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Phytochemicals and Feed Additives in Ruminant Nutrition: Effects on Health,...
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Phytochemicals and Feed Additives in Ruminant Nutrition: Effects on Health, Microbiota, and Methane Emissions

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 2287

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Maocheng Jiang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
Interests: animal nutrition; energy metabolism; plant extract additives; immune response
Dr. Sijia Liu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
Interests: animal nutrition; rumen microbiota; microbial regulation
Prof. Dr. Jianbo Cheng

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
Interests: animal nutrition; utilization of feed resources; quality of livestock products; development of feed additives

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

With improvements in living standards, the demand for high-quality animal products is increasing. Animal diseases threaten production and product quality, but antibiotic treatments pose risks to ruminant health due to antibiotic residue issues. Thus, developing alternative phytogenic feed additives and novel plant extracts to enhance innate immune responses is crucial in improving ruminant productivity and health.

For this Special Issue, we invite original research papers and reviews exploring the use of phytogenic feed additives or plant extracts to improve ruminant productivity and health. We welcome submissions that focus on enhancing animal productivity and innate immune responses and reducing inflammation responses. Specific topics of interest include the interplay between feed additives and gut and mammary gland health in ruminant animals in vivo and the molecular mechanisms behind the use of novel plant extracts to reduce proinflammation responses in the rumen and gut epithelium in vitro.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Improving ruminant productivity by altering feeding methods;
  • The impact of bioactive feed additives on ruminant health (including molecular mechanism research);
  • Changes in the gut microbiota of ruminants and effective measures to alleviate methane emissions;
  • The interplay between feed additives and gut and mammary gland health in ruminant animals in vivo;
  • Influences on the immune response, oxidative stress, and overall animal health;
  • The use of novel plant extracts to study molecular mechanisms to reduce proinflammation responses in the rumen and gut epithelium in vitro;
  • In vitro and in vivo studies, as well as meta-analyses and modelling approaches.

Dr. Maocheng Jiang
Dr. Sijia Liu
Prof. Dr. Jianbo Cheng
Guest Editors

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

  • phytochemicals
  • feed additives
  • animal nutrition
  • antioxidation
  • rumen fermentation
  • sustainable livestock production

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 251 KB  
Article
Effects of Different Additives on the Quality of Rice Straw Haylage, Ruminal Fermentation Parameters and Methane Production in Hu Sheep
by Jun Deng, Lin Wang, Chunbin Zheng, Zihan Gao, Zhongju Li, Rui Su, Weihao Chen, Xiaoyang Lv and Wei Sun
Animals 2025, 15(24), 3573; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15243573 - 12 Dec 2025
Abstract
In this study, eight treatment groups were set up with three replicates in each group to investigate the effects of Bacillus, Lactobacillus, and molasses on the chemical composition and fermentation quality of fermented rice straw. Furthermore, an animal experiment was conducted to determine [...] Read more.
In this study, eight treatment groups were set up with three replicates in each group to investigate the effects of Bacillus, Lactobacillus, and molasses on the chemical composition and fermentation quality of fermented rice straw. Furthermore, an animal experiment was conducted to determine the nutrition apparent digestibility, ruminal fermentation characteristics, and methane emission in Hu sheep. The results showed that the dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) content in the group treated with Bacillus megaterium and Lactobacillus acidophilus (BMLB) was significantly higher than that in the group with no additive (CK) (p < 0.05). Compared with the CK group, all treatments with single or composite addition of Bacillus significantly reduced the content of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) (p < 0.05). The content of acetate, propionate, and NH3-N in the BMLB group were significantly lower than those in the CK group (p < 0.05). In addition, the Hu sheep in the BMLB group showed a significant reduction in daily methane emission per unit of metabolic body weight. In conclusion, the BMLB treatment significantly improved the nutritional value, fermentation quality, ruminal fermentation, and methane emission of rice straw haylage in Hu sheep. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals and Feed Additives in Ruminant Nutrition: Effects on Health, Microbiota, and Methane Emissions)
22 pages, 2883 KB  
Article
Effects of Supplementing Rumen-Protected Lysine and Methionine on Apparent Digestibility, Rumen Fermentation Parameters, and Microbial Profiles in Lactating Dairy Cows Under Different Environmental Conditions
by Ruoran Tao, Ke Wang, Xing Han, Xu Tang, Dian Wang, Yuhang Ding, Yuhong Ma, Maocheng Jiang, Sijia Liu, Yinghao Huang, Caiyun Fan, Zhao Zhuo and Jianbo Cheng
Animals 2025, 15(23), 3439; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15233439 - 28 Nov 2025
Viewed by 225
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of supplementing rumen-protected lysine (RPL; 60 g/d) and methionine (RPM; 30 g/d) on nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, and microbial composition in 30 early-lactation Holstein dairy cows under both heat stress (HS) and non-heat stress (NHS) conditions. Cows were [...] Read more.
This study investigated the effects of supplementing rumen-protected lysine (RPL; 60 g/d) and methionine (RPM; 30 g/d) on nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, and microbial composition in 30 early-lactation Holstein dairy cows under both heat stress (HS) and non-heat stress (NHS) conditions. Cows were paired based on parity, milk yield, and body weight, and then assigned to one of two dietary treatments: the control group (CON), receiving the basal diet only, or the RPLM group, which received the basal diet supplemented with 60 g/d of RPL and 30 g/d of RPM (n = 15 per group). All animals underwent a transition from HS to NHS conditions during the experimental period, allowing for within-animal comparison across thermal environments. Results demonstrated that RPLM supplementation significantly improved the apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (p < 0.05), with a significant treatment × environment interaction observed for DM digestibility (p < 0.01). Under HS conditions, RPLM reduced ruminal NH3-N concentration (p < 0.05) and increased total volatile fatty acids (TVFA), acetate, and butyrate levels (p < 0.01), suggesting enhanced nitrogen utilization and energy metabolism. No significant effects were observed on ruminal pH or the acetate-to-propionate ratio. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that RPLM supplementation increased the relative abundance of fiber-degrading and butyrate-producing taxa, including NK4A214_group, Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, norank_f__Muribaculaceae, and norank_f__F082. These microbial taxa exhibited strong positive correlations with DM and CP digestibility (p < 0.001). LEfSe analysis further confirmed their status as key microbial biomarkers in the RPLM-NHS group. Collectively, concurrent supplementation of RPL and RPM modulates the ruminal microbiota, alleviates HS-induced reductions in digestive efficiency, and enhances overall nutrient utilization in dairy cows. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals and Feed Additives in Ruminant Nutrition: Effects on Health, Microbiota, and Methane Emissions)
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19 pages, 4738 KB  
Article
Effects of Rhodopseudomonas palustris on the Rumen Microbiota of Leizhou Goats
by Longqing Zheng, Danju Kang, Xuanhui He, Fuquan Yin, Shangquan Gan and Guangxian Zhou
Animals 2025, 15(23), 3390; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15233390 - 24 Nov 2025
Viewed by 324
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of Rhodopseudomonas palustris (R. palustris) supplementation on the rumen microbiota of Leizhou goats and explored its potential mechanisms. Thirty healthy Leizhou goats of similar weight and age were selected and randomly assigned to five groups (six [...] Read more.
This study investigated the effects of Rhodopseudomonas palustris (R. palustris) supplementation on the rumen microbiota of Leizhou goats and explored its potential mechanisms. Thirty healthy Leizhou goats of similar weight and age were selected and randomly assigned to five groups (six goats per group) using a completely randomized block design for a 75-day feeding trial. The control group (CONRF) was fed a basal diet, and the Photosynthetic Bacteria Medium (PBMRF) group was fed a basal diet + PBM solution. The low-concentration R. palustris (LRPRF), medium-concentration R. palustris (MRPRF), and high-concentration R. palustris (HRPRF) groups were fed a base diet supplemented with 20.0 mL, 40.0 mL, and 80.0 mL of R. palustris solution, respectively. All supplements were administered by mixing them into the feed. On day 75 of the trial, three goats were randomly selected from each group for slaughter and evisceration. Rumen contents were collected, immediately filtered, aliquoted, quick-frozen in liquid nitrogen, and stored at −80 °C for subsequent analysis of rumen microbial diversity. Rumen microbial community structure was analyzed using high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that R. palustris enriched unique operational taxonomic units (OTUs), particularly in the LRPRF group. At the phylum level, Firmicutes and Bacteroidota were dominant; Firmicutes and Euryarchaeota abundance increased, while Bacteroidota decreased in the experimental groups. In addition, Verrucomicrobiota abundance was significantly elevated (p < 0.05). At the genus level, Prevotella was predominant, whereas Selenomonas abundance was significantly reduced (p < 0.01). Meanwhile, compared to the CONRF, PBMRF, and LRPRF groups, the MRPRF and HRPRF groups exhibited higher relative abundances of Christensenellaceae_R-7 group and Anaeroplasma. LEfSe analysis revealed a greater number of differential taxa in the experimental groups compared with the control, including enrichment of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, which may contribute to optimizing the rumen environment by regulating immune and metabolic functions. Functional prediction indicated that rumen microorganisms were mainly involved in carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. In conclusion, supplementation with R. palustris can beneficially modulate rumen microbial composition and function and promote rumen absorption of nutrients and degradation of crude fiber. This study provides a theoretical basis for green goat farming practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals and Feed Additives in Ruminant Nutrition: Effects on Health, Microbiota, and Methane Emissions)
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18 pages, 422 KB  
Article
Effects of Replacing Soybean Meal with Enzymatically Fermented Citric Waste Pellets on In Vitro Rumen Fermentation, Degradability, and Gas Production Kinetics
by Gamonmas Dagaew, Seangla Cheas, Chanon Suntara, Chanadol Supapong and Anusorn Cherdthong
Animals 2025, 15(16), 2351; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15162351 - 11 Aug 2025
Viewed by 683
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of replacing SBM with CWYWEP on in vitro rumen fermentation, nutrient degradability, and gas production kinetics. Citric waste was co-fermented with yeast waste and a multi-enzyme complex for 14 days, then sun-dried and pelleted. The final CWYWEP product [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the effects of replacing SBM with CWYWEP on in vitro rumen fermentation, nutrient degradability, and gas production kinetics. Citric waste was co-fermented with yeast waste and a multi-enzyme complex for 14 days, then sun-dried and pelleted. The final CWYWEP product contained 50.4% crude protein (DM basis). A completely randomized design tested seven diets in which SBM was replaced by CWYWEP or non-enzymatic citric waste–yeast waste pellets (CWYWP) at 0%, 33%, 66%, or 100% inclusion. Replacing SBM with CWYWEP significantly increased cumulative gas production at 96 h, with the 100% CWYWEP group achieving 93.7 mL/0.5 g DM—a 14% increase over the control (p < 0.01). Microbial lag time was reduced to 0.17 h vs. 0.28 h in the control (p < 0.05), suggesting faster microbial colonization. The highest in vitro DM degradability (IVDMD) at 48 h was observed in the 100% CWYWEP group (64.5%), outperforming both the SBM control and all CWYWP treatments (p < 0.01). Notably, CWYWEP increased total volatile fatty acids by 5% at 4 h and propionate by 9% at 2 h, while reducing methane production by 5% (p < 0.05). Other parameters, including pH, ammonia nitrogen, organic matter digestibility, and protozoal counts, were unaffected (p > 0.05). In contrast, CWYWP without enzymes showed minimal improvement. These findings indicate that CWYWEP is a promising high-protein alternative to SBM, enhancing fermentation efficiency and reducing methane under in vitro conditions. Further in vivo studies are warranted to validate these effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals and Feed Additives in Ruminant Nutrition: Effects on Health, Microbiota, and Methane Emissions)
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17 pages, 392 KB  
Article
The Effects of Fermenting Psophocarpus tetragonolobus Tubers with Candida tropicalis KKU20 as a Soybean Meal Replacement Using an In Vitro Gas Technique
by Thiraphat Surakhai, Chanon Suntara, Pachara Srichompoo, Metha Wanapat, Sompong Chankaew and Anusorn Cherdthong
Animals 2025, 15(16), 2328; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15162328 - 8 Aug 2025
Viewed by 628
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with winged bean tuber (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) fermented using ruminal Candida tropicalis KKU20 on gas kinetics, ruminal fermentation, and degradability using the in vitro gas production technique. A 3 × 4 factorial [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the effects of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with winged bean tuber (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) fermented using ruminal Candida tropicalis KKU20 on gas kinetics, ruminal fermentation, and degradability using the in vitro gas production technique. A 3 × 4 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design was used. Factor A included three roughage-to-concentrate (R:C) ratios: 60:40, 50:50, and 40:60. Factor B consisted of four levels of SBM replacement with yeast-fermented winged bean tuber (YFWBT): 0%, 33%, 66%, and 100%. Fermentation with C. tropicalis KKU20 increased the crude protein content of winged bean tuber by 13.32%. No significant interaction was found between the R:C ratio and YFWBT level for cumulative gas production at 24, 48, or 96 h (p > 0.05). Cumulative gas production at 96 h was not affected by either factor. However, at 24 and 48 h, gas production increased with higher proportions of concentrate (p < 0.05). Both the R:C ratio and YFWBT level significantly influenced pH and ammonia–nitrogen (NH3-N) concentrations (p < 0.01). After 24 h, NH3-N ranged from 7.66 to 13.76 mg/dL, rising to 16.44–16.63 mg/dL after 48 h. A significant interaction (p < 0.01) was observed for in vitro dry matter degradability (IVDMD) and in vitro organic matter degradability (IVOMD). Increasing concentrate levels along with YFWBT inclusion improved degradability at both incubation times. The highest IVDMD (64.49%) and IVOMD (65.81%) were recorded at 48 h in the 40:60 R:C ratio with 33% YFWBT. At 48 h, a significant interaction effect (p < 0.05) was also found for total volatile fatty acid (VFA) and propionic acid (C3) concentrations. Total VFA peaked in the 40:60 group with 33% YFWBT (104.31 mM), while the highest C3 concentration (26.22%) was observed in the same R:C group with 66% YFWBT. At 24 h, total VFA was significantly affected by the R:C ratio (p < 0.05), with the lowest values in the 60:40 group and increasing in response to higher concentrate and YFWBT levels. Incorporating YFWBT at 33% in diets with an R:C ratio of 40:60 optimized degradability, indicating its potential as a sustainable alternative to SBM in ruminant nutrition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals and Feed Additives in Ruminant Nutrition: Effects on Health, Microbiota, and Methane Emissions)
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