Assessment of the effects of cricket flour and seaweed on the welfare, productive and reproductive performances and meat quality of rabbits.
The aim of the project is to evaluate the effects of cricket flour and seaweed Padina Pavonica dietary supplementation on the productive and reproductive performances, immunological status, welfare, and meat quality of rabbits.
Since the world population is expected to increase, FAO recommends finding alternatives to conventional animal feed ingredients to reduce the competition between humans and animals. The reorganization of the agricultural systems could contemplate new and alternative protein and lipid sources for animals, such as cricket flour (Acheta domestica) and seaweed (alga Padina pavonica) capable of reducing both water and soil consumption, making the agricultural and food system more sustainable. Insects are rich in protein, have a short life cycle, and can be fed organic wastes, while seaweeds, which do not require arable land nor irrigation, are rich in unsaturated lipids that have many beneficial health effects. The use of sustainable food sources not only grants a positive impact on the environment and the global food system but also serves as an adjuvant for improving human and animal welfare by providing healthy and nutritious diets for all in the context of the One Health approach. Furthermore, the use of these substances in rabbit breeding could decrease drug use, increase the profitability of the farm as well as animal welfare and consumer’s perception.
Master’s Degree in Veterinary Medicine at University of Perugia with the thesis “Rabbit Gut Microbiota Modulation by Bovine Colostrum”.
Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Husbandry at University of Perugia with a thesis on the reproductive physiology of female rabbits.
Deep interest in small animal physiology, reproduction, endocrinology, and welfare.
Publications: Orcid ; Scopus ; IRIS-AIR
Supervisor Prof. Gabriele Brecchia
Co-supervisor Prof. Daniele Vigo
