Gabriele Brecchia

House cricket (Acheta domesticus) meal is a promising alternative protein source, but evidence regarding its nutritional value and effects in rabbits remains limited. This study aimed to (i) evaluate the effects of replacing part of the soybean meal with 3% A. domesticus meal on growth performance and intestinal and hepatic histology in growing rabbits, and (ii) determine the apparent total tract digestibility and nutritive value of A. domesticus meal in a separate digestibility experiment. In Experiment 1, 50 growing New Zealand White rabbits were fed a control diet or a diet containing 3% A. domesticus meal from weaning (30–35 d) to slaughtering (88–93 days). In Experiment 2, 24 rabbits were used to determine the apparent total tract digestibility and nutritive value of A. domesticus meal using a diet containing 7.5% cricket meal. The 3% inclusion level did not significantly affect growth performance or feed conversion ratio. It increased duodenal villus width and jejunal and ileal villus height and was associated with lower histological inflammation scores in the small intestine (all p < 0.05). However, greater cecal goblet cell hyperplasia and hepatic fatty degeneration were also observed (p < 0.05). In Experiment 2, the diet containing 7.5% cricket meal increased dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein digestibility (all p < 0.05). A. domesticus meal showed high protein digestibility (86.2%) but relatively low gross energy digestibility (41.4%) and a moderate digestible energy value (2499 kcal/kg DM). Overall, A. domesticus meal did not impair growth performance and provided highly digestible protein, but further research is needed to clarify its energy utilization and intestinal and hepatic effects before its use as a partial protein replacement in rabbit diets.

The search for sustainable feed ingredients has increased interest in insect-derived proteins for livestock production. This study evaluated the effects of replacing 3% soybean meal with house cricket (Acheta domesticus) meal on carcass traits, meat quality, proximate composition, and fatty acid profile of growing rabbits. Twenty-four weaned New Zealand White rabbits were assigned to either a control (CNT) or a cricket meal diet (ADM) from 35 to 85 days of age. Physical meat quality was evaluated in the Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL), while proximate composition and fatty acid profile were determined in LTL and thigh muscles. Carcass performance was not affected by dietary treatment, whereas the cricket meal diet increased adiposity, resulting in greater scapular and perirenal fat deposition (p < 0.001) and a higher fat proportion in the hind leg (p = 0.011). Physical meat quality traits were unaffected, except for higher cooking loss in ADM-fed rabbits (p = 0.039). Cricket meal increased crude fat and modified the fatty acid composition by increasing n-6 PUFA (p = 0.013) and reducing n-3 PUFA (p < 0.001), resulting in a less favorable n-6/n-3 ratio. Overall, cricket meal modified lipid deposition and fatty acid composition without compromising carcass performance, although its greater lipid contribution should be considered when interpreting these effects.

This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with goji berries (Lycium barbarum) on the nutritional profile, oxidative stability, and shelf life of rabbit meat. Thirty-two rabbits were assigned to two dietary treatments: a control diet (CN) and the same diet supplemented with 3% dried goji berries (GJ). Proximate composition and fatty acid profile of the Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle were determined at dissection, whereas physical, microbiological, and biochemical parameters were evaluated during refrigerated storage (4 °C; 1, 4, and 10 days) and frozen storage (−20 °C; 60 and 120 days). Dietary supplementation significantly modified the lipid profile of the meat, reducing saturated fatty acids and increasing long-chain n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. During refrigerated storage, lipid peroxidation increased in both groups; however, meat from the GJ group showed significantly lower TBARS values after 10 days (0.22 vs. 0.33 mg MDA/kg; p < 0.001), indicating improved oxidative stability. Lower accumulation of total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), reduced formation of biogenic amines, and slower growth of spoilage-related microbial populations, particularly Pseudomonas spp., were also observed in GJ samples. Overall, the GJ diet improved fatty acid composition and delayed degradative processes during storage, suggesting its potential as a functional feed ingredient to enhance rabbit meat quality and shelf life.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) are recognized for their beneficial effects on male fertility. This study evaluated the protective effects of dietary n-3 PUFAs from extruded linseed, alone or combined with the alga Padina pavonica, against in vitro lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sperm dysfunction in rabbits. Twelve bucks were fed for 60 days a control diet (CNT), a diet containing 5% extruded linseed (L), or 5% extruded linseed plus 0.2% P. pavonica extract (LPP). Ejaculates were exposed in vitro to increasing LPS concentrations (0, 400, and 600 µg/mL), and sperm motility was evaluated at 0, 1, 2, and 4 h using computer-assisted sperm analysis. LPS markedly impaired sperm motility in the CNT group, increasing the percentage of static spermatozoa (p < 0.001) and reducing sperm progressive motility (p < 0.001), with complete immobility observed at 600 µg/mL after 4 h. Conversely, sperm from L and LPP groups maintained significantly higher progressive motility, lower static sperm, and improved kinematic parameters throughout the LPS challenge (p < 0.05). Dietary n-3 PUFA supplementation also attenuated LPS-induced TLR4 activation and reduced lipid peroxidation, as indicated by lower seminal TBARS levels. No histological alterations were detected in the male reproductive tract. These findings indicate that n-3 PUFA supplementation, particularly linseed combined with algae, mitigates LPS-induced sperm dysfunction in vitro.

This study examined the effects of environmental conditions, behavioral history, management practices, and personality traits on the operational performance of search and rescue (SAR) dogs and dogs admitted to SAR certification testing. Thirty-two handlers completed a questionnaire collecting demographic data, as well as information on their dogs’ behavioral history, management practices, and personality descriptors. Each dog–handler unit also undertook a search trial consisting of locating a hidden person in a wooded area, which was evaluated both by professional instructors and the handlers through ratings of critical behavioral indicators. Objective measurements were obtained through a weather station and GPS devices. Handlers described their dogs mainly in terms of work-relevant traits, such as socio-cognitive engagement, assertiveness, and arousal. The performance evaluation form was practical and efficient, though the Distraction parameter may require refinement, and handler ratings suggested a self-reporting bias. Temperature and wind speed were negatively associated with performance, whereas higher humidity was positively associated with it. Performance was also associated with litter size, age at adoption, dog experience, and management-related factors. Finally, speed, ground coverage, and a canine profile characterized by high arousal and reactivity were strong determinants of good search performance (|ρ| ≥ 0.3; p < 0.05). Although these findings require confirmation in larger samples, search performance appears to be a multifactorial construct shaped by the interplay of extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Defining the contribution of each factor could help optimize performance and dogs’ welfare.

The peripartum period is marked by profound physiological adjustments related to fetal development and the onset of lactation, which can affect homeostasis and alter plasma protein profiles. This study aimed to evaluate and compare changes in plasma protein fractions in healthy goats from four Italian breeds: Camosciata delle Alpi (n = 15), Orobica di Valgerola (n = 20), Frisa Valtellinese (n = 22), and Lariana (n = 19) during this transitional phase. Blood samples were collected at five time points: thirty days before parturition (T1), fifteen days before parturition (T2), at parturition (T3), fifteen days after parturition (T4), and thirty days after parturition (T5). All breeds exhibited dynamic variations in total protein levels and electrophoretic fractions throughout the peripartum period. Frisa and Lariana breeds showed a post-partum increase in α- and β-globulin fractions, suggesting a potentially greater inflammatory response compared to the other breeds. These findings highlight the metabolic demands of the peripartum period and the breed-specific adaptations involved. Plasma protein electrophoresis proved to be an effective tool for monitoring physiological changes and may support the early detection of metabolic imbalances. The study also underscores the importance of developing breed-specific reference intervals to enhance health assessment and herd management in goats.

Bovine colostrum is naturally rich in antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds, making it a promising candidate for improving the safety and quality of fresh meat products. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of incorporating bovine colostrum at 1%, 3%, and 5% (w/w) into ground rabbit meat patties on the growth potential of Listeria monocytogenes and on meat quality during refrigerated storage at 4 ± 2 °C. Microbiological analyses revealed that bovine colostrum significantly reduced (p < 0.001) the growth potential of Listeria monocytogenes in a dose-dependent manner, with the 5% formulation showing the slowest growth rate (μ = 0.055 h⁻¹; doubling time = 12.5 h) compared with the control (μ = 0.063 h⁻¹; doubling time = 10.9 h). In parallel, physicochemical analyses demonstrated that patties containing bovine colostrum, particularly at 5%, had a lower peroxidability index (p < 0.05), reduced lipid oxidation (p < 0.001), and higher sulfhydryl group content (p < 0.001), indicating improved oxidative stability in fresh meat. These findings demonstrate that bovine colostrum, particularly at 5%, effectively inhibits microbial growth while preserving lipid and protein integrity. Overall, bovine colostrum shows strong potential as a natural antimicrobial and antioxidant ingredient in fresh meat, supporting its use in multi-hurdle preservation strategies to extend shelf life and improve consumer safety.

This review highlights the anti-hyperglycemic and antidiabetic properties of camel and dromedary milk (CM). Diabetes mellitus poses a significant global health challenge, and strategies that reduce reliance on insulin or other medications could substantially improve patient management. CM could represent a promising complementary approach due to its established antidiabetic effects, which are supported by its unique biological characteristics. Compared to other common milks, such as bovine milk, CM contains higher concentrations of insulin. Its distinctive physicochemical and microstructural properties help protect insulin and other bioactive proteins from degradation in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby enhancing their intestinal absorption. Furthermore, peptides generated during CM protein digestion may exert direct or indirect effects on the liver and pancreas, contributing to improved glucose metabolism. These beneficial actions are further supported by CM’s antioxidant and antilipidemic properties, which may help mitigate diabetes-related complications, including renal dysfunction and skin lesions.

This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from extruded linseed, alone and combined with Padina pavonica algae extract, on growth performance and metabolic status in fattening rabbits. Sixty New Zealand White rabbits were assigned to three groups, as follows: control (CNT), L (5% linseed), and LPP (3.5% linseed + 0.2% algae extract) from weaning (37 days) to slaughter (85 days). Productive performance was assessed through body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and feed intake (FI). Blood was sampled at weaning, 60 days, and slaughter and analyzed for insulin, leptin, cortisol, thyroid hormones (T3, T4), glucose, and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs). The L group showed significantly higher ADG (41.0 ± 1 g/d) and improved FCR (4.1 ± 0.2) compared to LPP (ADG: 37 ± 1 g/d, FCR: 4.6 ± 0.2; p = 0.001). No differences were observed in final BW or FI among groups (p < 0.001). Insulin peaked at 60 days across all groups (p < 0.001), with the LPP group showing the lowest levels (9.8 ± 0.9 µUI/mL; p = 0.043). T3 and T4 increased significantly with age (p < 0.001), and the T3/T4 ratio varied by diet and time (p = 0.005). Cortisol rose only at slaughter (p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with insulin and thyroid hormones. The results suggest that omega-3-rich nutraceuticals can enhance growth performance without disrupting metabolic balance and may modulate specific hormonal responses due to their bioactive compounds.

Goji berries (Lycium barbarum), rich in antioxidant and immunomodulatory compounds, have shown potential benefits for male reproductive health. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of dietary Goji berry (GB) supplementation on immune-related and antioxidant gene expression in the male reproductive tract of rabbits. Eighteen 7-month-old New Zealand White rabbit bucks were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group (n = 9) receiving a standard diet, and a Goji group (n = 9) receiving the same diet supplemented with 1% GB. After 60 days of nutritional adaptation and then 60 days of treatment, tissues from the testes, epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands were collected and analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR. Gene expression analysis focused on immune markers (TLR4, IL-1β, IL-10, and TNFα) and antioxidant enzymes (SOD1, CAT, and GPX). Significant modulation was observed only in the epididymis, where TLR4 and GPX were significantly downregulated in the Goji group (p = 0.0274 and p = 0.007, respectively), while IL-1β and TNFα showed a downward trend. No significant differences were found in the other tissues. These results suggest that Goji berry supplementation exerts tissue-specific effects, particularly in the epididymis, by modulating inflammation and oxidative stress. This supports its potential use as a natural nutraceutical strategy to enhance male fertility in rabbits.