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Animals
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Nutritional Modulation Strategies for Rumen Microbiota Structure and Methane Emissions
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Nutritional Modulation Strategies for Rumen Microbiota Structure and Methane Emissions

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2026 | Viewed by 1803

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Duanqin Wu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410205, China
Interests: regional strategies for regulating low methane emissions through forage resource optimization; development and application of novel feed additives; analysis of rumen microbial interaction networks; identification of key functional microorganisms involved in methane production
Dr. Zuo Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Yuelushan Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
Interests: nutritional strategies to enhance feed efficiency, production performance, and the welfare of ruminants through regulating ruminal microbiome and mitigating methane emissions; interactions between the ruminal microorganisms and host; relevant mechanisms and modulation alternatives
Dr. Rong Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
CAS Key Laboratory for Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China
Interests: methane emission reduction and measurement in the rumen of cattle and sheep; in vitro evaluation of feed digestibility in the rumen; development of methane detection devices for ruminants

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Ruminant livestock serves as a critical pillar of agriculture due to their efficient conversion of roughage into high-value products such as meat and milk, thereby ensuring food security and fostering a circular economy in agriculture. However, methane emitted during the digestion process of ruminants, including cattle and sheep, is a significant greenhouse gas with potent global warming potential. Excessive methane emissions contribute substantially to climate change. Consequently, it is essential to thoroughly investigate the influence that feeding management has on methane emissions. By optimizing feed formulations and feeding strategies while maintaining the growth performance of livestock, it is possible to reduce methane emissions, enhance feed utilization efficiency, and decrease production costs, ultimately achieving sustainable development in the livestock industry and ensuring the stable supply of meat, milk, and other animal-based products.

Areas of interest include the following: nutritional regulation and microbiome management; the optimization of feed resources and the innovation of feed additives; microbial network analysis and the identification of functional bacteria; studies on the interaction mechanism between hosts and microorganisms; and the formulation of regional low-emission strategies.

We invite you to share your recent findings in this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Duanqin Wu
Dr. Zuo Wang
Dr. Rong Wang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • ruminant
  • forage
  • feed additives
  • rumen microbiota
  • fermentation
  • metagenomics
  • metabolomics
  • methane
  • hydrogenase
  • sustainable livestock production

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 8683 KB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of Fecal Microbiota and Metabolomic Profiles in Male and Female Leizhou Goats Offered a 10% Crude Protein Diet Among Four Energy Levels
by Hu Liu, Wenji Wang, Weishi Peng, Anmiao Chen, Xiaogao Diao, Xia Yang, Jianmin Chai, Yuanting Yang, Ke Wang, Jiancheng Han and Hanlin Zhou
Animals 2025, 15(15), 2174; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15152174 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 330
Abstract
The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining the host’s metabolism and can influence the host’s productivity. Both dietary composition and gender have distinct effects on the composition of the gut microbiota. Therefore, to investigate the differences in the structure and function [...] Read more.
The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining the host’s metabolism and can influence the host’s productivity. Both dietary composition and gender have distinct effects on the composition of the gut microbiota. Therefore, to investigate the differences in the structure and function of the gut microbiota between female and male goats, we analyzed their fecal microbiota and metabolites when fed a 10% crude protein diet at four different energy levels—7.01, 8.33, 9.66, and 10.98 MJ/kg DM. Four non-pregnant female and four male Leizhou goats (all 8 months of age) were used in the experiment, with an average body weight of 10.3 ± 0.8 kg for females and 13.6 ± 1.1 kg for males (mean ± SD). The animals were assigned to two separate 4 × 4 Latin square designs according to their gender, each consisting of four treatments and four 28-day periods, including 25 days of a dietary adaptation period and 3 days of fecal sample collection per period. The data were analyzed using the SAS statistical package and Pearson’s correlation analysis. The dominant phyla for all samples were Firmicutes and Bacteroidota, regardless of dietary energy levels or gender. Among fecal bacteria, unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae was the dominant genus in the female goats, and Oscillospiraceae_UCG-005 was the dominant genus in the male goats. The relative abundance of unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae (p < 0.001), Bacteroides (p = 0.007), norank_f_Ruminococcaceae (p = 0.024), Mediterraneibacter (p = 0.001), and norank_f_Muribaculaceae (p = 0.008) was greater in the female goats than in the male goats. In contrast, the relative abundance of Oscillospiraceae_UCG-005 (p < 0.001), Ruminococcus (p = 0.035), Monoglobus (p = 0.006), Oscillospiraceae-NK4A214_group (p = 0.008), norank_f_F082 (p < 0.001), and Prevotellaceae_UCG-003 (p < 0.001) was lower in the female goats than in the male goats. The volcano plot showed that there were 153, 171, 171, and 183 differential metabolites between the female and male goats at dietary energy levels of 7.01, 8.33, 9.66, and 10.98 MJ/kg DM, respectively. Numerous correlations were observed between differential metabolites and microflora genera. We concluded that the non-pregnant female and male goats exhibited distinct metabolic abilities when consuming a 10% crude protein diet at four different energy levels. Interestingly, in the female and male goats, the fecal microbiota also showed some differing responses to the energy levels. These results provide a gender-based reference for formulating low-protein dietary strategies for 8-month-old Leizhou goats. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Modulation Strategies for Rumen Microbiota Structure and Methane Emissions)
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19 pages, 2699 KB  
Article
Nitrogen Utilization and Ruminal Microbiota of Hu Lambs in Response to Varying Dietary Metabolizable Protein Levels
by Yitao Cai, Jifu Zou, Yibang Zhou, Jinyong Yang, Chong Wang and Huiling Mao
Animals 2025, 15(14), 2147; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15142147 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 418
Abstract
Optimizing the metabolizable protein level in ruminant diets represents a promising strategy to increase nitrogen use efficiency and mitigate environmental pollution. This study explored the impacts of varying metabolizable protein (MP) levels on amino acid (AA) balance, nitrogen (N) utilization, and the ruminal [...] Read more.
Optimizing the metabolizable protein level in ruminant diets represents a promising strategy to increase nitrogen use efficiency and mitigate environmental pollution. This study explored the impacts of varying metabolizable protein (MP) levels on amino acid (AA) balance, nitrogen (N) utilization, and the ruminal microbiota in Hu lambs. Fifty-four female Hu lambs of 60 d old, with an average body weight (BW) of 18.7 ± 2.37 kg, were randomly allocated to three dietary MP groups: (1) low MP (LMP, 7.38% of DM), (2) moderate MP (MMP, 8.66% of DM), and (3) high MP (HMP, 9.93% of DM). Three lambs with similar BW within each group were housed together in a single pen, serving as one experimental replicate (n = 6). The feeding trial lasted for 60 days with 10 days for adaptation. The final BW of lambs in the MMP and HMP groups increased (p < 0.05) by 5.64% and 5.26%, respectively, compared to the LMP group. Additionally, lambs fed the MMP diet exhibited an 11.6% higher (p < 0.05) average daily gain than those in the LMP group. Increasing dietary MP levels enhanced (p < 0.05) N intake, urinary N, retained N, and percent N retained, but decreased apparent N digestibility (p < 0.05). Urinary uric acid, total purine derivatives, intestinally absorbable dietary protein, microbial crude protein, intestinally absorbable microbial crude protein, and actual MP supply all increased (p < 0.05) with higher MP values in the diet. The plasma concentrations of arginine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, aspartic acid, proline, total essential AAs, and total nonessential AAs were the lowest (p < 0.05) in the LMP group. In the rumen, elevated MP levels led to a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the ammonia N content. The relative abundances of Candidatus_Saccharimonas, Ruminococcus, and Oscillospira were the lowest (p < 0.05), whereas the relative abundances of Terrisporobacter and the Christensenellaceae_R-7_group were the highest (p < 0.05) in the MMP group. In conclusion, the moderate dietary metabolizable protein level could enhance growth performance, balance the plasma amino acid profiles, and increase nitrogen utilization efficiency in Hu lambs, while also altering the rumen bacterial community by increasing beneficial probiotics like the Christensenellaceae_R-7_group. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Modulation Strategies for Rumen Microbiota Structure and Methane Emissions)
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17 pages, 4418 KB  
Article
Effect of Roughage Source on the Composition and Colonization of Rumen Bacteria and Methanogens in Dumont and Mongolian Sheep
by Wenliang Guo, Hongyang Liu, Yue Wang, Meila Na, Ran Zhang and Renhua Na
Animals 2025, 15(14), 2079; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15142079 - 14 Jul 2025
Viewed by 260
Abstract
Understanding the influence of the sheep breed and roughage source on the composition of rumen bacteria and methanogens is essential for optimizing roughage efficiency. The experiment employed a 2 × 2 factorial design. Twenty-four Dumont and Mongolian sheep (initial body weight of 18.94 [...] Read more.
Understanding the influence of the sheep breed and roughage source on the composition of rumen bacteria and methanogens is essential for optimizing roughage efficiency. The experiment employed a 2 × 2 factorial design. Twenty-four Dumont and Mongolian sheep (initial body weight of 18.94 ± 1.01 kg) were randomly assigned by breed to two dietary treatment groups (AH: alfalfa hay; CS: corn straw); the experiment lasted 90 days. The results showed that sheep fed alfalfa hay diets had a higher feed intake and weight gain, and Dumont sheep had a higher feed intake than Mongolian sheep (p < 0.05). The diversity and composition of ruminal bacteria and methanogens differed between Dumont and Mongolian sheep fed either AH or CS diets. The taxonomic analysis revealed a distinct clustering pattern based on the roughage source, but not on the breed. When fed a corn straw diet, the bacterial Chao1 index of Dumont sheep increased (p < 0.05), while the diversity and richness of methanogens in Mongolian sheep increased (p < 0.05). Additionally, we have identified unique biomarkers for the rumen bacteria and methanogens of Dumont and Mongolian sheep in response to different roughage sources. The results suggest that the differences in the microbiota of the sheep were associated with the roughage source and breed. The higher growth performance of Dumont sheep might be attributed to the increase in bacterial diversity and the decrease in methanogenic bacteria diversity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Modulation Strategies for Rumen Microbiota Structure and Methane Emissions)
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Review

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19 pages, 769 KB  
Review
Advancements in the Research and Application of Whole-Plant Maize Silage for Feeding Purposes
by Xuelei Zhang, Xiaoxiao Liang and Yong Zhang
Animals 2025, 15(13), 1922; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15131922 - 29 Jun 2025
Viewed by 512
Abstract
This paper offers an exhaustive review of various pivotal aspects of forage whole-plant maize silage. It commences with an exploration of the foundational elements of planting, including the growing environment, variety selection, planting techniques, management practices, and harvesting considerations. The paper assesses the [...] Read more.
This paper offers an exhaustive review of various pivotal aspects of forage whole-plant maize silage. It commences with an exploration of the foundational elements of planting, including the growing environment, variety selection, planting techniques, management practices, and harvesting considerations. The paper assesses the nutritional value of maize silage, its effects on animal health, and its current applications in livestock farming. Additionally, it elucidates the principles of fermentation, pathogen control, and the impact of fermentation technology on silage quality. The paper also discusses utilization strategies and technological advancements. A historical perspective is provided, alongside an analysis of current challenges, opportunities, and the global market positioning of maize silage. Furthermore, the paper delves into future prospects by addressing sustainable development strategies, adaptation to climate change, and ethical and economic controversies. The primary aim is to serve as a comprehensive reference for further research, production practices, and industrial chain development in the domain of forage whole-plant maize silage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Modulation Strategies for Rumen Microbiota Structure and Methane Emissions)
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