (7-76 wt.%), and protein (2-21 wt.%) contents. The ultrasonic velocity in fat decreased on average 5.6 ms(-1) per °C increase in temperature, due to the negative temperature coefficient for fat and the fat melting, which is observed in (DSC) differential scanning calorimetry analysis. The ultrasonic velocity temperature dependence allowed the determining of the fat, moisture and protein+others content, by measuring the ultrasonic velocity in the mixtures at 4 and 25°C and using a semi-empirical equation. The explained variance was 99.6% for fat, 98.7% for moisture and 85.4% for protein+others. The results obtained show the feasibility of using ultrasonic velocity measurement to assess the composition of meat products such as dry fermented sausages, rapidly and non-destructively.

Toxic and essential metals in liver, kidney and muscle of pigs at slaughter in Galicia, north-west Spain

The aims of the study were to evaluate toxic and essential metal concentrations in meat and offal from pigs in north-west Spain to compare these with reported metal concentrations in pigs in other countries and in cattle in this region, and to relate the observed concentrations to maximum acceptable concentrations. Samples from 63 pigs aged 6 months were randomly collected at slaughter. After acid digestion, levels of metals were determined by ICP-OES and ICP-MS. As regards the toxic metals, mean concentrations in liver, kidney and muscle were 0.073, 0.308 and 0.009 mg kg(-1) fresh weight for cadmium, 0.004, 0.008 and 0.003 mg kg(-1) for lead, 0.013, 0.011 and 0.003 mg kg(-1) for arsenic, and 0.001, 0.002 and 0.001 mg kg(-1) for mercury. These concentrations can be considered low, and in general similar to those reported in similar studies in recent years. In addition, maximum admissible concentrations established by the European Union were not exceeded in any sample. As regards the essential metals, concentrations in liver, kidney and muscle were 14.9, 5.63 and 6.85 mg kg(-1) for copper, 81.3, 28.9 and 42.5 mg kg(-1) for zinc, 195, 51.6 and 26.5 mg kg(-1) for iron; 1.17, 2.51 and 0.656 mg kg(-1) for selenium, 3.32, 1.56 and 1.01 mg kg(-1) for manganese, 0.023, 0.027 and 0.003 mg kg(-1) for cobalt, 0.120, 0.077 and 0.131 mg kg(-1) for chromium, 0.009, 0.027 and 0.026 mg kg(-1) for nickel, and 1.62, 0.683 and 0.140 mg kg(-1) for molybdenum. These concentrations are all within the accepted adequate-safe ranges for this animal species, and in general are in line with those previously reported in the literature.

Toxic and trace elements in liver, kidney and meat from cattle slaughtered in Galicia (NW Spain)

The aims of this study were to determine the levels of some toxic and trace metals in cattle meat in Spain and to compare them with concentrations in cattle elsewhere and to maximum acceptable levels. Arsenic, cadmium, lead, copper and zinc concentrations in the liver, kidney and muscle (meat) from 438 calves (6-10 months old) and 56 cows (2-16 years old) slaughtered in Galicia (NW Spain) in 1996 were quantified. The arithmetic mean fresh weight concentrations in calf liver, kidney and muscle respectively were 0.043, 0.055, 0.004 mg/kg for arsenic, 0.032, 0.070, 0.001 mg/kg for cadmium, 0.053, 0.052, 0.009 mg/kg for lead, 64.6, 4.91, 0.677 mg/kg for copper and 47.7, 14.4, 47.8 mg/kg for zinc. In cows, these concentrations were 0.046, 0.068, 0.005 mg/kg (arsenic), 0.097, 0.458, 0.001 mg/kg (cadmium), 0.057, 0.066, 0.017 mg/kg (lead), 60.3, 3.67, 1.26 mg/kg (copper) and 59.8, 20.0, 52.7 mg/kg (zinc). Except for copper levels in the liver which were high, metal concentrations in cattle were generally low in Galicia and broadly similar to those in the rest of Europe, Australia and Canada. Arsenic, cadmium and lead concentrations in Galician cattle rarely exceeded acceptable maximum concentrations that have been adopted by many countries. Copper and zinc concentrations in Galician cattle did exceed acceptable maximum concentrations but the frequency with which this occurred depended upon which acceptable maximum concentration was used; regulatory values differ markedly between countries.

Cheese maturity assessment using ultrasonics

The relationship between Mahon cheese maturity and ultrasonic velocity was examined. Moisture and textural properties were used as maturity indicators. The ultrasonic velocity of the cheese varied between 1630 and 1740 m/s, increasing with the curing time mainly because of loss of water, which also produced an increase of the textural properties. Because of the nature of low-intensity ultrasonics, velocity was better related to those textural parameters that involved small displacements. Ultrasonic velocity decreased with increasing temperature because of the negative temperature coefficient of the ultrasonic velocity of fat and the melting of fat. These results highlight the potential use of ultrasonic velocity measurements to rapidly and nondestructively assess cheese maturity.

Metal accumulation in cattle raised in a serpentine-soil area: relationship between metal concentrations in soil, forage and animal tissues

Soils developed on serpentine rocks contain high levels of heavy metals such as copper (Cu), nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr), and are deficient in some macronutrients. The crops and pasture grown on these soils may accumulate high levels of metals, which constitute a potential health hazard for cattle. The aim of this study was to evaluate Cr, Ni and Cu accumulation in cattle raised in a serpentine area in Southwest Europe (Galicia, NW Spain). Samples of liver, kidney and muscle of 41 animals aged 8-12 months were collected at slaughter. Representative samples of soil and forage were taken from 10 farms. Samples were acid-digested and metal concentrations determined by ICP-MS (Cr and Ni) and ICP-AES (Cu). The concentrations of the metals in soils and forage were in the range of those found in serpentine soils in other areas. Accumulation of Cr in animal tissues was generally low and within the normal range. However, 20% of the animals had toxic levels of Ni in kidney and 32% of the animals had liver Cu levels above the acceptable range. Serpentine soils had a significant effect on Ni and Cu accumulation in cattle, and a relatively high percentage of the animals showed tissue levels of Ni and Cu indicative of risk of toxicity.

The effect of pig farming on copper and zinc accumulation in cattle in Galicia (north-western Spain)

Copper and zinc are frequently added at high concentrations to pig diets as growth promoters. Livestock grazing pasture contaminated with pig slurry may, therefore, be at risk from excessive intake of these elements. High liver copper concentrations have been detected in cattle from the agricultural region of Galicia (NW Spain), especially where there is intensive pig farming. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether pig farming does affect accumulation of copper and zinc in cattle in Galicia. Hepatic copper and zinc concentrations in calves were elevated in areas with naturally high levels of these elements in the soil. The densities of young pigs (piglets and growing-finishing pigs), but not reproductive sows, also influenced copper accumulation in calves. Liver copper levels in calves were significantly and positively related to the density of young pigs in the region. In areas with the highest pig densities, more than 20% of the cattle analysed had hepatic copper concentrations that exceeded the potentially toxic concentration of 150 mg/kg fresh weight. There was no evidence that zinc accumulation in calves was affected by pig density.

Association of oxidative status and insulin sensitivity in periparturient dairy cattle: an observational study

Post-parturient insulin resistance (IR) is a common feature in all mammalian animals. However, in dairy cows, it can be exacerbated because of high milk yield, leading to excessive negative energy balance, which is related with increased disease incidence, reduced milk production and worsened reproductive performance. IR has been extensively investigated in humans suffering from diabetes mellitus. In these subjects, it is known that oxidative stress (OS) plays a causative role in the onset of IR. Although OS occurs in transitional dairy cattle, there are yet no studies that investigated the association between IR and OS in dairy cattle. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a relationship between OS and IR in dairy cattle. Serum samples were taken repeatedly from 22 dairy cows from 2 months prior to the expected calving date to 2 months after calving and were analysed for markers of metabolic and redox balance. Surrogate indices of insulin sensitivity were also calculated. Generalised linear mixed models revealed an effect of the oxidative status on peripheral insulin concentration and on indices of insulin sensitivity. Hence, field trials should investigate the effectiveness of antioxidant therapy on insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues during the transition period of dairy cattle.

Cattle as biomonitors of soil arsenic, copper, and zinc concentrations in Galicia (NW Spain)

Determination of soil concentrations of trace and pollutant metals over large spatial areas requires laborious and expensive sampling effort. In this study, we examined the feasibility of using calves as biomonitors of soil semimetal and trace metal concentrations in Galicia (NW Spain), a region in which calves are predominantly reared on grass or locally grown forage. We determined the concentrations of arsenic, copper, and zinc in the liver, kidney, muscle, and blood of calves from across Galicia and related them to the metal concentrations in the soil from the areas in which the animals were reared. For each element, liver (but not usually kidney, muscle, or blood) concentrations were significantly elevated in animals from areas with higher soil concentrations. Liver arsenic concentrations were only markedly greater in animals from areas with soil arsenic levels > 20 mg/kg, and calves may not be sensitive enough biomonitors of background variation in soil levels, although they may be useful for monitoring anthropogenic arsenic contamination. Copper and zinc liver levels increased progressively with soil levels, and the pattern was especially marked for copper. The relatively unusual copper metabolism of cattle and other ruminants may make them particularly good biomonitors for environmental concentrations of this metal.

Interactions between toxic and essential trace metals in cattle from a region with low levels of pollution

Studies on the impacts of pollutant metals and metalloids on livestock have largely focused on animals with relatively high levels of exposure. The impact of low-level environmental contamination, which is more common on agricultural land, is largely unknown. The principal aim of the present study was to examine the effects of low-level environmental contamination on trace metal metabolism in cattle from the rural and relatively uncontaminated region of Galicia (NW Spain). Correlations between toxic (cadmium, lead, and arsenic) and essential trace elements (copper and zinc) were evaluated in the tissues (liver, kidney, and muscle) and blood of 494 cattle from throughout Galicia. Cadmium was the toxic element that had the greatest influence on copper and zinc homeostasis. There was a significant positive association between renal cadmium and zinc residues and a significant negative correlation between kidney cadmium and copper. These interactions are likely to be the result of cadmium-induced effects on metallothionein synthesis. Lead and zinc were positively associated in the kidney, although the mechanism of this interaction is uncertain. Arsenic and copper concentrations were strongly correlated with each other in the liver and may indicate that the high copper levels in animals from copper-rich areas in Galicia interfere with their arsenic excretion. The essential metals copper and zinc were also significantly associated with each other in calves but not in cows.

Application of temperature and ultrasound as corrective measures to decrease the adhesiveness in dry-cured ham. Influence on free amino acid and volatile compound profile

The impact of low temperature treatment and its combination with ultrasound has been evaluated in order to correct texture defects in dry-cured hams. A total of 26 dry-cured hams, classified as high proteolysis index (PI>36%), were used. From these hams, ten slices from each ham sample were cut, vacuum packed and submitted to three different treatments: control (without treatment), conventional thermal treatments (CV) and thermal treatment assisted by power ultrasound (US). The impact of these treatments on instrumental adhesiveness, free amino acid and volatile compounds profile were assessed. Statistical analysis showed that both US and CV treatments, significantly (P < .001) decreased the instrumental adhesiveness of dry-cured hams from 85.27 g for CO to 40.59 and 38.68 g for US and CV groups, respectively. The total free amino acid content was significantly (P < .001) affected by both treatments, presenting higher values the samples from the US group (6691.5 vs. 6067.5 vs. 5278.2 mg/100 g dry matter for US, CV and CO groups, respectively). No significant differences were observed between US and CV treatments. All the individual free amino acids were influenced by ultrasound and temperature treatments, showing the highest content in sliced dry-cured ham submitted to ultrasounds at 50 °C, except for isoleucine which presented the highest level in samples from CV group. Similarly, significant differences (P < .05) were also detected in the total volatile compound content between CO and US groups, with a higher concentration in the CO batch (56,662.84 AU × 10³/g of dry-cured ham) than in the US treatment (45,848.47 AU × 10³/g of dry-cured ham), being the values in the CV treatment intermediate (48,497.25 AU × 10³/g of dry-cured ham). Aldehydes, ethers and esters, carboxylic acids and sulphur compounds were more abundant in the CO group, while CV group showed higher concentrations of ketones, alcohols and nitrogen compounds.

Influence of copper status on the accumulation of toxic and essential metals in cattle

The aim of the present study was to assess whether the use of pig slurry and associated copper accumulation in calves grazing pastures fertilized with pig slurry from the Deza region in NW Spain has a significant influence on toxic metal and essential metal levels, and to investigate whether copper accumulation is correlated with the levels of these other metals. Correlations between copper, toxic metals (cadmium, lead) and essential metals (molybdenum, iron, zinc, selenium, manganese and cobalt) concentrations were evaluated in liver and kidney of 195 calves from the region of Deza. Metal concentrations were determined by ICP-OES and correlations between pairs of elements by Pearson correlation analysis. There was a strongly significant positive association between copper and lead in the liver. Considering the trace metals, copper in the liver showed significant positive correlations with cobalt in both liver and kidney, and with molybdenum in the liver. In addition, significant correlations were observed between copper and most essential metals in kidney. These associations are similar to those found in different animal species experimentally dosed with copper and other metals, as well as in cattle exposed to normal copper concentrations.

Use of ultrasound to assess Cheddar cheese characteristics

Blocks of Cheddar cheese were matured in temperature-controlled chambers at 5 and 12 degrees C. The ultrasonic velocity increased during maturation ranging from 1657 to 1677 ms-1 at 12 degrees C and from 1684 to 1693 ms-1 at 5 degrees C. The ultrasonic velocity was related to the square root of the deformability modulus and the slope in puncture. The increase of velocity during maturation shows the feasibility of using an ultrasonic device to non-destructively monitor Cheddar cheese maturity. Ultrasound velocity was measured at different temperatures. The velocity decreased with increasing temperature, and from the slope of the first part of the temperature-velocity curves it was possible to non-destructively assess the moisture content of different types of cheese.

Use of dogs as indicators of metal exposure in rural and urban habitats in NW Spain

Many different species have been used in environmental biomonitoring studies in diverse habitats including forest, farmland, and urban and sub-urban areas. However, there is little information on domestic animals living in rural or urban habitats and exposed to the same pollutants as the human population. In this connection, pets could prove to be good indicators of human metal exposure since they closely share the same environment as their owners, and are therefore exposed, at least in part, to the same pollutants. The present study investigated toxic metal exposure in dogs in NW Spain and compared metal exposures between dogs from rural and urban habitats, considering the influence of diet, sex and age. Samples of liver and kidney from 57 male and female dogs, aged between 6 months and 18 years, were collected after euthanasia at veterinary clinics. Samples were acid-digested and metal concentrations determined by ICP-MS. Geometric mean concentrations of metals in the liver and kidney (microg/kg wet weight) were 12.6 and 15.9 for arsenic, 58.0 and 175 for cadmium, 32.7 and 53.4 for mercury, and 57.7 and 23.1 respectively. Hepatic lead concentrations were significantly higher (p<0.05) in dogs fed commercial diets than dogs fed home-made feed (32%) or a mixture of commercial and home-made feeds (95%). Mercury concentrations in the kidney were significantly higher (3-fold, p<0.05) in dogs from urban areas than in dogs from rural areas. Cadmium levels in kidney were significantly higher (p<0.05) in females (67%) and increased with age (p<0.001). Although no human samples were obtained in this study and no direct correlations between dogs and human metal exposure have been conducted, given our results pets could be suggested as surrogate indicators of human metal exposure.

Ultrasonic assessment of oil quality during frying

In this paper, changes in ultrasonic properties during thermoxidation of virgin olive oil were studied. Samples of virgin olive oil were heated over different periods of time from 2 to 16 h at 200 degrees C. Oil degradation was characterized by means of physical and chemical changes, i.e., viscosity, color, polar compounds, polymers, and polar fatty acids. Ultrasonic measurements were carried out while the oil sample was cooled from 35 to 25 degrees C. It was found that velocity and attenuation measurements were related to viscosity measurements through a classical equation for viscous liquids. The ultrasonic measurements were also related to the percentages of polar compounds and polymers, which shows the feasibility of using ultrasonic properties to monitor oil quality. Nevertheless, as long as the ultrasonic measurements are temperature dependent, this variable must be controlled in order to obtain repetitive and reliable measurements.

Effect of Parenteral Antioxidant Supplementation During the Dry Period on Postpartum Glucose Tolerance in Dairy Cows

Background

Exacerbated postparturient insulin resistance (IR) has been associated with several pathologic conditions in dairy cattle. Oxidative stress (OS) plays a causative role in IR in humans, and an association, but not direct relationship, between OS and IR recently has been reported in transition dairy cattle.

Hypothesis

Supplementation with antioxidants shortly before calving improves glucose tolerance after parturition in dairy cattle.

Animals

Ten late‐pregnant Holstein cows entering their 2nd to 5th lactation.

Methods

Randomized placebo‐controlled trial: 15 ± 2 days before expected calving, the treatment group received an injection of DL‐alpha‐tocopheryl acetate at a dosage of 6 mg/kg body weight (BW) and 0.06 mg/kg BW of sodium selenite, and the control group was injected with isotonic saline. During the first week after calving, both groups underwent glucose tolerance testing (0.25 g glucose/kg BW). Commercial assays were used to quantify the concentrations of glucose, insulin, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta‐hydroxybutyrate, and markers of redox status in blood. Data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U‐test (α = 0.05).

Results

Supplemented cows showed a lower risk for OS, as reflected by a lower OS index (P = .036), different areas under the curve for the concentrations of glucose (P < .01), insulin (P = .043), and NEFA (P = .041), more rapid elimination rates (P = .080, <.01 and .047 respectively), and shorter half‐lives (P = .040, <.01 and .032) of these metabolites.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Supplementation with antioxidants before calving resulted in greater insulin sensitivity after calving, thereby suggesting the role of OS in the development of IR in cattle and the potential benefits of antioxidant supplementation in minimizing the consequences of negative energy balance.

Effects of moderate pollution on toxic and trace metal levels in calves from a polluted area of northern Spain

This study evaluated the contribution of anthropogenic pollution to toxic metal residues (Cd, Pb and As) in cattle in an industrialized area of Asturias (northern Spain), and investigated possible implications of toxic metal exposure for metabolism of essential metal elements (Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn). Samples of liver, kidney, muscle and blood from animals aged 9-12 months were obtained from an industrialized area (78 calves) and from a rural area (92 calves). Samples were acid-digested, and levels of metals determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Cadmium and lead contents in the liver and kidney were moderately and significantly higher in calves from the industrialized area (Cd: liver 29.6, kidney 161; Pb: liver 38.1, kidney 38.3 microg/kg wet weight) than in calves from the rural area (Cd: liver 22.9, kidney 96.4; Pb: liver 20.7, kidney 15.9 microg/kg kg wet weight). Although these toxic metals were only moderately raised, our results suggest that they may nevertheless have interfered with trace element metabolism, as reported previously for severely polluted regions. Notably, copper levels in calves from the industrialized area were generally low, and nearly half of these animals showed tissue copper levels indicating risk of copper deficiency.

Application of low intensity ultrasonics to cheese manufacturing processes

Ultrasound has been used to non-destructively assess the quality of many foods such as meat, fish, vegetables and dairy products. This paper addresses the applications of low intensity ultrasonics in the cheese manufacturing processes and highlights the areas where ultrasonics could be successfully implemented in the future. The decrease of ultrasonic attenuation during the renneting process can be used to determine the optimum cut time for cheese making. The ultrasonic velocity increases during maturation for those types of cheese that become harder during this manufacturing stage, thus being an indicator of the maturity degree. Moreover, ultrasonic measurements could be linked to sensory parameters. From the ultrasonic velocity measurements at two different temperatures, it is possible to assess cheese composition, thus allowing an improvement in the quality and uniformity of cheese commercialization. In addition, in pulse-echo mode it is possible to detect cracked pieces due to abnormal fermentations and also to assess the distance of the crack from the surface.