INCREASING DROUGHT STRESS AFFECTS THE FARM PRODUCTIVITY: STUDIES AIMED TO THE CONSERVATIVE MANAGEMENT OF THE NATURAL GRASSLANDS

Grazing activity is fundamental to maintain grassland biodiversity and this goal can be reached only ensuring economical sustainability to the farmers. We presented 2 studies dealing with the application of anatomical competences in actions linked to conservative natural pasture management. The first study aimed to buffer the effects of increasing summer drought stress on natural grasslands evaluating food supplementation on apelin system in mammary gland and milk/cheese production (HM approval 95/2018-PR). A flock of 55 adult ewes was free to graze from June until pasture anthesis (MxF). Then until pasture maximum dryness, the flock was divided in two groups: control (Cnt), fed only on pasture, and experimental (Exp), also supplemented with cereals. Apelin (APLN) and its receptor (APLNR) were assessed by Real-Time PCR and immunohistochemistry. They were detected in alveolar and ductal epithelial cells. Immunohistochemical findings showed the major expression of APLN in MxF group and it decreases in Cnt and Exp groups. The APLNR was differently expressed among the three groups. The maximal APLN mRNA abundance was found in MxF group that showed a significant difference with the Cnt and Exp groups. Cnt and Exp groups did not show differences. APLNR mRNA was most abundant in MxF group, showing significant difference with Cnt and Exp groups. The reduced expression during parenchyma involution of APLNR could suggest its modulating role in the system control [1]. Milk production and composition showed significant difference among the three groups. Quality and peculiar features of cheese were evaluated by means of sensory panel. A consumer test associated with an experimental auction was used to evaluate consumer preference and willingness-to-pay. Collected data suggested a possible strategy to adopt by farmer to enhance farm income [2]. The second study evaluated ovine effectiveness in wood fire prevention setting the length of animal stay on Brachipodium rupestre high covered pasture before their well being is compromised. A flock of 50 adult ewes was divided in control and experimental group, grazing on a semi-mesophilic natural pasture and a plot covered of Br. r. respectively. Body weight (BW), body condition scores (BCS) and rumen epithelial keratinization degree were assessed for three weeks. Control group showed little variation in the keratinisation degree of rumen mucosa without any detrimental effects on the BCS and BW. The experimental group showed a significant increase in the epithelial keratinisation degree within 10 days and a decrease of BCS and BW within 20 days. Findings gave the opportunity to use flock for up to 12 days to clean pasture from Br. r. also offering an ecosystem service [3].