Dietary Preferences and Diet Selection for Health and Performance Improvement in Livestock

Dear Colleagues,

The health and performance of livestock are significantly influenced by the interplay of their environment, nutrition, diet, and behavior, particularly through the effects these factors have on gut microbiota, antioxidant capacity, and immune homeostasis. Feed nutrition plays a crucial role in regulating several vital functions in livestock, including immunity, digestion, and nutrient metabolism. The connection between gut health, the environment, and feed nutrition is highlighted by the changes in metabolites produced by gut microbiota, antioxidant status, and the gut’s barrier function. A healthy gut microbiota helps maintain optimal nutrient absorption, supports immune function, and improves overall health and productivity. This Special Issue aims to explore the intricate relationships between diet, environmental factors, microbiota, immunity, and oxidative stress. It focuses on understanding how these elements interact to shape livestock health, performance, and disease resistance. By examining the effects these factors have on gut health, this Special Issue seeks to provide insights into how they collectively impact livestock well-being, emphasizing the importance of managing nutritional and environmental factors to optimize health outcomes. Ultimately, our goal is to advance our knowledge of the complex systems that regulate livestock health and performance, contributing to more sustainable and efficient animal production.

Dr. Shenfei Long
Guest Editor

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