Salvatore Claps

This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with destoned olive cake (OC), extruded linseed (LI), and their combination (OCLI) on intramuscular fatty acid (FA) composition and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in Podolian beef. Dietary treatments significantly changed lipid profiles. LI and OCLI supplementation increased n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) and reduced the n-6/n-3 ratio, whereas OC and OCLI supplementation raised monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) levels, particularly oleic acid (C18:1 n-9). The accumulation of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA; cis-9, trans-11) and trans-biohydrogenation intermediates (C18:1 trans-11) in the OC and LI groups suggests incomplete biohydrogenation, which aligns with lipid- and polyphenol-driven shifts in the rumen microbiota. The volatile compound profile of cooked meat closely reflected its FA composition. Linseed supplementation increased the levels of lipid oxidation products, including aldehydes, ketones, and furans. Olive cake reduced total aldehyde and acid levels, suggesting improved oxidative stability due to its phenolic content. Similarly, OCLI diet supplementation reduced volatile compounds derived from lipid oxidation, resulting in a more balanced flavor profile. In conclusion, combining olive oil by-products with linseed represents a sustainable strategy to improve health benefits, modify odor characteristics, and promote circular economy principles by reducing waste through reuse.

This study evaluated the effect of dietary supplementation with different levels of spray-dried phenolic compounds, extracted from olive mill wastewater, on the volatile compound profile of Caciotta cheese produced from cow’s milk. Thirty dairy cows were divided into three groups and fed diets containing 0% (C), 0.1% (T0.1), and 0.2% (T0.2) polyphenols on a dry matter basis. Milk from each group was used in three cheesemaking sessions, and 27 cheese samples ripened for 21 days were analyzed. Volatile compounds were extracted using solid phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with mass spectrometry, while the odour fingerprint was assessed using an electronic nose (PEN3). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed a clear separation among groups, indicating distinct aromatic profiles associated with dietary polyphenol levels. In summary, incorporating by-products from olive mill wastewater into the diets of dairy cows can significantly affect the aroma of cheese. This approach represents a sustainable and innovative strategy that promotes waste valorization, reduces environmental impact, and supports circular economy principles by transforming a pollutant into a valuable additive.

To evaluate animal performance and meat quality, stoned olive cake and linseed were used in an experimental test conducted on thirty-six young Podolian bulls, divided into four groups: the control group (CON), OC group (with olive cake containing a 30% as-fed basis of stoned olive cake), EL group (with linseed containing a 15% as-fed basis of extruded linseed), and OCEL group (with olive cake + linseed containing 20% stoned olive cake and 10% extruded linseed). The results show that olive cake supplementation did not influence performance in vita or the post-slaughter animal measurements (final body weight, DMI, FCR, ADG, carcass weight, dressing percentage, and pH) (p > 0.05); this was not true of the TBARS and color measurements, for which the meat samples showed excellent values (p < 0.001), especially in diets supplemented with olive cake. In conclusion, incorporating olive cake and linseed into the diet of fattening cattle may be a way to utilize a by-product of the olive industry and naturally increase the nutritional value of meat and meat-based products in Mediterranean regions. This would reduce environmental impacts and promote the valorization of this local feed source in alignment with the principles of the circular economy.

Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) applies a complex of sensor technology, algorithms, and multiple tools for individual, real-time livestock monitoring. In intensive livestock systems, PLF is now quite widespread, allowing for the optimisation of management, thanks to the early recognition of diseases and the possibility of monitoring animals’ feeding and reproductive behaviour, with an overall improvement of their welfare. Similarly, PLF systems represent an opportunity to improve the profitability and sustainability of extensive farming systems, including those of small ruminants, rationalising the use of pastures by avoiding overgrazing and controlling animals. Despite the livestock distribution in several parts of the world, the low profit and the relatively high cost of the devices cause delays in implementing PLF systems in small ruminants compared to those in dairy cows. Applying these tools to animals in extensive systems requires customisation compared to their use in intensive systems. In many cases, the unit prices of sensors for small ruminants are higher than those developed for large animals due to miniaturisation and higher production costs associated with lower production numbers. Sheep and goat farms are often in mountainous and remote areas with poor technological infrastructure and ineffective electricity, telephone, and internet services. Moreover, small ruminant farming is usually associated with advanced age in farmers, contributing to poor local initiatives and delays in PLF implementation. A targeted literature analysis was carried out to identify technologies already applied or at an advanced stage of development for the management of grazing animals, particularly sheep and goats, and their effects on nutrition, production, and animal welfare. The current technological developments include wearable, non-wearable, and network technologies. The review of the technologies involved and the main fields of application can help identify the most suitable systems for managing grazing sheep and goats and contribute to selecting more sustainable and efficient solutions in line with current environmental and welfare concerns.

Some studies have shown that intensification improves the sustainability of bovine milk; however, this matter is controversial. The present study, performed in Southern Italy, in the Basilicata region, focuses on nine specialized dairy farms of the Marmo Platano internal area. These farms are characterized by a “low intensification profile”, and we estimated the sustainability of the Marmo Platano dairy system via life-cycle assessment using specific software. We chose 1 kg of refrigerated raw milk as the functional unit and four impact categories: global warming potential, non-renewable energy use, fossil depletion, and agricultural land occupation. All impact category values fell within the ranges in the bibliography. Economic allocation, a criterion led by the market value of milk and culled cows (and their ratio), significantly (p < 0.05) affected the global warming potential and agricultural land occupation of two farms (1.38 kg CO₂ eq and 2.48 m²y⁻¹ as the system mean), while it did not affect the fossil depletion of the entire system, i.e., 138 g of oil as the mean. After allocation, the system showed three different profiles (p < 0.05) of non-renewable energy use (average value 6.31 MJ), despite its closeness with fossil depletion. Despite the aptness of Marmo Platano, the animals are not grazed, whereas full barn housing ensures satisfactory milk yields. Mainly driven by its low input characteristics, implying a low culling rate, the system proved to be sustainable.

Traditional agri-food products (TAPs) are closely linked to the peculiarities of the territory of origin and are strategic tools for preserving culture and traditions; nutritional and organoleptic peculiarities also differentiate these products on the market. One such product is Caciocavallo Podolico Lucano (CPL), a stretched curd cheese made exclusively from raw milk from Podolian cows, reared under extensive conditions. The objective of this study was to characterise CPL and evaluate the effects of ripening (6 vs. 12 months) on the quality and organoleptic properties, using the technological “artificial senses” platform, of CPL produced and sold in the region of Basilicata, Italy. Additionally, this study represents the first analysis of cheese-related digital communication and trends online. The study found no significant differences between 6-month- and 12-month-ripened cheese, except for a slight increase in cholesterol levels in the latter. CPL aged for 6 and 12 months is naturally lactose-free, rich in bioactive components, and high in vitamin A and antioxidants and has a low PUFA-n6/n3 ratio. The “artificial sensory profile” was able to discriminate the organoleptic fingerprints of 6-month- and 12-month-ripened cheese. The application of a socio-semiotic methodology enabled us to identify the best drivers to create effective communication for this product. The researchers recommend focusing on creating a certification mark linked to the territory for future protection.

Sulla (Hedysarum coronarium L.) is a Mediterranean biannual anthelmintic forage. Due to its high productivity, nutraceutical value, and suitability for harsh environments, interest in this crop is growing. Under the current scenario of climate change and water scarcity, it is important to evaluate crop drought tolerance, especially for newly bred materials. Drought stress and well-watered conditions (50 vs. 80% of the field capacity) were applied in a pot experiment to compare responses of the widespread commercial variety Bellante with those of a recently released variety named ‘Centauro’, currently registered in the Italian national register of plant varieties but not yet available on the market. Compared to the well-watered treatment, drought-stressed plants showed lower values of fresh biomass (−69%), number of leaves (−68%), and root length (−49%). The Centauro cv. showed a different architecture to Bellante with more shoots (+43% P < 0.05) and a trend for more leaves (+25% P = 0.08). These traits are possibly related to its superior palatability. Centauro also developed a higher root length (+70%, P < 0.05) across irrigation levels. Drought stress affected condensed tannin (CT) content. A significant genotype × environment interaction was found with Centauro displaying more (+50%) and less (−35%) CT than Bellante under drought stress and well-watered conditions, respectively. The higher constitutive root length density of Centauro may be exploited in breeding programs aimed at improving the root sink, given the role of this trait in resource acquisition capacity and root-derived ecosystem services.

This study aimed to recover the phenols from olive oil mill wastewater, a major pollutant of the oil industry, by using spray-drying technology to produce a new feed with a nutraceutical value for animal feed supplementation and to evaluate its effect on the productivity and nutritional quality of ewe milk. Forty-five Sarda ewes in late lactation (150 ± 2 d) and with homogeneous live weight (52 ± 1.5 kg) were randomly allotted into three groups and fed with three dietary treatments containing increasing levels of polyphenols: 0% (C), 0.1% (T0.1), and 0.2% (T0.2) of dry matter. No effect of the dietary treatments was found on the milk yield and composition. Interestingly, milk urea content (p < 0.0001) and somatic cell counts (p < 0.001) decreased as the level of polyphenols inclusion in the diet increased. The inclusion of phenols (0.2% of dry matter) in the diet of sheep was effective in increasing the vaccenic (C18:1 trans-11) and rumenic acid (C18: cis-9 trans-11) levels, which are beneficial for human health. Finally, the recovery of polyphenols via spray-drying technology and their incorporation into a new fortified feed can be a valid strategy for naturally improving the nutritional value of milk while valorizing an oil industry byproduct, reducing environmental impact, and promoting waste reuse that is in line with circular economy principles.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of neem oil on caprine pediculosis and on kids’ growth performances. The neem (Azadirachta indica) belongs to the Meliaceae family, and in Eastern countries it is mainly considered for the insecticidal activities of the kernel oil. The neem seeds contain bioactive principles, such as azadirachtin A, salannin, nimbin, and nimbolide. The trial was carried out on 24 kids, 120 days old, maintained in open yards. Animals were divided in 4 homogeneous groups (n = 6 animals/group) based on age, louse count, body condition score (BCS) and live body weight: Control Group (C, saline NaCl, 0.9%), Neem Group 1 (NO-100, 100 mL of neem oil per 10 kg), Neem Group 2 (NO-200, 200 mL/10 kg), Neem Group 3 (NO-300, 300 mL/10 kg). The treatments were performed by spraying the insecticide on the goat’s body. The study lasted 56 days, and weekly, the kids underwent louse count, BCS and body weight determination, and FAMACHA score. Data were analyzed by ANOVA for repeated measures. The species of lice identified was Linognathus stenopsis. Kids belonging to NO-200 and NO-300 showed a stronger reduction of louse count throughout the study (>95%). The daily weight gain recorded was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in NO-300 than C. No differences were found for BCS and FAMACHA scores. The results of this trial showed that the administration of neem oil to control caprine pediculosis caused by sucking lice represents an alternative to synthetic compounds.