Nutritional properties and consumer evaluation of donkey bresaola and salami: comparison with conventional products.

Nutritional properties and consumer evaluation were performed in bresaola and salami from donkey meat compared with respective conventional products. Donkey bresaola and salami showed higher content of protein and lower content of fat than beef bresaola and pork salami. Significant differences in the unsaturation level of fatty acids were found. Particularly, donkey meat products showed lower saturated fatty acids, higher polyunsatured fatty acid content and better nutritional indices than conventional beef bresaola and pork salami. Furthermore, donkey meat products, especially bresaola, showed the highest content of essential amino acids. Both donkey meat products resulted to be more tender than conventional products, in addition donkey bresaola showed also higher consumer acceptability. Our investigation demonstrates the possibility of processing donkey meat into products comparable to traditional ones with a high nutritional value.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation and immune regulation in heat-stressed sheep after supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids from different sources on immune regulation and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation in heat-stressed sheep. The experiment was carried out during the summer 2012. Thirty-two Comisana ewes were divided into 4 groups (8 sheep/group): (1) supplemented with whole flaxseed (FS); (2) supplemented with Ascophyllum nodosum (AG); (3) supplemented with a combination of flaxseed and A. nodosum (FS+AG); and (4) control (C; no supplementation). On d 22 of the experiment, cortisol concentrations in sheep blood were measured after an injection of ACTH. Cellular immune response was evaluated by intradermic injection of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) at 0, 15, and 30 d of the trial. Humoral response to ovalbumin (OVA) was measured at 0, 15, and 30 d. At 0, 15, and 30 d of the experiment, blood samples were collected from each ewe to determine production of T-helper (Th)1 cytokines (IL-12 and IFN-γ), and Th2 cytokines (IL-10, IL-4, IL-13), and concentrations of heat shock proteins (HSP) 70 and 90. Ewes supplemented with flaxseed alone had greater cortisol concentrations and a longer-lasting cell-mediated immune response compared with ewes in the control and other groups. Anti-OVA IgG concentrations increased in all groups throughout the trial, even though ewes in the FS+AG group had the lowest anti-OVA IgG concentrations at 15 d. The level of IL-10 increased in all groups throughout the experiment; the FS+AG group had the lowest IL-13 concentration at 15 and 30 d. The concentration of HSP 70 increased in AG ewes at the end of the experiment and decreased in FS ewes, whereas that of HSP 90 increased in FS ewes compared with FS+AG ewes. Flaxseed supplementation was found to influence in vivo HPA activation in heat-stressed sheep, resulting in increased cortisol concentrations, probably to meet increased energy demand for thermoregulation. Flaxseed supplementation also supported Th1 response via a complex cross-talk between IL-10, IL-12, and IFN-γ production.

A simulation of cost-benefit analysis of blindness prevention in Italy.

PURPOSE: The most important purpose is to assess by a trial and error method the financial effects of efficient prevention programmes in our country. The study provides an empiric evidence that Government could reduce public spending thorough investments in projects of prevention about visual care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Authors focus on the economic impact of four eye diseases that are the major cause of blindness (90%) and for this reason they were classificated as "diseases of social importance" (DSI from hereforth) according to the WHO: Age - related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Glaucoma, Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), Cataract. Authors use a three-stage approach in order to estimate the impact of blindness prevention on public accounts: 1. Calculation of aggregate costs of the DSI in Italy; 2. Use of the estimated figures in the first stage of the alanysis to estimate the individual average costs; 3. Use of the estimated figures in the second stage of the analysis to run a simulation in capital budgeting comparing the costs associated with taking one of two possible choices: investing or not in a blindness prevention programme. DISCUSSION: Authors simulate the economic effects of the adoption of a blindness prevention campaign and compare them to the calculated costs of blindness. This comparison was based on the creation of decision trees, which are typically used for the optimisation of investment portfolios, combined with another decision technique: the Net Present Value (NPV).

Flaxseed supplementation improves fatty acid profile of cow milk.

The objective of the study was to determine the effects of adding flaxseed or fish oil to the diet on the milk fatty acid profile of cows. The experiment was conducted in the summer of 2006 and involved 24 Friesian cows that were divided into 3 groups of 8 animals according to different type of fat supplementation: a traditional diet with no fat supplementation, a diet supplemented with whole flaxseed, and a diet supplemented with fish oil. Results suggested that whole flaxseed supplementation positively affects the milk fatty acid profile during summer. In particular, milk from cows receiving flaxseed supplementation showed a decrease in saturated fatty acid, an increase in monounsaturated fatty acid, and, together with the milk from fish oil-supplemented cows, an increase in polyunsaturated fatty acid content compared with milk from control cows. As expected, both fish oil and flaxseed supplementation increased the content of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in milk fat. The increased dietary intake of C18:3 in flaxseed-supplemented cows resulted in increased levels of milk C18:1 trans-11 and increased conjugated linoleic acid C18:2 cis-9,trans-11 by Delta(9)-desaturase activity. Milk from flaxseed-supplemented cows together with the high conjugated linoleic acid content was characterized by low atherogenic and thrombogenic indices, suggesting that its use has less detrimental effects concerning the atherosclerosis and coronary thrombosis risk associated with the consumption of milk and dairy products. In conclusion, flaxseed supplementation improves composition and nutritional properties of milk from cows milked during times of high ambient temperature.

Genetic variability of the Gentile di Puglia sheep breed based on microsatellite polymorphism.

The aim of the present study was to estimate the genetic variability of the Gentile di Puglia sheep breed by using microsatellite markers, to provide information useful for conservation. The DNA of 82 animals, belonging to 6 different farms, was analyzed at 19 microsatellite loci. The number of alleles, allele frequencies, deviations from Hardy-Weinberg proportions, linkage disequilibrium among loci, genetic similarity, genetic distances, and molecular coancestry-based parameters were calculated. Seventeen out of 19 microsatellites showed heterozygote deficiency in the whole population, although only 4 (OarAE129, ILSTS28, ILSTS5, MAF33) showed significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg proportions (P<0.01). The genetic similarity (an index of allele sharing among individuals) within the whole population was low (0.318), and the average number of alleles per locus was quite high (9.68). The results obtained highlighted a population presenting both a deficiency of heterozygotes and great genetic variability. These results suggest that stratification of the breed in subpopulations, probably derived from different farm management in each herd, led to a population characterized by great genetic diversity among different herds and by great similarity within each herd. Moreover, in the past, Gentile di Puglia sheep have undergone a strong numeric decline, involving genetic drift effects and considerable consanguinity within the breed.

Rennet paste from lambs fed a milk substitute supplemented with Lactobacillus acidophilus: effects on lipolysis in ovine cheese.

The present work was undertaken to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus supplementation of a milk substitute on the features of lamb rennet paste used for cheese making. Lipolysis in cheese manufactured with rennet paste from lambs receiving supplemented milk was also evaluated. Lambs were subjected to 3 different feeding regimens (mother suckling, MS; artificial rearing, AR; and artificial rearing with 7 log10 cfu/mL of Lb. acidophilus supplementation of the milk substitute, ARLb) and slaughtered at 20 and 40 d of age for each feeding treatment. Abomasa of the lambs were processed to rennet paste. Microbial loads, enzymatic activities (chymosin, pepsin, and lipases), and renneting characteristics of the lamb rennet paste were determined. Free fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acids were detected in cheese at 60 d of ripening. Addition of 7 log10 cfu/mL of Lb. acidophilus to the milk substitute was carried out successfully. Total recovery of viable cells was recorded in milk supplied daily to the lambs in the ARLb group. The ARLb rennet had greater amounts of lactobacilli than did the MS or AR rennet, irrespective of the slaughter age of the lambs, and the ARLb rennet had higher concentrations of lactococci when lambs were slaughtered at 40 d of age. Chymosin and lipase activities were also higher in ARLb rennet than in MS or AR rennet from lambs slaughtered at an older age. Milk supplementation of ARLb lambs resulted in improved coagulating ability of the rennet and enhanced cheese lipolysis after 60 d of ripening. A reduction of all free fatty acids was observed in all cheeses when passing from 20 to 40 d of slaughter of the lambs. Conjugated linoleic acids were more abundant in ARLb cheeses at both 20 and 40 d. Therefore, supplementation of the milk substitute with Lb. acidophilus improved the enzymatic features of rennet and the healthful and nutritional characteristics of it the ovine cheese. Moreover, the addition of lactobacilli to the milk substitute made it possible to increase the slaughter age of lambs without detrimental effects on rennet characteristics.

Behavior, milk yield, and milk composition of machine-and hand-milked Murgese mares.

A 25-d trial was performed to assess the effects of machine and hand milking on behavior, and milk yield and composition of mares; the trial involved 8 Murgese mares. Milk yield was higher (7.69 vs. 4.91 kg) and milking time was shorter (1.80 vs. 5.40 min) in machine-milked than in hand-milked mares. Machine milking of mares also resulted in a greater fat content of milk (1.63%) than did hand milking (1.06%). Milking system did not affect casein content, nitrogen fractions, or somatic cell counts. No differences in behavioral activities and in response to humans emerged. Results indicate that machine milking of mares could improve the yield and gross composition of horse milk, without adverse consequences on mare behavior and response to humans.

Effect of forage to concentrate ratio on growth performance, and on carcass and meat quality of Podolian young bulls.

The effect of forage to concentrate ratio: 60-40 [high concentrate group (HC) and 70-30 [low concentrate group (LC)] on growth, slaughtering performance and meat quality were evaluated in twenty organically farmed Podolian young bulls. Meat quality characteristics were measured on three different muscles [Longissimus dorsi (LD), Semimembranosus (SM) Semitendinosus (ST)], vacuum-packaged and chilled stored at 2-4°C for 15 days. The animals in the HC group had higher weight gain than those in the LC group (P<0.05). Slaughter data were not influenced by ration composition. The higher forage to concentrate ratio produced an improvement in fatty acid composition of the three muscles, with a higher polyunsaturated to saturated ratio (P<0.001). Vitamin E and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were not affected by the feeding treatment. Panel scores for tenderness and flavour (P<0.01) and Warner-Bratzler Shear force (P<0.001) were significantly affected by muscle, the LD muscle being the most tender and the richest in flavour but they not affected by dietary treatment.

Effects of early maternal separation of lambs and rearing with minimal and maximal human contact on meat quality.

The present study aims to assess the effect of gentling on behaviour and meat quality of lambs. Thirty-two Comisana lambs were divided into four groups of eight animals: ER (ewe reared), AR (artificially reared) and the corresponding gentled groups ERG and ARG. The provision of human contacts stimulated gentled subjects to explore, whereas the proportion of idling subjects was reduced (P<0.10). At increasing age the number of subjects contacting the person increased in the gentled groups (P<0.05). Lambs left with their dams showed higher warm and cold carcass yields compared to artificially reared animals, although animals benefiting from both maternal care and gentling, had the highest dressing percentage (P<0.05). Values of pH declined more rapidly in meat from gentled animals than from ungentled subjects (P<0.05), b* and h values were higher in ARG than in AR group (P<0.05), whereas Warner-Bratzler shear force and hardness tended to be lower in gentled lambs (P<0.15). We conclude that human-animal relationship can play an important role in affecting welfare, productive performances and meat quality of lambs, in particular when young subjects are prematurely separated from mothers.

Relationship between welfare and udder health indicators in dairy ewes.

The relationships between welfare and udder health indicators were investigated in 120 midlactation Comisana ewes over a 90-day period. The welfare indicators monitored were the humoral response to chicken egg albumin (OVA), the cell-mediated immune response to phytohemagglutinin, and the plasma cortisol levels. Changes in milk components, in somatic cell count (SCC) and in bacterial count, in leukocyte populations and in anti-OVA IgG concentration were used to monitor the ewe udder health. Correlations between welfare and udder health indicators were then tested. The skinfold thickness, representative of the cell-mediated immune response, was correlated positively with the percentage of neutrophils in milk and negatively with the chloride content, the percentage of lymphocytes and anti-OVA IgG concentrations in milk. The plasma antibody titres to OVA, representative of the humoral immune response, correlated positively with the anti-OVA IgG levels in milk and negatively with the lactose content and to the percentage of neutrophils. Plasma cortisol levels correlated positively with the chloride content in milk. Our study demonstrates that information about the immune condition of animals can be successfully achieved by monitoring the immunological responses of the mammary gland. The detection of reliable indicators of animal welfare in milk can help in reducing the stress from animal handling and blood sampling from lactating animals.

Ventilation effects on air quality and on the yield and quality of ewe milk in winter.

The effects of ventilation on air quality, and on the welfare and production performance of dairy ewes were assessed in a 6-wk trial conducted during the winter of 2002. Thirty-six midlactation Comisana ewes were divided into three groups of 12, which were randomly balanced for parity, time of lambing, and number of lambs suckled. Treatments were low (LOV), moderate (MOV), and programmed ventilation regimen (PROV). In LOV and MOV rooms, fans provided 10 ventilation cycles of 40 min each at a fan speed of 1 and 2 m/s, respectively. In the PROV room, the fan was programmed to maintain a 70% relative humidity. Mean ventilation rates were 23, 47, and 73 m3/h per ewe in LOV, MOV, and PROV rooms, respectively. Air concentrations of microorganisms and dust, and of gaseous pollutants were measured twice weekly. Cell-mediated immune response to phytohemagglutinin at d 1, 21 and 42, and humoral response to chicken egg albumin at d 11, 21, 30, and 40 were determined. At d 39, ewes were injected with 2 IU of porcine adreno-corticotropic-hormone/kg body weight(0.75), and subjected to blood sampling for evaluation of cortisol concentrations immediately before and 1, 2, and 4 h after adreno-corticotrophic-hormone injection. Milk yield was recorded daily. Individual milk samples were analyzed weekly for composition, renneting parameters, and somatic cell count. The LOV treatment resulted in higher air concentrations of NH3 and CO2 than the MOV and PROV treatments. Greater amounts of total and respirable dust were found in the PROV room than in the LOV and the MOV rooms. The LOV ewes had lower milk yield than the PROV ewes, lower milk casein content, and higher rate of clot formation than the MOV and PROV ewes. The ventilation regimen did not affect the immune and endocrine responses of the ewes. Results suggest that an intermittent ventilation regimen, providing a mean ventilation rate of 47 m3/h per ewe at a fan speed of 2 m/s, is required to sustain the yield and cheese-making ability of ewe milk during the winter season.

Behavioral, adrenal, immune, and productive responses of lactating ewes to regrouping and relocation.

The experiment involved 40 mid-lactating Comisana ewes. The animals were housed in straw-bedded pens and assigned to a control group (n = 10) and two test groups of 15 subjects each. Control ewes were never moved from their pen and peers throughout the experiment period, whereas test animals were subjected to either regrouping (RG) or regrouping and relocation (RGRL) three times at weekly intervals (d 7, 14, and 21 of the trial). Three behavioral recordings were conducted after each social and pen exchange over a 6-h period (1000 to 1600). Animals from groups RG and RGRL were bled immediately before each regrouping and relocation and 15 and 60 min afterward. The phytohemagglutinin skin test was performed at d 9, 16, and 23. Milk yield was recorded when the ewes were mixed and moved, and before and after each mixing and moving procedure. Individual milk samples were analyzed for composition, renneting parameters, and bacteriological characteristics; samples with more than 10(6) somatic cells/mL were cultured for mastitis-related pathogens. Control ewes spent more time lying than groups RG (P < 0.001) and RGRL (P < 0.01) and less time in ambulatory activities than RGRL sheep (P < 0.05). Moved and remaining ewes showed a higher number of aggressive interactions than control subjects (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively). Control sheep showed the highest cell-mediated immune response compared with both moved and mixed ewes (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively). The RGRL ewes gave lower yields of milk than did the control ewes on the days after the first (P < 0.05) and the second (P < 0.01) change of pen and peers. The RGRL ewes also had a lower fat content (P < 0.05) than control ewes in the milk yielded on the day of the first regrouping and relocation and a lower milk protein content (P < 0.05) on the following day. The RG treatment resulted in the ewes yielding milk with a lower fat content (P < 0.01) on the day of each mixing procedure as compared with controls and in a decreased milk protein content on the days after the first (P < 0.05) and the second regrouping (P < 0.01). One case of subclinical mastitis was recorded in both the RG and RGRL groups, whereas no cases were detected in control group. These findings suggest that regrouping and relocation may cause increased aggression, altered immune responses, and short-term effects on the production performance of lactating ewes. These practices should be performed by attempting to minimize their impact on animal welfare.

Effects of solar radiation and feeding time on behavior, immune response and production of lactating ewes under high ambient temperature.

A 6-wk trial was performed with 40 late-lactation Comisana ewes, which were either exposed to or protected from solar radiation and fed either in the morning (EXPM, PROM) or afternoon (EXPA, PROA) during summer in a Mediterranean climate. Behavioral traits of ewes were recorded once per week from 0800 to 2000 h. Rectal temperature (RT) and respiration rate (RR) were measured twice weekly at 1430 h. The phytohemagglutinin (PHA) skin test was performed to induce nonspecific delayed-type hypersensitivity at d 10, 20, and 32 of the experiment. Jugular blood samples were taken from ewes at the beginning and at d 21 and 42 of the experiment. Ewe milk yield was recorded daily. Individual milk samples were analyzed weekly for milk composition, coagulating properties, somatic cell count (SCC) and polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocyte counts (PMNLC) and every 2 wk for bacteriological characteristics. Solar radiation and the interaction of solar radiation x time of feeding had significant effects on rectal temperatures. EXPM ewes had higher rectal temperatures than EXPA ewes, which in turn exhibited higher RT compared with PROM and PROA ewes. EXP groups also had significantly higher respiration rates than PRO groups. Immune response was lower in EXPM ewes at d 10 and in EXPM, EXPA, and PROM animals at d 20 compared with PROA ewes. Exposure to solar radiation resulted in decreased plasma concentrations of alanine amino-transferase, alkaline phosphatase, potassium, and magnesium, as well as in increased levels of nonesterified fatty acids and aspartate amino-transferase. Milk yield and composition were not changed by exposure to solar radiation and time of feeding, but the EXPM treatment resulted in lower yields of casein and fat and reduced clot firmness compared with the three other treatments. Milk SCC was similar across treatments, but PMNLC was higher in EXPM than in PROM and PROA milk. EXPM animals also had the greatest amounts of total and fecal coliforms and of Pseudomonadaceae as well as the highest number of mastitis related pathogens in their milk. Results suggest that provision of shaded areas can play a major role in helping lactating ewes to minimize the adverse effects of high ambient temperatures on thermal balance and energy and mineral metabolism. Changing the time of feeding to late afternoon may be beneficial to exposed ewes in lowering their heat loads during the warmest hours of the day, thereby reducing the detrimental impact of thermal stress on immune function and udder health.

Airspace effects on the yield and quality of ewe milk.

Three groups of 12 midlactating Comisana ewes were housed in separate rooms of the same building and assigned to treatments of low (LV, 4.1 m3), medium (MV, 5.6 m3), or high (HV, 7.3 m3) airspace/animal. The concentrations of airborne microorganisms in the experimental rooms were measured twice weekly at 0930 and 1630. Ewe milk yield was recorded daily. Individual milk samples were analyzed weekly for milk composition, coagulating properties, somatic cell concentration (SCC), and polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocyte count (PMNLC), and fortnightly for bacteriological characteristics; samples with more than 10(6) somatic cells/ml were cultured for mastitis-related pathogens. The LV and MV treatments resulted in higher relative humidity and air concentrations of staphylococci than the HV treatment. Greater amounts of air mesophilic bacteria were also found in the LV than in the HV room. Ewes in the HV group gave greater yields of milk than those in the LV and MV groups. LV milk also had a lower casein content than HV milk. Significant interactions of treatment x time were found for milk protein and fat content as well as for clotting time and clot firmness, with LV milk having the poorest composition and deteriorated renneting ability during the last 3 wk of the trial. The HV ewes had lower SCC and PMNLC and psychrotroph counts in their milk than LV and MV ewes and smaller amounts of mesophilic bacteria and fecal coliforms than LV animals. Subclinical mastitis occurred in two ewes of the LV and one of the MV groups, while no cases were recorded in the HV group. Results suggest that airspace is a critical factor in dairy sheep housing and indicate that a volume allocation of less than 7 m3/animal may adversely affect the performance and health of the lactating ewe.

Effect of parity on milk yield, composition, somatic cell count, renneting parameters and bacteria counts of Comisana ewes.

Twenty-four Comisana ewes, with no history of mastitis, were included in this study, with eight ewes each in parities 1, 2 and 3. Groups were separately penned on straw litter and ewes were individually checked for yield, composition, renneting properties and bacteriological characteristics of milk from January, when separated from their lambs (50+/-3 days after lambing), to May. Samples with more than 3.5x10(5) somatic cells/ml were cultured for mastitis related pathogens. Milk yield was not significantly affected by parity. The P3 ewes had significantly higher milk protein, casein and fat contents compared to the P1 and P2 ewes. The P3 ewes also had improved renneting ability of milk as compared to the P1 ewes. Quality of milk decreased with lower lactations. The milk of P1 ewes had significantly greater amounts of mesophilic bacteria than the P2 and P3 ewes, as well as higher concentrations of psychrotrophs and total coliforms in their milk with respect to the P3 ewes. Somatic cell counts in milk and the prevalence of subclinical mastitis were not changed by parity, although mastitis infection set in progressively earlier as the number of lactations decreased. These results suggest that ewes in first or second lactation have a less favourable milk secretion status in relation to mastitis than ewes with a higher number of lactations. Milk yield and quality of younger ewes may be improved by offering feed rations that take into account this reduced capacity to mobilise body reserves. Also, most scrupulous control of sanitation of housing, equipment and personnel is necessary.

Effect of stocking density on ewes' milk yield, udder health and microenvironment.

Three groups of 12 lactating Comisana ewes were housed in separate rooms of the same building that contained straw-bedded pens with total areas of 12, 18 and 24 m2. The ewes were assigned to groups with different stocking densities: high (HSD, 1 m2/animal), medium (MSD, 1.5 m2/animal) or low (LSD, 2 m2/animal). The LSD treatment resulted in lower air concentrations of total microorganisms and coliform bacteria than the other two. Ewes in the LSD group gave greater yields of milk, total protein and fat than those in the other two groups. LSD treatment increased milk casein content and improved clotting time and clot firmness. LSD also resulted in ewes giving milk with lower somatic cell counts and smaller concentrations of mesophiles, psychrotrophs and faecal coliforms than MSD and HSD. Subclinical mastitis occurred in three ewes of the MSD groups and four ewes of the HSD group, while no cases were recorded in the LSD group. These results indicate that stocking density is a critical factor in dairy sheep housing and suggest that a space allocation < 2 m2/animal may adversely affect the performance and health of the lactating ewe.

Rumen-protected methionine or lysine supplementation of Comisana ewes' diets: effects on milk fatty acid composition.

The effect of graded levels of dietary rumen-protected methionine (rp-Met) or lysine (rp-Lys) on the fatty acid composition of Comisana ewes' milk was investigated. The animals lambed in autumn and were separated from their lambs 7 weeks after parturition; they were divided into five groups of nine which were given different rations. The control group was fed on a mixture of vetch and oat hay with a pelleted concentrate; the other groups were given the control ration supplemented with rp-Met (3.5 or 7.0 g/kg) or rp-Lys (10.5 or 21.0 g/kg). Milk fatty acid composition was determined by gas chromatography, and these values were subjected to principal components analysis. A correlation was found between fatty acid composition and diet. We demonstrated that giving the experimental diets significantly affected milk fat, to an extent that was independent of the levels of the supplementary amino acids. The milk fat of the control group contained largely caprylic, capric and lauric acids, whereas that of the groups given the supplementary amino acids contained largely palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic and oleic acids. Thus supplementation resulted in an increase in the proportion of 16:0-18:3 (primarily palmitic and stearic) and a reduction in the proportion of 4:0-12:0 fatty acids. There was also a modest increase in the unsaturated:saturated fatty acid ratio.

Ionized calcium/total calcium ratio during biofiltration.

The transmembrane transfer of calcium during hemodialysis is related to many factors (calcium gradient, plasma volume flow, plasma concentration of phosphate). During biofiltration the high ultrafiltration rate reduces the net transfer of calcium from dialysate to patient. Prolonged metabolic alkalosis occurs during biofiltration, lowering the ionized calcium/total calcium ratio. These two factors may stimulate PTH secretion, with negative long-term effects in dialysis bone disease.

[Serum concentration of T3, T4, FT3, FT4, TSH during cycloergometer muscular exercise]. / Concentrazioni sieriche di T3, T4, FT3, FT4, TSH durante esercizio muscolare al cicloergometro.

The serum concentrations of total and free thyroid hormones and of TSH have been determined in 10 trained subjects before, during and after exercise on a bicycle ergometer. The concentrations of T4 and FT4 increase during the muscular exercise and reduce 30 minutes after the end of work; the decrease is statistically meaningful for the T4. The concentrations of TSH and T3 reduce 30 minutes after the end of work on a bicycle ergometer. The serum concentration of FT3 and of hematocrit doesn't presents any statistically meaningful variation during and after the muscular exercise. The results achieved in our work are in support of the hypothesis that the physic and intense exercise would involve the thyroid gland exalting its activity.