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Innovative Approaches in Animal Nutrition and Feed Additives: Enhancing Productivity and Product Quality

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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 July 2026 | Viewed by 6233

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Gabriela Maria Cornescu

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Guest Editor

Animal Physiology Department, National Research and Development Institute for Animal Nutrition and Biology, 077015 Balotesti, Ilfov, Romania
Interests: monogastric; animal; nutrition; egg; meat; quality; behaviour; antioxidants

Dr. Anca Gheorghe

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Guest Editor

Research Station for Sericulture Baneasa, 013685 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: sericulture; animal nutrition; probiotic supplementation; essential fatty acids; meat quality traits

Dr. Tatiana Dumitra Panaite

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Guest Editor

Nutrition Physiology Department, National Research and Development Institute for Biology and Animal Nutrition, Balotesti, 077015 Ilfov, Romania
Interests: monogastrics; digestibility trials; feed ingredients; functional foods (meat and eggs); nutritional strategies
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Animal nutrition is moving in a transformative direction worldwide, driven by the urgent need for sustainability, efficiency, and premium-quality animal products, while optimizing animal health and welfare. This evolution accelerates the advancement of cutting-edge nutritional strategies and next-generation feed additives designed to set new standards in modern animal agriculture.

The purpose of this topic is to explore how innovative nutritional strategies—while emphasizing the critical dynamics between farm animals and humans for more ethical and sustainable farming—can optimize growth performance, elevate product quality (such as that of meat, milk, and eggs), and significantly reduce the environmental impact of animal production. This thematic area highlights the shift from traditional feeding practices towards precision nutrition, functional feed ingredient utilization in animal nutrition, bioactive compounds, probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, and phytogenic additives. Moreover, attention must be paid to the role of nutrition in supporting animal welfare, resilience to stressors (such as heat stress and disease challenges), and the modulation of the microbiome. This topic encourages interdisciplinary research linking nutrition, physiology, microbiology, sustainability, and animal behaviour providing a platform for innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of animal production systems and consumer expectations for healthier, more sustainable animal products.

Dr. Gabriela Maria Cornescu
Dr. Anca Gheorghe
Dr. Tatiana Dumitra Panaite
Guest Editors

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Keywords

animal
nutrition
productive performance
functional ingredient
feeding strategies
behaviour and welfare
innovative solutions

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 1053 KB

Open AccessArticle

Valorization of Spent Coffee Grounds as a Functional Protein Ingredient for Sustainable Aquafeed Production

by Anca Becze, Dorina Simedru, Lucian Dordai, Adrian Vasile Timar and Paul Uiuiu

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 1914; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16041914 - 14 Feb 2026

Viewed by 623

Abstract

Spent coffee grounds (SCGs) represent a globally abundant agro-industrial byproduct with underexploited potential in circular bioeconomy applications. This study investigates the extraction, characterization and functional integration of SCG protein concentrate into aquafeed formulations for common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Protein was recovered through alkaline extraction followed by isoelectric precipitation, yielding a concentrate incorporated at 5% into a mixed plant and fishmeal diet produced by cold pelletizing. Compositional analysis performed by FT-NIR showed 33.6% crude protein, 7.24% lipids and 7.85% fiber, while ICP-OES confirmed substantial levels of essential minerals including Ca, P, K and Mg (15.3, 8.4, 10.4 and 2.3 g/kg). SCGs contributed bioactive compounds, with total polyphenols reaching 1.521 ± 0.065 mg GAE/g DM and an antioxidant capacity of 3.35 ± 0.03 mg TE/g DM. Pellets exhibited high water stability (91.8% retention after 30 min), and a short-term feeding test demonstrated strong acceptance by juvenile carp (91.2 ± 2.1%) consumption. Residual caffeine levels remained low (3.5 mg per g dry weight) and within safe exposure margins for freshwater fish. The results demonstrate the technical feasibility of incorporating SCG protein concentrate into compound aquafeeds without compromising pellet integrity or short-term palatability, while increasing feed-level antioxidant potential. However, the findings represent a proof-of-concept evaluation. Further research involving longer-term feeding trials, digestibility assessment, and amino acid profiling of complete diets is required to validate nutritional performance and optimize inclusion strategies for sustainable aquaculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Approaches in Animal Nutrition and Feed Additives: Enhancing Productivity and Product Quality)

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16 pages, 637 KB

Open AccessArticle

Medium-Chain Fatty Acid Products Derived from Agriculture and Food Production Sidestreams Decrease Cattle Greenhouse Gas Emissions In Vitro

by Natalie Arias, Kalliroi Simeonidis, Alexis H. Rooks, Madison M. Dycus, Hualu Zhou, Luciano Pinotti, Grazia Pastorelli, Joseph G. Usack and Jeferson M. Lourenco

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(24), 13154; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152413154 - 15 Dec 2025

Viewed by 842

Abstract

Impacts of including medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) products in cattle diets on dry matter digestibility (DMD), volatile fatty acid (VFA), and ruminal gas production were assessed in vitro. Two MCFAs—caproic acid (C6) and caprylic acid (C8)—were produced by a novel bioprocess using agriculture and food waste and microencapsulated with maltodextrin for fast release (FR) and gum arabic for slow release (SR) in addition to C6 and C8 salts. The MCFAs were tested alone and in combination at 1% of dietary dry matter, resulting in eighteen treatments, including a control without MCFA. No treatment reduced DMD%, CH₄%, or CH₄ yield compared to the control. All treatments except T3 (C8 FR) decreased (p ≤ 0.05) CO₂% compared to the control. Certain combinations of MCFA products reduced (p < 0.001) total gas yield and CO₂ yield compared to the control, with T17 (C6 FR, C6 SR, C8 FR, C8 SR) having the strongest effect: a total gas yield reduction of 13.9% and a CO₂ yield reduction of 29.8%. There was a treatment effect (p ≤ 0.05) on all VFA molar proportions, excluding valerate (p = 0.24). Overall, the MCFA products affected several ruminal fermentation parameters and substantially reduced CO₂ production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Approaches in Animal Nutrition and Feed Additives: Enhancing Productivity and Product Quality)

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22 pages, 2044 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Dietary Effects of White Grape Pomace Supplementation in Laying Hens Exposed to Thermal Stress: Hematological, Biochemical, Cecal Fermentation Metabolites, Histomorphology Approaches

by Gabriela Maria Cornescu, Tatiana Dumitra Panaite, Ana Elena Cișmileanu, Claudiu Gal, Elvira Gagniuc, Cristina Gabriela Tudorică and Mihaela Dumitru

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(24), 12903; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152412903 - 7 Dec 2025

Viewed by 460

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the hematological, biochemical, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) content, and histomorphological responses of laying hens exposed to different thermal stress conditions and fed a diet supplemented with 6% white grape pomace (WGP). The research was part of a large six-week experimental trial conducted on 240 Lohmann Brown hens (58 weeks old), arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial design with two dietary treatments (control and WGP) conducted under thermoneutral (NT, 22 °C), high thermal stress (HST, 35 °C), and low thermal stress (LST, 10 °C) conditions. HST conditions significantly lowered the production performances of ALBW (average live body weight; p = 0.0001) and ACW (average carcass weight; p = 0.026) and significantly increased the heterophil/lymphocyte (H:L) ratio and platelets concentration (p < 0.05). Serum K values decreased and the Na/K ratio increased significantly (p = 0.001) under both HST and LST conditions; total protein (TP) decreased significantly under HST (p = 0.031). Significantly decreased (p < 0.001) feed intake and excreta were registered under HST conditions. Concerning SCFAs content, isobutyrate was higher under LST (p = 0.0001), while butyrate showed higher values under NT conditions for the WGP group (p = 0.002). Intestinal morphometry was highly influenced by high temperatures (shorter villi, deeper crypts). Overall, the 6% WGP supplementation, a natural high antioxidant resource, produced modest, context-dependent effects, with benefits under NT and LST conditions but insufficient to protect against the negative effects of chronic heat stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Approaches in Animal Nutrition and Feed Additives: Enhancing Productivity and Product Quality)

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13 pages, 1713 KB

Open AccessArticle

Natural Strategies for Improving the Antioxidant Status and Health of Rabbits: The Role of Biochar and Tribulus terrestris

by Katarzyna Karpińska, Bożena Nowakowicz-Dębek, Dorota Kowalska, Paweł Bielański, Łukasz Wlazło and Anna Czech

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(23), 12515; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152312515 - 25 Nov 2025

Viewed by 602

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of dietary supplementation with biochar and Tribulus terrestris (TT) on oxidative stress and metabolic parameters in New Zealand White rabbits. A total of 80 weaned rabbits (35 days of age) were assigned to four groups (20 each): a control group (C) and three experimental groups supplemented with 0.25% biochar (E1), 0.25% biochar and 0.1% Tribulus terrestris (E2), or 0.1% Tribulus terrestris (E3). The feeding experiment lasted 78 days following a 7-day adaptation period. Hematological, biochemical, and redox parameters, including malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), total reducing capacity (FRAP), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and testosterone levels, were assessed and analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Rabbits from group E1 exhibited the highest FRAP values (8.16 µmol/L; p < 0.05), whereas MDA concentrations were significantly elevated in groups E1 and C (2.02 and 1.83 µmol/L; p < 0.05), indicating increased lipid peroxidation. Groups E2 and E3 showed lower MDA levels (1.38 and 1.59 µmol/L; p < 0.05) and higher IgG concentrations (44.72 and 37.82 ng/mL; p < 0.05) compared to the control, suggesting improved antioxidant defense and immune status. GSH levels were significantly higher in groups E1 and E2 (6.34 and 6.79 µmol/L; p < 0.05). No adverse changes were observed in basic hematological and biochemical parameters. The results indicate that dietary supplementation with biochar and T. terrestris is safe and can beneficially modulate redox balance and immune response in rabbits, confirming their potential as natural feed additives in sustainable rabbit production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Approaches in Animal Nutrition and Feed Additives: Enhancing Productivity and Product Quality)

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15 pages, 418 KB

Open AccessArticle

Pre-Weaning Performance and Genetic Efficiency Indices in Charolais and Limousine Calves Raised in Romania

by Mircea Catălin Rotar, Rodica Ștefania Pelmuș, Mihail Alexandru Gras and Cristina Van

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(16), 9141; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15169141 - 19 Aug 2025

Viewed by 1374

Abstract

Understanding the genetic basis of growth and feed efficiency traits is essential for advancing beef cattle breeding programs. This study analyzed the average daily gain (ADG; from birth [day 0] to 200 days of age) and the Kleiber ratio (KR) in Charolais and Limousine calves raised in Romania. The data collection period was between 2020 and 2022. Genetic parameters were estimated using a maternal animal model based on 936 Charolais and 726 Limousine records sourced from the Romanian Breeding Association. For both traits, Charolais showed lower direct, maternal and total heritability estimates (0.44, 0.17 and 0.44 for ADG; 0.44, 0.17 and 0.44 for KR) compared to Limousine (0.67, 0.26 and 0.67 for ADG; 0.66, 0.26 and 0.67 for KR). The sex of calf and season of birth influenced the average daily gain and Kleiber ratio. Strong correlations were observed between the average daily gain and Kleiber ratio. The Kleiber ratio was confirmed as a reliable genetic indicator of feed efficiency across both breeds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Approaches in Animal Nutrition and Feed Additives: Enhancing Productivity and Product Quality)

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Review

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31 pages, 1714 KB

Open AccessReview

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) Oilseed Cake as a Functional Feed Ingredient in Ruminant Nutrition—A Review

by Roxana Elena Vasiliu, Danut Nicolae Enea, George Scarlat, Carmen Georgeta Nicolae, Livia Vidu and Monica Paula Marin

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(9), 4446; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16094446 - 1 May 2026

Viewed by 241

Abstract

In the context of modern ruminant nutrition, increasing attention is being directed toward the valorization of agro-industrial by-products as alternative feed ingredients that enhance nutrient utilization efficiency while supporting the sustainability of animal production systems. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) oilseed cake, a by-product of oil extraction, has emerged as a resource of growing interest due to its favorable nutritional profile and the presence of bioactive compounds with functional properties. This review critically analyzes recent scientific literature addressing the use of milk thistle oilseed cake in ruminant nutrition, highlighting its potential practical relevance as a functional feed ingredient. The available evidence suggests that milk thistle oilseed cake may support inclusion in ruminant diets at moderate levels; however, controlled in vivo studies remain limited, and several proposed mechanisms are inferred from studies on structurally analogous polyphenol-rich by-products rather than from milk thistle cake itself. Further research is needed before precise inclusion recommendations can be established. Special attention is given to the bioactive fraction dominated by the silymarin complex, which may interact with rumen digestive and fermentative processes, influencing nutrient utilization efficiency and oxidative stability. Overall, the findings suggest that milk thistle oilseed cake represents a promising feed resource that aligns with sustainable and efficiency-oriented feeding strategies in modern ruminant production systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Approaches in Animal Nutrition and Feed Additives: Enhancing Productivity and Product Quality)

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26 pages, 1562 KB

Open AccessReview

Postbiotics and Phytogenics as Functional Feed Additives: Impact on Gut Health and Growth Performance

by Gulsun Akdemir Evrendilek

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 1518; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16031518 - 3 Feb 2026

Viewed by 1269

Abstract

Growing limitations on the use of in-feed antibiotics have accelerated the search for functional feed additives capable of supporting animal health and productivity under antibiotic-free production systems. Postbiotics, defined as non-viable microbial products or metabolic byproducts, and phytogenics, which are plant-derived bioactive compounds, have emerged as promising alternatives due to their stability and biological activity. Recent advances in the application of postbiotics and phytogenics in monogastric and ruminant nutrition are summarized, with emphasis on their mechanisms of action, synergistic effects, and impacts on gut health, immune function, and growth performance. Postbiotics modulate the gut microbiota, enhance epithelial barrier integrity, and regulate immune signaling, whereas phytogenic compounds provide antimicrobial, antioxidant, and digestive-stimulant effects. Available evidence suggests that combined strategies can enhance efficacy, particularly under production-related stress. Key challenges related to formulation, dose–response relationships, stability, and regulatory classification are discussed together with emerging omics-based approaches that support precision formulation. Overall, integration of multi-omics evidence with formulation and regulatory considerations supports the practical use of postbiotics and phytogenics in commercial livestock systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Approaches in Animal Nutrition and Feed Additives: Enhancing Productivity and Product Quality)

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