Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) is a perennial legume recently reappraised for some positi... more Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) is a perennial legume recently reappraised for some positive characteristics leading to highly satisfactory animal performance. Sainfoin's characteristics may be partly explained by the presence of moderate levels of condensed tannins (CTs) able to protect dietary protein from microbial degradation in the rumen. Decreased CH 4 emissions have been reported for ruminants consuming CT-containing forage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of CT content on the in vitro fermentation characteristics and kinetics and methane production of four samples of O. viciifolia cut at different phenological stages. Sainfoin hays and one sample of alfalfa hay were incubated at 39°C in anaerobiosis using the in vitro gas production technique. The chemical composition, tannin content and fermentation characteristics and kinetics of sainfoin samples were significantly affected by phenological stage. After 48 h, the CH 4 production in sainfoin hays showed a tendency to increase with the advancement of phenological stage [from 38AE6 to 49AE8 mL g)1 of degraded organic matter (OM)]. The best period to cut sainfoin for hay making is between early and late flowering, when the forage combines high OM digestibility, low CH 4 production and more efficient microbial fermentation.
One of the key ways to improve the sustainability of agricultural systems is through diversificat... more One of the key ways to improve the sustainability of agricultural systems is through diversification, taking advantage of synergies between farm enterprises. Among diversified systems, multispecies livestock farms with at least two animal enterprises have rarely been studied. We explored 95 organic farms from six countries, accounting for the proportion of animal enterprises, sales management, workforce size, and work organization. The study reveals various types of interactions between animal enterprises. Complementarities were observed between ruminant and monogastric enterprises, particularly fertilizer transfer from monogastric manure to grasslands. Milk production was often associated with on-farm processing and short distribution channels, which enhanced farm viability and reduced its dependency on herd productivity. Eleven out of the 95 farms combined above-average production efficiency, on-farm processing, and the majority of sales in short distribution channels. Their labor...
Rock partridge (Alectoris graeca) is included in Annex I of the EU Birds Directive as Species<... more Rock partridge (Alectoris graeca) is included in Annex I of the EU Birds Directive as Species<br> of Conservation Concern (SPEC 1), because of the continuing decline in the area of occupancy.<br> In this context, ex situ conservation programs and production systems of captive Rock partridges<br> suited to the wild are necessary to ensure that insurance, reintroduction or restocking goals are<br> met. Anyway, morphological changes occurring in captive-reared animals indicate the loss of<br> animal's ability to survive in natural environment. In this study, we used the offspring of wild Apennine<br> rock partridges (Alectoris graeca graeca). The young birds were divided into two groups,<br> the first (G1) was housed in enriched and wild-like environment, the second (G2) was subjected<br> to intensive-rearing conditions. Starting at 14 days post-hatching (DPH) and continuing up to 98<br> DPH, body mass (BM), tarsus length (TL), ...
The knowledge of how wolves’ movement patterns and habitat selection are affected by habituation ... more The knowledge of how wolves’ movement patterns and habitat selection are affected by habituation to persons after a period of veterinary isolation, treatment and non-agonistic experience with humans is scarce. Unnatural behaviours could be transferred by imitation to members of the pack and to subsequent generations, increasing direct interaction risks. We used GPS data from a rescued radio-collared female wolf after an 11-day rehabilitation to estimate home range, movement patterns, circadian rhythms, and habitat selection, searching for signals of eventual behavioural distortions. In the period 1 August–26 November 2013, 870 valid locations were acquired. The wolf moved within a minimum convex polygon (95%) of 6541.1 ha (79% wooded), avoiding anthropized areas. Nocturnal and diurnal displacements were significantly different (p < 0.01). Nocturnal displacements were 4409.4 ± 617.5 m during summer and 3684.8 ± 468.1 m during autumn, without differences between seasons. Diurnal mo...
We report an updated and expanded list of Rock Partridge (Alectoris graeca) haplotypes found in w... more We report an updated and expanded list of Rock Partridge (Alectoris graeca) haplotypes found in wild animals throughout the Apennines of central Italy. Samples were collected and identified during a monitoring program of autochthonous Galliformes and from a private collection. The haplotypes were identified on a longer fragment of the mitochondrial control region (D-loop) based on previously reported haplotypes. This novel evidence, based on a wider sampling area and a higher number of analyzed specimens, will be of relevance in both conservation projects and gamebird breeding for restock, as imposed by the Italian Action Plan. Studying longer fragments can also be useful for phylogeographic analysis.
Debido a la urbanización irresponsable ocurrida en las últimas décadas, algunas ciudades de orige... more Debido a la urbanización irresponsable ocurrida en las últimas décadas, algunas ciudades de origen medieval han visto perder su identidad arquitectónica y social. Con el fin de poner de relieve estas modificaciones, se estudiaron los cambios de uso del suelo en las zonas urbanas y periurbanas de 2 pequeñas ciudades medievales del centro de Italia (provincia de Viterbo, región de Lazio), a través de la realización de una investigación multi-temporal de la restitución fotogramétrica de los vuelos históricos (1934-2010). Los resultados mostraron que en el interior de las murallas de la ciudad un número variable de espacios verdes intersticiales y pequeños patios siguen existiendo en el año 2010 y en las áreas suburbanas perviven actividades agrícolas residuales, principalmente el cultivo de frutas y verduras, probablemente para el mercado local y/o el consumo doméstico. La planificación urbana debería tener en cuenta estos elementos, a fin de mejorar los vínculos funcionales entre las ...
This CORE Organic Practice Abstract gives practical recommendations for multi-species livestock f... more This CORE Organic Practice Abstract gives practical recommendations for multi-species livestock farming, which has the potential to improve the three dimensions of sustainability – economic viability for farmers, environmental soundness, and social acceptability – by being respectful of animals and humans, as long as locally relevant farming practices are implemented, especially an appropriate stocking rate during grazing
The use of isotopic signatures in animal tissues provides information on the environment where th... more The use of isotopic signatures in animal tissues provides information on the environment where they are living and, notably, on their diet. Carbon and, whenever possible, nitrogen stable isotope analyses were performed in animal hairs, muscles and fat. Particularly, we analyzed both carbon and nitrogen isotopic compositions (δ13C and δ15N) on wild boar samples across three different areas of central Italy (Latium region): Tyrrhenian Coast (TC), Maremma (MA) and Central Plains (CP). The agricultural habits of these areas imply that, in winter, no crops are available for wild boars, which feed mainly on acorns and natural feeds (tubers, earthworms etc.). In addition, the three areas were influenced by oak masting. One of these areas (CP) was characterised by the spreading of corn during the hunting season to attract the animals. For each area, we sampled 10 animals aged between 12 and 24 months and balanced by gender. Anenrichment of δ13C in CP area, where corn was used, was observed ...
We present a case study illustrating a multidisciplinary approach for characterizing, mapping and... more We present a case study illustrating a multidisciplinary approach for characterizing, mapping and monitoring the bio-ecological properties of Mediterranean mountain grasslands in extensive grazing systems. The approach was developed to provide the basis for the management plan of a cluster of Natura 2000 special conservation areas in the Central Apennine mountains, Italy (with a total area of 79,500 ha, including 22,130 ha of grasslands). It includes a novel methodology for estimating sustainable stocking rates of different plant communities, at a detailed spatial scale over large areas, based on the integration of: (i) a classification of grassland types, based on physical habitat stratification and vegetation sampling; (ii) a forage-value assessment of each grassland type, obtained from field sampling of botanical composition and corrected with remote-sensing information on pasture microtopography; (iii) an estimate of primary productivity at a detailed spatial scale, obtained from the remote-sensed Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) calibrated with biomass field data. Additionally, to obtain a bioclimatic characterization of the grasslands and to determine the optimal grazing season for each grassland type, intra-annual phenological signatures were obtained from the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI). Given the inherent limitations in the sustainable stocking rates concept, and the particular susceptibility of dry grasslands to changes in grazing regimes, we tested two biological indicators, the Auchenorrhyncha quality index (AQI) and the Arthropod-based biological soil quality index (QBS-ar). These indicators take into account above-and below-ground arthropod diversity, respectively, and are applied here for the first time to the specific purpose of monitoring grazing load effects on ecological quality and biodiversity of Natura 2000 dry grasslands. We conclude that: (i) it is possible to effectively integrate biomass estimates, obtained from publicly available satellite data, with a relatively simple field sampling of botanical composition, to achieve a detailed spatialization of sustainable stocking rates; (ii) within the same Natura 2000 habitat type there can be a large spatial heterogeneity in both sustainable stocking rates and optimal stocking season: thus, grazing should be kept under careful human control to maintain the habitats in the desired conservation status; (iii) while plant species richness was not correlated to grazing intensity, both AQI and QBS-ar had a significant negative correlation to grazing levels and can thus be useful for monitoring the actual "sustainability" of livestock loads on different aspects of grassland ecosystems. 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Lupine has important nutritional qualities, including a high percentage of protein and fiber and ... more Lupine has important nutritional qualities, including a high percentage of protein and fiber and a low fat content. Objective of the study was to assess the chemical, amino-acidic and antinutritional profile of seeds of novel sweet genotypes of narrowleaf (NL) and white lupine (WL) created at ENEA research center (Rome, Italy). Plants were grown in central Italy (Rome and Viterbo, years 2007-2010), on acidic/sub-acidic soils. Harvesting was performed after physiological maturity. Seeds were analysed for moisture, crude protein, ether extract, crude fiber, ash, amino-acid profile and anti-nutritional compounds, such as quinolizidine alkaloids and their precursors, inositol phosphates, total tannins, soluble carbohydrates and α-galactosides. All data were subjected to ANOVA and differences between means were compared by Fisher’s LSD test on a probability level of 95%. Results showed that all sweets genotypes have a high content of crude protein (30-35% DM) and a low content of fat (3-...
Riassunto-In tutto l'areale di distribuzione la Coturnice ha subito, negli ultimi decenni, una co... more Riassunto-In tutto l'areale di distribuzione la Coturnice ha subito, negli ultimi decenni, una contrazione piuttosto regolare. Lo status delle Coturnice appenninica, Alectoris graeca orlandoi, nelle province di Frosinone e Rieti è stato valutato attraverso il censimento pre-riproduttivo con la tecnica del playback nelle aree idonee alla nidificazione. La metodologia di valutazione della idoneità di sito per la nidificazione per la Coturnice si è basata su una procedura di tipo parametrico ed è consistita nell'assegnare a fattori di tipo biotico (uso del suolo) ed abiotico (altimetria, pendenza, ecc.) un punteggio di idoneità. Le carte dei diversi punteggi ottenute sono state interpolate per ottenere un Modello di Idoneità di Sito per la Nidificazione (MISN) per la Coturnice. In provincia di Rieti i censimenti sono stati condotti negli anni 2005-2006-2007 ottenendo una sostanziale stabilità dei parametri di popolazione: 42-45 coppie nidificanti, ed una densità di 0,50 a 0,60 e 0,12 a 0,14 coppie/100 ha di territorio idoneo alla nidificazione rispettivamente nelle aree a divieto di caccia e nelle aree a caccia programmata. nella provincia di Frosinone nel 2007 sono state stimate 76 coppie nidificanti ed una densità di 0,6 e 0,28 coppie/100 ha di territorio idoneo alla nidificazione rispettivamente nelle aree a divieto di caccia e nelle aree a caccia programmata.
The practice of breeding several animal species at the same time has accompanied the history of h... more The practice of breeding several animal species at the same time has accompanied the history of humans and is still widespread in many areas of the planet. In recent decades, multi-species livestock farming has attracted the interest of numerous researchers to understand any positive contributions to improve the level of sustainability of agro-zootechnical systems and has fully entered the set of methods suggested for the management of organic farming. The Mix-Enable project (Mixed livestock farming for improved sustainability and robustness of organic livestock), funded by CoreOrganic and for which 10 research institutions are involved (INRAE, BOKU, CRAW, FIBL, Forschungsring eV, IDELE, ITAB, SLU , TI-O and University of Tuscia), explored these characteristics on a sample of 102 organic farms in Europe (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, and Switzerland), detecting a series of information through a specific questionnaire administered to owners during the period Octob...
Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) is a perennial legume recently reappraised for some positi... more Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) is a perennial legume recently reappraised for some positive characteristics leading to highly satisfactory animal performance. Sainfoin's characteristics may be partly explained by the presence of moderate levels of condensed tannins (CTs) able to protect dietary protein from microbial degradation in the rumen. Decreased CH 4 emissions have been reported for ruminants consuming CT-containing forage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of CT content on the in vitro fermentation characteristics and kinetics and methane production of four samples of O. viciifolia cut at different phenological stages. Sainfoin hays and one sample of alfalfa hay were incubated at 39°C in anaerobiosis using the in vitro gas production technique. The chemical composition, tannin content and fermentation characteristics and kinetics of sainfoin samples were significantly affected by phenological stage. After 48 h, the CH 4 production in sainfoin hays showed a tendency to increase with the advancement of phenological stage [from 38AE6 to 49AE8 mL g)1 of degraded organic matter (OM)]. The best period to cut sainfoin for hay making is between early and late flowering, when the forage combines high OM digestibility, low CH 4 production and more efficient microbial fermentation.
One of the key ways to improve the sustainability of agricultural systems is through diversificat... more One of the key ways to improve the sustainability of agricultural systems is through diversification, taking advantage of synergies between farm enterprises. Among diversified systems, multispecies livestock farms with at least two animal enterprises have rarely been studied. We explored 95 organic farms from six countries, accounting for the proportion of animal enterprises, sales management, workforce size, and work organization. The study reveals various types of interactions between animal enterprises. Complementarities were observed between ruminant and monogastric enterprises, particularly fertilizer transfer from monogastric manure to grasslands. Milk production was often associated with on-farm processing and short distribution channels, which enhanced farm viability and reduced its dependency on herd productivity. Eleven out of the 95 farms combined above-average production efficiency, on-farm processing, and the majority of sales in short distribution channels. Their labor...
Rock partridge (Alectoris graeca) is included in Annex I of the EU Birds Directive as Species<... more Rock partridge (Alectoris graeca) is included in Annex I of the EU Birds Directive as Species<br> of Conservation Concern (SPEC 1), because of the continuing decline in the area of occupancy.<br> In this context, ex situ conservation programs and production systems of captive Rock partridges<br> suited to the wild are necessary to ensure that insurance, reintroduction or restocking goals are<br> met. Anyway, morphological changes occurring in captive-reared animals indicate the loss of<br> animal's ability to survive in natural environment. In this study, we used the offspring of wild Apennine<br> rock partridges (Alectoris graeca graeca). The young birds were divided into two groups,<br> the first (G1) was housed in enriched and wild-like environment, the second (G2) was subjected<br> to intensive-rearing conditions. Starting at 14 days post-hatching (DPH) and continuing up to 98<br> DPH, body mass (BM), tarsus length (TL), ...
The knowledge of how wolves’ movement patterns and habitat selection are affected by habituation ... more The knowledge of how wolves’ movement patterns and habitat selection are affected by habituation to persons after a period of veterinary isolation, treatment and non-agonistic experience with humans is scarce. Unnatural behaviours could be transferred by imitation to members of the pack and to subsequent generations, increasing direct interaction risks. We used GPS data from a rescued radio-collared female wolf after an 11-day rehabilitation to estimate home range, movement patterns, circadian rhythms, and habitat selection, searching for signals of eventual behavioural distortions. In the period 1 August–26 November 2013, 870 valid locations were acquired. The wolf moved within a minimum convex polygon (95%) of 6541.1 ha (79% wooded), avoiding anthropized areas. Nocturnal and diurnal displacements were significantly different (p < 0.01). Nocturnal displacements were 4409.4 ± 617.5 m during summer and 3684.8 ± 468.1 m during autumn, without differences between seasons. Diurnal mo...
We report an updated and expanded list of Rock Partridge (Alectoris graeca) haplotypes found in w... more We report an updated and expanded list of Rock Partridge (Alectoris graeca) haplotypes found in wild animals throughout the Apennines of central Italy. Samples were collected and identified during a monitoring program of autochthonous Galliformes and from a private collection. The haplotypes were identified on a longer fragment of the mitochondrial control region (D-loop) based on previously reported haplotypes. This novel evidence, based on a wider sampling area and a higher number of analyzed specimens, will be of relevance in both conservation projects and gamebird breeding for restock, as imposed by the Italian Action Plan. Studying longer fragments can also be useful for phylogeographic analysis.
Debido a la urbanización irresponsable ocurrida en las últimas décadas, algunas ciudades de orige... more Debido a la urbanización irresponsable ocurrida en las últimas décadas, algunas ciudades de origen medieval han visto perder su identidad arquitectónica y social. Con el fin de poner de relieve estas modificaciones, se estudiaron los cambios de uso del suelo en las zonas urbanas y periurbanas de 2 pequeñas ciudades medievales del centro de Italia (provincia de Viterbo, región de Lazio), a través de la realización de una investigación multi-temporal de la restitución fotogramétrica de los vuelos históricos (1934-2010). Los resultados mostraron que en el interior de las murallas de la ciudad un número variable de espacios verdes intersticiales y pequeños patios siguen existiendo en el año 2010 y en las áreas suburbanas perviven actividades agrícolas residuales, principalmente el cultivo de frutas y verduras, probablemente para el mercado local y/o el consumo doméstico. La planificación urbana debería tener en cuenta estos elementos, a fin de mejorar los vínculos funcionales entre las ...
This CORE Organic Practice Abstract gives practical recommendations for multi-species livestock f... more This CORE Organic Practice Abstract gives practical recommendations for multi-species livestock farming, which has the potential to improve the three dimensions of sustainability – economic viability for farmers, environmental soundness, and social acceptability – by being respectful of animals and humans, as long as locally relevant farming practices are implemented, especially an appropriate stocking rate during grazing
The use of isotopic signatures in animal tissues provides information on the environment where th... more The use of isotopic signatures in animal tissues provides information on the environment where they are living and, notably, on their diet. Carbon and, whenever possible, nitrogen stable isotope analyses were performed in animal hairs, muscles and fat. Particularly, we analyzed both carbon and nitrogen isotopic compositions (δ13C and δ15N) on wild boar samples across three different areas of central Italy (Latium region): Tyrrhenian Coast (TC), Maremma (MA) and Central Plains (CP). The agricultural habits of these areas imply that, in winter, no crops are available for wild boars, which feed mainly on acorns and natural feeds (tubers, earthworms etc.). In addition, the three areas were influenced by oak masting. One of these areas (CP) was characterised by the spreading of corn during the hunting season to attract the animals. For each area, we sampled 10 animals aged between 12 and 24 months and balanced by gender. Anenrichment of δ13C in CP area, where corn was used, was observed ...
We present a case study illustrating a multidisciplinary approach for characterizing, mapping and... more We present a case study illustrating a multidisciplinary approach for characterizing, mapping and monitoring the bio-ecological properties of Mediterranean mountain grasslands in extensive grazing systems. The approach was developed to provide the basis for the management plan of a cluster of Natura 2000 special conservation areas in the Central Apennine mountains, Italy (with a total area of 79,500 ha, including 22,130 ha of grasslands). It includes a novel methodology for estimating sustainable stocking rates of different plant communities, at a detailed spatial scale over large areas, based on the integration of: (i) a classification of grassland types, based on physical habitat stratification and vegetation sampling; (ii) a forage-value assessment of each grassland type, obtained from field sampling of botanical composition and corrected with remote-sensing information on pasture microtopography; (iii) an estimate of primary productivity at a detailed spatial scale, obtained from the remote-sensed Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) calibrated with biomass field data. Additionally, to obtain a bioclimatic characterization of the grasslands and to determine the optimal grazing season for each grassland type, intra-annual phenological signatures were obtained from the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI). Given the inherent limitations in the sustainable stocking rates concept, and the particular susceptibility of dry grasslands to changes in grazing regimes, we tested two biological indicators, the Auchenorrhyncha quality index (AQI) and the Arthropod-based biological soil quality index (QBS-ar). These indicators take into account above-and below-ground arthropod diversity, respectively, and are applied here for the first time to the specific purpose of monitoring grazing load effects on ecological quality and biodiversity of Natura 2000 dry grasslands. We conclude that: (i) it is possible to effectively integrate biomass estimates, obtained from publicly available satellite data, with a relatively simple field sampling of botanical composition, to achieve a detailed spatialization of sustainable stocking rates; (ii) within the same Natura 2000 habitat type there can be a large spatial heterogeneity in both sustainable stocking rates and optimal stocking season: thus, grazing should be kept under careful human control to maintain the habitats in the desired conservation status; (iii) while plant species richness was not correlated to grazing intensity, both AQI and QBS-ar had a significant negative correlation to grazing levels and can thus be useful for monitoring the actual "sustainability" of livestock loads on different aspects of grassland ecosystems. 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Lupine has important nutritional qualities, including a high percentage of protein and fiber and ... more Lupine has important nutritional qualities, including a high percentage of protein and fiber and a low fat content. Objective of the study was to assess the chemical, amino-acidic and antinutritional profile of seeds of novel sweet genotypes of narrowleaf (NL) and white lupine (WL) created at ENEA research center (Rome, Italy). Plants were grown in central Italy (Rome and Viterbo, years 2007-2010), on acidic/sub-acidic soils. Harvesting was performed after physiological maturity. Seeds were analysed for moisture, crude protein, ether extract, crude fiber, ash, amino-acid profile and anti-nutritional compounds, such as quinolizidine alkaloids and their precursors, inositol phosphates, total tannins, soluble carbohydrates and α-galactosides. All data were subjected to ANOVA and differences between means were compared by Fisher’s LSD test on a probability level of 95%. Results showed that all sweets genotypes have a high content of crude protein (30-35% DM) and a low content of fat (3-...
Riassunto-In tutto l'areale di distribuzione la Coturnice ha subito, negli ultimi decenni, una co... more Riassunto-In tutto l'areale di distribuzione la Coturnice ha subito, negli ultimi decenni, una contrazione piuttosto regolare. Lo status delle Coturnice appenninica, Alectoris graeca orlandoi, nelle province di Frosinone e Rieti è stato valutato attraverso il censimento pre-riproduttivo con la tecnica del playback nelle aree idonee alla nidificazione. La metodologia di valutazione della idoneità di sito per la nidificazione per la Coturnice si è basata su una procedura di tipo parametrico ed è consistita nell'assegnare a fattori di tipo biotico (uso del suolo) ed abiotico (altimetria, pendenza, ecc.) un punteggio di idoneità. Le carte dei diversi punteggi ottenute sono state interpolate per ottenere un Modello di Idoneità di Sito per la Nidificazione (MISN) per la Coturnice. In provincia di Rieti i censimenti sono stati condotti negli anni 2005-2006-2007 ottenendo una sostanziale stabilità dei parametri di popolazione: 42-45 coppie nidificanti, ed una densità di 0,50 a 0,60 e 0,12 a 0,14 coppie/100 ha di territorio idoneo alla nidificazione rispettivamente nelle aree a divieto di caccia e nelle aree a caccia programmata. nella provincia di Frosinone nel 2007 sono state stimate 76 coppie nidificanti ed una densità di 0,6 e 0,28 coppie/100 ha di territorio idoneo alla nidificazione rispettivamente nelle aree a divieto di caccia e nelle aree a caccia programmata.
The practice of breeding several animal species at the same time has accompanied the history of h... more The practice of breeding several animal species at the same time has accompanied the history of humans and is still widespread in many areas of the planet. In recent decades, multi-species livestock farming has attracted the interest of numerous researchers to understand any positive contributions to improve the level of sustainability of agro-zootechnical systems and has fully entered the set of methods suggested for the management of organic farming. The Mix-Enable project (Mixed livestock farming for improved sustainability and robustness of organic livestock), funded by CoreOrganic and for which 10 research institutions are involved (INRAE, BOKU, CRAW, FIBL, Forschungsring eV, IDELE, ITAB, SLU , TI-O and University of Tuscia), explored these characteristics on a sample of 102 organic farms in Europe (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, and Switzerland), detecting a series of information through a specific questionnaire administered to owners during the period Octob...
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