ScA.SOS
Scheda del progetto
Università degli Studi di Torino
Dr. Sara Divari
Dr. Riccardo Moretti
Professor Valentina Alessandria
Professor Luca Simone Cocolin
Today's consumer is highly conscious of the sustainability of livestock farming and animal welfare. The current context makes it urgent to identify new solutions to reduce waste and repurpose it in other sectors through a virtuous process. Surplus baked goods from industries and supermarkets can be a potential energy source in ruminant diets. These supplements are highly palatable, relatively inexpensive, and safe. Products already used in dairy cows should be further assessed for beef cattle. In fact, these products are rich in fats and sugars and contain less fibre than native cereal grains, which could influence rumen activity, cause a rapid accumulation of short-chain fatty acids, and lead to a sharp drop in rumen pH, affecting the animal’s metabolic health overall. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of a diet supplemented with surplus baked goods, discarded for aesthetic reasons or packaging errors, on intestinal health and animal welfare.
Contacts:
Contact person
Francesca Tiziana Cannizzo
Email
tiziana.cannizzo@unito.it
Tel
+39 0116709032
The project focuses on evaluating the effects of the diet on cattle, with particular attention to alterations in the intestinal barrier, metabolic health, rumen pH, and feeding and chewing behaviour. Additionally, the physico-chemical characteristics of the meat produced under the two dietary regimes will be examined, and a data-driven decision-making tool will be developed to support farmers in their daily practices.
The innovative aspect of this project lies in the integration of advanced technologies to monitor and improve the welfare of beef cattle through nutrition. By using measurable parameters and robust evaluation systems, the project aims to obtain objective assessments of the effects of dietary supplements on the health and welfare of the animals, moving beyond traditional subjective evaluations. Additionally, the introduction of a digitalised decision-making tool will allow farmers to monitor animal welfare in real-time and respond promptly with the support of qualified professionals. This approach will not only enhance the quality of the meat produced but also promote a more innovative, sustainable, and animal-welfare-conscious food system within the livestock sector.
This project has a significant impact on the food and livestock industries. The use of measurable parameters and robust evaluation systems will allow for an objective assessment of the effects of supplements on animal health and welfare. The digital decision-making tool will enable farmers to monitor animal welfare and intervene promptly with expert support, improving diet formulation. The ultimate goal is to promote an innovative, ethical, and sustainable system for beef cattle nutrition.