Feed Additives in Animal Nutrition: 2nd Edition

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2026 | Viewed by 1991

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Guest Editor
Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Chapecó 89815-630, Brazil
Interests: antibiotics; minerals; vitamins; phytoactives; anti-mycotoxins; dyes; palatability; probiotics; prebiotics; exogenous enzymes
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Feed costs represent the largest expense within animal production systems, motivating nutritionists to continuously seek additives capable of improving productive efficiency and economic returns. In this context, the feed additive market has expanded markedly in recent years, with particular emphasis on performance-enhancing products intended to replace chemical additives—especially antibiotics—which are prohibited in many countries. Natural additives, such as phytogenics, phytoactive compounds, and phytobiotics, have been widely investigated for their potential benefits, including improvements in animal performance as well as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiparasitic properties. In parallel, technological additives, particularly adsorbents and antimycotoxin agents, have gained increasing relevance. This trend is largely driven by the growing incidence of mycotoxin contamination in cereals, a phenomenon intensified by climate change, which has resulted in reduced feed quality and increased fungal contamination. More recently, feed additives have also been explored as strategies to mitigate methane emissions when incorporated into ruminant diets. In light of these advances and ongoing challenges, this Special Issue invites submissions that address the application of feed additives with nutraceutical potential, a field that still warrants further scientific investigation. The first edition of this Special Issue was highly successful, marked by strong scientific engagement and the publication of high-quality manuscripts that significantly contributed to the field. Building on this positive experience, the second edition aims to achieve similar impact by bringing together robust, innovative, and well-designed studies, further consolidating this Special Issue as a relevant forum for advancing knowledge in animal nutrition and feed additives. Despite the growing body of research, important knowledge gaps remain regarding the mechanisms of action, optimal inclusion rates, and long-term effects of many emerging feed additives under diverse production conditions. Therefore, further well-designed studies are still needed to support their consistent application and to translate experimental findings into practical, sustainable feeding strategies.

Dr. Aleksandro S. Da Silva
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • antibiotics
  • minerals
  • vitamins
  • phytoactives
  • anti-mycotoxins
  • dyes
  • palatability enhancers
  • pro-biotics
  • prebiotics
  • exogenous enzymes

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 1942 KB  
Article
The Effect of Low-Fishmeal Feed Including an Olive Leaf Extract (Olea europaea) Additive on Growth, Intestinal Health and Disease Resistance in Litopenaeus vannamei
by Yundeng Yang, Minling Mao, Huaxing Lin, Beiping Tan, Shuyan Chi and Qihui Yang
Animals 2026, 16(15), 2418; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16152418 - 5 Aug 2026
Viewed by 165
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of olive leaf extract (OLE) on growth, intestinal health, and resistance against Vibrio parahaemolyticus challenge in juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei. To a basal diet containing 12% fishmeal, OLE was added at 0%, 0.10%, 0.20%, 0.40%, and 0.80%, forming [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the effects of olive leaf extract (OLE) on growth, intestinal health, and resistance against Vibrio parahaemolyticus challenge in juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei. To a basal diet containing 12% fishmeal, OLE was added at 0%, 0.10%, 0.20%, 0.40%, and 0.80%, forming diets with equal nitrogen and lipid contents. The diets were divided into five groups and named OLE0 (control group), OLE1, OLE2, OLE4, and OLE8. The findings revealed that relative to OLE0, the weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) increased in the OLE1 group, whereas the feed conversion ratio (FCR) declined (p < 0.05). The crude protein (CP) content for whole shrimp in the OLE8 group was significantly higher (p < 0.05), and the crude lipid (CL) content in the OLE1, OLE2 and OLE8 groups significantly decreased compared with OLE0 (p < 0.05). In serum indices, the OLE8 group had notably higher total protein (TP) content than the control (p < 0.05). Compared with the OLE0 group, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in the OLE1 and OLE2 groups were increased, whereas low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in the OLE4 and OLE8 groups were significantly decreased compared with the control (p < 0.05). Hepatopancreatic malondialdehyde (MDA) in all experimental groups was significantly decreased compared with the control (p < 0.05). The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in all experimental groups increased (p < 0.05) and was the largest in the OLE1 group. The OLE1, OLE2 and OLE4 groups had significantly increased glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity (p < 0.05). Catalase (CAT) activity in the OLE1 group was significantly higher than the control (p < 0.05). The toll, lzm, imd, cru a and propo mRNA expression levels in the hepatopancreas were significantly upregulated in each experimental group (p < 0.05). Intestinal microbial analysis indicated that the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes was elevated in the OLE4 and OLE8 groups, accompanied by a reduction in Vibrio proportion (p < 0.05). Post-challenge assays demonstrated that the OLE4 and OLE8 groups achieved remarkably higher cumulative survival rates than OLE0 (p < 0.05). In summary, OLE in a low-fishmeal diet can promote growth performance, intestinal health and disease resistance for shrimp. According to the broken-line regression model of WGR against OLE dosage, 0.08% was the optimal dietary OLE inclusion level of the OLE additive in juvenile L. vannamei. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Animal Nutrition: 2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 7946 KB  
Article
Effects of Sea Buckthorn Flavonoids on Growth Performance, Blood Biochemical Indexes, Rumen Fermentation and Rumen Bacteria of Hu Sheep Fed with High-Concentrate Diet
by Junlong Zhang, Caixia Shi, Wenguang Zhang, Risu Na, Mingjuan Gu, Lin Zhu, Jie Wang, Haoyuan Tian, Xin Li, Jing Jin, Liye Xiong, Tiankai Wang and Shuhan Zhao
Animals 2026, 16(15), 2403; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16152403 - 4 Aug 2026
Viewed by 219
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of dietary sea buckthorn flavonoid (SF) supplementation on growth performance, serum biochemical, antioxidant, and immune indices, rumen fermentation, and ruminal bacterial composition in Hu sheep fed a high-concentrate diet. Thirty 6-month-old fattening Hu sheep were randomly assigned to [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the effects of dietary sea buckthorn flavonoid (SF) supplementation on growth performance, serum biochemical, antioxidant, and immune indices, rumen fermentation, and ruminal bacterial composition in Hu sheep fed a high-concentrate diet. Thirty 6-month-old fattening Hu sheep were randomly assigned to a high-concentrate control diet (HC) or the same diet supplemented with 0.30% SF (HT; n = 15 per group) for 45 days. Compared with the HC group, SF supplementation increased average daily gain (p = 0.04) and reduced the feed conversion ratio (p = 0.01) without affecting average daily feed intake. Serum total protein, alanine aminotransferase, total antioxidant capacity, IgA, IgG, IL-2, IL-8, and IL-1β were increased in the HT group (p ≤ 0.05). Ruminal acetate and valerate concentrations increased (p = 0.01 and p = 0.03, respectively), and total volatile fatty acid concentration showed an increasing tendency (p = 0.06), whereas rumen pH was unaffected. The relative abundances of Succiniclasticum and Acidaminococcus increased in the HT group (p < 0.05), indicating modulation of specific ruminal bacterial taxa. In conclusion, supplementation with 0.30% SF improved growth efficiency, antioxidant status, selected immune indices, and specific rumen fermentation and bacterial responses in Hu sheep fed a high-concentrate diet. However, the isolated increase in serum alanine aminotransferase may indicate hepatic metabolic adaptation or mild liver stress. Dose–response and time-course studies incorporating liver-specific biomarkers and histopathological evaluation are required to clarify the hepatic safety of sea buckthorn flavonoid supplementation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Animal Nutrition: 2nd Edition)
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28 pages, 25169 KB  
Article
Free and Protected Protease in the Diet of Lactating Jersey Cows: Effects on Performance, Milk Quality, Metabolism, Nutrient Digestibility, Microbiota, and Ruminal Environment
by Maksuel Gatto de Vitt, Andrei Lucas Rebelatto Brunetto, Emeline Pizzolatto de Mello, Tainara Letícia dos Santos, Luisa Nora, Beatriz Danieli, Matheus Wroblescki Silva, Sander Souza Farias, Viviane Cargnin de Lima, Bruna Klein, Camila Ten Kathen Jung, Aniela Pinto Kempka, Gilberto Vilmar Kozloski, Roger Wagner, Miklos Maximiliano Bajay and Aleksandro Schafer da Silva
Animals 2026, 16(12), 1926; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16121926 - 22 Jun 2026
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Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of dietary inclusion of free and protected acid protease on productive performance, milk composition, metabolic profile, nutrient digestibility, and ruminal environment in lactating Jersey cows. Fifteen multiparous cows (67 ± 7.5 days in milk; 27.5 ± 3.5 kg/day) [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the effects of dietary inclusion of free and protected acid protease on productive performance, milk composition, metabolic profile, nutrient digestibility, and ruminal environment in lactating Jersey cows. Fifteen multiparous cows (67 ± 7.5 days in milk; 27.5 ± 3.5 kg/day) were assigned to a 3 × 3 Latin square (5 squares) design with 21-day periods. Treatments consisted of: control (no enzyme), free protease (4.4 g/day), and protected protease (4.4 g/day). The protected form was developed using alginate-based encapsulation to enhance enzyme stability under ruminal conditions. Protease inclusion did not affect dry matter intake, milk yield, or feed efficiency (p > 0.05). However, free protease increased lactation persistency (p = 0.05) and improved fat-corrected and energy-corrected milk yields (p ≤ 0.02), with intermediate responses observed for protected protease. Milk fat and protein contents were higher in enzyme-fed cows (p ≤ 0.05), while other compositional parameters remained unchanged. Apparent crude protein digestibility was greater in cows receiving free protease (p = 0.037), with no effects on dry matter or fiber digestibility. Protease intake increased total volatile fatty acid concentrations and major fermentation products (acetate, propionate, and butyrate; p ≤ 0.01), indicating enhanced ruminal fermentation. Blood metabolites showed increased total protein and globulin levels in cows fed free protease (p ≤ 0.05), suggesting improved protein metabolism. Microbiota analysis revealed no differences in alpha or beta diversity; however, specific microbial taxa and predicted metabolic pathways were modulated by treatments, particularly in post-ruminal compartments. In conclusion, exogenous protease, especially in free form, improved protein utilization and corrected milk production without disrupting microbial stability. These findings highlight the potential of protease as a nutritional strategy to enhance efficiency in dairy systems through targeted modulation of ruminal function and nutrient metabolism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Animal Nutrition: 2nd Edition)
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24 pages, 5837 KB  
Article
Effects of Compound Yeast Culture and Yeast Cell Wall Polysaccharide on Intestinal Barrier Function in Mongolian Ram Lambs
by Songjian Li, Pengxiang Bai, Shixiong Liu, Zixuan Xu, Majigsuren Zolzaya, Dorjgoo Purevtsogt, Hui Chen and Dacheng Liu
Animals 2026, 16(11), 1661; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16111661 - 29 May 2026
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Abstract
During the early growth stage, lambs are highly susceptible to pathogenic microbial invasion due to an underdeveloped intestinal structure, unstable microbial colonization, and immature mucosal immune function, leading to diarrhea, growth retardation, and elevated mortality factors that severely constrain the production efficiency and [...] Read more.
During the early growth stage, lambs are highly susceptible to pathogenic microbial invasion due to an underdeveloped intestinal structure, unstable microbial colonization, and immature mucosal immune function, leading to diarrhea, growth retardation, and elevated mortality factors that severely constrain the production efficiency and economic viability of the sheep industry. This study aimed to compare the regulatory effects of compound yeast culture (CYC) and yeast polysaccharides (YPs) on intestinal barrier function in Mongolian male lambs and clarify their underlying molecular mechanisms. Eighteen lambs were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 6/group): control group (basal diet), CYC group (40 g/kg), and YP group (3 g/kg). After a 30-day feeding trial, intestinal histomorphology, tight junction proteins, immune signaling pathways, and gut microbiota were analyzed. The results showed that both additives improved intestinal villus morphology, and CYC markedly increased the villus height/crypt depth ratio (p < 0.05). At the mechanical barrier level, CYC upregulated the protein expression of occludin, claudin-1, and ZO-1, whereas YPs increased occludin and ZO-1 expression (p < 0.05). Immunologically, CYC inhibited intestinal inflammation via the TLR4/TRAF6/MyD88/NF-κB pathway, increasing interleukin-10 (IL-10) and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) while decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines. YPs exerted similar anti-inflammatory effects through the TLR2/MyD88 pathway. Microbial analysis indicated that both additives increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria including Eubacterium, Bacillus, and Succinivibrio, while reducing the potential pathogen Mogibacterium. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that Mogibacterium was positively correlated with TNF-α and negatively correlated with occludin expression. In conclusion, CYC and YPs effectively enhance intestinal mechanical, immune, and biological barriers via different TLR-mediated pathways and microbial modulation. Both natural additives have great application potential for improving lamb health, reducing antibiotic dependence, and promoting sustainable green animal husbandry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Animal Nutrition: 2nd Edition)
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