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This study aimed at estimating the impact of red deer grazing on the productivity of meadows located in Pian Cansiglio, north-eastern Italian Pre-Alps. These meadows (185 ha; average elevation 1000 m asl are managed for hay/silage production (1-2 cuts per season) and are included in a protected area that hosts a high density of deer (around 30 heads/100 ha). In 2008 and 2010, dry matter (DM) production and loss due to deer grazing were estimated with exclusion cages (1 m 2 ; 48 exclusion cages in 2008 and 52 in 2010). Night counts with spotlights were conducted to index deer use of meadows plots. DM production inside the cages was fairly good for the area (first-second cut: 4963-2297 kg DM/ha in 2008, and 4145-2475 kg DM/ha in 2010). DM production outside the cages was significantly lower (first-second cut in 2008: 4199-1378 kg DM/ha, and in 2010: 3376-2052 Kg DM/ha). Therefore, the magnitude of losses was of 15-20% at the first and 25-40% at the second cut. DM losses in the different meadow plots were positively correlated with index of deer use, which in some plots was as high as 7-8 heads/ha. Deer grazing reduced also crude protein (CP) content of forage (15.6±4.4% DM inside exclusion cages and 13.8±3.5% DM outside), with losses being greater where CP content was higher. This study demonstrates that high densities of grazing deer may seriously impact on forage production and quality.

The effectiveness and tolerance of a non-amphetaminic anorexiant drug has been evaluated in a short-term and in a long-term clinical trial in simple obesity and in refractory obesity. In the short-term 'crossover' trial, a more evident effectiveness and tolerance result when the anorexiant is given in a late phase of treatment. The association of an anorexiant drug with the hypocaloric diet was seen to be effective in the treatment of so-called refractory obesity. In the evaluation of the long-term treatment it is seen that weight loss is greater and remains so farr longer periods in patients receiving anorexiant, as compared to controls. This is related to a better maintenance of a restricted calorie regimen. Mazindol did not affect the improvement of glucose tolerance and insulin secretion which follows the weight reduction.

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