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Dietary Components in Animal Nutrition: Favoring Sustainability, Welfare and Safety

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 December 2025 | Viewed by 6919

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Dr. Xihong Zhou

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Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Changsha, China
Interests: animal nutrition; animal physiology; animal feed; inflammation; gut microbe
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Increasing attention has focused on animal sustainability, welfare and safety, which can be greatly improved by dietary components. Dietary components significantly affect the physiology and behavior of animals. Inappropriate diet components could lead to stress and consequently threaten animal health, as energy consumption and immune response are highly enhanced. A suitable proportion of nutrient elements in diet is crucial to animal sustainability, welfare and safety.

This Special Issue of Animals will publish reviews and original research articles covering the recent research advances in the influence of dietary components in animal nutrition on sustainability, welfare and safety. The dietary components may mainly involve different levels and types of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, as well as functional components, including plants and plant extracts, organic acids, probiotics, etc.

We are particularly interested in studies that strengthen our understanding of the physiological and biochemical mechanisms of dietary components on the sustainability, welfare and safety of farm animals. In addition, promising and innovative diet additives and feeding patterns that favor sustainability, welfare and safety are welcome.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

The influence of dietary components, innovative additives and feeding patterns on sustainability, welfare and safety in farm animals;
Host alterations in response to dietary components and feeding patterns revealed by multi-omics integration analysis;
Deciphering the mechanism underlying dietary components on sustainability, welfare and safety.

Dr. Xihong Zhou
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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

animal health
animal welfare
farm animal
feed components
gut microbiota

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 258 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Dietary Schizochytrium sp. Meal Enhances the Fatty Acid Profile in Pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) Fillets with No Effect on Growth Performance and Health Status

by André D. Nobre, Renata V. Mendonça, Ana Beatriz de S. Farias, Fernando Y. Yamamoto and Ligia U. Gonçalves

Animals 2025, 15(5), 712; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15050712 - 2 Mar 2025

Viewed by 610

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the impact of dietary supplementation with Schizochytrium sp. meal, a source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), on the growth, hemato-biochemical parameters, and fatty acid composition of juvenile pirarucu (Arapaima gigas). Two diets were used: a test diet (5%SZ) and a control diet (0 SZ). Juvenile pirarucu (561.3 ± 13.4 g; 47.5 ± 7.1 cm) were kept in recirculating aquaculture tanks and fed three times daily for 12 weeks. No significant differences in growth performance or adverse effects on hemato-biochemical parameters were found, except for hemoglobin and total protein. The fatty acid profile of the fillets from the fish fed the 5 SZ diet mirrored that of the Schizochytrium sp. meal, with increased levels of palmitic acid, DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and decreased levels of linoleic and linolenic acids. The inclusion of Schizochytrium sp. meal reduced monounsaturated fatty acids from 39.6% to 32.0% and increased highly unsaturated fatty acids from 3.05% to 11.9% of total lipids. The DHA content was 9.45 times higher in the fillets of the fish fed 5 SZ, improving the n-3/n-6 ratio from 0.26 to 1.19. In conclusion, adding 5% Schizochytrium sp. meal enhances the nutritional quality of pirarucu fillets by increasing DHA and the n-3/n-6 ratio. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Components in Animal Nutrition: Favoring Sustainability, Welfare and Safety)

14 pages, 4230 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Brown Algae Polysaccharides Alleviate Diquat-Induced Oxidative Stress in Piglets and IPEC-J2 Cells via Nrf2/ARE Signaling Pathway

by Chunjie Hou, Zirou Yu, Chenyu Shi, Ya Huang and Hu Liu

Animals 2025, 15(4), 559; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15040559 - 14 Feb 2025

Viewed by 453

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of Brown algae polysaccharides (BAPs) on diquat-induced oxidative stress in piglets and IPEC-J2 cells through Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway. In the in vivo model, 24 male piglets of the Duroc × Landrace × Large White breed were selected and divided into 4 groups (n = 6), including the CON group (basal diet), DIQ group (10 mg/kg Diquat), BAP group (1000 mg/kg BAP), and BAP+DIQ group (1000 mg/kg BAP + 10 mg/kg Diquat). Compared with the DIQ group, BAP improved growth performance and the BAP+DIQ group reduced the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and DAO in plasma, increased VH and VCR, improved jejunal tissue morphology, decreased MDA levels, and increased T-AOC (p < 0.05). Additionally, the BAP+DIQ group elevated mRNA levels of ZO-1, and enhanced the protein levels of Occludin, Claudin1, CAT, SOD1, and HO-1 (p < 0.05). In the in vitro model, the BAP+DIQ group decreased MDA levels, increased T-AOC, elevated mRNA levels of ZO-1, CAT and SOD2, as well as protein levels of Claudin1, SOD1, HO-1, and total Nrf2 compared with the DIQ group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, BAP increased nuclear Nrf2 protein levels, and promoted the translocation of Nrf2 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus compared with the DIQ group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, BAPs are crucial for enhancing piglets’ antioxidant capacity via Nrf2 pathway activation. These findings highlight BAP’s potential as a natural feed additive to mitigate oxidative stress and improve overall health in piglets. Further research is warranted to explore BAPs as a dietary supplement to support gut health and reduce oxidative stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Components in Animal Nutrition: Favoring Sustainability, Welfare and Safety)

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14 pages, 276 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Potential Effects of Soybean By-Product (Hulls) and Enzyme (Beta-Mannanase) on Laying Hens During Peak Production

by Muhammad Shuaib, Abdul Hafeez, Deependra Paneru, Woo Kyun Kim, Muhammad Tahir, Anthony Pokoo-Aikins, Obaid Ullah and Abubakar Sufyan

Animals 2025, 15(1), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15010098 - 4 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1012

Abstract

This study determined the interaction between soybean hulls (SHs) and enzymes (β-mannanase) to improve the sustainability and efficacy of feeding programs for laying hens during peak production while ensuring the best health and efficiency. In a completely randomized design (CRD), 200 golden-brown hens were fed for four weeks (33 to 36 weeks) and randomly distributed into four groups, each containing four replicates of ten birds, with one group receiving a control diet (P0) and the others receiving diets that contained four combinations of SHs and enzymes (ENZs). e.g., 3% SHs and 0.02 g/kg ENZs (P1), 3% SHs and 0.03 g/kg ENZs (P2), 9% SHs and 0.02 g/kg ENZs (P3), and 9% SHs and 0.03 g/kg ENZs (P4). Although most egg quality measures remained similar, the P2 group showed enhanced (p = 0.630) egg weight, albumen weight, and height. Moreover, the P2 group improved gut (p < 0.05) shape by increasing villus width, height, crypt depth, and surface area throughout intestinal sections, while the P4 group markedly improved total cholesterol and LDL (p = 0.022) levels. The P1, P2, and P4 groups exhibited a significant enhancement in dry matter (p = 0.022) and crude fiber (p = 0.046) digestibility, while the P2 group demonstrated superior crude protein digestibility (p = 0.032), and the P1 and P2 groups showed increased crude fat digestibility compared to the other groups. In conclusion, adding 3% of SHs and 30 mg/kg of ENZs (β-mannanase) to the feed may help laying hens, enhance gut health and some egg quality indices, and decrease blood cholesterol and LDL levels without compromising nutrient digestibility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Components in Animal Nutrition: Favoring Sustainability, Welfare and Safety)

12 pages, 259 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Dietary Schizochytrium Algae as ω-3 PUFA Source on the Egg-Laying Quail Performance, Serum Indexes, and Egg Yolk Fatty Acids Contents

by Yifan Chang, Yue Xuan, Ruinan Zhang, Xuemei Ding, Qiufeng Zeng, Jianping Wang, Shiping Bai, Shanshan Li, Yan Liu, Yuchuan Chen and Keying Zhang

Animals 2025, 15(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15010021 - 25 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1104

Abstract

The objective of this experiment is to investigate the effects of SAP or SAO as ω-3 PUFA raw materials on production performance, egg quality, serum immunity, serum lipids, and fatty acid deposition patterns in the eggs of laying quails. Chinese yellow-feathered quails served as the experimental subjects. A single-factor design was employed to randomly assign 1288 quails into four treatment groups, with seven replicates per treatment and 46 birds in each replicate. The groups included a control group (basal diet with no SAP), 1.6% SAP, 3.2% SAP, and 0.8% SAP + 0.3% SAO. The results indicate that: (1) Compared to the control group, the 0.8% SAP + 0.3% SAO group exhibited a reduction in daily egg-laying rate and egg mass, alongside an increased FCR; (2) the 3.2% SAP group enhanced egg yolk color, while the 1.6% SAP group reduced eggshell thickness, and the 0.8% SAP + 0.3% SAO group increased eggshell thickness; (3) compared to the control group, the 3.2% SAP group decreased total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in serum; the addition of either the 3.2% SAP or the 0.8% SAP + 0.3% SAO group significantly elevated quail serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels (p < 0.05); (4) in comparison to the control group, the addition of SAP or with SAP increased the contents of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and ω-3 PUFA in 56-day-old egg yolks while reducing the ω-6/ω-3 ratio (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that SAP as a source of ω-3 PUFA raw materials could improve quail health by improving lipid metabolism and immunity. 3.2% SAP was recommended as the optimal level to produce the enriched ω-3 PUFA quail eggs with the ω-3 PUFA ≥ 300 mg/100 g. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Components in Animal Nutrition: Favoring Sustainability, Welfare and Safety)

14 pages, 10481 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Multi-Omics Reveal the Improvements of Nutrient Digestion, Absorption, and Metabolism and Intestinal Function via GABA Supplementation in Weanling Piglets

by Yan Zeng, Hong Hu, Yiwen He, Zhiying Deng, Yiting Guo and Xihong Zhou

Animals 2024, 14(22), 3177; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14223177 - 6 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1122

Abstract

The nonprotein amino acid γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) can enhance intestinal function in piglets; however, the mechanisms involved are not yet fully understood. To explore the effects of GABA and its underlying mechanisms, weanling piglets were randomly assigned to three groups, receiving either a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with GABA (80 mg/kg or 120 mg/kg). The results demonstrated that dietary GABA improved growth performance and reduced diarrhea incidence (p < 0.05). Additionally, GABA supplementation decreased the serum and intestinal levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (p < 0.05), and improved intestinal morphology. Multi-omics analyses were employed to explore the alterations caused by GABA supplementation and elucidate the related mechanisms. Microbiota profiling revealed improved beta-diversity and changes in the composition of ileal bacteria and fungi. Amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and digestive processes were primarily enriched in the GABA group according to metabolomics analysis. A transcriptome analysis showed significant enrichment in ion transmembrane transport and nutrition absorption and digestion pathways in the ileum. Furthermore, increased lipase and trypsin activity, along with the elevated expression of tight junction proteins confirmed the beneficial effects of GABA on intestinal nutrient metabolism and barrier function. In conclusion, dietary 80 mg/kg GABA supplementation improved nutrient digestion and absorption and intestinal function in weanling piglets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Components in Animal Nutrition: Favoring Sustainability, Welfare and Safety)

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11 pages, 248 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Optimal Dietary Sodium or Chloride Level of Broilers Fed a Corn–Soybean Meal Diet from 22 to 42 Days of Age

by Xiaoyan Cui, Feiyu Gao, Weiyun Zhang, Wei Wu, Liyang Zhang, Yun Hu, Shengchen Wang, Tingting Li and Xugang Luo

Animals 2024, 14(22), 3173; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14223173 - 6 Nov 2024

Viewed by 882

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the ideal dietary Na or Cl level for chickens from 22 to 42 d of age, utilizing a corn–soybean meal diet that maintains a 1:1 ratio of Na to Cl. At 22 d of age, a total of 288 male broilers of Arbor Acres were selected and randomly divided into one of six treatments. Each treatment contained eight replicates, with six chicks in each replicate. The control chicks were given a basic diet including 0.02% Na and 0.07% Cl without added Na or Cl, while the birds in other treatments were given diets containing different Na or Cl levels (0.13%, 0.19%, 0.25%, 0.31%, and 0.37%). With increasing dietary Na or Cl levels, linear (p < 0.0001) and quadratic (p < 0.0001) increases occurred in ADG, ADFI, and average daily water consumption, while F/G exhibited a linear (p < 0.0001) and quadratic (p < 0.0001) decrease from 22 to 42 d of age in broilers. Linear (p < 0.02) and quadratic increases (p < 0.03) were found in the heart indicator, serum Cl⁻ concentrations, and blood Na⁺ and Cl⁻ concentrations, whereas the kidney indicator, blood K⁺ concentrations, and serum K⁺, UA, and glucose (GLU) concentrations showed a linear (p < 0.04) and quadratic (p < 0.004) decrease with an increase in dietary Na or Cl levels. The excreta water content, liver indicator, and jejunal crypt depth also showed a linear increase (p < 0.02). The ideal levels of dietary Na or Cl were estimated to be 0.07% to 0.12%, based on the most suitable broken-line and asymptotic models (p ≤ 0.0002) using those sensitive indicators mentioned above. It was suggested that the suitable dietary Na or Cl level of 0.12% would adequately fulfill the Na or Cl metabolic demands of chickens from 22 to 42 d of age. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Components in Animal Nutrition: Favoring Sustainability, Welfare and Safety)

17 pages, 20655 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Isatidis Root Residue Improves Diarrhea and Intestinal Function in Weaned Piglets

by Zhong Chen, Zenghao Yan, Siting Xia, Kaijun Wang, Qi Han, Miao Zhou, Deqin Wang, Jie Yin and Yulong Yin

Animals 2024, 14(19), 2776; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192776 - 26 Sep 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 986

Abstract

Weaning stress can trigger diarrhea, cause intestinal damage, and disrupt the intestinal flora of piglets, ultimately resulting in retarded growth or even the death of the animals. Traditional Chinese medicine residues encompass numerous bioactive compounds and essential nutrients; however, their efficient utilization remains a challenge. Consequently, our study sought to explore the impact of traditional Chinese medicine residues, specifically Isatidis Root residue (IRR), on the growth performance, intestinal function, and occurrence of weaning diarrhea in newly weaned piglets. Forty healthy, castrated Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire males, weaned at 21 days old and exhibiting similar body conditions, were randomly allocated into five groups, with eight piglets in each group. The results indicated that the dietary inclusion of IRR at concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 4.0% notably decreased the incidence of diarrhea in weaned piglets compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Serum LDL-C and globulin (GLB) contents were reduced in response to dietary IRR concentrations (0.5% to 4.0%), while serum albumin (ALB) and albumin/globulin (A/G) contents were enhanced (p < 0.05). Dietary 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% IRR resulted in significant increases in villus height (VH) and villus height/crypt depth (V/C) ratios in the jejunum, V/C ratios in the ileum, and the number of villi goblet cells both in the jejunum and ileum. IRR also led to a significant decrease in the crypt depth (CD) of the jejunum and ileum (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the expression of IL-6 in the jejunum was significantly increased in IRR-fed piglets (0.5% to 4.0%) (p < 0.05). IRR demonstrated inhibitory effects on harmful bacteria in the gastrointestinal microbiome, including Campylobacter, Actinobacillus minor, and Ralstonia pickettii, indicating its broad-spectrum bacteriostatic properties. In conclusion, dietary IRR alleviated diarrhea in weaned piglets and improved gut function and microbial compositions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Components in Animal Nutrition: Favoring Sustainability, Welfare and Safety)

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