Innovative methodologies for in vitro ruminal fermentation studies without the use of experimental animals


Project PRIN Rumen- Innovative methodologies for in vitro ruminal fermentation studies without the use of experimental animals
PRIN, call 2015


Duration
36 months, from January 2017 a december 2019

Principal investigator for the University of Udine and nationale scientific director
prof. Mauro Spanghero

Summary
The project stems from the need to reconcile the develop the nutrition studies of ruminant species with the increasing difficulties in the use of experimental animals, imposed by an increase of ethical sensitivity of the community and the high costs of animal experimentation. Therefore, the aim is to develop innovative procedures and methods for studying ruminal fermentations, to be conducted in research laboratories and technical assistance, without the use of experimental animals.
The project present also a relevant social impact and results to be extremely topical as the objectives are in line with the guidelines set by the Directive 2010/63 / EU of the Parliament and of the European Council (of 22 September 2010) which invites all the states members to reduce the use of experimental animals.
The European Directive was followed by the Italian Decree n. 26 of 04 March 2014, which regulates the use of experimental animals. Regional regulatory provisions for the implementation of the directive, such as the one recently activated by the Lombardy Region (L.R. 02 March 2015, n. 5) and the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region (L.R. 11 February 2010, n.3), are being refined.
The environmental and economic impact of the project is related to the prospective od develop of the ruminant nutrition research which is the condition for the improvement of the feed efficiency and the reduction of the environmental excretion in line with the guidelines of Horizon 2020.

Project partners
- University of Udine (Lead partner)
- University of Padua
- University of Piacenza
- University of Milan

Working group
Prof. Mauro Spanghero, Dr. Carla Fabro, Dr. Chiara Sarnataro

For more information