Nutrients and Feed Additives in Modulating Rumen Microbiome

Dear Colleagues,

According to population growth rate predictions, the global population is anticipated to reach 9.15 billion by 2050. Consequently, both dairy products and meat consumption are expected to increase in 2050 by 58% and 73%, respectively, compared to their 2010 levels, due to the aforementioned demands. At the same time, methane (CH₄) emissions are expected to rise by 30% until 2050, as a result of meat and milk increasing demands if mitigation strategies are not implemented. Hence, concern on the unbalanced nature of this growth and its attendant environmental and socioeconomic consequences are rapidly increasing. These current challenges require the design of multidisciplinary approach strategies, particularly to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and improve animal productivity and product quality. Several bioactive compounds such as seaweed, microalgae, agro-industrial byproducts, essential oils, oilseeds, phytogenic, etc. are studied as rumen engineering tools capable of shaping future livestock.

However, multitargeted strategies require holistic tools too. In this light, the advent of metaomics techniques such as the 16S rRNA sequencing provides a much broader genomic and functional perspective in rumen microbial ecology.

The aim of this Special Issue is to present recent research and reviews focused on the impact of novel feed additives and bioactive compounds on rumen microbiome communities. The Special Issue is not narrowed out to the cataloging of rumen microbial populations rather than an in-depth understanding of their biochemical function related to environmental impact, feed efficiency, product quality, and its perspective as a reservoir of antimicrobial resistance and pathogenicity genes.

We look forward to receiving your contributions. 

Dr. Alexandros Mavrommatis
Prof. Dr. Eleni Tsiplakou
Guest Editors

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