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Evaluation of Feeds and Additives on Metabolic or Metabolomic Research on Animal Production

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A special issue of Veterinary Sciences (ISSN 2306-7381). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases in Veterinary Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (9 October 2025) | Viewed by 10451

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Dr. Héctor Aarón Lee-Rangel

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Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria, Centro de Biociencias, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí 78321, Mexico
Interests: animal nutrition; metabolism; fetal programming; productivity; animal science; metabolomic
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Dr. German D. Mendoza

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Maestría en Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco, México C.P. 04960, Mexico
Interests: nutraceutical herbal additives; nutrigenomics; metagenomics; simulation models

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Animal production is one of the main axes in worldwide food security; to reach the desired performance, it is necessary to carry enough nutrients for maintenance, growth, lactation, egg lay, and good health. The quality of diets depends on the ingredients or additives used. For this reason, the nutritional values of feed ingredients should be accurately evaluated for sustainable animal production. Due to this, non-conventional ingredients and feed additives are widely being used to assess the functions of feed efficiency, animal health, growth performance, immune function, metabolism, metabolomic alterations, immune function, and ruminal microbiota in the fermentation process, all resulting in animal performances or quality product.

This Issue will focus on research evaluating the feasibility of using non-conventional ingredients and novel feed additives. Topics of interest include the following:

Cattle;
Sheep and goats;
Swine, poultry, rabbit;
Feed additives;
Non-conventional ingredients;
Plant secondary metabolites;
Feed evaluation;
Animal performance;
Greenhouse gases;
Gut health;
Nutrient metabolism;
Sustainability;
Metabolism;
Metabolomic.

Dr. Héctor Aarón Lee-Rangel
Dr. German D. Mendoza
Guest Editors

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Keywords

cattle
sheep and goats
swine, poultry, rabbit
feed additives
non-conventional ingredients
plant secondary metabolites
feed evaluation
animal performance
greenhouse gases
gut health
nutrient metabolism
sustainability
metabolism
metabolomic

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

22 pages, 1101 KB

Open AccessArticle

Nano-Encapsulated Cumin Oil and Bacillus subtilis Enhance Growth Performance, Immunity, Oxidative Stability, and Intestinal Integrity in Growing Rabbits Under High Ambient Temperature

by Ahmed M. Elbaz, Hind Althagafi, Ahmed Samy, Ahmed Sabry Arafa, AbdelRahman Y. Abdelhady, Ahmed M. Elkanawaty, Khairiah Mubarak Alwutayd, Saad Shousha, Abdelrahman M. Hereba, Ahmed Ibrahim El Sheikh, Salah Abdulaziz AL-Shami, Sherief M. Abdel-Raheem, Mahmoud HA Mohamed, Mohammed Al-Rasheed, Ahmed Ateya and Mohamed Marzok

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(11), 1039; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12111039 - 28 Oct 2025

Viewed by 257

Abstract

The study evaluated the influence of dietary supplementation with nano-encapsulated cumin oil, B. subtilis, or a combination of both to mitigate the impacts of heat stress on the performance and health of growing rabbits. In the feeding trial, a total of eighty-four growing New Zealand White (35 days, 781.3 ± 1.8 g average body weight) were randomly distributed in a completely randomized design into four groups; each had 21 rabbits arranged in 7 replicates (3 rabbits each). The experiment lasted 42 days (35 days to 77 days). Growing rabbits received a basal diet (first group, CON) without additives, while the other groups were supplemented with nano-encapsulated cumin oil (NECO, 200 mg/kg), B. subtilis (BS, 500 mg/kg), or both (BSNO, 500 mg BS plus 200 mg/kg NECO). Adding BSNO significantly enhanced body weight gain, carcass weight, and feed conversion ratio and reduced mortality rate (p < 0.05). Additionally, the BSNO enhanced digestive system performance by increasing the secretion of trypsin enzymes, as well as nutrient digestibility, especially for protein and fiber (p < 0.05). Supplementing BSNO enhanced oxidative stability and immunity via higher levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), IgA, IgG, triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and lower malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (p < 0.05), indicating a better ability to adapt to stress. During the examination of gut health, pathogenic bacteria counts decreased, as well as down-regulation of interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene expression and up-regulation of cationic amino acid transporter-1 (CAT-1), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and mucin-2 (MUC-2) gene expression (p < 0.05), supporting gut integrity. This study highlights the potential of mixing nano-encapsulated cumin oil and B. subtilis in growing rabbits’ diets as an effective strategy to counteract the negative effects of heat stress caused by high ambient temperatures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of Feeds and Additives on Metabolic or Metabolomic Research on Animal Production)

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14 pages, 1564 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Effects of Oral Calcium Bolus Supplementation on Serum Minerals and Energy Balance Indicators in Simmental Cows Fed a Prepartum Anionic Diet

by Salih Çelik, Habip Muruz, Sude Bayram, Zehra Selçuk and Mehmet Akif Yörük

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(11), 1032; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12111032 - 24 Oct 2025

Viewed by 276

Abstract

Calcium disorders remain a major challenge during the transition period of dairy cows, and oral calcium supplements are widely used to prevent postpartum hypocalcemia. This study evaluated the effects of administering an oral Ca-bolus containing calcium sulfate, acetate, and formate on postpartum mineral status and energy balance in multiparous Simmental cows. Twenty cows (mean parity 3.5 ± 0.51) were fed a prepartum diet with a negative dietary cation–anion difference (DCAD) and enrolled at calving if body condition score was between 3.0 and 3.5 and urine pH ranged from 6.2 to 6.8 during the wk before parturition. Animals were blocked by parity and randomly assigned to a control group (n = 10) or to a treatment group (n = 10) receiving two oral boluses (each 175 g; 45.14 g calcium plus 40,250 IU vitamin D₃), administered immediately after calving and 24 h later. Blood samples were collected up to 48 h postpartum for calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium analyses, and up to 14 d postpartum for glucose and β-hydroxybutyrate. Both groups were normocalcemic at calving, and no significant treatment effects were detected for any parameter at any time point. However, a short-lived numerical increase in calcium was observed 6 h after bolus administration. These results suggest that additional oral Ca supplementation may not be required in well-managed Simmental cows receiving a prepartum negative DCAD diet. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of Feeds and Additives on Metabolic or Metabolomic Research on Animal Production)

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15 pages, 1608 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Stevia Straw Supplementation on Meat Quality, Nutrient Composition, and Rumen Microbiota in Sheep

by Congbin Xu, Yan Ma, Jinlong Li, Tuo Yong, Liangzhong Hou and Tongjun Guo

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(10), 1018; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12101018 - 21 Oct 2025

Viewed by 215

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of dietary stevia straw supplementation on meat quality, amino acid and fatty acid content, and rumen microbial diversity in sheep. A total of 50 ram lambs (3–4 months, 27.01 ± 3.8 kg) were randomly assigned to five groups. Each group received a total mixed ration supplemented with 0% (control), 5%, 15%, 25% and 35% dry stevia straw for 72 days. Adding 15% and 25% stevia straw significantly increased the pre-slaughter body weight. EE content was also significantly higher across all experimental groups (p < 0.01), showing a linear increase with supplementation. Glutamic acid content in the 15% group was significantly higher than that in the 25% group (p < 0.05). The addition of stevia straw improved the fatty acid profile: C18:1n9c content in the 5%, 15%, and 25% groups was significantly higher than that in the CK (Control) group (p < 0.05); C18:2n6c content in the 25% group was significantly higher than that in the CK, 5%, and 15% groups (p < 0.05); the content of (C20:1) was extremely significantly higher in all experimental groups compared to the CK group. Additionally, the unsaturated fatty acid content in the 25% group was significantly higher than that in the CK group (p < 0.05). The relative abundances of Bacteroidota and Firmicutes were increased in the 25% and 35% groups, but the differences were not significant (p > 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 15–25% stevia straw to the ration can significantly improve the slaughtering performance, meat quality and muscle nutrient composition of fattening sheep. In addition, the addition of stevia straw had no negative effect on the rumen microflora, and the 15% level could increase the abundance and activity of the rumen microflora, so it is recommended to use 15% stevia straw in the ration for sheep during the fattening period. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of Feeds and Additives on Metabolic or Metabolomic Research on Animal Production)

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15 pages, 295 KB

Open AccessArticle

Supplementing Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) Oil in Laying Hen Diets: Influences on Production Performance, Egg Quality and Fatty Acid Profile

by Nguyen Cong Oanh, Cu Thi Thien Thu, Jean-Luc Hornick and Don Viet Nguyen

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(10), 953; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12100953 - 2 Oct 2025

Viewed by 562

Abstract

The omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) in animal-derived foods are increasingly important for human health. Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.), rich in n-3 PUFA, is a promising feedstuff for producing n-3 PUFA-enriched animal products. However, research on dietary Sacha inchi oil (SIO) supplementation in laying hens remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of SIO on production performance, egg quality, and yolk fatty acid (FA) composition in laying hens. A total of 192 hybrid hens [(♂ White Leghorn × ♀ Egyptian Fayoumi); initial body weight: 1910 ± 22.14 g; age: 25 weeks old] were randomly assigned one of the four diets: a basal diet (CONT), and three tested diets based on CONT with the addition of 1.5%, 3.0%, and 4.5% SIO (as-feed basis) (SI15, SI30, and SI45, respectively). Each dietary treatment included 48 hens housed in 12 battery cages for 56 days with 4 birds per cage. Increasing dietary SIO levels significantly reduced average daily feed intake (p < 0.05). Egg yolk weight linearly increased (p < 0.05) with higher SIO inclusion, while other egg quality traits were unaffected. SIO supplementation significantly increased (p = 0.001) yolk n-3 PUFA level (from 0.79% to 8.29% on day 28, and from 0.87% to 9.13% on day 56) and substantially reduced the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio by about nine-fold on both 28 and 56 days. In conclusion, SIO is a promising n-3 PUFA-rich feed ingredient for egg production. Adding 3.0–4.5% SIO in laying hen diets can enhance egg yolk weight and n-3 PUFA level while reducing feed intake without negatively affecting egg production or quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of Feeds and Additives on Metabolic or Metabolomic Research on Animal Production)

20 pages, 4064 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Fennel Essential Oil Supplementation on Mitigating the Heat Stress Impacts on Growth Rate, Blood Biochemical Parameters, and Liver Histopathology in Broiler Chickens

by Shimaa A. Amer, Ahmed Gouda, Rehab I. Hamed, Arwa H. Nassar, Hanaa S. Ali, Rania M. Ibrahim, Gehan N. Alagmy, Azza M. M. Abdelmoteleb, Fayez Althobaiti, Khalid S. Alotaibi, Shatha B. Albattal, Mohamed Mohamed Soliman, Saed A. Althobaiti and Gehan K. Saleh

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(9), 825; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12090825 - 27 Aug 2025

Viewed by 1088

Abstract

The current study evaluated the role of dietary fennel essential oil (FO) supplementation in ameliorating the effects of heat stress on growth performance, meat quality, antioxidant activity, inflammatory responses, and liver histopathology in broiler chickens. Six hundred male broiler chicks (three-day-old ROSS broilers) were allocated into six experimental treatments (TRTs); the first was the negative control (Neg. CON, not subjected to hot temperature conditions), and the second was the positive control group (PS CON, subjected to hot temperatures). The control groups (Neg. and PS) were fed the basal diet without supplements. The third, fourth, and fifth groups were fed diets supplemented with 1 g FO/kg diet, 2 g FO/kg diet, and 3 g FO/kg diet, respectively and subjected to hot temperatures. The sixth group was fed the basal diet, received 500 mg of paracetamol per liter of drinking water, and subjected to hot temperatures. Hot temperature conditions (36 ± 0.5 °C) was applied for 6 h/day from the 22nd to the 25th day of the feeding period. The feeding period lasted for 35 days. The results showed that FO supplementation improved the body weight, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio compared to those in the PS CON and paracetamol groups. The growth hormone concentrations increased in the FO-supplemented TRTs and the paracetamol groups compared to those in the Neg. and PS CON groups. The serum total protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations significantly increased in the FO-supplemented TRTs compared to those in the Neg. and PS CON groups and the paracetamol TRTs. The serum TAC increased in the 3 g FO/kg TRT. The serum activity of CAT and SOD increased in the 3 and 2 g FO/kg TRTs and the paracetamol TRTs compared to those in the Neg. and PS CON groups. The serum MDA concentrations decreased in the FO-supplemented TRTs and paracetamol groups compared to those in the Neg. and PS CON groups. The IL1β and IFN-α concentrations decreased in the FO-supplemented and paracetamol groups compared to those in the PS CON groups. The HSP70 concentration was the highest in the 3 g FO/kg TRT. The immune expression of IL1-β and TGF-β in the liver tissues was downregulated in the FO-supplemented groups, especially the FO3 group, compared to those in the PS CON group. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with FO increased the broiler chickens’ growth more than that in the PS CON and paracetamol groups under hot temperatures. Fennel oil supplementation (3 g/kg diet) can alleviate the negative impacts of heat stress on broiler chickens’ antioxidant and inflammatory responses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of Feeds and Additives on Metabolic or Metabolomic Research on Animal Production)

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13 pages, 232 KB

Open AccessArticle

Baicalein and Citric Acid Modulate Intestinal Morphology and Health Status in Laying Hens

by Yefei Zhou, Cunyi Qiu, Zhiding Zhou, Yanjie Zhang, Dunlin Zhang, Yao Cai, Jun Yuan, Shangxin Song, Zhihua Feng and Xinglong Wang

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(8), 706; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12080706 - 28 Jul 2025

Viewed by 712

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of baicalin and citric acid on egg production performance, egg quality, and the intestinal morphology and function of laying hens. A total of 600 Hy-Line Brown laying hens, 59 weeks old, were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments, with 10 replicates per treatment and 15 hens per replicate. The control group was fed a basal diet, while the other three groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 150 mg/kg baicalin (B), 2000 mg/kg citric acid (CA), or 150 mg/kg baicalin plus 2000 mg/kg citric acid (B + CA), respectively. The experimental period lasted for 12 weeks, and the results indicated that neither the individual addition nor the combined application of baicalin and citric acid had a significant impact on the laying performance. However, compared with the control group, the baicalin and/or citric acid supplementation significantly increased the eggshell strength and Haugh unit. Additionally, the combination of baicalin and citric acid significantly increased the villus height and the villus height/crypt depth ratio in the duodenum and jejunum. It also enhanced the population of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, in the cecum and improved the activity of intestinal digestive enzymes, primarily disaccharidases. Furthermore, the addition of baicalin to the diet significantly increased the content of Secretory Immunoglobulin A in the ileum and jejunum after 12 weeks of feeding. These results suggest that the combination of baicalin and citric acid had a synergistic effect on the improvement of egg quality and intestinal morphology and function in laying hens. Overall, our findings provide important insights into the potential benefits of supplementing baicalin and citric acid in the diet of laying hens and may have practical implications for improving egg quality and poultry health status. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of Feeds and Additives on Metabolic or Metabolomic Research on Animal Production)

22 pages, 1479 KB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing Poultry Growth and Meat Quality: Effects of Guanidinoacetic Acid Supplementation in Yellow-Feathered Broilers

by Jian Xiao, Lifen Wang, Yuguang Chen and Kai Xiao

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(6), 551; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12060551 - 5 Jun 2025

Viewed by 1584

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of dietary guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) supplementation on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, intestinal morphology, and cecal microbiota composition in yellow-feathered broilers. A total of 360 one-day-old chicks were randomly assigned to five groups with diets containing 0 (control), 300 mg/kg, 600 mg/kg, 900 mg/kg, and 1200 mg/kg GAA. In the initial growth phase, GAA supplementation increased average daily gain (ADG) by 13.01%, 8.97%, and 12.95% for the 300, 600, and 900 mg/kg groups, respectively, and reduced the feed conversion ratio (FCR), though these changes were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Higher GAA dosages (900 and 1200 mg/kg) improved post-slaughter pH levels in breast muscle, indicating better meat quality, and significantly enhanced intestinal barrier function by increasing villus height and the villus-to-crypt ratio. However, 1200 mg/kg GAA led to a significant increase in serum ALT levels, raising concerns about potential liver stress. Overall, 900 mg/kg GAA supplementation demonstrated the most beneficial effects across various parameters, suggesting it as an optimal dosage to enhance production performance and meat quality in yellow-feathered broilers. Future studies are encouraged to investigate its long-term safety and underlying mechanisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of Feeds and Additives on Metabolic or Metabolomic Research on Animal Production)

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24 pages, 4132 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Botanical Blend of Turmeric, Capsicum, and Pepper Extracts on Colostrum and Milk Yield and Quality, Passive Transfer of Immunity, and Performance of Beef Cow–Calf Pairs

by Grace H. Jardon, Madison R. Kovarna, Jeff S. Heldt, Emma H. Wall and Ana Clara B. Menezes

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(3), 250; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12030250 - 6 Mar 2025

Viewed by 2493

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of a botanical supplement (a formulated proprietary blend of turmeric, capsicum, and black pepper oleoresin in a fat carrier; PHYT), fed pre- and post-calving, on colostrum and milk yield and the quality, passive transfer of immunity, and performance of cow–calf pairs. Twenty-three (BW = 532 ± 9.13 kg; age 36 mo) crossbred Angus cows were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: (1) not supplemented (CON, n = 7); (2) supplemented with 250 mg/head/day (PHYT250, n = 8); or (3) supplemented with 500 mg/head/day (PHYT500, n = 8) of the botanical supplement. The cows were individually fed the supplement from 30 days (±6 days) pre-calving to 60 days post-calving. Colostrum was collected on d 0 (pre-suckling), and d 1, d 2, and d 3 post-calving. The total milk from all quarters was collected 45 and 90 d post-calving and at weaning. Colostrum and milk volumes were recorded, and samples were analyzed for percentages of fat, protein, milk urea nitrogen, other solids, and lactose. Colostrum samples were analyzed for concentrations of IgG, IgA, and IgM, and milk samples were analyzed for IgG concentration using radial immunodiffusion. Blood samples were collected from dams and calves, and serum was analyzed for concentrations of IgG (cows and calves) and IgA (calves). Cow and calf BW were measured periodically until weaning. Supplementation with PHYT linearly increased fat in colostrum (CON = 3.29, PHIT250 = 4.23, and PHYT500 = 4.17 ± 0.77%; p = 0.05) and IgA in calf serum (96.91, 151.69, and 183.42 ± 29.78 mg/dL for CON, PHYT250, and PHYT500, respectively; p = 0.04) and tended to linearly increase concentrations of fat in milk (CON = 3.84, PHYT250 = 4.05, and PHYT500 = 4.71 ± 1.04%; p = 0.07), IgG in calf serum (2082.31; 2196.29; and 2577.78 ± 213.08 mg/dL for CON, PHYT250, and PHYT500, respectively; p = 0.09), and IgM in colostrum (CON = 179.04; PHYT250 = 170.79; PHYT500 = 218.30 ± 16.08 mg/dL; p = 0.09). A quadratic response was observed for calf ADG (p = 0.03), where CON (0.99 ± 0.03 kg/d) was less than PHYT250 (1.10 ± 0.03 kg/d), and intermediate values were observed for PHYT500 (1.01 ± 0.03 kg/d). In summary, supplementation with PHYT led to a linear increase in colostrum fat and IgA levels in calf serum. Additionally, supplementation tended to linearly elevate fat concentrations in milk, IgG levels in calf serum, and IgM levels in colostrum. Our results suggest that supplementing beef cows in late gestation and early lactation with 250 or 500 mg/head/d of PHYT improves colostrum quality and calf health and performance. Further investigation is needed to determine both the biological significance and the economic benefits of botanical additives in beef production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of Feeds and Additives on Metabolic or Metabolomic Research on Animal Production)

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14 pages, 4704 KB

Open AccessArticle

Macroalgae Compound Characterizations and Their Effect on the Ruminal Microbiome in Supplemented Lambs

by Adriana Guadalupe De la Cruz Gómez, Huitzimengari Campos-García, German D. Mendoza, Juan Carlos García-López, Gregorio Álvarez-Fuentes, Pedro A. Hernández-García, José Alejandro Roque Jiménez, Oswaldo Cifuentes-Lopez, Alejandro E Relling and Héctor A. Lee-Rangel

Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(12), 653; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11120653 - 14 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2364

Abstract

The impact of macroalgae species on rumen function remains largely unexplored. This present study aimed to identify the biocompounds of the three types of marine macroalgae described: Macrocystis pyrifera (Brown), Ulva spp. (Lettuce), Mazzaella spp. (Red) and their effect on species-specific modulations of the rumen microbiome. The macroalgae were characterized using GC-MS. Twelve Rambouillet lambs were randomly assigned to one of four experimental diets (n = 3 per treatment): (a) control diet (CD); (b) CD + 5 g of Red algae; (c) CD + 5 g of Brown algae; and (d) CD + 5 g of Lettuce algae. After the lambs ended their fattening phase, they donated ruminal fluid for DNA extraction and 16S rRNA gene V3 amplicon sequencing. Results: The tagged 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and statistical analysis revealed that the dominant ruminal bacteria shared by all four sample groups belonged to phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidota. However, the relative abundance of these bacterial groups was markedly affected by diet composition. In animals fed with macroalgae, the fibrinolytic and cellulolytic bacteria Selenomonas was found in the highest abundance. The diversity in chemical composition among macroalgae species introduces a range of bioactive compounds, particularly VOCs like anethole, beta-himachalene, and 4-ethylphenol, which demonstrate antimicrobial and fermentation-modulating properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of Feeds and Additives on Metabolic or Metabolomic Research on Animal Production)

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