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Animals
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Feed Additives in Animal Nutrition
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Feed Additives in Animal Nutrition

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2025 | Viewed by 2420

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Aleksandro Schafer Da Silva

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department Animal Science, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), City Chapecó, Santa Catarina State, Brazil
Interests: antibiotics; minerals; vitamins; phytoactives; anti-mycotoxins; dyes; palatability; probiotics; prebiotics; exogenous enzymes
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Animal feed is the highest cost in the production system, which is why nutritionists seek additives to enhance production and increase profits. The additive market has grown significantly in recent years, with a focus on performance enhancers that replace chemical additives (mainly antibiotics), which are banned in many countries. Natural additives, including phytogenics, phytoactives and phytobiotics, have been studied with regard to their performance and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiparasitic effects. Technological additives such as adsorbents/antimycotoxins are also being employed more often; this is due to the alarming increase in mycotoxins in cereals in recent years caused by climate change, which has contributed to the production of low-quality feed contaminated by fungi. More recently, additives have been used to mitigate methane emissions when added to the diet of ruminants. Therefore, this Special Issue welcomes the submission of articles that address the use of additives with nutraceutical potential, as this subject requires further exploration.

Prof. Dr. Aleksandro Schafer Da Silva
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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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

  • antibiotics
  • minerals
  • vitamins
  • phytoactives
  • anti-mycotoxins
  • dyes
  • palatability
  • probiotics
  • prebiotics
  • exogenous enzymes

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 1425 KiB  
Article
Optimizing Finishing Pig Performance and Sustainability: The Role of Protein Levels and Eco-Friendly Additive
by Weihan Zhao, Kyejin Lee and Inho Kim
Animals 2025, 15(9), 1248; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15091248 - 28 Apr 2025
Viewed by 171
Abstract
This study contributes to promoting green farming and achieving sustainable pork production. Especially under the conditions of resource scarcity and rising environmental demands, efficient and eco-friendly feeding strategies have become key to industry development. We evaluated the effects of supplementing an eco-friendly additive [...] Read more.
This study contributes to promoting green farming and achieving sustainable pork production. Especially under the conditions of resource scarcity and rising environmental demands, efficient and eco-friendly feeding strategies have become key to industry development. We evaluated the effects of supplementing an eco-friendly additive (EFA) in diets with normal and low protein (−2% CP) levels on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, gas emission, fecal score, meat quality, and blood profile in finishing pigs. In this 10-week (70-day and 7-day adaptation period) feeding experiment, 200 crossbred pigs [Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire)] with an initial average body weight (BW) of 55.05 ± 3.35 kg were used. The pigs were randomly assigned to four treatment groups in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with five pigs per replicate group, including two gilts and three barrows per pen, and each treatment group was repeated 10 times. The experimental treatments included the following: two protein levels (normal CP and −2% CP) and two EFA levels (0% and 0.5% EFA). The results showed that pigs fed high-protein + EFA diets had a significantly higher ADG from weeks 0–5 compared to the high-protein control group (p < 0.05). From weeks 5–10 and overall, both high-protein + EFA and low-protein + EFA groups had a higher ADG than the low-protein − EFA group (p < 0.05). At week 10, the low-protein + EFA group showed significantly higher nitrogen digestibility and significantly lower ammonia emissions compared to the high-protein − EFA group (p < 0.05). Both EFA supplementation and protein level had significant effects on ammonia emissions. The fecal score was not significantly affected (p > 0.05). In blood profiles, NPY was higher in the high-protein + EFA group than in the low-protein − EFA group (p < 0.05). In terms of meat quality, both EFA-supplemented groups had a higher WHC compared to the low-protein − EFA group, while the high-protein + EFA group had a greater LMA (p < 0.05) and lower drip loss on day 7 after slaughter (p < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementing low-protein diets with EFA can effectively enhance the growth performance of finishing pigs, mitigate environmental pollution, and offer feeding advantages while lowering feed costs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Animal Nutrition)
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15 pages, 3226 KiB  
Article
Effects of Adding Bacillus coagulans BCH0 to the Diet on Growth Performance, Tissue Structures, and Gut Microbiota in Broilers
by Zhili Niu, Linbao Ji, Yucheng Zhang, Zeyi Chen, Jiakun Shen, Zhaoyue Men, Chenlong Zhou, Peng Tan and Xi Ma
Animals 2025, 15(9), 1243; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15091243 - 28 Apr 2025
Viewed by 247
Abstract
Studies demonstrated that Bacillus coagulans (B. coagulans) as a dietary additive enhanced broiler growth performance, yet its mechanisms of action modulation remained unclear. Therefore, this study investigated effects of dietary B. coagulans BCH0 (1 × 109 CFU/kg) on growth performance, [...] Read more.
Studies demonstrated that Bacillus coagulans (B. coagulans) as a dietary additive enhanced broiler growth performance, yet its mechanisms of action modulation remained unclear. Therefore, this study investigated effects of dietary B. coagulans BCH0 (1 × 109 CFU/kg) on growth performance, intestinal morphology, gut microbiota, and ileal transcriptomics in Arbor Acres broilers using a completely randomized design. A total of 200 one-day-old broilers were allocated to control (Con, basal diet) and experimental (BCH0, basal diet + 1 × 109 CFU/kg B. coagulans BCH0) groups (10 replicates/group, 10 birds/replicate) over a 42-day trial. The results revealed that BCH0 significantly increased body weights (BW) at 21 and 42 days (p < 0.05), improved the average daily gain (ADG) during the starter (1–21 days) and overall phases (1–42 days), and reduced the ratio of feed intake to body weight gain (F/G) across all phases (p < 0.05). Duodenal morphology analysis indicated a BCH0 elevated villus height (+16.9%, p < 0.01) and villus height/crypt depth (V/C) (p < 0.01) and no significant differences in crypt depth (p = 0.46). In the ileum, the BCH0 group exhibited a significantly greater villus height (p < 0.01), crypt depth (p < 0.05), and V/C (p < 0.05) than the Con group. Microbiota analysis revealed no significant differences in α-diversity or β-diversity, but phylum-level shifts involved an increase in Firmicutes and a reduction in Actinobacteriota in the BCH0 group. At the genus level, dominance shifted from Romboutsia (Control group) to Lactobacillus (BCH0 group), accompanied by marked reductions in Turicibacter, Ldatus_arthromitus, and Rothia. Ileal transcriptomics identified 605 differentially expressed genes, with KEGG enrichment highlighting activated nutrient assimilation pathways (p < 0.05), including carbohydrate, mineral, fat, and protein digestion/absorption. These findings collectively demonstrated that B. coagulans BCH0 enhanced broiler growth through the synergistic modulation of beneficial microbiota, the upregulation of nutrient metabolism genes, and intestinal architectural optimization, supporting its role as a sustainable microbial additive for enhancing poultry productivity and gut health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Animal Nutrition)
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22 pages, 2828 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Impact of the Methane Inhibitors 3-Nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP) and Canola Oil on the Rumen Anaerobic Fungi
by Eóin O’Hara, Nora Chomistek, Stephanie A. Terry, Karen A. Beauchemin and Robert J. Gruninger
Animals 2025, 15(9), 1230; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15091230 - 27 Apr 2025
Viewed by 239
Abstract
Reducing enteric methane emissions is critical for improving the sustainability of ruminant livestock production. In this study, we investigated the impact of the methane inhibitors 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP) and canola oil, fed both individually and in combination, on the anaerobic gut fungi (AGF) of [...] Read more.
Reducing enteric methane emissions is critical for improving the sustainability of ruminant livestock production. In this study, we investigated the impact of the methane inhibitors 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP) and canola oil, fed both individually and in combination, on the anaerobic gut fungi (AGF) of the rumen. Eight ruminally cannulated Angus heifers were used in a replicated double 4 × 4 Latin square over 28-day periods with a 2 (control, 3-NOP) × 2 (control, canola oil) factorial arrangement. Rumen samples were collected after 13 d dietary adaptation, and AGF communities were evaluated using amplicon sequencing of the D1/D2 region of the 28S rRNA (LSU) gene. Although 3-NOP reduced methane yield by approximately 32%, it did not substantially alter the diversity, composition, or overall abundance of the AGF community. In contrast, canola oil supplementation, either alone or combined with 3-NOP, markedly disrupted the fungal community. These treatments reduced overall fungal diversity and the abundance of key fiber-degrading taxa, such as Neocallimastix and Piromyces, while eliciting variable responses among less abundant genera. Furthermore, resilience analyses using control-diet-fed samples indicated that repeated perturbation impaired the recovery of some AGF taxa, leading to a shift in the composition of the fungal community. Overall, our findings suggest that 3-NOP offers a targeted methane mitigation strategy and does not alter the rumen AGF. In contrast, the addition of canola oil at levels that inhibit enteric methane emissions has a disruptive impact on the AGF community, contributing to reduced feed digestibility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Animal Nutrition)
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16 pages, 2736 KiB  
Article
Inclusion of Multi-Strained Probiotics Improves the Fecal Microbiota and Carcass Quality of Pigs
by Ting-Yu Lee, Yi-Chu Liao, Hsiao-Tung Chang, Hsiao-Ching Lin, Hsiu-Ming Weng, I-Ju Chang, San-Land Young, Perng-Chih Shen, Bishnu Prasad Bhattarai, Jin-Seng Lin and Jai-Wei Lee
Animals 2025, 15(7), 993; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15070993 - 30 Mar 2025
Viewed by 351
Abstract
Limited studies have addressed the effects of multi-strain probiotics on gut microbiota and their influence on meat traits in pigs. Thus, this study investigated the impact of including a commercialized multi-strain probiotic product (SYN) (SYNLAC-LeanAd) into the dietary regimen of crossbred Landrace × [...] Read more.
Limited studies have addressed the effects of multi-strain probiotics on gut microbiota and their influence on meat traits in pigs. Thus, this study investigated the impact of including a commercialized multi-strain probiotic product (SYN) (SYNLAC-LeanAd) into the dietary regimen of crossbred Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc (LYD) pigs. The study spanned a duration of 22 weeks, from weaning until slaughtering, during which the carcass traits, meat quality, and fecal microbiota profile were compared to those of pigs fed diets with or without an antibiotic growth promoter (AGP). The results demonstrated that the inclusion of SYN significantly improved meat quality parameters, including marbling score, tenderness, and intramuscular fat (p < 0.05) in comparison to pigs fed with AGP. The analysis of fecal microbiota revealed that SYN inclusion increased the populations of Clostridiaceae, Coriobacteriaceae, and Erysipelotrichaceae compared to the control and AGP groups. Additionally, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis predicted that the amino acid and lipid metabolism pathways were facilitated in pigs from the SYN group. These findings suggest that the inclusion of SYNLAC-LeanAd has the potential to positively impact the fecal microbiota profile, which in turn may lead to improved carcass traits and meat quality in commercial crossbred pigs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Animal Nutrition)
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20 pages, 6590 KiB  
Article
Effects of Sodium Acetate and Sodium Butyrate on the Volatile Compounds in Mare’s Milk Based on GC-IMS Analysis
by Shengchen Zheng, Jianwei Lin, Yong Chen, Changjiang Zang, Fan Yang, Jiahao Li and Xiaobin Li
Animals 2025, 15(6), 844; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060844 - 15 Mar 2025
Viewed by 546
Abstract
This study aims to explore the impact of adding sodium acetate and sodium butyrate on the composition, blood biochemical parameters, and volatile flavor compounds of lactating mares’ milk. By assessing the influence of these additives on milk flavor enhancement, the findings provide scientific [...] Read more.
This study aims to explore the impact of adding sodium acetate and sodium butyrate on the composition, blood biochemical parameters, and volatile flavor compounds of lactating mares’ milk. By assessing the influence of these additives on milk flavor enhancement, the findings provide scientific evidence for optimizing flavor characteristics and offer new strategies for improving the sensory attributes of mare milk products. Eighteen lactating Yili mares were randomly assigned to three groups: a control group, a sodium acetate group (85 mg/kg·BM−1), and a sodium butyrate group (85 mg/kg·BM−1). The experiment lasted 90 days, with milk yield recorded on days 0, 30, 60, and 90. Milk samples were collected on day 60 (peak lactation) for compositional analysis, and GC-IMS was employed to identify and quantify volatile compounds. Additionally, blood samples were drawn from the jugular vein before morning feeding on day 60 using heparinized tubes to assess key biochemical markers, including glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and urea. The results revealed the following findings: (1) Milk yield and composition: The addition of sodium acetate and sodium butyrate had no significant effect on milk yield. However, both treatment groups exhibited significantly or extremely significantly higher milk fat content compared to the control group, whereas milk protein and lactose levels remained largely unchanged. (2) Blood biochemical indicators: The sodium butyrate group showed an extremely significant increase in urea levels compared to the sodium acetate and control groups. Glucose levels in the sodium acetate group were also significantly higher than in the control group. Moreover, triglyceride levels were markedly elevated in the sodium butyrate group compared to the sodium acetate group, while total bilirubin concentrations were significantly higher in the sodium acetate group than in the control group. (3) Volatile compounds: The addition of these additives led to a significant increase in the diversity and concentration of volatile compounds in mare milk. Notably, esters, aldehydes, and ketones showed substantial enrichment in both treatment groups. The relative abundance of esters such as butyl acetate, L-lactic acid ethyl ester, 1-pentene-3-ol, pentanol, and 3-pentanone increased, alongside a significant rise in aldehydes and ketones, including 2-heptenal and 3-pentanone. In conclusion, sodium acetate and sodium butyrate enhance milk flavor by modulating milk composition and metabolic parameters, providing a scientific foundation for improving the quality of mare milk products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Animal Nutrition)
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13 pages, 589 KiB  
Article
Effects of Yucca schidigera Extract Inclusion in Holstein Calves’ Diets on Performance, Metabolism, and Rumen Volatile Fatty Acid Profile
by Tainara L. dos Santos, Emeline P. Mello, Maksuel G. de Vitt, Michel G. Triantafyllou, Luiz Eduardo Lobo e Silva, Roger Wagner and Aleksandro S. Da Silva
Animals 2025, 15(4), 566; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15040566 - 15 Feb 2025
Viewed by 567
Abstract
In the diet of calves, the search for additives that aid in their development is essential due to the impact that these can generate throughout their lives, resulting in a relationship with their longevity and the maintenance of the herd. Yuca schidigera has [...] Read more.
In the diet of calves, the search for additives that aid in their development is essential due to the impact that these can generate throughout their lives, resulting in a relationship with their longevity and the maintenance of the herd. Yuca schidigera has been used in ruminant diets, impacting health and performance; however, there are few reports on its intake by dairy cattle in the rearing phase. Therefore, this study’s objective was to evaluate whether adding Yucca schidigera to the diet of calves in the rearing phase can benefit health, productive performance, and feed efficiency. The study was conducted over 60 days, with 24 calves divided into two groups: G1 had no added Yucca schidigera and G2 had 188 mg of Yucca schidigera added per kg of dry matter intake. Data and samples were collected at 30-day intervals. No treatment effect was observed in body weight, weight gain, daily weight gain, or feed intake (p > 0.05); however, the calves in G2 showed 26.3% lower feed efficiency than those in G1. Using the concentrate consumption of the calves, the amount of Yucca schidigera ingested was calculated, i.e., 555 mg/calf/day. The total leukocyte count was significantly lower in the calves in G2 compared to G1 on the 60th day. No effect from the treatment or treatment × day interaction was observed for the hematologic variables: erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, lymphocytes, granulocytes, monocytes, and platelets. The activities of the enzyme’s gamma glutamyl transferase and aspartate aminotransferase were higher in the animals in group G2. There was no effect from the treatment on albumin, globulin, total protein, C-reactive protein, glucose, cholesterol, urea, or amylase. There was a treatment × day interaction for levels of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and glutathione S-transferase, which were higher in the blood of calves in group G2 compared to the control. The activity of myeloperoxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase did not differ between groups. Tumor necrosis factor and interleukins (IL-1 and IL-6) in the serum of calves that consumed Yucca schidigera were higher on day 60 compared to the control. A higher concentration of short-chain fatty acids in the ruminal fluid was observed in animals in group G2 compared to G1, primarily due to the higher levels of acetic acid. The amounts of propionate and butyrate were lower in the ruminal fluid of calves in group G2. These results allow us to conclude that the consumption of Yucca schidigera at a dose of 555 mg/animal/day interferes with calves’ metabolism and negatively affects feed efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Animal Nutrition)
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