New Insights into Animal Health and Phytogenic Additives
A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Agricultural Science and Technology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 August 2026) | Viewed by 374
Editors
Interests: feed additives; animal health; animal welfare; animal reproduction; sustainable animal production
Interests: animal reproduction; antioxidants; ovsynch
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The increasing global demand for sustainable, efficient and antibiotic-free animal production systems has driven renewed interest in natural feed additives. Among these, phytogenic feed additives, derived from herbs, spices, essential oils and plant extracts, have emerged as promising alternatives for naturally improving animal health and productivity. These compounds exert multifactorial effects, including modulation of the gut microbiota, enhancement of intestinal integrity, improvement of immune and antioxidant responses and mitigation of environmental and physiological stress in livestock. By serving as a cornerstone of more resilient farming systems, phytogenic feed additives not only enhance animal performance and welfare but also respond to the growing consumer demand for naturally and sustainably produced animal products.
This Special Issue aims to compile high-quality original research and review articles that advance the understanding of the efficacy, mechanisms of action and practical applications of phytogenic additives across animal production systems. Emphasis is placed on mechanistic studies, dose–response relationships, formulation strategies (such as microencapsulation) and species-specific responses in poultry, swine, ruminants, aquaculture, honey bees and emerging production systems.
In addition, contributions addressing the role of phytogenic feed additives in improving animal welfare, product quality and environmental sustainability—including their potential to reduce antibiotic use and environmental emissions—are especially welcome. By integrating fundamental and applied perspectives, this Special Issue seeks to provide a scientific framework supporting the rational use of phytogenic additives as key tools for resilient and sustainable animal production.
We invite the submission of manuscripts (original research articles, reviews and short communications) that explore, but are not limited to, the following topics:
- Mechanisms of action of phytogenic additives (e.g., effects on physiology, gut health, immunomodulation, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity).
- Efficacy in improving production performance, feed efficiency and animal welfare in ruminants, poultry, swine, honey bees, aquaculture and other species.
- Effects on the quality and safety of animal-derived products (meat, eggs, milk, honey, cheese and derived products).
- Use of phytogenic additives to improve reproductive performance and reproductive biotechnologies.
- Role of phytogenic feed additives in reducing antibiotic reliance and promoting a healthy gut microbiome.
- Innovative application strategies, formulation approaches (e.g., microencapsulation) and quality control of phytogenic feed additives.
- Sustainability studies, including the environmental impact of phytogenic additives (e.g., emissions).
- Characterization of bioactive compounds (e.g., carotenoids, flavonoids, polyphenols) in phytogenic sources and their relationship to biological functionality.
We look forward to receiving your valuable contributions, which will collectively advance the knowledge and application of these natural tools in modern animal production.
Dr. Marco Antonio López-Carlos
Dr. Carlos Fernando Aréchiga Flores
Guest Editors
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
- phytogenic feed additives
- gut microbiota
- immunomodulation
- antioxidant activity
- antibiotic alternatives
- sustainable animal production
- plant bioactive compounds
- animal welfare
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