cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.28463400
title: Applying an indirect method to assess the net carbon footprint of dairy sheep farms with a special focus on suckling lamb

description: The aim of this study was to apply an indirect method for estimating the net carbon footprint (Net-CFP) of dairy sheep farms with a special focus on suckling lamb footprint. Six medium (M) and six large (L) size dairy sheep farms located in Sardinia (Italy) were considered. Data were collected by interviewing the farmers, in a <i>cradle to farm gate</i> approach based on ISO14040:2006 and 14044:2006. The annual average of the 5 producing years was chosen as the temporal boundary. The GHG emissions associated with the main product (milk) and co-products (meat and wool) were determined using an economic allocation approach. The C sequestration in the soil was estimated by considering the above- and below-ground biomass residues and the organic C from the deposition of manure. Emission intensity was not influenced by the farms size. On average, the CFP was 2.64 kg CO<sub>2</sub><i>e</i>/kg fat and protein corrected milk for milk, 7.94 kg CO<sub>2</sub><i>e</i>/kg live weight sold and 13.24 kg CO<sub>2</sub><i>e</i>/kg carcase for suckling lamb, 0.45 kg CO<sub>2</sub><i>e</i>/kg greasy wool for greasy wool, and 1.29 kg CO<sub>2</sub><i>e</i>/kg live weight sold for culled sheep. The impact was primarily affected by enteric CH<sub>4</sub>, accounting on average for 54%. When soil C sequestration was included in the model, the estimated emission associated to main product and co-products lowered by 30%. In conclusion, the inclusion of an indirect method to quantify soil C sequestration can improve the CFP estimation and could be a valuable alternative to expensive and laborious direct methods of soil C quantification. Per kg of product, emission intensity was 2.64 kg CO<sub>2</sub><i>e</i> for milk, 7.9 kg CO<sub>2</sub><i>e</i> for suckling lamb, 0.45 kg CO<sub>2</sub><i>e</i> for greasy wool, and 1.29 kg CO<sub>2</sub><i>e</i> for culled sheepCarbon footprint of suckling lamb has never been estimatedCarbon footprint of suckling lamb is lower than that of heavy lambThe inclusion of soil C sequestration, lowered the CFP of sheep products by 30% Per kg of product, emission intensity was 2.64 kg CO<sub>2</sub><i>e</i> for milk, 7.9 kg CO<sub>2</sub><i>e</i> for suckling lamb, 0.45 kg CO<sub>2</sub><i>e</i> for greasy wool, and 1.29 kg CO<sub>2</sub><i>e</i> for culled sheep Carbon footprint of suckling lamb has never been estimated Carbon footprint of suckling lamb is lower than that of heavy lamb The inclusion of soil C sequestration, lowered the CFP of sheep products by 30%
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.28463400.v1
title: Applying an indirect method to assess the net carbon footprint of dairy sheep farms with a special focus on suckling lamb

description: The aim of this study was to apply an indirect method for estimating the net carbon footprint (Net-CFP) of dairy sheep farms with a special focus on suckling lamb footprint. Six medium (M) and six large (L) size dairy sheep farms located in Sardinia (Italy) were considered. Data were collected by interviewing the farmers, in a <i>cradle to farm gate</i> approach based on ISO14040:2006 and 14044:2006. The annual average of the 5 producing years was chosen as the temporal boundary. The GHG emissions associated with the main product (milk) and co-products (meat and wool) were determined using an economic allocation approach. The C sequestration in the soil was estimated by considering the above- and below-ground biomass residues and the organic C from the deposition of manure. Emission intensity was not influenced by the farms size. On average, the CFP was 2.64 kg CO<sub>2</sub><i>e</i>/kg fat and protein corrected milk for milk, 7.94 kg CO<sub>2</sub><i>e</i>/kg live weight sold and 13.24 kg CO<sub>2</sub><i>e</i>/kg carcase for suckling lamb, 0.45 kg CO<sub>2</sub><i>e</i>/kg greasy wool for greasy wool, and 1.29 kg CO<sub>2</sub><i>e</i>/kg live weight sold for culled sheep. The impact was primarily affected by enteric CH<sub>4</sub>, accounting on average for 54%. When soil C sequestration was included in the model, the estimated emission associated to main product and co-products lowered by 30%. In conclusion, the inclusion of an indirect method to quantify soil C sequestration can improve the CFP estimation and could be a valuable alternative to expensive and laborious direct methods of soil C quantification. Per kg of product, emission intensity was 2.64 kg CO<sub>2</sub><i>e</i> for milk, 7.9 kg CO<sub>2</sub><i>e</i> for suckling lamb, 0.45 kg CO<sub>2</sub><i>e</i> for greasy wool, and 1.29 kg CO<sub>2</sub><i>e</i> for culled sheepCarbon footprint of suckling lamb has never been estimatedCarbon footprint of suckling lamb is lower than that of heavy lambThe inclusion of soil C sequestration, lowered the CFP of sheep products by 30% Per kg of product, emission intensity was 2.64 kg CO<sub>2</sub><i>e</i> for milk, 7.9 kg CO<sub>2</sub><i>e</i> for suckling lamb, 0.45 kg CO<sub>2</sub><i>e</i> for greasy wool, and 1.29 kg CO<sub>2</sub><i>e</i> for culled sheep Carbon footprint of suckling lamb has never been estimated Carbon footprint of suckling lamb is lower than that of heavy lamb The inclusion of soil C sequestration, lowered the CFP of sheep products by 30%
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.28335305.v1
title: Effects of dietary processed former foodstuffs on slaughter performance and meat quality in broilers

description: This study assessed the effects of incorporating commercially processed former foodstuffs (cFF) as substitutes for corn, soybean meal and soybean oil in broilers’ diet on slaughter performance, physicochemical properties and meat sensory attributes. Two hundred and one-day-old male chicks (ROSS-308) were divided into four dietary groups with increasing levels of cFF (0, 6.25%, 12.5% and 25%) named cFF0, cFF6.25, cFF12.5 and cFF25, respectively. On d 33, 25 chickens per dietary group were slaughtered for analyses. Carcase traits were similar across groups, except for a decrease in gizzard yield in cFF25 group (<i>p</i> = .008). Shear force, cooking loss and drip loss were unaffected by the diet. Meat pH decreased linearly in both breast and thigh muscles, and the thigh muscle yellowness index increased (<i>p</i> &lt; .05). Breast crude protein (CP) decreased, while thigh CP and breast ether extract increased as the cFF inclusion level rose (<i>p</i> &lt; .05). The fatty acid (FA) content of breast and thigh meat showed a linear increase in monounsaturated FA, with thigh meat also exhibiting a linear increase in saturated FA (SFA). Conversely, polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) and the PUFA to SFA ratio decreased with increasing cFF levels (<i>p</i> &lt; .05). Lipid oxidation levels remained unchanged across groups. Sensory analysis revealed no differences in overall acceptability or liking among groups, although two sensory attributes (sour and hard) resulted as discriminating factors (<i>p</i> &lt; .05). Overall, cFF inclusion did not affect meat quality, oxidative stability or consumer perception but altered the FA composition, suggesting the need of further investigation to assess the optimal inclusion level. Commercially processed former foodstuffs (cFF) in broiler diets did not impact carcase traits or meat quality.Inclusion of cFF in broiler diets reduced gizzard yield, especially at 25% inclusion.Inclusion of cFF reduced polyunsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids ratio in chicken meat, while increasing the <i>n</i>-6 to <i>n</i>-3 ratio.Inclusion of cFF did not affect the sensory attributes or overall liking of the final product. Commercially processed former foodstuffs (cFF) in broiler diets did not impact carcase traits or meat quality. Inclusion of cFF in broiler diets reduced gizzard yield, especially at 25% inclusion. Inclusion of cFF reduced polyunsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids ratio in chicken meat, while increasing the <i>n</i>-6 to <i>n</i>-3 ratio. Inclusion of cFF did not affect the sensory attributes or overall liking of the final product.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.28930300
title: Life cycle assessment in cattle farming systems: a review of approaches, goals and scopes

description: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) evaluates the environmental impacts over the life-cycle of a product. Although its applications on cattle systems have progressed remarkably, less is known about how LCA approaches, goals and scopes have evolved. For this purpose, we reviewed 239 LCA studies on European whole-farm cattle systems from 2010 to 2024. Attributional LCA dominated (94%) over consequential and territorial LCA. Thirty-five per cent of studies described a system, 28% compared different systems, and 37% evaluated mitigation options, therefore focusing more on present-day situations than on improvements. Use of on-farm collected data increased between 2010–2024, but mitigation-assessment studies relied more on modelled-farm data. Most studies used a few impact categories (IC) – global warming (GWP), acidification (AP), eutrophication (EP) potentials – and one (product-based) functional unit (FU), and very few explored relations between ICs and FUs. Therefore, we analysed such relations in 75 dairy farms from grassland-based, mixed and confined systems. The GWP, AP and EP were highly and positively correlated but poorly related to energy and land use. Impacts per unit of milk and unit of land were unrelated. They ranked differently between systems and farms, with confined farms showing similar impacts per unit of milk but higher per unit of area than grassland-based farms. Future LCA studies should focus on comparative aims, on-farm collected data, and multiple ICs and FUs to capture the variability of all the cattle systems’ impacts and the synergies/trade-offs between systems and farms. Non-attributional approaches are needed to consider impacts on whole food systems. A review (2010–2024) of 239 Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies on European cattle systems showed no remarkable evolution in goals and scopes.Most studies focused on attributional LCA, few impact categories and one functional unit (FU), not considering their interaction.An analysis of 75 Alpine dairy farms showed variable relations between impacts. Product- and area-based FUs strongly differed in ranking farms for the same impact. A review (2010–2024) of 239 Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies on European cattle systems showed no remarkable evolution in goals and scopes. Most studies focused on attributional LCA, few impact categories and one functional unit (FU), not considering their interaction. An analysis of 75 Alpine dairy farms showed variable relations between impacts. Product- and area-based FUs strongly differed in ranking farms for the same impact.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.28930300.v1
title: Life cycle assessment in cattle farming systems: a review of approaches, goals and scopes

description: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) evaluates the environmental impacts over the life-cycle of a product. Although its applications on cattle systems have progressed remarkably, less is known about how LCA approaches, goals and scopes have evolved. For this purpose, we reviewed 239 LCA studies on European whole-farm cattle systems from 2010 to 2024. Attributional LCA dominated (94%) over consequential and territorial LCA. Thirty-five per cent of studies described a system, 28% compared different systems, and 37% evaluated mitigation options, therefore focusing more on present-day situations than on improvements. Use of on-farm collected data increased between 2010–2024, but mitigation-assessment studies relied more on modelled-farm data. Most studies used a few impact categories (IC) – global warming (GWP), acidification (AP), eutrophication (EP) potentials – and one (product-based) functional unit (FU), and very few explored relations between ICs and FUs. Therefore, we analysed such relations in 75 dairy farms from grassland-based, mixed and confined systems. The GWP, AP and EP were highly and positively correlated but poorly related to energy and land use. Impacts per unit of milk and unit of land were unrelated. They ranked differently between systems and farms, with confined farms showing similar impacts per unit of milk but higher per unit of area than grassland-based farms. Future LCA studies should focus on comparative aims, on-farm collected data, and multiple ICs and FUs to capture the variability of all the cattle systems’ impacts and the synergies/trade-offs between systems and farms. Non-attributional approaches are needed to consider impacts on whole food systems. A review (2010–2024) of 239 Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies on European cattle systems showed no remarkable evolution in goals and scopes.Most studies focused on attributional LCA, few impact categories and one functional unit (FU), not considering their interaction.An analysis of 75 Alpine dairy farms showed variable relations between impacts. Product- and area-based FUs strongly differed in ranking farms for the same impact. A review (2010–2024) of 239 Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies on European cattle systems showed no remarkable evolution in goals and scopes. Most studies focused on attributional LCA, few impact categories and one functional unit (FU), not considering their interaction. An analysis of 75 Alpine dairy farms showed variable relations between impacts. Product- and area-based FUs strongly differed in ranking farms for the same impact.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.28965598
title: Temperature-driven metabolic shifts in duck egg components during early embryogenesis: from diapause to active developmental phase

description: Embryonic diapause, a survival strategy observed in birds such as wild ducks (where entire clutches may suspend development), allows embryos to delay growth under suboptimal conditions. In commercial practices, this trait is harnessed to synchronise hatching with market schedules, maximising production efficiency. We propose that temperature-driven reactivation of diapause involves metabolic responses linked to dynamic small molecule profiles in yolk and albumen, potentially regulating embryonic resumption. Using 12 duck eggs divided equally into experimental and control groups, we conducted untargeted metabolomics to profile metabolic dynamics during the 48-h diapause-to-embryogenesis transition across pre- and post-incubation phases. Differential metabolite analysis in yolk and albumen was integrated with KEGG pathway enrichment to identify functional shifts linked to embryonic reactivation. In our study, we identified 17 and 22 differentially abundant metabolites in yolk and albumen, respectively, with upregulated Arachidonic acid and downregulated N-acetylserotonin in yolk and upregulated ketoleucine in albumen, implicating roles in embryonic development <i>via</i> signalling, amino acid metabolism and antioxidant functions. The KEGG analysis uncovered enriched pathways, including Tryptophan metabolism, Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAA) biosynthesis and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, which may play pivotal roles in initiating duck embryo development. We speculate that tryptophan and branched-chain amino acid metabolism influence embryo development through protein synthesis regulation, combined with ABC transporter-mediated nutrient allocation during temperature shifts. The enrichment of Arachidonic acid in Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone (GnRH) signalling pathway might suggest its role in critical processes. Our findings may help refine incubation practices and breeding outcomes by understanding duck embryo diapause mechanisms. After 48 h of incubation, the metabolites of yolk and albumen were different.39 differentially abundant metabolites were annotated with specific names and related functions.The annotated differentially abundant metabolites were enriched in 30 metabolic pathways. After 48 h of incubation, the metabolites of yolk and albumen were different. 39 differentially abundant metabolites were annotated with specific names and related functions. The annotated differentially abundant metabolites were enriched in 30 metabolic pathways.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.28965598.v1
title: Temperature-driven metabolic shifts in duck egg components during early embryogenesis: from diapause to active developmental phase

description: Embryonic diapause, a survival strategy observed in birds such as wild ducks (where entire clutches may suspend development), allows embryos to delay growth under suboptimal conditions. In commercial practices, this trait is harnessed to synchronise hatching with market schedules, maximising production efficiency. We propose that temperature-driven reactivation of diapause involves metabolic responses linked to dynamic small molecule profiles in yolk and albumen, potentially regulating embryonic resumption. Using 12 duck eggs divided equally into experimental and control groups, we conducted untargeted metabolomics to profile metabolic dynamics during the 48-h diapause-to-embryogenesis transition across pre- and post-incubation phases. Differential metabolite analysis in yolk and albumen was integrated with KEGG pathway enrichment to identify functional shifts linked to embryonic reactivation. In our study, we identified 17 and 22 differentially abundant metabolites in yolk and albumen, respectively, with upregulated Arachidonic acid and downregulated N-acetylserotonin in yolk and upregulated ketoleucine in albumen, implicating roles in embryonic development <i>via</i> signalling, amino acid metabolism and antioxidant functions. The KEGG analysis uncovered enriched pathways, including Tryptophan metabolism, Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAA) biosynthesis and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, which may play pivotal roles in initiating duck embryo development. We speculate that tryptophan and branched-chain amino acid metabolism influence embryo development through protein synthesis regulation, combined with ABC transporter-mediated nutrient allocation during temperature shifts. The enrichment of Arachidonic acid in Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone (GnRH) signalling pathway might suggest its role in critical processes. Our findings may help refine incubation practices and breeding outcomes by understanding duck embryo diapause mechanisms. After 48 h of incubation, the metabolites of yolk and albumen were different.39 differentially abundant metabolites were annotated with specific names and related functions.The annotated differentially abundant metabolites were enriched in 30 metabolic pathways. After 48 h of incubation, the metabolites of yolk and albumen were different. 39 differentially abundant metabolites were annotated with specific names and related functions. The annotated differentially abundant metabolites were enriched in 30 metabolic pathways.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.28099195
title: Genome-wide analysis of Collo Nudo Italiana and Millefiori Piemontese local chicken breeds: genetic variability and structure analysis in the context of Italian chicken biodiversity

description: This study aimed to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of two Italian local chicken breeds, Millefiori Piemontese (PMP) and Collo Nudo Italiana (PCI), using the 600K Affymetrix SNP chip array, and to contextualise these breeds in the national biodiversity landscape based on 23 Italian local chicken breeds previously characterised. Minor allele frequency (MAF), expected heterozygosity (He), and observed heterozygosity (Ho) of PCI were 0.311 ± 0.170, 0.484 ± 0.107, and 0.469 ± 0.128, respectively. The inbreeding coefficient (F<sub>HOM</sub>) was −0.001 ± 0.066 and the inbreeding coefficient calculated on runs of homozygosity (ROH) values (F<sub>ROH</sub>) was 0.003 ± 0.004. The PMP had MAF, He, and Ho of 0.245 ± 0.201, 0.383 ± 0.112, and 0.428 ± 0.149, respectively, and exhibited higher F<sub>HOM</sub> (0.149 ± 0.405) and F<sub>ROH</sub> (0.016 ± 0.009) than PCI. The multi-dimensional scaling plot and neighbour-joining tree depicted clear genetic clustering for both the PCI and PMP breeds. The ROH analysis identified key genomic regions with significant gene annotations. In particular, four ROH islands in GGA4, GGA5, and GGA8 of PCI, and three ROH islands in GGA3 of PMP were detected. For PCI, ROH regions contained genes related to immune response and thermoregulation, such as <i>S1PR1</i> and <i>PLA2G4A</i>. For PMP, ROH regions included genes involved in muscle development and immune response, such as <i>RRM2</i>, <i>KLF11,</i> and <i>CPSF3</i>. This research provided insights into the genetic diversity and adaptive traits of PCI and PMP breeds, contributing to widen the understanding of Italian local chicken genetic resources. Genetic diversity and population structure of Millefiori Piemontese (PMP) and Collo Nudo Italiana (PCI) local chicken breeds were assessed.Both the breeds showed low level of inbreeding and high level of heterozygosity.ROH islands highlighted the genetic adaptive traits of PCI to face thermoregulation, and of PMP in muscle development. Genetic diversity and population structure of Millefiori Piemontese (PMP) and Collo Nudo Italiana (PCI) local chicken breeds were assessed. Both the breeds showed low level of inbreeding and high level of heterozygosity. ROH islands highlighted the genetic adaptive traits of PCI to face thermoregulation, and of PMP in muscle development.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.28099195.v1
title: Genome-wide analysis of Collo Nudo Italiana and Millefiori Piemontese local chicken breeds: genetic variability and structure analysis in the context of Italian chicken biodiversity

description: This study aimed to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of two Italian local chicken breeds, Millefiori Piemontese (PMP) and Collo Nudo Italiana (PCI), using the 600K Affymetrix SNP chip array, and to contextualise these breeds in the national biodiversity landscape based on 23 Italian local chicken breeds previously characterised. Minor allele frequency (MAF), expected heterozygosity (He), and observed heterozygosity (Ho) of PCI were 0.311 ± 0.170, 0.484 ± 0.107, and 0.469 ± 0.128, respectively. The inbreeding coefficient (F<sub>HOM</sub>) was −0.001 ± 0.066 and the inbreeding coefficient calculated on runs of homozygosity (ROH) values (F<sub>ROH</sub>) was 0.003 ± 0.004. The PMP had MAF, He, and Ho of 0.245 ± 0.201, 0.383 ± 0.112, and 0.428 ± 0.149, respectively, and exhibited higher F<sub>HOM</sub> (0.149 ± 0.405) and F<sub>ROH</sub> (0.016 ± 0.009) than PCI. The multi-dimensional scaling plot and neighbour-joining tree depicted clear genetic clustering for both the PCI and PMP breeds. The ROH analysis identified key genomic regions with significant gene annotations. In particular, four ROH islands in GGA4, GGA5, and GGA8 of PCI, and three ROH islands in GGA3 of PMP were detected. For PCI, ROH regions contained genes related to immune response and thermoregulation, such as <i>S1PR1</i> and <i>PLA2G4A</i>. For PMP, ROH regions included genes involved in muscle development and immune response, such as <i>RRM2</i>, <i>KLF11,</i> and <i>CPSF3</i>. This research provided insights into the genetic diversity and adaptive traits of PCI and PMP breeds, contributing to widen the understanding of Italian local chicken genetic resources. Genetic diversity and population structure of Millefiori Piemontese (PMP) and Collo Nudo Italiana (PCI) local chicken breeds were assessed.Both the breeds showed low level of inbreeding and high level of heterozygosity.ROH islands highlighted the genetic adaptive traits of PCI to face thermoregulation, and of PMP in muscle development. Genetic diversity and population structure of Millefiori Piemontese (PMP) and Collo Nudo Italiana (PCI) local chicken breeds were assessed. Both the breeds showed low level of inbreeding and high level of heterozygosity. ROH islands highlighted the genetic adaptive traits of PCI to face thermoregulation, and of PMP in muscle development.