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INIZIO_TESTO_DA_INDICIZZARE

RESEARCH PROGRAM

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Research Units
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Keywords
MILK; GOAT; ASS; BIO-PEPTIDES; CONJUGATED LINOLEIC ACID ISOMERS; LACTOFERRIN; NUTRACEUTICS; FOOD ALLERGIES/INTOLLERANCE

Valorisation of goat and donkey breeds raised in marginal areas for production of milk with a high bio-nutritional value

Università degli Studi di Foggia
Abstract
The present research program involves both zootechnical and medical (as pediatric and immunological) abilities. The main focus of the research program is to preserve some minor autochthonous breeds reared in the Middle-Southern Italy and characterize their milk properties in terms of bio-medical functions both in children affected by cow milk protein intolerance/allergy (CMPA/CMPI) and in immuno-depression aged people, by in vitro assays. The novelty of our research program is the multidisciplinary approach to the subject. Indeed the interaction between agro-zootechnical and medical sciences can be considered an effective opportunity to protect some autochthonous breeds through the investigation not only of the tastiness (excellence, quality) but also of the nutraceutical properties of their products. The four operative units (O.U.)will be working together but with specific activities:
1) the O.U. coordinated by Prof. Sevi from University of Foggia will be going to investigate some protein content in milk from autochthonous goats and donkey of the Southern Italy (Garganica, Valfortonina and Montefalcone goats) referring to casein fractions with the aim of verifying the bio-medical efficacy of active components (β lattoglobulin and caseins, separately and in synergy tested), by assessing in-vitro their actions on blood lymphocytes of children affected by cow milk protein intolerance/allergy (CMPI/CMPA);
2) the O.U. coordinated by Prof. Casamassima from >>>

Principal Investigator
Agostino SEVI Università degli Studi di FOGGIA
Research Objectives
In the last few years the international scientific community has been interested in natural biodiversity; in particular the autochthonous breeds are considered of fundamental importance not only for their unique genetic inheritance, but also as an instrument for the development and survival of marginal areas farming. The U.E. issued to preserve the local genetics types through the differentiation and characterization of their products. Indeed the autochthonous animal breeds and their social-economical background can be preserved only by the valorization of their products despite the smaller volume available of milk, the more expensive production costs and, consequently the higher market prices than cow milk and its products. According to this circumstances the scientific research plays an essential role not only in products characterization, differentiations and certification of origin, but also in evidencing, beside the excellent organoleptic features, the real existence of biomedical molecules of special value in human nutrition and well-being.
The objectives of the different OO.UU. are summarized as follows:
1) the characterization of protein and fat composition in milk from autochthonous goats of the Southern Italy (Garganica, Valfortonina and Montefalcone goats) referring to casein fractions, the linoleic conjugated acids (CLA) content and the lactoferrin concentration;
2) the characterization of Martina Franca donkey milk for proteins and lipids >>>

First Results
Results expected from activities of the first year of the research programme may be summarized as follows:
1) characterization of lipid and protein fractions in the milk of the goat breeds investigated;
2) study on metabolic factors which influence the yield and quality of Valfortorina and Montefaclcone goat breeds during lactation;
3) assessment of the immune response to lacto-globulins and caseins of goat milk in infacts suffering from cow milk protein allergy/intollerance;
4) quali-quantitative characterization of Martina Franca ass milk and assessment of the effects of machine milking on foal welfare.Results expected from activities of the second year of the research programme may be summarized as follows:
1) determination of CLA isomer content in goat milk and assessment of feeding (pasture quality) and physiological factors (stage of lactation) which affect CLA levels in milk;
2) identification in goat milk of peptides responsible of hypo-allergenic and bio-medical properties to infants;
3) characterization of ass milk with respect to bio-molecules with nutraceutical properties;
4) assessment of allergenic property of ass milk in infants suffering from cow milk protein allergy;
5) assessment of ass and goat milk ability in recovering immune function in aged people.

Timescale
24 months
National and international background
In the last few years the international scientific community has been interested in natural biodiversity; in particular the autochthonous breeds are considered of fundamental importance not only for their unique genetic inheritance, but also as an instrument for the development and survival of marginal areas farming. The U.E. issued to preserve the local genetics types through the differentiation and characterization of their products. Indeed the autochthonous animal breeds and their social-economical background can be preserved only by the valorization of their products despite the smaller volume available of milk, the more expensive production costs and, consequently the higher market prices than cow milk and its products. According to this circumstances the scientific research plays an essential role not only in products characterization, differentiations and certification of origin, but also in evidencing, beside the excellent organoleptic features, the real existence of biomedical molecules of special value in human nutrition and well-being.
Goat milk and dairy products are of great importance in many countries, but also essential for survival and well-being of large segments of population, especially infants, who have benefit from goat milk as a necessary alternative to cow milk (Haenlein, 2001). Goat milk has been not sufficiently investigated by medical research (Gurr, 1998), although its nutraceutical properties are supported by much anecdotal experience >>>