Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Ondrej Krunt, Lukas Zita, Adam Kraus, Monika Okrouhla, Darina Chodova, Roman Stupka
Summary: The study evaluated the impact of genotype, storage time, and temperature on eggshell quality and microbial contamination. Different genotypes showed significant effects on egg weight, shell quality, and microbial contamination. Guinea fowl eggs were least contaminated, suggesting they may be a good alternative to laying hens.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Aicha Edith Soara, Essodina Talaki, Guiguigbaza-Kossigan Dayo, Isidore Houaga, Kokou Tona, Mohammed Bakkali
Summary: In this study, the genetic diversity and phylogenic relationships of indigenous guinea fowl in Togo were assessed. The results showed a high genetic diversity and low levels of inbreeding. The genetic distances between phenotypes were small, indicating a strong genetic similarity. These findings are important for the conservation and improvement of this poultry resource.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Abdulmojeed Yakubu, Praise Jegede, Mathew Wheto, Ayoola J. Shoyombo, Ayotunde O. Adebambo, Mustapha A. Popoola, Osamede H. Osaiyuwu, Olurotimi A. Olafadehan, Olayinka O. Alabi, Comfort Ukim, Samuel T. Vincent, Harirat L. Mundi, Adeniyi Olayanju, Olufunmilayo A. Adebambo
Summary: This study characterized helmeted Guinea fowls in Nigeria across three agro-ecologies using a multivariate approach, finding significant effects of agro-ecology and sex on morphostructural parameters and color traits. Birds in the Southern Guinea Savanna zone displayed higher values for most biometric traits compared to other zones, indicating possible genetic admixture but still distinct characteristics for selection and breeding programs in the tropics.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Livio Galosi, Salvatore Desantis, Alessandra Roncarati, Patrizia Robino, Alessandro Bellato, Patrizia Nebbia, Ilario Ferrocino, Nicoletta Santamaria, Lucia Biagini, Lorenzo Filoni, Anna Rita Attili, Giacomo Rossi
Summary: This study investigated the effects of a commercial multi-strain probiotic on the intestinal morphology and microbiota diversity of guinea fowls. The findings showed that probiotic supplementation significantly improved the morphological parameters of the intestine and enriched the presence of beneficial microbiota taxa, indicating a positive impact on gut health.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Alessandro Franzoni, Annelisse Castillo, Claudia Russo, Francesca Cecchi, Achille Schiavone, Margherita Marzoni Fecia di Cossato
Summary: This study provides updated quantitative data on the developing meat-type strain embryo and describes its embryonic growth pattern using Gompertz and logistic functions.
ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Katarzyna Smiecinska, Adrian Stepien, Dorota Kubiak
Summary: This study evaluated the carcass and meat quality of 16-week-old pearl gray and lavender guinea fowl, and compared the differences between sexes and varieties. The results showed that pearl gray guinea fowl had higher live weight and carcass weight at slaughter, while lavender guinea fowl had lower fat content in the muscles. Female birds also exhibited differences in feather color, muscle dry matter content, and certain sensory attributes compared to males. Both pearl gray and lavender guinea fowl meat had high nutritional value and eating quality, making them a viable alternative to more popular types of poultry meat.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Evelyn A. Otoo, Fidelis C. K. Ocloo, Victoria Appiah
Summary: This study investigated the effect of gamma irradiation on the shelf life of smoked guinea fowl meat stored under refrigerated conditions. The results showed that gamma irradiation significantly reduced the acidity and bacterial counts of the meat, but had no significant effects on the sensory attributes.
RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Boko Michel Orounladji, Folasade O. Oke, Koffi Tozo, Christophe A. A. M. Chrysostome
Summary: This study examines the socio-economic correlates and management practices of guinea fowl production in Benin. The results show that guinea fowl farming is the dominant occupation in rural Benin, particularly among men. The study identifies several constraints to guinea fowl production and suggests improvements in feeding and veterinary care. Adequate technical support and scientific research are highlighted as crucial for improving rural living conditions and promoting rural development.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Salvatore Desantis, Livio Galosi, Nicoletta Santamaria, Alessandra Roncarati, Lucia Biagini, Giacomo Rossi
Summary: This study examined the effects of multi-strain probiotics on the intestinal morphology and glycan composition of guinea fowl, demonstrating significant improvements in morphology and glycoprotein parameters in probiotic-treated group compared to control group. Probiotics have shown to induce region-specific changes in glycoprotein composition of the intestine, promoting gut health in poultry.
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Quan-Kuan Shen, Min-Sheng Peng, Adeniyi C. Adeola, Ling Kui, Shengchang Duan, Yong-Wang Miao, Nada M. Eltayeb, Jacqueline K. Lichoti, Newton O. Otecko, Maria Giuseppina Strillacci, Erica Gorla, Alessandro Bagnato, Olaogun S. Charles, Oscar J. Sanke, Philip M. Dawuda, Agboola O. Okeyoyin, John Musina, Peter Njoroge, Bernard Agwanda, Szilvia Kusza, Hojjat Asadollahpour Nanaei, Rana Pedar, Ming-Min Xu, Yuan Du, Lotanna M. Nneji, Robert W. Murphy, Ming-Shan Wang, Ali Esmailizadeh, Yang Dong, Sheila C. Ommeh, Ya-Ping Zhang
Summary: The domestication of the helmeted guinea fowl in West Africa around 1,300-5,500 years ago was revealed, with selective signals scanning functional genes related to behavior and locomotion changes. The recent breeding of Italian domestic guinea fowl unveiled the pleiotropy and linkage in genes affecting plumage color and fertility.
GENOME BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Boko Michel Orounladji, Venant Houndonougbo, Mahugnon Santoze Adido, Aicha Edith Soara, Blaise Arnaud Hako Touko, Christophe A. A. M. Chrysostome, Koffi Tozo
Summary: This study assessed the genetic diversity and population structure of 12 guinea fowl phenotypes across three climatic zones in Benin. Fragment analysis using 17 microsatellite markers revealed a total of 83 alleles and moderate inbreeding levels. The study showed high genetic proximity between the indigenous guinea fowl in Benin, indicating the existence of a single population with high genetic diversity. This research has important implications for genetic improvement programs and biodiversity conservation.
ARCHIVES ANIMAL BREEDING
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Devendra Saran, Balwant Meshram
Summary: The study focused on the histological features of the proventriculus of Guinea fowl birds, revealing a typical tubular structure with four tunics and the presence of submucosal glands. The submucosal layer encapsulated by elastic fibers and the muscular layer showed intense activity of succinic dehydrogenase enzyme.
INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Evelyn A. Otoo, Fidelis C. K. Ocloo, Victoria Appiah, Christian Nuviadenu, Anita Asamoah
Summary: This study investigated the effect of gamma irradiation on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) contents in smoked guinea fowl meat. It was found that irradiation significantly reduced the concentrations of PAHs and their carcinogenic derivatives. The health risk estimation suggested that the treated smoked meats pose no dietary intake risks to humans.
CYTA-JOURNAL OF FOOD
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Devendra Saran, Balwant Meshram
Summary: The guinea fowl gizzard consists mainly of tubular glands, with occasional acinar glands and lymphoid aggregation. The mucosal layer contains horizontal koilin and the submucosa is more tightly arranged compared to the mucosa. The muscular layer consists of inner circular and outer longitudinal layers, intermingled with collagen and elastic fibers. Histochemical analysis revealed the presence of glycogen, alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, and succinic dehydrogenase in the gizzard.
INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Kuru Nilgun, Turkmenoglu Ismail
Summary: The study aimed to determine the main nerves of the lumbosacral plexus in helmeted guineafowl. By dissecting and photographing, it was found that there are macro anatomical differences between different avian species in the formation of the plexus, the quantity and distribution of spinal nerves, and the separations of nerve branches.
ANATOMIA HISTOLOGIA EMBRYOLOGIA
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
A. Toffan, L. Biasini, T. Pretto, M. Abbadi, A. Buratin, R. Franch, G. Dalla Rovere, V. M. Panzarin, A. Marsella, L. Bargelloni, F. Pascoli
Summary: The study revealed that gilthead sea bream larvae are susceptible to RGNNV/SJNNV infection regardless of age, with clear clinical signs and mortality observed only in the youngest group. Survivors tested negative for specific antibodies. The replication efficiency of RGNNV/SJNNV was higher in 21-day-old larvae, correlating with disease outcomes.
Article
Fisheries
Andrea Marsella, Tobia Pretto, Miriam Abbadi, Rosita Quartesan, Luana Cortinovis, Eleonora Fiocchi, Amedeo Manfrin, Anna Toffan
Summary: Unregulated viral agents, such as carp edema virus (CEV), have been reported to cause mortality in common carp populations. A severe common carp mortality event occurred in an artificial lake in north-east Italy, with molecular analysis confirming CEV as the responsible agent for the outbreak.
JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Sofie Barsoe, Anna Toffan, Francesco Pascoli, Ansgar Stratmann, Tobia Pretto, Andrea Marsella, Meriem Er-Rafik, Niccolo Vendramin, Niels J. Olesen, Dagoberto Sepulveda, Niels Lorenzen
Summary: The VLP vaccine induced effective immune protection against VNN at 2 months post-vaccination and to some extent even at 10 months post-vaccination. Dosage of adjuvant in the vaccine formulation had a significant impact on the neutralizing antibody response, however, high titers of neutralizing antibodies prior to challenge did not always protect individuals against the disease. Furthermore, it was found that vaccinated survivors may still harbor the virus, posing a potential risk for transmission.
Article
Fisheries
Ginevra Brocca, Samuele Zamparo, Tobia Pretto, Alessandro Calore, Andrea Marsella, Romy Lucon Xiccato, Matteo Cornaggia, Luana Cortinovis, Luca Bano, Anna Toffan, Francesco Quaglio, Ranieri Verin
Summary: This study reported a mortality episode in juvenile Siberian and Russian sturgeons, as well as GUBA hybrid sturgeons, in a hatchery in Northern Italy. The mortality was associated with an imbalance of intestinal microbiota, overgrowth of Clostridium perfringens, and gas formation. Increasing the feed administration possibly restored the normal microbiota.
JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Federico Fabris, Petra Sostaric, Ivica Matak, Thomas Binz, Anna Toffan, Morena Simonato, Cesare Montecucco, Marco Pirazzini, Ornella Rossetto
Summary: The study describes the production of a rabbit polyclonal antibody raised against a peptide encompassing the 13 residues C-terminal to the neurotoxin cleavage site. The antibody was found to specifically recognize the novel N-terminus of VAMP exposed after cleavage by tetanus toxin and botulinum toxin type B, demonstrating its potential for studying the activity of these toxins in vivo.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Lorena Biasini, Paola Berto, Miriam Abbadi, Alessandra Buratin, Marica Toson, Andrea Marsella, Anna Toffan, Francesco Pascoli
Summary: European sea bass is an important species for Mediterranean aquaculture and is susceptible to betanodavirus infections. This study evaluated the pathogenicity of different RGNNV/SJNNV strains in European sea bass and found that reassortants of these strains can cause varying levels of mortality. Additionally, high viral loads were detected in asymptomatic survivors, suggesting a possible reservoir role for the species. Comparison of complete genomic segments identified amino acid residues likely involved in the variable pathogenicity of RGNNV/SJNNV strains in European sea bass.
Review
Microbiology
Francesc Padros, Massimo Caggiano, Anna Toffan, Maria Constenla, Carlos Zarza, Sara Ciulli
Summary: Viral nervous necrosis (VNN) is the most important viral disease affecting farmed fish in the Mediterranean. The main risks concerning VNN affecting gilthead seabream and European seabass have been identified as restocking from wild fish in broodstock facilities, the origin of eggs and juveniles, quality water supply and live food in hatcheries and nurseries, and infected juveniles and location of farms in endemic areas for on-growing sites. A holistic integrated management approach is the best strategy to control VNN in marine fish farms, which includes continuous surveillance and early intervention, biosecurity measures, disinfection procedures, and systematic vaccination with effective vaccines.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Lucia Vazquez-Salgado, Francesco Pascoli, Andrea Marsella, Lorena Biasini, Alessandra Buratin, Tobia Pretto, Miriam Abbadi, Erica Melchiotti, Isabel Bandin, Anna Toffan
Summary: This study demonstrated the horizontal transmission of NNV to sea bass larvae through rotifers, highlighting the importance of establishing strict routine controls on live food to prevent the introduction of potential pathogens to hatcheries.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Tania Audino, Elena Berrone, Carla Grattarola, Federica Giorda, Virginia Mattioda, Walter Martelli, Antonio Pintore, Giuliana Terracciano, Cristiano Cocumelli, Giuseppe Lucifora, Fabio Di Nocera, Gabriella Di Francesco, Ludovica Di Renzo, Silva Rubini, Stefano Gavaudan, Anna Toffan, Roberto Puleio, Dashzeveg Bold, Francesco Brunelli, Maria Goria, Antonio Petrella, Maria Caramelli, Cristiano Corona, Sandro Mazzariol, Juergen A. Richt, Giovanni Di Guardo, Cristina Casalone
Summary: This study suggests that marine mammals, especially inshore species like bottlenose dolphins, may be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The presence of ACE2 and the role of macrophages in antiviral defense were investigated.
Article
Immunology
Andrea Marsella, Francesco Pascoli, Tobia Pretto, Alessandra Buratin, Lorena Biasini, Miriam Abbadi, Luana Cortinovis, Paola Berto, Amedeo Manfrin, Marco Vanelli, Simona Perulli, Jesper S. Rasmussen, Dagoberto Sepulveda, Niccolo Vendramin, Niels Lorenzen, Anna Toffan
Summary: Despite the negative impact of VHS and IHN on European rainbow trout farming, no vaccines are commercially available in Europe. This study developed and tested two DNA vaccines encoding the glycoproteins of recent Italian VHSV and IHNV isolates. The results showed that the DNA vaccines were safe and efficient in reducing the impact of VHS and IHN in farmed rainbow trout.
Article
Fisheries
Luciana Mandrioli, Tim Barbe, Marco Bonazza Foselli, Ginevra Brocca, Ranieri Verin, Errani Francesca, Enrico Volpe, Francesco Montesi, Rubina Sirri, Maria Morini, Jane Budai, Anna Toffan, Sara Ciulli
Summary: The skin is an indicator of an animal's health status, and cutaneous diseases in fish are often caused by biological agents. However, fish skin diseases can also result from a complex interaction of infectious and non-infectious causes, making it difficult to identify a specific cause. Four koi carp from two European countries exhibited multifocal, irregularly round, raised cutaneous reddened areas between April and September 2019-2022. Microbiological and molecular analysis did not reveal a primary pathogenic agent, but histological findings indicated a reactive process centered on dermal vessels. The condition resembled angiomatosis, a benign proliferative disease affecting the dermal vessels of mammals.
JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Miriam Abbadi, Andrea Basso, Lorena Biasini, Rosita Quartesan, Alessandra Buratin, Nadav Davidovich, Anna Toffan
Summary: Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV), an emerging pathogen, has spread globally since its first report in Israel in 2014, causing mortality rates up to 90% in tilapia. However, the lack of complete genomes hinders the understanding of its origin, evolution, and epidemiology.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Federica Gallocchio, Alessandra Moressa, Francesco Pascoli, Alessia Vetri, Anna Toffan, Tobia Pretto, Giuseppe Arcangeli, Roberto Angeletti, Antonia Ricci
Summary: The interaction of nanomaterials with pollutants in the marine environment can change the bioavailability and toxicity of both nanomaterials and pollutants, posing a risk to marine organisms and consumers through the food chain. This study aimed to investigate the impact of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on the bioaccumulation and toxicity of non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (ndl-PCBs) in edible mussels. The results showed that titanium dioxide nanoparticles did not affect the accumulation of ndl-PCBs in mussels, but their combination amplified the toxic effect. During the depuration process, most titanium dioxide nanoparticles were eliminated, and their presence had a synergistic effect on the elimination of ndl-PCBs.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Sara Faggion, Paolo Carnier, Rafaella Franch, Massimiliano Babbucci, Francesco Pascoli, Giulia Dalla Rovere, Massimo Caggiano, Herve Chavanne, Anna Toffan, Luca Bargelloni
Summary: This study found that the resistance of gilthead sea bream to viral nervous necrosis has a certain heritability and can be improved through selective breeding. Additionally, the use of genomic information allows for the development of prediction tools for resistance to the disease, and genomic models can be trained using all data or phenotypes with minimal differences in classification performance. However, as the genomic ties between animals in the training and test sets weaken, the accuracy of genomic prediction decreases, necessitating regular updates of the reference population.
GENETICS SELECTION EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Matteo Mazzucato, Tiziano Dorotea, Eleonora Franzago, Paolo Mulatti, Giulio Marchetti, Claudia Casarotto, Andrea Fabris, Nicola Ferre, Anna Toffan, Andrea Marsella, Azzurra Callegaro, Grazia Manca, Manuela Dalla Pozza
Summary: This study aimed to classify and evaluate the trout farms in the Autonomous Province of Trento in Italy by identifying and assessing biosecurity factors. The critical biosecurity measures identified included cleaning and disinfection, dead fish handling, anti-bird nets, dedicated equipment, and loading areas.
