Associate professor,Department of veterinary medicine and animal sicence, University of Milan, Italy University of Milan, Department of veterinary medicine and animal sicence
Luciana ROSSI is currently professor of Animal nutrition at the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences -DIVAS-, University of Milan. She received her master’s degree in veterinary medicine and her Ph.D. in Biotechnology applied to animal science from the University of Milan (2002). Following that, three years of experience were gained as a marketing responsible and technical support in the veterinary pharmaceutical industry.
Her research interests are centered around the interaction between diet, microbiome, immune system, and their impact on disease and gut-health in different animal models. Her research activities also focus on evaluating novel functional ingredients in animal diets according to the agroecology principles, which examine nutrients and additives considering human health and the environment. Research area covers both in vivo and in vitro studies.
EDUCATION
09/12/2002: PhD in Biotechnology applied to Animal Science Department of Veterinary Science and Technology for Food Safety, University of Milan, Italy.
03/01/2000: Enrolment in the professional order of Veterinarians of Milan, n°MI-2514.
01/12/1999: Licence to practice and professional specialities: Veterinarian qualification.
09/03/1999: Master’s Degree in Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Italy.
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Animal Science and Zoology, Veterinary, Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Biotechnology
FUTURE PROJECTS
functional ingredients for gut health
Applications Invited
edible vaccines
Applications Invited
120
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Smart waste-derived materials for feed application: chestnut shells and vine pruning biochar Marianna Guagliano, Serena Reggi, Matteo Dell’Anno, Silvia Mostoni, Filippo Ottani, et al. Biochar, 2026 Carrier-assisted delivery is a key step for the successful targeted oral delivery of bioactive molecules in functional diets in livestock. The aim is to protect the biomolecule during gastric transit, and ensure its efficient release in the intestine. Biochar is the by-product of the thermochemical conversion of residual biomass in an oxygen-limited environment and has suitable physico-chemical and morphological properties to be a carrier. Two types of biochar were tested as carriers of egg white lysozyme (LY), selected as a representative of bioactive molecules both in terms of molecular size (MW 14.3 kDa) and antibacterial activity, for application in weaned pig feed. One biochar was derived from chestnut shells (CB) and the other from vine pruning (VB). An efficient and environmentally-friendly procedure for LY adsorption was developed, based on a solid/liquid process in mild conditions. The effects of the operating conditions, such as initial LY content, reaction time, and pH were also studied. The optimal conditions were found to be a maximum LY loading of 21–23 mg LY g Carrier −1 . Both pristine and hybrid materials were extensively characterized by combining morphological and physico-chemical techniques to obtain information on LY allocation and interactions with the carriers. Preliminary experiments on lysozyme release were performed at pH = 3 and pH = 7, simulating the pH conditions of the stomach and intestine of the weaned pigs, respectively. The results showed a higher releasing capacity when the pH was increased from 3 to 7. Specifically, the release showed a slight increase from 0.8% to 1.2% as the pH shifted from 3 to 7 for CB, and from 1.5% to 2.3% for VB. These results confirmed that biochar can protect LY from the low pH, during the gastric transit, and that LY could be released in the gut. These two benefits are likely related to the homogeneous distribution of LY molecules at the carrier surface, which is facilitated by the interaction of charges of opposite signs. Graphical Abstract
Effects of Yucca schidigera Supplementation on In Vitro Cecal Fermentation and In Vivo Nutrient Digestibility in Male and Female Lean Fattening Pigs Matteo Santoru, Jennifer Muñoz-Grein, María Ángeles Latorre, Luciano Pinotti, Luciana Rossi, et al. Animals, 2026 The effect of Yucca schidigera extract (YSE; 10.8% saponins) on in vitro caecal disappearance (IVCD) was tested by incubating pre-digested feed with 0, 150, or 300 mg YSE/kg using caecal inocula from male and female pigs (Experiment 1). The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients and fermentation products were assessed in vivo in 40 crossbred finishing pigs fed with 0 or 300 mg YSE/kg for 42 days (Experiment 2). In Experiment 1, YSE did not affect IVCD or gas production, but reduced caecal ammonia-N across sexes (p < 0.05). Caecal pH decreased progressively with increasing YSE in female-derived inocula only (p = 0.015), and volatile fatty acid (VFA) were suppressed in females at the highest dose (p = 0.013), while male-derived inocula remained unaffected. Entire males exhibited higher IVCD (p < 0.001) and lower ammonia-N (p = 0.034) and VFA production (p < 0.10) than females. In Experiment 2, YSE did not influence faecal ammonia-N, or VFA profile (p > 0.10), but reduced the ATTD of crude protein (p < 0.001) and organic matter (p < 0.001) relative to the control diet. YSE selectively modulated in vitro caecal fermentation in pigs, but these effects were not confirmed in vivo.
Novel Antioxidants for Animal Nutrition—2nd Edition Matteo Dell’Anno, Luciana Rossi Antioxidants, 2026 Oxidative stress is widely recognized as a major biological challenge affecting animal health, productivity, and reproductive efficiency [...]
Yucca schidigera extract in finishing pig diets: impacts on performance, welfare, carcase and meat traits by sex M. Santoru, J. Muñoz-Grein, M. A. Latorre, L. Rossi, L. Pinotti, et al. Animal Production Science, 2026 Context Yucca schidigera extract, rich in saponins and bioactive compounds, gained attention as a phytogenic feed additive for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and welfare-enhancing effects. Its supplementation has also been linked to lower gas emissions, improved gut health, and potential benefits for meat quality. However, its impact on nitrogen metabolism, carcase traits, and possible sex-specific responses in pigs, especially lean genetic types derived from Pietrain, remains underexplored. Aims This study evaluated the effects of diet supplementation with Yucca schidigera extract on performances, welfare, carcase and meat quality in lean finishing pigs slaughtered at 115 kg average body weight, considering potential sex-related differences. Methods Forty Pietrain crossbred lean pigs were used in a 42-day trial. Animals were homogeneously divided by sex into two experimental groups receiving either a commercial basal diet as control or the same diet supplemented with 300 mg/kg of yucca extract (two pigs per pen, five replicates per diet and sex). The variables measured were growth and feed performance, blood protein and catabolite profiles, behavioural patterns and carcase and meat quality. Key results Yucca supplementation had no significant effect on growth performance or nitrogen mass balance, although females tended to grow more slowly than males. Serum urea levels remained stable in the yucca-supplemented group, while they increased in the control group. Females showed higher albumin, creatinine and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity levels than males. Behavioural patterns were not influenced by diet or sex. Carcase and meat quality were unaffected by yucca extract, although males produced brighter meat with lower protein content. Conclusions Dietary supplementation with Yucca schidigera extract during the fattening phase did not compromise performance, animal welfare or meat quality. However, sex differences in blood protein catabolite profiles and meat quality were evident, possibly reflecting variations in protein metabolism and muscle development. Implications Yucca schidigera extract at 300 mg/kg can be safely included in pig diets with no negative effects on growth, behaviour, nitrogen balance, or carcase and meat quality in lean finishing pigs, independent from sex. Also, variations in the blood protein composition across entire males and females suggest hormonal differences to be evaluated in further studies.
Immunomodulatory and Cytotoxic Properties of Enniatin B1 in Porcine Alveolar Macrophages Sara Frazzini, Francesca Caloni, Paola Fossati, Giancarlo Ruffo, Luciana Rossi Journal of Applied Toxicology, 2026 This study investigates the immunomodulatory effects of Enniatin B1 (ENNB1), an emerging mycotoxin, on porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs), a species‐specific model relevant to human innate immunity. PAMs were exposed to increasing ENNB1 concentrations (0.5–6 μM) over 6, 24, and 48 h. Results showed a biphasic response: ENNB1 initially enhanced cell viability and induced upregulation of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10, TNF‐α), COX enzymes, and antioxidant gene GPX‐2. However, prolonged exposure caused downregulation of these markers and reduced cell viability, indicating cytotoxic and immunosuppressive effects. The temporal and concentration‐dependent responses suggest that ENNB1 modulates macrophage function by altering the immune response, with early immune activation followed by immune impairment. These findings provide novel insights into ENNB1’s potential to alter immune homeostasis and highlight the need for further toxicological studies for a correct evaluation of the risk.
Antioxidant Intervention in NAFLD: Astaxanthin and Kokum Modulate Redox Status and Lysosomal Degradation Natalia Ksepka, Natalia Kuzia, Sara Frazzini, Luciana Rossi, Małgorzata Łysek-Gładysińska, et al. Molecules, 2026 Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major metabolic disorder characterized by hepatic lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, and disturbance of lysosomal degradation. Central to these processes is glutathione (GSH), a key antioxidant regulating redox balance and cellular homeostasis. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of two dietary antioxidants—astaxanthin and Garcinia indica (kokum)—in modulating hepatic redox status, lysosomal function, and metabolic gene expression in a murine model of diet-induced NAFLD. A total of 120 male Swiss Webster mice were allocated into control and steatotic groups, followed by a 90-day supplementation period with astaxanthin, kokum, or their combination. Liver tissue was collected post-supplementation for biochemical, antioxidant, and qRT-PCR analyses. Outcomes included lysosomal enzymes activities, superoxide dismutase (SOD), GSH, vitamin C, total polyphenols, DPPH radical-scavenging activity, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). NAFLD induced marked oxidative stress, lysosomal overactivation, and alteration of antioxidant-related gene expression. Combined supplementation restored GSH, enhanced TAC, reduced lysosomal stress markers, and significantly upregulated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nfe2l2) while downregulating fatty acid synthase (FASN) and partially rescuing lipoprotein lipase (LpL). Correlation analyses revealed strong associations between antioxidant capacity, lysosomal function, and transcriptional regulation, supporting the therapeutic relevance of combined antioxidant therapy for concurrent redox and lysosomal dysregulation in NAFLD. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of targeting redox and cellular degradation pathways with antioxidant-based interventions to re-establish hepatic metabolic balance in NAFLD and related disorders.
Evaluation of Oral Supplementation of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) on Growth Performance, Immune Response, Disease Incidence and Mortality Rate of Suckling Zaraibi Goat Kids Hamed Mohamed Gaafar, Matteo Dell'Anno, Mostafa Mohamed El‐Nahrawy, Ali Ahmed Abdou, Mohamed Fekry Elkersh, et al. Veterinary Medicine and Science, 2026 The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Nigella sativa supplementation on the immune response, disease incidence, mortality rate and growth performance of suckling Zaraibi goat kids. Sixty suckling Zaraibi goat kids (33 males and 27 females) with an average body weight of 3.03 ± 0.02 kg were divided into three groups: a control group (G1), which was fed a basal diet and two treatment groups (G2 and G3), which were fed the same diet supplemented with 0.5 g and 1.0 g of N. sativa per kid per day, respectively, for 84 days. The data were analysed with a general linear model to assess the differences among dietary treatments, and Duncan's multiple range test was applied for post hoc comparisons. Compared with G1, the body weight of the kids in the treatment groups was significantly higher ( p < 0.05). Consequently, total weight gain and average daily gain were significantly raised in the G2 and G3 groups compared to the control group ( p < 0.05). In addition, the feed intake was significantly higher, whereas the feed conversion ratio was significantly lower in G3 compared to G1 ( p < 0.05). The outputs of weaning weight and the adjusted mortality rate increased significantly ( p < 0.05), in line with the increasing levels of N. sativa in G2 and G3. G3 fed the highest level of N. sativa and registered the lowest occurrence of diseases, followed by G2, whereas the control, G1, showed the highest incidence ( p < 0.05). In particular, the mortality rate decreased significantly ( p < 0.05) with the inclusion of N. sativa , showing a clear dose‐dependent effect. The highest mortality rate was observed in G1 (15%), followed by G2 (10%), while G3 exhibited the lowest mortality rate (5%) ( p < 0.05). The plasma IgG levels were significantly higher in the G2 and G3 groups compared to the control group ( p < 0.05), with G3 exhibiting increased IgG levels than G2 ( p < 0.05). These findings suggest that N. sativa supplementation can enhance the health and growth performance of suckling Zaraibi goat kids, contributing to sustainable farming practices and potentially reducing antibiotic use in livestock.
Effects of different mineral supplementation programs on beef cattle serum Se, Zn, Cu, Mn concentration, health, growth performance and meat quality Large Animal Review, 2020
Effect of the administration of different levels of solid feed on production performance, welfare, health status and antibiotic use in veal calves for white meat production Large Animal Review, 2020
Administration of biogenic amines to Saanen kids: Effects on growth performance and meat quality Italian Journal of Animal Science, 2003
Oral administration of tobacco seeds expressing antigenic proteins in mice Balb-C: A model of edible vaccines for oedema disease Italian Journal of Animal Science, 2003
During her career she is author/co-author of 71 publication on international scientific peer-reviewed journals, 1009 citations, H-index 18. Among them: 16,3% international collaboration, 61,4% documents in the top 25% most cited documents worldwide; 59,6% of documents in the top 25% journals by CiteScore (font: Scopus).
RESEARCH OUTPUTS (PATENTS, SOFTWARE, PUBLICATIONS, PRODUCTS)
She is the inventor of two separated national registered patents (granted 05/04/2023 N.102021000006461 for 20 years; granted 05/04/2023 N.102021000006506 for 20 years) on edible vaccines against the infection by the main pathotypes of E. coli in pigs, represented by engineered tobacco seeds and engineered Lactococcus lactis strains respectively.
INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
After her phd, three years of experience were gained as a marketing responsible and technical support in the veterinary pharmaceutical industry.