A. Simonetto - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by A. Simonetto
Italian Journal of Animal Science, 2004
Bittante (2004) Feeding dairy cows with full fat extruded or toasted soybean seeds as replacement... more Bittante (2004) Feeding dairy cows with full fat extruded or toasted soybean seeds as replacement of soybean meal and effects on milk yield, fatty acid profile and
Milchwissenschaft-milk Science International, 2007
The increase in milk yield at the end of lactation suggested that dry period could be reduced or ... more The increase in milk yield at the end of lactation suggested that dry period could be reduced or omitted to increase economical return, but the consequences on cow immune defences are not known. In this study 11 Italian Holstein cows were selected from an experimental herd. Six of them were assigned to experimental group (suppression of dry period) and the other 5 to the control group (with a dry period of about 55 days). Udder health status, cellular and humoral blood and milk markers were considered. The results of this study showed that the blood markers values were within the physiological range for both groups. The absence of a dry period was not associated to an increase of sub-clinical or clinical mastitis. However, NAGase and lactoferrin were significantly higher in continuous lactation group suggesting the presence of an inflammatory status. Therefore, the omission of dry period could induce potential long-term risks for an impairment of udder immune defences and should be ...
Animal Science
Four hundred piglets were housed in 20 pens and offered for 42 days a pre-starter and then a star... more Four hundred piglets were housed in 20 pens and offered for 42 days a pre-starter and then a starter compound supplemented with trace elements given as sulphates (SULF) or proteinates (PROT) at a common level (100) or at a reduced level (20) of inclusion. The common level supplied 278, 148, 315 and 98 mg/kg and the reduced level supplied 128, 38, 135 and 50 mg/kg of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn), respectively, taking into account the natural food contents. Proteinates used in the trial were analysed and described in terms of content and quality of different potential ligands. Piglet growth was not affected by any treatment. At the end of the trial blood samples were collected from eight pigs for each treatment. These animals were slaughtered and their livers were removed, weighed and analysed. Compared with SULF, PROT increased significantly plasma levels of Fe (25·1 v. 15·7 μmol/l), haemoglobin (10·9 v. 10·4 g/dl) and the number of red blood cells (6·4 v. 6·1...
The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effects of different sources of soybean on the infra-vi... more The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effects of different sources of soybean on the infra-vitam performance of fattening beef cattle. The animals (56 Limousine) were divided, according to BW (287±17 kg), in 4 experimental groups: LAFS (raw full-fat soybean low in antinutritional factors); SBM (soybean meal); TS (toasted full-fat soybean); NTS (non toasted full-fat soybean). The animals were fed a basal diet (TMR) (DM:59.5%; CP:9.3%DM; NDF:33.9%DM; starch:34.9%DM) supplemented as top dressing with different sources of soybeans in order to reach the same amount of additional CP (473 g/d). To obtain isoenergetic diets, calcium soap of palm fat (234 g/d) was also added to SBM group. Animals were weighed monthly, DM intake was calculated daily and two blood samplings were collected. No metabolic disorders or pathological events were observed during the experiment. The daily gains of the first 6 months were not significantly different among the 4 experimental groups (on the average 1.35 ± 0.25 kg/d). DM intake values in the same period were similar (8.57 ± 0.78 kg/d of DM). The soybean supplementation did not affect the metabolic parameters (calculated as differences between the sampling times) except for the γ γ γ γ-glutamyl-transferase (P<0.01), the total plasma protein and globulin (P<0.05). The preliminary results of this experiment can indicate no significant effects of soybean antinutritional factors on the infra-vitam performances of beef cattle during the first fattening period.
The increase in milk yield at the end of lactation suggested that dry period could be reduced or ... more The increase in milk yield at the end of lactation suggested that dry period could be reduced or omitted to increase economical return, but the consequences on cow immune defences are not known. In this study 11 Italian Holstein cows were selected from an experimental herd. Six of them were assigned to experimental group (suppression of dry period) and the other 5 to the control group (with a dry period of about 55 days). Udder health status, cellular and humoral blood and milk markers were considered. The results of this study showed that the blood markers values were within the physiological range for both groups. The absence of a dry period was not associated to an increase of sub-clinical or clinical mastitis. However, NAGase and lactoferrin were significantly higher in continuous lactation group suggesting the presence of an inflammatory status. Therefore, the omission of dry period could induce potential long-term risks for an impairment of udder immune defences and should be carefully considered, before its implementation.
Italian Journal of Animal Science, 2010
The effects on milk yield and quality caused by the same amount (325 g/d/cow) of lipids provided ... more The effects on milk yield and quality caused by the same amount (325 g/d/cow) of lipids provided by 3 different fat sources (hydrogenate palm fat, HF; calcium salt palm fat, CaSF; full-fat toasted soybean, TS), top dressed to a common total mixed ration, were investigated. Supplementations did not affect feed intake and milk yield, but markedly changed the acidic profile of milk fat. CaSF and TS significantly increased the proportions of unsaturated fatty acids of milk fat with respect to control and to HF. The 3 fat sources did not affect the concentrations of ammonia and VFA of rumen fluid. TS only slightly increased (P<0.10) plasma urea content because of a higher dietary protein supply, with respect to the other treatments. The use of a low amount of toasted and cracked full fat soybean seem to be interesting to increase the energy concentration of diets in replacement to commercial fat products and it can be use to modify the milk fat quality increasing the fraction with benefit effects on human health.
Italian Journal of Animal Science, 2010
Growth performance and N excretion of double muscled Piemontese (DMP) bulls were investigated. Fo... more Growth performance and N excretion of double muscled Piemontese (DMP) bulls were investigated. Forty-eight DMP bulls (LW 279 kg), divided in 4 groups, housed in 12 pens, were fed 2 rations (TMR) differing for crude protein density (diets HP: CP=14.7% DM; diets LP: CP=11.0% DM) and top dressed with 80 g/d of rumen protected CLA (CLA) or with 65 g/d of hydrogenated soybean oil (HSO). DM intake was measured, weekly and on pen basis, from the weights of feed distributed and orts. Bulls were weighted monthly. Trial lasted 334 d. Data were analysed by ANOVA. Over the whole trial, no effects due to CP, to additive (A) or to CPxA were found on final LW (670 kg), average daily gain (1.187 kg/d), DM intake (8.50 kg/d), and on SEUROP (5.2 points) and cold dressing (67.3%). Interaction CPxA affected (P<0.05) feed conversion ratio and N efficiency. With respect to HP, LP reduced (P<0.01) N excretion from 57 to 40 kg /head. On DMP bulls a reduction of 29% of N excretion can be achieved by using low protein TMR without negative consequence on growth performance and carcass traits.
Italian Journal of Animal Science, 2010
The objective of this experiment is to evaluate the changes of particle size distribution and che... more The objective of this experiment is to evaluate the changes of particle size distribution and chemical composition of the total mixed ration (TMR) based on hay as the main forage component ("dry" TMR) and distributed once (7.00 am) or twice (7.00 am and 1.00 pm) daily to 32 lactating cows. The trial was divided in two periods of 14 days each. Diet (DM=53.7%) was formulated in order to assure the nutritional requirements of cows producing 24 kg/d of milk (crude protein=14.4% DM; NDF=40.9% DM; milk FU=0.88/kg DM) and additional amounts of concentrates were distributed using automatic feeders. Four TMR samples were collected daily (7.00 am, 10.00 am, 1.00 pm, 4.00 pm) for six days during each experiment period for a total number of 48 feed samples. Each feed sample was subjected to the estimation of the particle size distribution using the separator of Pennsylvania State University composed of two sieves (diameters of 19 and 8 mm) and a collector on the bottom, and to the determination of the chemical composition. Changes of all three particle size fractions for TMRs were observed during the day with distributions of the TMR both once and twice daily. With the once daily distribution, the large particles fraction increased linearly (P<0.001) from 19.7 to 23.4, 32.2, and 35.1%, while the finest particle fraction decreased (from 60.1 to 58.3, 50.0, 47.8%). According to particle size changes, the chemical composition varied significantly at the different times of sampling when TMR was distributed once daily. Significant variations of DM were detected for TMR with a linear (P<0.001) increase (from 54.4 to 57.9, 60.7, 61.5%). Considering once TMR distribution, the values of NDF and starch showed an opposite trend with an increase of 6.5 and a decrease of 8.3 points from 7.00 am to 4.00 pm (i.e., 9 hrs after distribution). Correlations were estimated between chemical and physical characteristics of TMRs. NDF content was positively and significantly correlated to the fraction of particles retained by a 19 mm sieve (r=0.42; P<0.001) and negatively correlated with the smaller particles (r=-0.51; P<0.001). In conclusion, when the TMRs are prepared excluding corn/hay silages, twice daily distributions of diet can avoid the selection of large feed by the cows, thereby preserving both a uniform particle size distribution and a steady chemical composition of the diet during the day. However, the cost for the extra time needed for twice daily distribution should be carefully considered.
Italian Journal of Animal Science, 2004
Bittante (2004) Feeding dairy cows with full fat extruded or toasted soybean seeds as replacement... more Bittante (2004) Feeding dairy cows with full fat extruded or toasted soybean seeds as replacement of soybean meal and effects on milk yield, fatty acid profile and
Milchwissenschaft-milk Science International, 2007
The increase in milk yield at the end of lactation suggested that dry period could be reduced or ... more The increase in milk yield at the end of lactation suggested that dry period could be reduced or omitted to increase economical return, but the consequences on cow immune defences are not known. In this study 11 Italian Holstein cows were selected from an experimental herd. Six of them were assigned to experimental group (suppression of dry period) and the other 5 to the control group (with a dry period of about 55 days). Udder health status, cellular and humoral blood and milk markers were considered. The results of this study showed that the blood markers values were within the physiological range for both groups. The absence of a dry period was not associated to an increase of sub-clinical or clinical mastitis. However, NAGase and lactoferrin were significantly higher in continuous lactation group suggesting the presence of an inflammatory status. Therefore, the omission of dry period could induce potential long-term risks for an impairment of udder immune defences and should be ...
Animal Science
Four hundred piglets were housed in 20 pens and offered for 42 days a pre-starter and then a star... more Four hundred piglets were housed in 20 pens and offered for 42 days a pre-starter and then a starter compound supplemented with trace elements given as sulphates (SULF) or proteinates (PROT) at a common level (100) or at a reduced level (20) of inclusion. The common level supplied 278, 148, 315 and 98 mg/kg and the reduced level supplied 128, 38, 135 and 50 mg/kg of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn), respectively, taking into account the natural food contents. Proteinates used in the trial were analysed and described in terms of content and quality of different potential ligands. Piglet growth was not affected by any treatment. At the end of the trial blood samples were collected from eight pigs for each treatment. These animals were slaughtered and their livers were removed, weighed and analysed. Compared with SULF, PROT increased significantly plasma levels of Fe (25·1 v. 15·7 μmol/l), haemoglobin (10·9 v. 10·4 g/dl) and the number of red blood cells (6·4 v. 6·1...
The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effects of different sources of soybean on the infra-vi... more The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effects of different sources of soybean on the infra-vitam performance of fattening beef cattle. The animals (56 Limousine) were divided, according to BW (287±17 kg), in 4 experimental groups: LAFS (raw full-fat soybean low in antinutritional factors); SBM (soybean meal); TS (toasted full-fat soybean); NTS (non toasted full-fat soybean). The animals were fed a basal diet (TMR) (DM:59.5%; CP:9.3%DM; NDF:33.9%DM; starch:34.9%DM) supplemented as top dressing with different sources of soybeans in order to reach the same amount of additional CP (473 g/d). To obtain isoenergetic diets, calcium soap of palm fat (234 g/d) was also added to SBM group. Animals were weighed monthly, DM intake was calculated daily and two blood samplings were collected. No metabolic disorders or pathological events were observed during the experiment. The daily gains of the first 6 months were not significantly different among the 4 experimental groups (on the average 1.35 ± 0.25 kg/d). DM intake values in the same period were similar (8.57 ± 0.78 kg/d of DM). The soybean supplementation did not affect the metabolic parameters (calculated as differences between the sampling times) except for the γ γ γ γ-glutamyl-transferase (P<0.01), the total plasma protein and globulin (P<0.05). The preliminary results of this experiment can indicate no significant effects of soybean antinutritional factors on the infra-vitam performances of beef cattle during the first fattening period.
The increase in milk yield at the end of lactation suggested that dry period could be reduced or ... more The increase in milk yield at the end of lactation suggested that dry period could be reduced or omitted to increase economical return, but the consequences on cow immune defences are not known. In this study 11 Italian Holstein cows were selected from an experimental herd. Six of them were assigned to experimental group (suppression of dry period) and the other 5 to the control group (with a dry period of about 55 days). Udder health status, cellular and humoral blood and milk markers were considered. The results of this study showed that the blood markers values were within the physiological range for both groups. The absence of a dry period was not associated to an increase of sub-clinical or clinical mastitis. However, NAGase and lactoferrin were significantly higher in continuous lactation group suggesting the presence of an inflammatory status. Therefore, the omission of dry period could induce potential long-term risks for an impairment of udder immune defences and should be carefully considered, before its implementation.
Italian Journal of Animal Science, 2010
The effects on milk yield and quality caused by the same amount (325 g/d/cow) of lipids provided ... more The effects on milk yield and quality caused by the same amount (325 g/d/cow) of lipids provided by 3 different fat sources (hydrogenate palm fat, HF; calcium salt palm fat, CaSF; full-fat toasted soybean, TS), top dressed to a common total mixed ration, were investigated. Supplementations did not affect feed intake and milk yield, but markedly changed the acidic profile of milk fat. CaSF and TS significantly increased the proportions of unsaturated fatty acids of milk fat with respect to control and to HF. The 3 fat sources did not affect the concentrations of ammonia and VFA of rumen fluid. TS only slightly increased (P<0.10) plasma urea content because of a higher dietary protein supply, with respect to the other treatments. The use of a low amount of toasted and cracked full fat soybean seem to be interesting to increase the energy concentration of diets in replacement to commercial fat products and it can be use to modify the milk fat quality increasing the fraction with benefit effects on human health.
Italian Journal of Animal Science, 2010
Growth performance and N excretion of double muscled Piemontese (DMP) bulls were investigated. Fo... more Growth performance and N excretion of double muscled Piemontese (DMP) bulls were investigated. Forty-eight DMP bulls (LW 279 kg), divided in 4 groups, housed in 12 pens, were fed 2 rations (TMR) differing for crude protein density (diets HP: CP=14.7% DM; diets LP: CP=11.0% DM) and top dressed with 80 g/d of rumen protected CLA (CLA) or with 65 g/d of hydrogenated soybean oil (HSO). DM intake was measured, weekly and on pen basis, from the weights of feed distributed and orts. Bulls were weighted monthly. Trial lasted 334 d. Data were analysed by ANOVA. Over the whole trial, no effects due to CP, to additive (A) or to CPxA were found on final LW (670 kg), average daily gain (1.187 kg/d), DM intake (8.50 kg/d), and on SEUROP (5.2 points) and cold dressing (67.3%). Interaction CPxA affected (P<0.05) feed conversion ratio and N efficiency. With respect to HP, LP reduced (P<0.01) N excretion from 57 to 40 kg /head. On DMP bulls a reduction of 29% of N excretion can be achieved by using low protein TMR without negative consequence on growth performance and carcass traits.
Italian Journal of Animal Science, 2010
The objective of this experiment is to evaluate the changes of particle size distribution and che... more The objective of this experiment is to evaluate the changes of particle size distribution and chemical composition of the total mixed ration (TMR) based on hay as the main forage component ("dry" TMR) and distributed once (7.00 am) or twice (7.00 am and 1.00 pm) daily to 32 lactating cows. The trial was divided in two periods of 14 days each. Diet (DM=53.7%) was formulated in order to assure the nutritional requirements of cows producing 24 kg/d of milk (crude protein=14.4% DM; NDF=40.9% DM; milk FU=0.88/kg DM) and additional amounts of concentrates were distributed using automatic feeders. Four TMR samples were collected daily (7.00 am, 10.00 am, 1.00 pm, 4.00 pm) for six days during each experiment period for a total number of 48 feed samples. Each feed sample was subjected to the estimation of the particle size distribution using the separator of Pennsylvania State University composed of two sieves (diameters of 19 and 8 mm) and a collector on the bottom, and to the determination of the chemical composition. Changes of all three particle size fractions for TMRs were observed during the day with distributions of the TMR both once and twice daily. With the once daily distribution, the large particles fraction increased linearly (P<0.001) from 19.7 to 23.4, 32.2, and 35.1%, while the finest particle fraction decreased (from 60.1 to 58.3, 50.0, 47.8%). According to particle size changes, the chemical composition varied significantly at the different times of sampling when TMR was distributed once daily. Significant variations of DM were detected for TMR with a linear (P<0.001) increase (from 54.4 to 57.9, 60.7, 61.5%). Considering once TMR distribution, the values of NDF and starch showed an opposite trend with an increase of 6.5 and a decrease of 8.3 points from 7.00 am to 4.00 pm (i.e., 9 hrs after distribution). Correlations were estimated between chemical and physical characteristics of TMRs. NDF content was positively and significantly correlated to the fraction of particles retained by a 19 mm sieve (r=0.42; P<0.001) and negatively correlated with the smaller particles (r=-0.51; P<0.001). In conclusion, when the TMRs are prepared excluding corn/hay silages, twice daily distributions of diet can avoid the selection of large feed by the cows, thereby preserving both a uniform particle size distribution and a steady chemical composition of the diet during the day. However, the cost for the extra time needed for twice daily distribution should be carefully considered.