Advancing Ruminant Health and Production: Alternatives to Antibiotics
A special issue of Veterinary Sciences (ISSN 2306-7381).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2025 | Viewed by 294
Special Issue Editors
Interests: antimicrobials; microbiology; plant extracts; ruminant nutrition
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Ruminants play a crucial role in human nutrition by producing meat and milk. However, the increasing concern over antibiotic resistance has led to significant changes in livestock production practices. The reduction in antibiotic use in animal husbandry has necessitated the development of specific nutritional and health programs aimed at enhancing productive performance, improving animal health, and minimizing environmental impact while meeting nutritional requirements.
Modern challenges in ruminant production include identifying viable alternatives to conventional antibiotic growth promoters, feed additives, and medications to ensure greater food safety and quality. Consequently, numerous studies have been conducted to develop these alternatives.
This Special Issue aims to compile research that focuses on innovative strategies to enhance ruminant health and production. We seek contributions related to the following:
- Housing improvements: innovative designs and management practices to promote animal welfare and productivity.
- Management systems: effective management practices that reduce disease incidence and enhance overall herd health.
- Feed utilization and production: development and optimization of feed additives, including probiotics, prebiotics, and other dietary supplements, to improve digestive health and productivity.
- Therapeutic and prophylactic alternatives: novel therapeutic approaches and prophylactic measures, including plant-based treatments, vaccines, and immunomodulators, that can replace antibiotics.
We eagerly invite researchers, industry experts, and practitioners to contribute their findings to this Special Issue. Through collaborative efforts and cutting-edge research, we aim to provide comprehensive insights and practical solutions to advance ruminant health and production without relying on antibiotics.
Prof. Dr. Sílvia Cristina de Aguiar
Prof. Dr. Solange Maria Cottica
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- antimicrobial resistance
- food safety
- natural products
- livestock
- production enhancers
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