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Nutritional Physiology of Animals
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Nutritional Physiology of Animals

A special issue of Biology (ISSN 2079-7737). This special issue belongs to the section "Physiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 4366

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Bai Xue

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
Interests: nutritional metabolism and regulation in ruminants
Prof. Dr. Yuhong Gao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China
Interests: animal nutrition and feed science; environmental physiology
Dr. Jia Zhou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Chongqing, China
Interests: animal nutrition and feed science; animal reproduction

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The “Nutritional Physiology of Animals” is an evolving and multidisciplinary research field that focuses on how nutrition interacts with physiological processes to influence animal growth, health, performance, and welfare. This Special Issue aims to bring together cutting-edge research that deepens our understanding of how dietary components shape key biological functions in animals.

We welcome original research articles and reviews on (but not limited to) the following topics:

  • Effects of nutrients and feed additives on digestive physiology, digestibility, and nutrient
  • Nutritional strategies to enhance immune function, reduce stress, and improve reproductive performance.
  • Studies on novel feed additives, functional ingredients, and the development and utilization of new or alternative feed resources.
  • Mechanistic investigations into nutrient absorption, metabolic regulation, and physiological adaptation to dietary interventions.

Submissions involving multi-omics tools (e.g., microbiomics, metagenomics, genomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics) are also welcome, as they are key in contributing to revealing physiological mechanisms of nutritional impact.

This Special Issue seeks to promote innovation in animal nutrition and health by offering a platform for advancing sustainable, efficient, and science-based feeding strategies. We warmly invite contributions from researchers working in animal physiology, nutrition, veterinary science, feed science, and related disciplines.

Prof. Dr. Bai Xue
Prof. Dr. Yuhong Gao
Dr. Jia Zhou
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. Biology 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 2700 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

  • animals
  • nutrition
  • feed additives
  • novel feed resources
  • physiology
  • digestibility
  • metabolism
  • stress
  • reproduction
  • multi-omics

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 235 KB  
Article
Association of Rumination Time with Metabolic Imbalance and Milk Quality Traits in Holstein Cattle
by Samanta Grigė, Akvilė Girdauskaitė, Lina Anskienė, Inga Sabeckienė, Karina Džermeikaitė, Justina Krištolaitytė, Dovilė Malašauskienė, Mindaugas Televičius and Ramūnas Antanaitis
Biology 2026, 15(7), 581; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15070581 - 5 Apr 2026
Viewed by 691
Abstract
Rumination time is considered a sensitive behavioral indicator of physiological and metabolic status in dairy cows, yet its relationships with biochemical and milk quality parameters under commercial robotic milking conditions remain insufficiently described. This study combined precision monitoring technologies, serum biochemical profiling, and [...] Read more.
Rumination time is considered a sensitive behavioral indicator of physiological and metabolic status in dairy cows, yet its relationships with biochemical and milk quality parameters under commercial robotic milking conditions remain insufficiently described. This study combined precision monitoring technologies, serum biochemical profiling, and in-line milk analysis to evaluate physiological differences among early-lactation Holstein cows according to rumination time. A total of 88 cows were classified into three rumination time categories (>527, 412–527, and <412 min/day). Milk production traits, milk quality indicators, and blood biochemical parameters were compared among groups, and univariable regression analysis was performed to identify variables associated with rumination time. Cows in the low rumination group showed higher milk temperature, electrical conductivity, and somatic cell count, as well as lower milk protein percentage. They also showed higher concentrations of total protein, urea, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and lactate dehydrogenase, while triglyceride concentrations were lower. Regression analysis identified electrical milk conductivity, creatinine, magnesium, potassium, and chloride as variables associated with rumination time. These findings indicate that reduced rumination time is associated with changes in milk quality and biochemical parameters in early-lactation dairy cows, suggesting that rumination monitoring may provide useful information for identifying cows experiencing physiological and metabolic challenges under commercial farming conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Physiology of Animals)
14 pages, 2851 KB  
Article
DMP1-Mediated FAK Activation Contributes to P Utilization of Broiler Osteoblasts by Suppressing FGF23 Expression
by Tingting Li, Xinyu Feng, Weiyun Zhang, Jingyi Zhao, Liyang Zhang, Yun Hu, Xiaoyan Cui, Shengchen Wang and Xugang Luo
Biology 2026, 15(2), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15020121 - 8 Jan 2026
Viewed by 557
Abstract
Improving phosphorus (P) utilization in broilers is crucial for reducing feed costs and environmental pollution. Bone mineralization trait is strongly associated with P utilization in poultry and is thus often used as an alternative trait for evaluating P utilization. Dentin matrix protein 1 [...] Read more.
Improving phosphorus (P) utilization in broilers is crucial for reducing feed costs and environmental pollution. Bone mineralization trait is strongly associated with P utilization in poultry and is thus often used as an alternative trait for evaluating P utilization. Dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1), an essential matrix protein for bone mineralization and P deposition, has been shown to be actively involved in P utilization in broilers, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The current study aimed to investigate the possible mechanisms whereby DMP1 regulates P utilization of poultry by using gene silencing and overexpression technologies, combined with an in vitro model of primary broiler osteoblasts. The results showed that DMP1 overexpression augmented the P utilization of broiler osteoblasts, characterized by significant increases (p < 0.001) in P utilization rate, mineralization formation, alkaline phosphatase activity, and bone gla protein content. Meanwhile, DMP1 overexpression effectively (p < 0.05) activated the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling, along with obvious (p < 0.01) decreases in fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) expression and production. In contrast, DMP1 silencing reversed (p < 0.05) the above effects. Consistently, FAK activation promoted (p < 0.05) P utilization accompanied by remarkable (p < 0.05) decreases in FGF23 expression and production. Furthermore, gain- and loss-of-function assays demonstrated that a high level of FGF23 contributed to impaired P utilization, while a low level was beneficial. Interestingly, blocking FAK signaling not only recovered (p < 0.05) the FGF23 expression and production in DMP1 overexpressed cells but also obviously (p < 0.05) weakened their P utilization. These findings indicate that DMP1 inhibits FGF23 expression by activating FAK, thereby contributing to P utilization in broiler osteoblasts. They reveal a novel DMP1-FAK-FGF23 regulatory axis in broiler osteoblasts and provide a potential target for improving P efficiency in poultry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Physiology of Animals)
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15 pages, 2339 KB  
Article
Characterization of RNA Editing in Oxidative and Glycolytic Skeletal Muscles of Yak
by Yilin Shi, Xuemei Wu, Chunnian Liang, Xian Guo, Xiaoming Ma, Ping Yan, Min Chu and Xiaoyun Wu
Biology 2026, 15(1), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15010097 - 2 Jan 2026
Viewed by 832
Abstract
Fast-twitch and slow-twitch muscle fibers not only differ in metabolic characteristics and physiological functions but also significantly influence the texture of livestock meat. RNA editing represents an important post-transcriptional regulatory process that can influence both gene expression and the resulting protein function. However, [...] Read more.
Fast-twitch and slow-twitch muscle fibers not only differ in metabolic characteristics and physiological functions but also significantly influence the texture of livestock meat. RNA editing represents an important post-transcriptional regulatory process that can influence both gene expression and the resulting protein function. However, studies on RNA editing events in yak muscle remain limited. This study systematically identified RNA editing events in yak biceps femoris (BF, n = 3) and obliquus externus abdominis (OEA, n = 3) using transcriptomic data, discovering 17,713 unique editing sites, most located in non-coding regions. Within coding regions, 3350 sites were detected, with 1195 resulting in non-synonymous amino acid substitutions. Further analysis revealed that 785 sites potentially affected miRNA binding sites, suggesting RNA editing may participate in miRNA-mediated gene regulation. Tukey’s post hoc test (p < 0.05) identified 242 sites (involving 170 genes) with significantly different editing levels between BF and OEA. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that genes with differential RNA editing were predominantly associated with pathways involved in muscle fiber type transitions, including the MAPK and calcium signaling pathways. Collectively, this study maps the RNA editing landscape in yak muscle tissue and identifies distinct, fiber-type-specific RNA editing patterns between oxidative and glycolytic muscle fibers, including differences in editing levels and site distributions, supporting a potential association between RNA editing and muscle fiber type transformation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Physiology of Animals)
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15 pages, 293 KB  
Article
The Use of Precision Feeding During the Lactation of a Traditional Breed, Iberian Pig, Improves Maternal Nutritional Status and Offspring Performance
by María Aparicio-Arnay, Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes, Natalia Yeste-Vizcaino, Carlos Piñeiro and Beatriz Isabel
Biology 2026, 15(1), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15010033 - 25 Dec 2025
Viewed by 768
Abstract
The present study evaluated the impact of precision feeding using Electronic Sow Feeders (ESFs) during lactation on the nutritional status of Iberian sows and the performance of their offspring under intensive farming conditions. Fifty-three second-parity Iberian sows were assigned to three feeding systems: [...] Read more.
The present study evaluated the impact of precision feeding using Electronic Sow Feeders (ESFs) during lactation on the nutritional status of Iberian sows and the performance of their offspring under intensive farming conditions. Fifty-three second-parity Iberian sows were assigned to three feeding systems: ESFs (PF), feeding ball (FB), and conventional feeders (CON). Results showed that PF sows had a significantly lower feed disappearance, without affecting body weight and condition, when compared to FB and CON groups (p < 0.05). Although milk yield did not differ significantly among groups, PF piglets exhibited higher weaning weights and average daily weight gains (ADWG), particularly during the second half of lactation (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). Metabolic profiling revealed an improved glucose and lipid homeostasis in PF sows, with lower Non-Esterified Fatty Acids (NEFAs) levels and more favorable cholesterol profiles (p < 0.05 for all). No remarkable differences were observed in welfare biomarkers (salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase) among treatments. These findings suggest that precision feeding enhances feed efficiency, stabilizes maternal metabolism, and improves piglet growth in traditional swine breeds (“fatty pigs”) like the Iberian pig, offering a sustainable strategy for intensifying production without compromising animal welfare. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Physiology of Animals)
12 pages, 2423 KB  
Article
Dietary Guanidinoacetic Acid Supplementation Improves Growth Performance of Plateau Yaks Through Plasma Metabolome Modulation
by Yinjie You, Li Zhang, Lin Fu, Xianwen Dong, Zhongli Peng, Yu Zeng, Gaofu Wang, Juncai Chen, Yanhua Gao and Jia Zhou
Biology 2025, 14(11), 1600; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14111600 - 15 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 836
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) supplementation on yak physiology by evaluating growth performance, serum biochemical indices and plasm metabolomic profiles to elucidate the underlying regulatory mechanisms. Twenty-four male yaks (4–5 years; 249.38 ± 11.69 kg BW) [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) supplementation on yak physiology by evaluating growth performance, serum biochemical indices and plasm metabolomic profiles to elucidate the underlying regulatory mechanisms. Twenty-four male yaks (4–5 years; 249.38 ± 11.69 kg BW) were randomly allocated to three dietary treatments (n = 8): CON (basal diet), GAA1 (basal diet + 0.055% GAA), and GAA2 (basal diet + 0.11% GAA), with 55:45 of concentrate:roughage (DM basis). After a 10-day adaptation period, the feeding trial lasted 90 days. Body weights were measured on days 0 and 90 for growth performance evaluation, with blood samples collected on the final day for separation into serum and plasma to assess serum metabolic and antioxidant parameters and for plasma metabolomic profiling. The result showed that growth performance parameters displayed a positive trend, with average daily gain (ADG) showing marginal improvement (p = 0.072). Serum biochemical analysis revealed that dietary supplementation of GAA had no effect on serum biochemical parameters while tendency decreased GSH-Px activity (p = 0.087). Non-targeted metabolomics identified 39–121 differentially abundant metabolites in plasma across treatment groups. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis of these metabolites revealed pathways such as tryptophan metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and arginine metabolism. Among the differentially abundant metabolites, N(omega)-Hydroxyarginine and tryptophan metabolites such as 5-hydroxytryptophan and serotonin were specifically highlighted. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of GAA in yaks has been confirmed to improve ADG, with a 0.11% supplementation level being more effective, and this may be associated with GAA enhancing amino acid metabolism, particularly arginine and tryptophan metabolism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Physiology of Animals)
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