How to show only the first words of a Title in footnotes.

Hi,

Is it possible to have only the first -say- three words of a title in footnotes automatically without having to enter a short title for each record?

Example of Author and Title field:

BURIN J.-J., Guide complet pour la fertilisation, texte établi et présenté par M. de Berteau

in footnotes:

BURIN J.-J., Guide complet pour…

I am grateful for any suggestion,

Daniele