Anatomical researches, supporting eco-vegetational investigation focussed on the pastural ecosystem biodiversity maintainance, allowed the validation of BCS as representative parameter of morphofunctional modifications which are strictly related to ecological-productive variations of the grassland systems (Ceccarelli, It J Anat Embryol 114, 2009). A cause of wood fire primer is the presence of necromass in the wood/ pasture fringes characterized by a strong covering of Brachypodium rupestre (Br. r.), a tall grass lowly palatable for ovine because of its silicate rich and high fibrousness leaves. However, sheep closed in fences on Br. r. highly covered zone, exploit all forage resources, preventing the fire primer. So, a sheep experimental group was taken to graze for twenty days on Br. r. highly covered plot; during this period, the ruminal mucosa keratinization degree and the body state modifications (BCS and body weight) were monitored in order to determine the animal stay length without negatively affect their well being. Data were then compared with those of sheep control group grazing on a natural semi-mesophylic pasture. Experimental group showed a body weight mean decrease of 1,79 kg and a marked BCS decrement (-1,10). In control group BCS slightly decreased (-0,13) and body weight increased of 0,62 kg. Keratinization degree changed more in experimental group (17,2%-31,7% in rumen atrium, 20%-37,3% in rumen ventral sac) than in control one (17%-19,5% in rumen atrium, 20,2%-22,1% in rumen ventral sac). Considering that the high keratinization degree was quickly reached, while the most negative effects on BCS and body weight occurred after twenty days of grazing on Br. r. pasture, it seems advisable for animals to stay on this pasture not more than 10-15 days.
From biodiversity safeguard to wood fire prevention: the anatomy applied to the animal well being
SCOCCO, Paola;MALFATTI, Alessandro;
2011-01-01
Abstract
Anatomical researches, supporting eco-vegetational investigation focussed on the pastural ecosystem biodiversity maintainance, allowed the validation of BCS as representative parameter of morphofunctional modifications which are strictly related to ecological-productive variations of the grassland systems (Ceccarelli, It J Anat Embryol 114, 2009). A cause of wood fire primer is the presence of necromass in the wood/ pasture fringes characterized by a strong covering of Brachypodium rupestre (Br. r.), a tall grass lowly palatable for ovine because of its silicate rich and high fibrousness leaves. However, sheep closed in fences on Br. r. highly covered zone, exploit all forage resources, preventing the fire primer. So, a sheep experimental group was taken to graze for twenty days on Br. r. highly covered plot; during this period, the ruminal mucosa keratinization degree and the body state modifications (BCS and body weight) were monitored in order to determine the animal stay length without negatively affect their well being. Data were then compared with those of sheep control group grazing on a natural semi-mesophylic pasture. Experimental group showed a body weight mean decrease of 1,79 kg and a marked BCS decrement (-1,10). In control group BCS slightly decreased (-0,13) and body weight increased of 0,62 kg. Keratinization degree changed more in experimental group (17,2%-31,7% in rumen atrium, 20%-37,3% in rumen ventral sac) than in control one (17%-19,5% in rumen atrium, 20,2%-22,1% in rumen ventral sac). Considering that the high keratinization degree was quickly reached, while the most negative effects on BCS and body weight occurred after twenty days of grazing on Br. r. pasture, it seems advisable for animals to stay on this pasture not more than 10-15 days.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
