Azione IV.4 – Dottorati e contratti di ricerca su tematiche dell’innovazione
Azione IV.5 – Dottorati su tematiche Green
To evaluate the treatment of green bedding and recycled sand with various innovative stabilizer formulations to control bacterial proliferation in collaboration with Consorzio Parmigiano Reggiano. The aim is to optimize the management of these ecological bedding substrates to improve animal welfare and product quality while minimizing environmental waste and energy consumption.
In the first part of the project, in vitro tests will be carried out on four different substrates (manure solid, digestate, sand, and straw) to investigate microbial counts with and without the addition of calcium carbonate/lime combinations. Bedding and milk samples will be analyzed with traditional microbiology methods (microbial culture, evaluation of microbial load, isolation of bacterial colonies, assessment of antimicrobial resistance) and more innovative methods (MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry) combined with PCR for detection of Clostridia.
Then, field trials will be carried out on the farms participating in the “Consorzio Parmigiano Reggiano“. The bedding microbiology will be characterized in detail, and animal health, milk quality, and the quality of 24-36 months ripened Parmigiano Reggiano cheese will be evaluated by applying the optimized experimental procedures. In the field trials, we will also investigate the possible seasonal differences in milk quality related to using recycled manure solids (RMS) as bedding substrates and the impact of RMS on the presence and spread of antimicrobial resistance.
The project will leverage the collaboration of Cornell University, Hannover University, the University of Piacenza, and Consorzio Parmigiano Reggiano for both training and experimental aspects.
MSc in Animal Husbandry Sciences and Technologies at the University of Milan (UNIMI).
Master thesis on the evaluation of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for the rapid identification of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the veterinary field, considering bovine mastitis as a case study.
Traineeship period in the laboratory of microbiology at the University of Milan (UNIMI).
Exchange Program at the Department of Applied Sciences and Arts of the University of Hanover (Germany).
PhD project about the use of “green bedding” in dairy cattle, considering microbiological aspects related to animal health and the quality of milk and dairy products.
Publications: Orcid ; IRIS-AIR
