Barbara Piccirillo

Self-presentation:

Barbara has a master’s degree in Sciences and Technologies of Animal productions at the University of Naples Federico II, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production. Her research focus on the quality of legume forage for ruminants, with the aim to identify plants resilient to climate change and limit the environmental impact in terms of methane production. Over the years she has been active the Feed Analysis Laboratory, acquiring specific skills in the in vitro evaluation of animal feed. She also He acted as a student representative and collaborated in management activities with the course coordinator

Project:

Legume forages: to oppose climate change, reduce environmental impact and improve the quality of animal products

The legume forages are the main source of protein in ruminants’ diets. However, sometimes it is difficult to find the right preservation technique to maintain some peculiar characteristics of the forage (i.e., secondary compounds). These bioactive metabolites, such as tannins and polyphenols, could have beneficial effect for environment (reducing methane emission) and for consumers (improving the quality of products of animal origin). My idea of project is to find a conservation technique suitable for legume forages (e.g., example pelleting) that at the same time can reduces the environmental impact in terms of methane production. Moreover, the search for resilient plants that can resist climate change while maintaining their nutritional characteristics will also investigate.

Supervisior:

Serena Calabrò MVD PhD Associate Professor in Animal Nutrition Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production (DMVPA) University of Napoli Federico II