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Effects of Feed Additives on the Health and Performance of Monogastric Animals

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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: 30 September 2026 | Viewed by 5417

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Dr. Yuan-Yu Lin

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Department of Animal Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
Interests: development of antibiotic alternatives in livestock production; ferroptosis: a mechanism shaping intestinal health; utilization of insect-based ingredients in livestock production
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The nutrition and health of monogastric animals—such as poultry, swine, and companion animals (dogs and cats)—are significantly influenced by dietary interventions. Among these, feed additives and functional ingredients have emerged as essential tools for enhancing growth performance, modulating gut microbiota, strengthening immune function, and improving nutrient utilization.

This Special Issue focuses on the latest research and developments related to feed additives and novel ingredients in monogastric animal nutrition. It welcomes studies on both traditional additives (e.g., probiotics, organic acids, enzymes) and emerging alternatives, such as insect-derived proteins, fermentation by-products, algae-based compounds, and postbiotic metabolites. Issues of ingredient safety, efficacy, regulatory compliance, and consumer acceptance are also of critical importance and within the scope of this Special Issue.

We encourage the submission of high-quality original research articles, review papers, short communications, and case studies that address, but are not limited to, the following topics:

Effects of feed additives on animal growth, feed efficiency, and productivity.
Gut health, intestinal morphology, and microbiota modulation.
Immune enhancement and disease resistance through dietary interventions.
Functional supplements and nutraceuticals in pet food.
Application and safety assessment of novel feed ingredients (e.g., insect protein, microalgae, mycoprotein).
Feed additive interactions and dose optimization.
Risk assessment and regulatory considerations of emerging feed materials.
Omics-based evaluations (e.g., metabolomics, transcriptomics) of additive impacts.
Sustainability, circular economy, and alternative protein sources in monogastric diets.

This Special Issue seeks to provide a platform for advancing interdisciplinary dialogue between animal scientists, nutritionists, veterinarians, food technologists, and industry professionals. Contributions that explore innovative, practical, and science-based approaches to improving monogastric animal health and production efficiency through dietary strategies are particularly welcome.

Dr. Yuan-Yu Lin
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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

feed additives
monogastric animals
poultry
swine
dogs
cats
probiotics
phytogenics
functional pet food
gut health
insect protein
novel feed ingredients
immune modula-tion
safety assessment
performance enhancement
sustainable nutrition
antibiotic al-ternatives
metabolomics
pet food supplements

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

23 pages, 3483 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation Enhances Meat Quality, Nutritional Profile, and Antioxidant Status in Meat Rabbits

by Chengfang Gao, Shikun Sun, Wenmu Zhang, Zhi Lin, Xianfeng Yan, Liya Bai, Yanru Zhang, Sican Lin, Mingming Chen, Dongjin Chen, Ming Liu and Lei Sang

Animals 2026, 16(12), 1807; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16121807 - 11 Jun 2026

Viewed by 147

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of dietary coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation on growth performance, slaughter performance, meat quality, antioxidant capacity, serum profiles, and intestinal morphology in Minxinan black rabbits. A total of 250 rabbits were allocated to five dietary treatments containing 0, 30, 60, 120, or 240 mg/kg CoQ10 for 14 weeks after a 1-week adaptation period. Results indicated that supplementation with 60 mg/kg CoQ10 resulted in the highest final body weight (2.83 kg) and average daily gain (29.54 g/day), with a significantly reduced feed-to-gain ratio and mortality rate compared to the control group. Regarding slaughter performance, the 60 mg/kg group significantly reduced the abdominal fat rate. In terms of meat quality, the 60 and 120 mg/kg groups showed significantly reduced drip loss and shear force, while meat lightness (L*) increased in all supplemented groups. Cooking loss was significantly reduced in the 60 mg/kg group. Antioxidant capacity in cardiac muscle and longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle was enhanced, particularly at 60 mg/kg, with significantly elevated activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), alongside reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Furthermore, the 60 mg/kg group increased LTL muscle polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content, elevated serum levels of triiodothyronine (T3), growth hormone (GH), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), enhanced immunoglobulin concentrations, and improved intestinal morphology. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 60 mg/kg CoQ10 improved growth performance, carcass leanness, PUFA content, and antioxidant status in broiler rabbits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Feed Additives on the Health and Performance of Monogastric Animals)

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17 pages, 1381 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Dietary Supplementation with α-Mangostin on Oviduct Inflammation and Eggshell Quality in Aging Laying Hens

by Lu Huang, Ruixin Qin, Qianqian Yu, Qili Yan and Desheng Qi

Animals 2026, 16(7), 1118; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16071118 - 5 Apr 2026

Viewed by 759

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with α-mangostin (α-Ma), a bioactive xanthone derived from mangosteen pericarp, on production performance and egg quality in late-phase laying hens. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design. In total, 576 healthy 51-week-old Beinong No. 2 laying hens were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments (n = 12): a basal diet (CON) or the basal diet supplemented with 80, 120, or 160 mg/kg α-Ma. The experiment lasted for 4 weeks, after which production performance, egg quality, serum biochemical and antioxidant parameters, inflammatory markers, and uterine gene expression were evaluated. Dietary supplementation with α-mangostin, particularly at 120 mg/kg, significantly improved feed efficiency (p < 0.05), as evidenced by a reduced feed-to-egg ratio from week 2 onward, without affecting average daily feed intake or egg production rate. After 4 weeks, hens receiving 120 mg/kg α-Ma exhibited significantly greater egg weight and eggshell strength (p < 0.05). Serum and hepatic antioxidant capacities were significantly enhanced, with increased glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities, elevated total antioxidant capacity, and decreased malondialdehyde levels (p < 0.05). Moreover, α-Ma at 120 mg/kg specifically lowered the concentration of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β in both serum and uterine tissue (p < 0.05). At the molecular level, this dosage significantly upregulated uterine genes essential for eggshell formation (p < 0.05), including calcium transporters (TRPV6, ATP2B2), the matrix protein gene OC-116, and other key genes (LYZ, CA2, SLC4A9, and ATP6V0D2). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 120 mg/kg α-Ma effectively enhances feed efficiency, strengthens antioxidant and anti-inflammatory defenses, and upregulates uterine genes involved in biomineralization, thereby improving eggshell quality in aging laying hens. These findings support α-Ma as a promising plant-based feed additive for maintaining productivity and egg quality in antibiotic-free layer production systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Feed Additives on the Health and Performance of Monogastric Animals)

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19 pages, 5477 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dose-Dependent Effects of Replacing Soybean Meal with Cottonseed Protein: Key to Optimizing Gut Health in Weaned Piglets

by Hewei Jin, Aiwen Zhang, Linna Xu, Defu Tang and Shizhen Qin

Animals 2026, 16(6), 946; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16060946 - 18 Mar 2026

Viewed by 456

Abstract

This study aims to systematically assess the comprehensive, dose-dependent effects of substituting soybean meal with cottonseed protein at various ratios on weaned piglets. In total, 28-day-old weaned piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Large White crossbred; n = 45) were selected and then randomly categorized into three groups: 100% soybean meal (CON), 50% soybean meal +50% cottonseed protein (CSP50), and 100% CSP (CSP100) groups. After a 7-day adaptation period, the experiment continued for an additional 28 days. The results showed no significant differences among groups in growth performance, organ indices, most carcass traits, or meat quality indicators. The CSP50 group showed significantly reduced levels of diamine oxidase (DAO) and D-lactate and increased complexity of the colonic microbial network, with improved abundance of beneficial bacterial genera such as g_Blautia and g_Eubacterium. The CSP100 group showed elevated intestinal permeability, a decreased villus height, a villus-to-crypt ratio, specific digestive enzymes, a reduced Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio and abundant inflammation-associated bacteria, including g_Streptococcus. Furthermore, correlation analysis suggested that specific gut microorganisms and metabolic pathways may be potentially related to average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), the feed conversion ratio (F/G), DAO, and D-lactic acid. These findings suggest that dietary inclusion of 50% cottonseed protein (CSP50) is associated with sustained growth performance and enhanced gut health in weaned piglets, concurrent with shifts in the composition and predicted function of the gut microbiota. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Feed Additives on the Health and Performance of Monogastric Animals)

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21 pages, 3422 KB

Open AccessArticle

Synergistic Effects of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D₃, Phytase, and Probiotics on Growth, Calcium and Phosphorus Metabolism, and Bone Development in Weaned Piglets Fed Low Ca-P Diets

by Baoshi Shi, Saiming Gong, Zhenyang Wang, Jingjing Wang, Cunji Shui, Zhiru Tang, Xie Peng, Yetong Xu and Zhihong Sun

Animals 2026, 16(2), 278; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16020278 - 16 Jan 2026

Viewed by 655

Abstract

Seventy 28-day-old weaned barrow piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Large White; 7.2 ± 0.20 kg) were used to determine the effects of 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25-OH-VD₃) combined with phytase and probiotics on calcium and phosphorus metabolism and bone development. Five dietary groups were tested: basal diet + 50 µg/kg 25-OH-VD₃ (CON); basal diet with 17% reduced calcium and phosphorus + 50 µg/kg 25-OH-VD₃ (LCP); LCP + 50 mg/kg phytase (LH); LCP + 10 mg/kg probiotics (LC); LCP + 50 mg/kg phytase + 10 mg/kg probiotics (LHC). The experiment lasted for 31 days, including 3 days adaptation period. Apparent phosphorus digestibility was higher in the LH and LHC groups than in the CON group (p < 0.05). Bone mineral density and calcium content in metacarpal and rib bones were also higher in the LHC group compared with the CON, LCP, LC, and LH groups (p < 0.05). The jejunal mRNA expression of solute carrier family 34 members (SLC34A1, SLC34A2, and SLC34A3) members was higher in the LHC group than the CON, LCP, LC, and LH groups (p < 0.05), while the relative protein expression of the calcium-sensing receptor in the kidneys was lower in the CON group than in the LCP, LH, LC, and LHC groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, supplementation with 25-OH-VD₃, either alone or in combination with phytase and probiotics, was associated with an increased abundance of beneficial gut bacteria. Overall, combined supplementation of 25-OH-VD₃, phytase and probiotics enhanced bone development in weaned piglets fed a low-calcium, low-phosphorus diet by improving calcium and phosphorus utilization and calcium–phosphorus metabolic regulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Feed Additives on the Health and Performance of Monogastric Animals)

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14 pages, 3172 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Pineapple Pomace Complex Improves Growth Performance and Reduces Fecal Odor in Weaned Piglets by Modulating Fecal Microbiota, SCFAs, and Indoles

by Shengnan Yu, Jiahao Jin, Minglin Zheng, Fuquan Yin, Wenchao Liu, Zhihui Zhao, Liyuan Wang and Yuxia Chen

Animals 2025, 15(24), 3600; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15243600 - 15 Dec 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 822

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of pineapple pomace as a functional feed additive on growth performance, fecal microbiota composition, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and odor substance emissions in weaned piglets. The experiment utilized 90 weaned three-way crossbred piglets (Duroc–Yorkshire–Guoshou Black Pig) at 28 days of age, randomly divided into three groups of 10 pigs each: the control group (CON, basal diet), the fish meal group (FM, basal diet + 2% imported fish meal), and the pineapple pomace group (PPC, basal diet + 2% pineapple pomace compound). The results indicated the PPC group exhibited significantly higher average daily gain (ADG) (p < 0.05) and significantly lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p < 0.05) than the CON group. 16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed that the PPC group significantly increased fecal microbiota species richness and diversity (p < 0.01) while enriching beneficial bacteria including Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and butyrate-producing bacteria such as Blautia. Concurrently, acetic acid and butyric acid levels in feces were significantly elevated in the PPC group (p < 0.05), with butyric acid production markedly higher than in the FM group (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in the levels of branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs), such as isobutyric acid and isovaleric acid (p < 0.05). Moreover, PPC supplementation led to a significant decrease in fecal levels of indole and 3-methylindole (skatole) (p < 0.05). In summary, dietary inclusion of 2% pineapple pomace improves growth performance and intestinal health in weaned piglets by modulating the fecal microbiota, promoting beneficial SCFA production, and inhibiting protein putrefaction. These findings support PPC as an effective and sustainable alternative to fish meal, contributing to the development of environmentally friendly feeding strategies in pig production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Feed Additives on the Health and Performance of Monogastric Animals)

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18 pages, 2216 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Eucalyptus Essential Oil and Soy Isoflavones on the Growth Performance, Intestinal Health and Meat Quality of Weaned Meat Rabbits

by Chaowu Fu, Rao Li, Zhengpu Wei, Yurong Yang, Yan Zhang and Yibao Jiang

Animals 2025, 15(19), 2890; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192890 - 2 Oct 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1552

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of individual and combined supplementation of eucalyptus essential oil (EEO) and soy isoflavones (SI) on the growth performance, intestinal health and meat quality of weaned meat rabbits. A total of 120 Ira female rabbits were stratified by body weight (BW) and randomly allocated into four treatment groups. The rabbits were fed for 35 days using (a) basal diet (Control), (b) basal diet + 150 mg/kg EEO, (c) basal diet + 25 mg/kg SI, or (d) basal diet + 150 mg/kg EEO + 25 mg/kg SI. The results showed that supplementing EEO and SI in the diet had a synergistic effect on production performance by increasing BW and average daily gain and reducing the feed intake/gain ratio. The EEO + SI group exhibited the most pronounced improvement in growth performance. Compared with the Control group, individual or combined supplementation significantly increased both semi-clean slaughter and total eviscerated slaughter rates, and showed a synergistic effect when supplemented together. The antioxidant capacity of the rabbits was enhanced, with the EEO + SI group showing the largest improvement. Serum biochemical analysis revealed that the combined treatment improved hepatic and cardiovascular functions. Additionally, we observed that the combined addition of EEO and SI has a synergistic effect on increasing the height of intestinal villi and the villus height/crypt depth ratio. Moreover, EEO and SI synergistically improved meat quality by elevating pH value, water-holding capacity, tenderness, and fat proportion. Notably, supplementation of EEO and SI in the diet regulated the composition of the intestinal microbiota, demonstrating increased relative abundance of beneficial Bacteroides and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group. In conclusion, the combination of EEO and SI outperformed individual supplements in promoting growth and intestinal barrier function, potentially through enhancing antioxidant activity, attenuating oxidative stress, protecting the hepatic/cardiovascular systems, and improving intestinal morphology and microbial composition, thereby collectively enhancing growth performance, slaughter traits, and meat quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Feed Additives on the Health and Performance of Monogastric Animals)

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