The control of gastrointestinal parasites in livestock relies almost exclusively on multiple and regular dosing with anthelmintics. This leads to problems linked with residues in food products and in the environment and has encouraged researchers to search for alternatives or new helminth control methods (Ketzis et al., 2006). Among these medthods, homeopathy could play a strategic role in solving health problems; however, at present, there is a lack of scientific results with validated techniques used on a large scale. The aim of this study was thus to investigate the feasibility of homeopathy in the control of the parasite burden in sheep. The study lasted 12 months and involved 30 Zerasca ewes divided into two groups. Sabadilla MK was administered twice. A faecal egg count (FEC) was performed of gastrointestinal strongyles and blood parameters were characterized. Statistical analysis was by ANOVA and relations between FEC and hematocrit (HCT) were estimated by Pearson's correlations. FEC was influenced by the sampling date, confirming seasonal fluctuation. On the whole, homeopathy did not influence the parasite burden, but a significant decrease (P≤0.05) in egg output was observed at the second and at the last sampling following the administration of the remedy. Data concerning blood parameters did not show appreciable differences between the two groups. FEC and HCT showed an inverse correlation even if mean values were within the normal range. The study revealed the advantages of monitoring parasites and the interest of homeopathy in the control of gastrointestinal nematodes.

A basic diet of hay and concentrate, the latter supplemented with olive oil calcium soap (7% as fed) was given to 11 Massese ewes (group S) for a 3-month period, while a basic diet without the supplement was given to 11 control Massese ewes (group C) during the same period. Fatty acid composition of milk produced from the 5th to the 16th week post-partum was evaluated monthly.In group S, the fatty acids C6:0, C8:0, C10:0, C12:0, C14:0, C14:1, C18:3n-6 and C20:3n-3 (P<0.01) decreased significantly and C16:0, C18:1, total CLA, C20:0, C20:1, C20:2, C20:5n-3 (EPA), C23:0 (P<0.01) and C18:2 (P<0.05) increased with respect to the control group C. This trend lead to a decrease in short-chain fatty acids (P<0.05), an increase in unsaturated fatty acids (P<0.01), particularly MUFA, and an improved UFA/SFA ratio in group S (P<0.01). The lactation phase also significantly influenced fatty acid composition: the unsaturated/saturated fatty acids ratio was higher at the end of the lactation period.It can be concluded that the addition of protected olive oil fats to the diet of lactating ewes may improve fatty acid milk composition. In addition, the final phase of production positively affects milk quality relative to human health.

It is well know that the fatty acid composition of milk is affected by several factors and probably also milk fat globule size is influenced by quantity and type of fatty acids available to synthesise milk fat. Finding regarding the relationship between fat globule size and fatty acid composition are not totally in agreement because of the criteria currently used to define the fat globules size classes of milk are not the same for all the authors, making it difficult to compare the results. Furthermore, trials were nearly always carried out on cow milk. The aim of present study was to verify if sheep milk fat globule size is linked to the milk fatty acid composition. Bulk milk from Massese ewes were collected and morphometric analysis of the fat globules (number of fat globules ml-1 of milk and diameter) and milk fat extraction were performed. Milk fat was analysed for milk fatty acid composition. The frequency distribution of total measured milk fat globules was evaluated according to their size. Fat globule diameters were divided into nine classes of 1.5 μm width: from class 1 (1.5-3 μm) to class 9 (>13.5 mm). Finally, fat globules were further classified into two groups: group S (1.5-6 μm), and group L (>6 mm). The results show that regard the transition from size of 5 μm to 6 μm of milk fat globules diameter there is an inversion of the sign of correlations; moreover, some fatty acids shows a greater number of significantly correlation with milk fat globules size: milk with a higher percentage of globules bigger than 6mm are positively correlated with C18:3 w3, C23:0 and C24:0 and negatively with C10:0, C11:0, C12:0, C13:0, C14:0, C16:1, C17:0 anteiso, C18:1 cis 11, C18:1 cis 12. When milk samples contained higher levels of milk fat globules with diameter smaller than 6_m, a positive correlation was observed with saturated fatty acids, that can explain also the positive correlations between globule size and atherogenic index of milk. In order to better understand the different results regarding the relationship between milk fatty acid composition and milk fat globule size, more knowledge are needed regarding both source and synthesis pathway of fatty acids and possible different control mechanism in various species of ruminant. However, as previously observed for cow’s milk, the diameter of 6_m of fat globules may be considered a threshold value for the definition of same nutritional parameters of milk.

Zerasca ovine breed is an important example of the close connection between Italian husbandry and the environment. The scientific aim of this research was to characterize breeding techniques and zoometrical traits of that population, which is now beginning to be recognized and supported. All the 37 farms studied in the Lunigiana district were inspected directly, in order to collect livestock data (2143 subjects), while biometrical records were created on a sample of 83 purebred animals belonging to four farms. Our results revealed interesting characteristics as well as the adaptability of sheep and lambs from Zeri, especially in relation to the long grazing periods and adverse climatic conditions. In addition, the evolution of morphological traits and the influence of past crosses made to increase productivity underline the need to safeguard the Zerasca population's strong bond with the ecosystem and its role as a significant economic resource of livestock biodiversity.

Counteracting parasite problems with anthelmintic treatment is only a short-term solution. More information is needed about the various factors that influence parasite epidemiology and the employment of integrated strategies in order to minimize the impact of pharmacological treatment. This study aimed at analyzing parasite burden in a flock of Zerasca sheep in Italy, taking into account individual, age, sampling data and physiological status as variability factors. Mean faecal egg count (FEC) was 340 (s.d. 355) and packed cell value (PCV) was 29 (s.d. 3.65). FEC was not significantly influenced by all factors studied, except age of animal alone. FEC and PCV appeared to be inversely correlated (r = -0.262; P≤0.001). Results regarding monthly FEC correlations showed good repeatability in certain periods of the year: October displayed a significant correlation with the months from April to December, characterised by low infestation. February, instead, was a strategic period for identifying the highest worm burden and, at the same time, appeared to be the best time to evaluate treatment opportunities.

Riassunto Studio delle modificazioni delle caratteristiche chimiche ed acidiche del latte bovino in relazione alle dimensioni dei globuli di grasso. In questo studio è stato rilevato come la maggiore presenza nel latte di globuli di grasso con diametro inferiore a 6 µm risulti correlata positivamente alla percentuale di sostanza secca e lipidi, mentre la presenza di globuli con diametro superiore a tale valore favorirebbe una maggiore produzione di latte, una percentuale più elevata di lattosio, sostanza secca magra e ceneri. In relazione al contenuto in acidi grassi, latti con percentuali più elevate di globuli al di sotto del valore di 6 µm tenderebbero ad essere più ricchi in acidi grassi insaturi C18:1, C18:2 e CLA, mentre globuli di grasso di dimensioni superiori favorirebbero una prevalenza di acidi grassi saturi (C6:0, C8:0, C10:0, C12:0, C14:0, C16:0, C20:0, C21:0, C22:0), oltre che di C20:2 e C18:3 ω3. Sulla base di questi risultati il diametro dei globuli di grasso pari a 6 µm potrebbe essere considerato come “valore soglia” per la definizione di alcune caratteristiche qualitative del latte bovino.