RNAseq Analysis of Livers from Pigs Treated with Testosterone and Nandrolone Esters: Selection and Field Validation of Transcriptional Biomarkers.

The use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) as growth promoters in farm animals is banned in the European Union, representing both an illicit practice and a risk for consumer health. However, these compounds are still illegally administered, often in the form of synthetic esters. This work aimed to characterize significant coding RNA perturbations related to the illicit administration of testosterone and nandrolone esters in fattening pigs. A total of 27 clinically healthy 90-day-old pigs were randomly assigned to test and control groups. Nine animals were treated with testosterone esters (Sustanon®) and other nine with nandrolone esters (Myodine®). At the end of the trial, liver samples were collected and analyzed using RNAseq, allowing the identification of 491 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The transcriptional signature was further characterized by a smaller sub-cluster of 143 DEGs, from which a selection of 16 genes was made. The qPCR analysis confirmed that the identified cluster could still give good discrimination between untreated gilt and barrows compared to the relative testosterone-treated counterparts. A conclusive field survey on 67 liver samples collected from pigs of different breeds and weight categories confirmed, in agreement with testosterone residue profiles, the specificity of selected transcriptional biomarkers, showing their potential applications for screening purposes when AAS treatment is suspected, allowing to focus further investigations of competent authorities and confirmatory analysis where needed.

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Cinnamon Essential Oil against Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli from Poultry.

Colibacillosis, caused by E. coli, is responsible for economic losses in the poultry industry due to mortality, decreased production, and the cost of antibiotic treatments. Prevention of colibacillosis is based on improved biosecurity measures and the use of the vaccine performed with O78 E. coli strains, which is responsible for most cases of colibacillosis. Recently, there has been increased interest in other infection control methods, such as the use of natural compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of cinnamon essential oil (CEO) against E. coli strains isolated from poultry. The MIC50 and MIC90 of CEO were determined by testing 117 strains belonging to serogroups O78, O2, O128, O139, isolated from laying hens (91 strains), broilers (10 strains), and turkeys (16 strains). The bacterial strains were tested at cell densities of 108 and 106 CFU/mL. At the cell density of 108 CFU/mL, MIC50 and MIC90 were 0.4 and 0.5 µL/mL for most of the tested strains, while they corresponded to 0.5 µL/mL for all strains isolated from broilers and for strains belonging to serogroup O139. At the cell density of 106 CFU/mL, MIC50 and MIC90 were 0.3 and 0.4 µL/mL, regardless of bird species of origin and for strains belonging to serogroups O78 and O2. In addition, a concentration of 0.04 µL/mL of CEO corresponded both to MIC50 and MIC90 for strains belonging to serogroups O139 and O128. Based on these results, cinnamon essential oil showed an effective antibacterial activity against E. coli strains from poultry and could find field application for the prevention of colibacillosis.

Enrichment of Dairy-Type Lamb Diet with Microencapsulated Omega-3 Fish Oil: Effects on Growth, Carcass Quality and Meat Fatty Acids.

The hypothesis that adding omega-3 oil to feedlot pellets will improve the meat's favourable n-3 PUFA composition was tested in this experiment. Therefore, we evaluated the productive traits and modification of the composition of n-3 PUFA of Longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle in growing lambs supplemented with microencapsulated omega-3 oil (MEOIL) in pelleted total mixed rations (TMR). Thirty six one month old Valle del Belice male lambs (14.04 ± 0.1 kg) were randomly distributed to one of the three dietary treatments (n = 12 lambs each) and provided the supplemented diets up to 14 weeks of age: 1. control (CON) pelleted TMR without omega-3 oil supplementation; 2. omega-3 oil fortified pelleted TMR at 1% (MEOIL1) supplementation; and 3- Omega-3 oil fortified pelleted TMR at 3% (MEOIL3) supplementation. Supplementing MEOIL at both levels in diet positively impacted (p < 0.05) body weight (BW) and feed efficiency. At the end of feeding period, most carcass quality traits did not vary significantly (p > 0.05) among groups, with the exception of carcass dressing and loin yield at both levels of MEOIL. The color and physical traits of LL muscle were affected by MEOIL supplementation (p < 0.05), with no significant change in chemical characteristics. Fatty acids composition of meat in term of linolenic, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by both levels of MEOIL. It was concluded that the tested microencapsulated omega-3 oil preparation may be included at 1% in lamb diet for increasing unsaturated fatty acids in meat without any detrimental effects on lamb productivity.

Physiological dynamics in broiler chickens under heat stress and possible mitigation strategies.

High ambient temperature has emerged as a major constraint for the future development of the poultry industry, especially in the tropics and subtropics. The scarcity of resources coupled with harsh environmental conditions is the most crucial predicaments in the way to rationalize optimum production of broiler. Heat stress disturbs the physiological biochemistry of the broiler which ultimately reduces feed intake and feed efficiency which ultimately results in reduced performance and productivity. Under hot environmental conditions, feed utilization is disturbed by the deposition of fat and oxidative stress. In addition, changes in blood cells, acid-base balance, immune response, liver health, and antioxidant status are some of the major dynamics altered by heat stress. The broilers have a narrow range of temperatures to withstand heat stress. In this review, we have discussed the various physicochemical changes during heat stress, their possible mechanisms, and mitigation strategies to reduce heat stress.

Journeys, Journey Conditions, and Welfare Assessment of Broken (Handled) Horses on Arrival at Italian Slaughterhouses.

During horse transportation, the journey conditions are considered a welfare risk. This study aimed to document journeys, journey conditions, and welfare status of handled horses on arrival at two different slaughterhouses in Northern and Southern Italy, to find possible associations between journey conditions and welfare problems. The welfare status of 613 draft-breed and light-breed horses from 32 different journeys was evaluated on arrival at the slaughterhouses with a standardized protocol, using animal-based (ABMs) and environmental-based (EBMs) measures. The drivers' skills and vehicle characteristics were found to be mostly compliant with EC 1/2005. The horses traveled in single bays, 90° to the direction of travel for an average journey duration of 26.5 ± 14 h. On arrival at the slaughterhouses, the horses were unloaded by handlers, via halter and rope. The prevalence of reluctance to unload, injuries, nasal, and lacrimal discharge was 22.2%, 24.6%, 11.6%, and 10%, respectively. Journey duration, unloading duration, vehicle changes, long stops, handlers/drivers' skills, temperature, season, and horse individual characteristics were associated with horses' welfare and health status (all p < 0.05). Our study confirms the hypothesis that appropriate journey conditions are of crucial importance to safeguard the welfare of broken/handled horses transported over long distances for slaughter.

In Vitro Antimicrobial Effectiveness Tests Using Garlic (Allium sativum) against Salmonella enterica Subspecies enterica Serovar Enteritidis.

In recent years, there has been a more prudent use of drugs on livestock farms and alternative products have been considered, with a view of reducing the risk of the onset of antibiotic resistance. Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) may cause disease in poultry, and it is also responsible for human food poisoning. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of garlic against S. Enteritidis and to define its Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC)90 and MIC50 values. The study was carried out in vitro, testing 26 S. Enteritidis strains identified in laying hens from various farms in Southern Italy. A preliminary efficacy trial was carried out on two strains, S. Enteritidis and Escherichia coli, using a garlic concentration of 10 mg/mL (1%). Later, 26 strains of S. Enteritidis at 106 Colony Forming Unit (CFU) and 104 CFU were tested with different concentrations of garlic, ranging from 10 mg/mL to 1 mg/mL. Based on the results, intermediate concentrations of garlic, from 5 mg/mL to 4 mg/mL and 4 mg/mL to 3 mg/mL, were used to test 106 CFU and 104 CFU, respectively. The data were statistically analyzed. The MIC90 was 4.75 mg/mL for strains tested at 106 CFU and 4 mg/mL for strains tested at 104 CFU. The results highlight garlic's potential to inhibit the growth of Salmonella enterica ser. Enteritidis in vitro. Efficacy was dependent on the microbial concentration used. In vivo efficacy trials will be crucial to confirm the efficacy of garlic against S. Enteritidis and to assess whether garlic can be used in poultry flocks to prevent the spread of the bacterium in the field.

Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli from Laying Hens Housed in Different Rearing Systems.

Campylobacter (C.) jejuni and C. coli are responsible for food poisoning in humans. Laying hens may host the bacteria usually without developing symptoms. The aims of this paper were to evaluate the incidence of C. jejuni and C. coli infection in laying hen flocks housed in different rearing systems, the plasma levels of two welfare indicators (corticosterone and interleukin 6, IL-6) and the antimicrobial resistance of the detected Campylobacter strains. Two different flocks (1 and 2) from cage (A), barn (B) and aviary (C) farms were investigated. The highest (p < 0.05) levels of IL-6 were detected in laying hens housed in aviaries. A similar trend emerged in corticosterone level, although differences were found between C1 and C2. C. jejuni and C. coli were identified in 43.5% and 38.9% of birds, respectively. In total, 14 out of 177 (7.9%) hens simultaneously hosted C. jejuni and C. coli.C. jejuni was prevalently detected in hens housed in barns (B1: 53.3%; B2: 46.7%) and aviaries (C1: 34.6%; C2: 86.7%). Conversely, laying hens housed in cages were significantly exposed to infection of C. coli (A1: 41.9%; A2: 80%) while, regarding barns and aviaries, a significant prevalence emerged only in flocks B2 (40%) and C1 (54.8%). Simultaneous infection was statistically significant in barn B1 (36.7%). Antibiotic resistance was mainly detected among C. coli strains, and it was most frequent for fluoroquinolones and tetracycline. Multidrug resistance was also found in C. jejuni (19.7%) and C. coli (17.5%) strains. Based on the results of this study, we recommend increasing biosecurity and hygienic measures to manage hen flocks.

Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli in Wild Birds from a Wildlife Rescue Centre.

Climate change, excessive exploitation of agricultural land which reduces natural habitats, wildlife shooting, and the use of pesticides all cause difficulties for wildlife, with considerable numbers of animals being brought to wildlife rescue centres. Although the efforts of staff involved in wildlife management at these centres usually focus on therapeutic treatments to reintroduce them into the wild, the monitoring of pathogens that may be transmitted to humans is of relevance. Campylobacter (C.) jejuni and C. coli are frequently carried by animals without inducing clinical signs and are responsible for enteric disorders and more rarely extra-intestinal disease in humans. Farm species and poultry, in particular, are the main reservoirs of C. jejuni and C. coli, but wild animals may also be carriers. The aim of this paper was to investigate the presence of C. jejuni and C. coli in wild birds housed at a wildlife rescue centre and to evaluate the sensitivity of the detected strains to antibiotics. Campylobacter was found in 52 out of 209 (24.88%) birds from 33 different species. C. jejuni was more prevalent, while C. coli was only detected in three Long-eared Owls (Asio otus). The incidence of the infection was particularly high (72.22%) among omnivorous species. Infection rates were higher in birds housed indoors (57.14%) than outdoors (31.74%). Moreover, Campylobacter was not detected in species whose mean temperature body is below 40 °C or higher than 42.2 °C. The most common antibiotic resistance in the tested strains was against trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin. In addition, multi-drug resistance was also found. The results highlight the need to increase biosecurity measures at rescue centres so as to reduce health-related risks to workers involved in wildlife management.

New approaches for risk assessment and management of bovine protothecosis.

Protothecosis is a potential zoonosis related to bovine mastitis. In several countries, a higher incidence of protothecal bovine mastitis that is being recorded and the resistance of Prototheca species to various factors (chlorine, high temperatures, antimicrobial and antiseptic treatments, pH variations), make it difficult to control its spread among farms. The authors aim to describe the infection caused by microalgae, focusing on the problems within cattle farms and proposing new approaches to farm management, based on Regulation (EU) No 2016/429 on transmissible animal diseases. This new flexible approach, based on risk analysis, is a further tool in protecting against Prototheca species. The list of transmissible animal diseases under Regulation (EU) No 2016/429 includes those caused by microorganisms resistant to antimicrobials, which can have important implications for human and animal health, feed and food safety. This approach would involve a series of changes to the rules used for Official Controls (Regulation (EU) No 2017/625) moving from the concept of the food chain to that of the agri-food chain.

Food Industry Byproducts as Starting Material for Innovative, Green Feed Formulation: A Sustainable Alternative for Poultry Feeding.

Rising global populations and enhanced standards of living in so-called developing countries have led to an increased demand of food, in particular meat, worldwide. While increasing the production of broiler meat could be a potential solution to this problem, broiler meat is plagued by health concerns, such as the development of antimicrobial resistance and lower meat quality. For this reason, the supplementation of poultry feed with vitamins and antioxidant compounds, such as polyphenols, has become an attractive prospect for research in this sector. Such supplements could be obtained by extraction of agricultural byproducts (in particular, grape pomaces and artichoke leaves and bracts), thus contributing to reductions in the total amount of waste biomass produced by the agricultural industry. In this review, the effects of poultry feed supplementation with bioactive extracts from grape pomace (skins and/or seeds), as well as extracts from artichoke leaves and bracts, were explored. Moreover, the various methods that have been employed to obtain extracts from these and other agricultural byproducts were listed and described, with a particular focus on novel, eco-friendly extraction methods (using, for example, innovative and biocompatible solvents like Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs)) that could reduce the costs and energy consumption of these procedures, with similar or higher yields compared to standard methods.

Pseudomonas fluorescens group bacteria as responsible for chromatic alteration on rabbit carcasses. Possible hygienic implications.

Bacteria belonging to the genus Pseudomonas are ubiquitous and characterized by a high adaptation capability to different environmental conditions and wide range of temperatures. They may colonize food, sometimes causing alteration. Quite recently, a blue pigmentation due to Pseudomonas fluorescens has been widely reported in mozzarella cheese. In this report, we describe a blue coloration occurred on rabbit meat stored in the refrigeration cell of a slaughterhouse. The alteration was observed after about 72 hours of storage at 4-6°C. Bacteriological analyses were performed, and a microorganism included in the Pseudomonas fluorescens group was identified. The experimental contamination was planned, using a bacterial suspension with 1×108 UFC/ml load to spread on rabbit carcasses. The blue pigmentation appeared after 24 hours of storage in a cell with the same conditions of temperature. The bacterium was reisolated and identified as responsible for the alteration on meat. These findings highlight the importance of considering the members of the genus Pseudomonas and, more specifically, of the P. fluorescens group when the microbiological quality of food is to be ascertained. In fact, even if these bacteria are not considered a public health problem, their presence should be monitored by food industry operators in self-control plans because they may cause alteration in food. In fact, any altered product should be withdrawn from the market in agreement with Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council.

Spreading of Pasteurella multocida Infection in a Pet Rabbit Breeding and Possible Implications on Healed Bunnies.

The number of pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and parrots has increased in European families. Social benefits to owners such as decreasing feelings of loneliness and anxiety are provided by pets which are also used in Animal-assisted Therapy (AAT). Nevertheless, human-animal interactions are also associated with health problems including allergies, asthma, and zoonosis. Rabbits may carry potential pathogens for humans. One of the most common bacteria that colonizes the oro-pharynx and the upper respiratory tract of rabbits is Pasteurella (P.) multocida. Transmission of the infection to humans results from scratches, licks, and bites but it also can occur from the inhalation of air particles containing the microorganism. Immunocompromised people or persons with pulmonary disorders are particularly susceptible to the infection. Infected rabbits may carry P. multocida with or without clinical signs. In this paper, the sensitivity to antibiotics and the invasiveness ability of P. multocida identified in a farm of pet rabbits affected by severe pasteurellosis were investigated. The strain was P. multocida belonging to capsular type A which is the type most often detected in humans. The identified strain was susceptible to the tested antibiotics, but it appeared equipped with several virulence genes which are responsible for fimbriae production, adhesion processes to host cells, enzyme production, and are involved in iron acquisition processes. These findings are of particular interest because rabbits recovered from pasteurellosis very often become carriers of the bacteria. Therefore, we suggest considering P. multocida screening in the routine medical checks of rabbits, especially if they are meant to be companion animals for children and elder people, given that the transmission of the pathogen cannot be excluded.

Religious slaughtering: Implications on pH and temperature of bovine carcasses.

The main objective of this study was to investigate the influence of different types of slaughtering on the variations of pH and temperature. Ninety entire male beef cattle, belonging to the Charolais breed, were distributed in three groups based on method of slaughtering. A total of 30 subjects (group K) were slaughtered without stunning, according to the Koscher rite; thirty bovines (group T) were stunned with a captive bolt gun, following the common slaughtering reported by Council Regulation (EC) 1099/2009; other thirty animals (group H) were slaughtered without stunning, based on Halal procedures. The temperature and pH values of carcasses were determined at 3, 6 and 24 h post-mortem, respectively. At 24 h post-mortem of the 30 carcasses evaluated for each group, muscle temperature decreased in all three types of slaughtering. In particular, the average temperature was 4.0, 4.9 and 3.0 °C for traditional, Halal and Koscher slaughtering, respectively. Moreover, at the same time step (24 h post-mortem), muscle pH decreased showing values equal to 5.72, 5.83, 5.81 for traditional, Halal and Koscher slaughtering, respectively. The findings of the present study may be useful to highlight the influence of slaughtering method on pH and, more generally, on meat quality. Additionally, our results show that, in slaughtering carried out without prior stunning, the carcass could be more susceptible to alterations because of the high pH values.

Association among metabolic status, oxidative stress, milk yield, body condition score and reproductive cyclicity in dairy buffaloes.

The aim of this study was to determine the metabolic status, stress and ovarian activity through progesterone profile in dairy buffalo as influenced by post-partum days, body condition score (BCS) and lactation number. A total of 45 dairy buffaloes were involved and divided into three factors based on their BCS (2.5, 3.0 and 3.5, respectively), lactation number (1, 2 and 3, respectively), and post-partum intervals (14, 28, 42 and 56, respectively). Based on findings, from day 14 to day 56 after parturition, blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels increased significantly (p < .01), while malondialdehyde (MDA) and cortisol levels decreased significantly (p < .05) on day 56 of the trial. With increased BCS levels, milk yield, blood metabolites and progesterone improved significantly (p < .05), whereas stress indicators decreased significantly (p < .01). Blood metabolites, progesterone and milk production were significantly (p < .01) higher and stress indicators (MDA and cortisol) were significantly (p < .01) lower in lactation stage. Buffaloes with a greater lactation stage and growing post-partum stage had better blood metabolite and progesterone concentrations and less stress. It was concluded that better BCS and increased lactation stage have significant impact on milk yield, stress reduction and restoration of ovarian activity in buffaloes during post-partum period.

Visual Image Analysis for a new classification method of bovine carcasses according to EU legislation criteria.

In the European Community, conformation and fat cover of bovine carcasses is assessed using the SEUROP grading system. In this study we pursued the development of an application software (App) based on Visual Image Analysis, useful for SEUROP and Fat Cover grading of bovine carcasses using a smartphone. The App was trained using 500 bovine carcasses. Carcass conformation and Fat Cover classes were assessed in parallel by expert evaluators and by App. Overall, a high correspondence was found between the measurements of carcasses parameters by operators and by the App, as high as 84.2% for SEUROP and 86.4% for the Fat Cover. In the 15.8% of samples with discordant SEUROP evaluation, and in the 13.6% of samples with discordant Fat Cover evaluation, the operators' and App measurements deviated by only one class. All values also aligned with the requirements expected by the current legislation for the use of automated and/or semi-automated systems able to determine the market value of carcasses.

Aloe vera: A Sustainable Green Alternative to Exclude Antibiotics in Modern Poultry Production.

Over the past 50 years, there has been a rapid increase in the need for poultry meat on a global scale to meet the rising demand from health, ecology, safety and equity. However, there has been a significant rise in recent years in both public demand and scientific interest for organic poultry farming, particularly when using medicinal herbs due to the rising concern of antibiotic resistance in end users. Ban on the use of antibiotics in the poultry industry has resulted in the demand of herbs as alternatives to antibiotics. Various research efforts have illustrated the nutritional value of Aloe vera in improving growth performance and immune status and acting as an antibacterial and anticoccidial agent in poultry. Aloe vera has been used as a supplement in the form of gel, alcoholic extract, powder, polysaccharide and aqueous extract. Aloe vera contains more than 200 nutrients, bioactive compounds, polysaccharides and saponins. In the current review, we have detailed the effect of Aloe vera as an alternative to antibiotics on growth performance, antimicrobial and antiparasitic activities and blood biochemical alternations in poultry.

Raw donkey milk versus raw cow's milk. A preliminary study to compare the growth of Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus.

Gram-positive foodborne pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus can grow in a wide variety of foods, including raw milk. The aim of the study was to compare the growth of L. monocytogenes and S. aureus inoculated in donkey and cow samples of raw milk during a storage time of 11 days at 8 °C. Moreover, the study aimed to evaluate the influence of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) content on the growth of the two microbiological populations considered. LAB content was lower in raw donkey milk than in raw cow's milk during the entire analyses; on the other hand, pH levels were higher in the donkey milk rather than in the cow's milk, although both values showed a decrease at the day 11. S. aureus showed no significant differences in the two types of milk. From day 0 to 11, L. monocytogenes increased from 3.68 ± 0.02 log CFU/mL to 6.31 ± 0.07 log CFU/mL and from 3.64 ± 0.04 log CFU/mL to 4.59 ± 1.04 log CFU/mL, in donkey milk and in cow's milk, respectively. Our results showed that donkey milk is a more favourable matrix to support the growth of L. monocytogenes than cow's milk.

Classification of bovine carcasses: New biometric remote sensing tools.

Slaughtering plants approved by the European Union have specific processes to guarantee that beef carcasses or halfcarcasses, of no less than eight months of age, are provided with health mark and then classified and identified according to the EU carcass classification grid. This classification is based on three criteria: i) Category, ii) Conformation (SEUROP) and iii) Fat Cover (FC). At the end of the classification process each carcass is given a code, consisting of two letters and a number: this operation is called Identification. The aim of our study was to evaluate how the European beef carcass quality classification is determined according to the experience of the personnel involved, then comparing the results with those yielded by the Android platform application. West Systems, through its West- Zootech division, has developed an Android platform application (SEUROP APP) that allows SEUROP and FC classification with a smart-phone. The photo taken with the smart-phone will yield the necessary angular parameters to determine the conformation class depending on the animal's muscular mass and based on the convexity of some areas on the half-carcass. It also evaluates the ratio between surface of lean tissue and total carcass surface in order to determine the fat cover and complete the classification. The SEUROP APP was able to obtain objective measurements for as much as 84% of the assessments made during the research and development phase.

Pilot Study of the Relationship between Deck Level and Journey Duration on Plasma Cortisol, Epinephrine and Norepinephrine Levels in Italian Heavy Pigs.

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the relationship between journey duration, deck level and activation patterns of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis (HPA) and sympathetic adrenal medullary system (SAM) in pigs. A total of 90 pigs were examined. The animals came from three different Italian farms associated with the same slaughterhouse located in Bari (Apulia region-Italy). A group of thirty animals was transported from Pordenone (11 h journey); a second group was transported from Terni (6.5 h journey); a third group was transported from Benevento (3 h journey). The animals were transported in the same vehicle, which complied with the structural characteristics indicated in the Council Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005. The truck was composed of a lorry and a trailer, each one divided into three decks. Only the animals transported in the trailer were tested for the study. Before transportation, blood samples were collected on each farm, at 6:00 a.m., from 30 pigs randomly selected out of 135 pigs ready to be transported. Blood samples were also collected during slaughter to evaluate plasma cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine, around 6:00 a.m. A journey duration of 11 h was associated with significantly higher plasma concentrations of stress hormones compared with shorter journeys. This increase was proportional to the journey duration, with the pigs travelling for 6.5 h displaying intermediate concentrations between those noticed after 3 h and 11 h journeys. The interaction between deck and journey distance was not significant on epinephrine, norepinephrine or cortisol levels collected at arrival. There was a significant effect of deck level on norepinephrine levels (p < 0.0001), a tendency to influence epinephrine levels (p = 0.073) but no effect on cortisol levels (p = 0.945). Overall, we observed that an 11 h-long journey seemed to impact negatively on pigs' HPA-SAM activity, likely requiring the animals to spend more time in the lairage facilities to recover.

Evaluation of the Occurrence of False Aneurysms During Halal Slaughtering and Consequences on the Animal's State of Consciousness.

This study evaluated the occurrence of false aneurysms and reflexes in bovines, associated with the point along the neck where the cut was performed. The survey was carried out on a total of 1200 male beef cattle, belonging mainly to the Charolais and Limousin breeds, aged between twelve and twenty-four months. In the slaughterhouse, three operators, identified by convention as Operator C4, Operator C2, and Operator C1, performed the Halal slaughtering. Each operator carried out the slaughter of 400 animals and, on the basis of his own professional training, performed the cutting of the vessels at different points along the neck: Operator C4 between the third and fourth cervical vertebrae; Operator C2 at the level of the second cervical vertebra; and Operator C1 at the first cervical vertebra. The occurrence of false aneurysms was assessed on the basis of the different cutting site used by the three operators. Then, the evaluation of consciousness indicators, that is, rhythmic breathing and eye response, closely related to a slow bleeding process and to a delayed loss of brain function, was carried out 90 s post-bleeding. The group of cattle slaughtered by Operator C4 had a prevalence of false aneurysms of 10.25%. Conversely, the other two groups of cattle slaughtered by Operators C2 and C1 showed false aneurysm formation in 7.25% of each case. Further, 37.5% of the animals (18 for Operator C4, 17 for Operator C2, and 16 for Operator C1) with signs of consciousness 90 s after sticking were consequent to the onset of false aneurysms and, more precisely, they were owing to a late second cut of the vessel carried out by the operator, when false aneurysms occurred. The results of the research showed that the cutting point chosen by the operator is a key element in determining the onset of false aneurysms.