Veterinary Sciences

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18 pages, 778 KB

Open AccessArticle

Growing Tibetan Pigs Adapt to High-Fiber Diets by Enhancing Fiber Degradation Capacity

by Zhima Lamu, Shuyu Hao, Boxuan Li, Sichen Yang, Zhenda Shang, Peng Shang, Suozhu Liu, Yan Lin and Zhankun Tan

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(10), 1010; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12101010 - 18 Oct 2025

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Abstract

The systematic analysis of the synergistic mechanism between microbial fiber-degrading enzymes and short-chain fatty acids under high-fiber diet conditions is limited. In this study, we evaluated the effects of a high-fiber diet on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood and serum metrics, cellulase/hemicellulase [...] Read more.

The systematic analysis of the synergistic mechanism between microbial fiber-degrading enzymes and short-chain fatty acids under high-fiber diet conditions is limited. In this study, we evaluated the effects of a high-fiber diet on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood and serum metrics, cellulase/hemicellulase activity, and fecal microbial composition of growing Tibetan pigs. Forty Tibetan pigs were allocated to a control group (CON, the diet contains 5% crude fiber) or a high-fiber group (HF, the diet contains 10% crude fiber) based on crude fiber levels as a blocking factor. The pre-trial period was 7 d, and the formal trial lasted 28 d. CON group and HF group showed no effect on growth performance and nutrient apparent digestibility (p > 0.05). The HF group showed significantly higher fecal cellulase and hemicellulase activities than those of the CON group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the HF group showed significantly elevated levels of acetic, propionic, and butyric acids, as well as increased relative abundances of Fibrobacter and p-75-a5 in the feces (p < 0.05). The correlation analysis revealed that Fibrobacter exhibited significant positive correlations with acetic acid, butyric acid, cellulase, and hemicellulase, whereas p-75-a5 was significantly positively correlated with hemicellulase (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study provides strong evidence that the efficient utilization of dietary fiber by Tibetan pigs results from highly specialized microbial mechanisms in their large intestine, as reflected by their fecal microbiota composition. Fibrobacter and p-75-a5 play a crucial role in enabling these pigs to utilize fiber effectively. Certain specific microbiota secrete a greater quantity of enzymes to facilitate the decomposition of dietary fiber, and this process ultimately leads to the generation of more metabolites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Health of Monogastric Animals)

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14 pages, 682 KB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Screening of Antibacterial Efficacy of Moringa oleifera and Thymus vulgaris Methanolic Extracts Against Different Escherichia coli Strains and Their In Vivo Effects Against E. coli-Induced Infection in Broiler Chickens

by Majid Ali, Naila Chand, Sarzamin Khan, Rifat Ullah Khan, Babar Maqbool, Shabana Naz, Ala Abudabos, Abdul Hafeez and Ibrahim A. Alhidary

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(10), 957; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12100957 - 6 Oct 2025

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Abstract

This study evaluated the antibacterial efficacy and growth-promoting potential of Moringa oleifera and Thymus vulgaris methanolic extracts in broiler chickens challenged with Escherichia coli O78. In vitro antibacterial screening using agar well diffusion and disc diffusion assays revealed that ciprofloxacin exhibited the strongest [...] Read more.

This study evaluated the antibacterial efficacy and growth-promoting potential of Moringa oleifera and Thymus vulgaris methanolic extracts in broiler chickens challenged with Escherichia coli O78. In vitro antibacterial screening using agar well diffusion and disc diffusion assays revealed that ciprofloxacin exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect, followed by tetracycline and enrofloxacin, whereas among plant extracts, T. vulgaris was more effective than M. oleifera. The optimal combination (M100T150; 100 mg M. oleifera + 150 mg T. vulgaris) produced the largest inhibition zones against E. coli strains. For the in vivo trial, 540 Ross-308 broiler chicks were distributed into six treatment groups in a completely randomized design and reared for 42 days. Parameters assessed included growth performance, carcass traits, gut pH, ileal microbial counts, and intestinal histomorphology. Results showed that E. coli challenge significantly reduced feed intake, weight gain, carcass yield, and villus integrity while increasing FCR and E. coli counts (p < 0.05). Addition of plant extracts, particularly M100T150, significantly improved weight gain, FCR, Broiler Performance Efficiency Factor (BPEF), and Broiler Farm Economy Index (BFEI) compared to the positive control (p < 0.05). Extracts reduced duodenal and jejunal pH (p < 0.001), suppressed E. coli counts (p = 0.003), and enhanced Lactobacillus populations (p = 0.0004). Histological analysis revealed that extract-supplemented groups had greater villus height and surface area with shallower crypts than the positive control, indicating restoration of gut integrity. These findings suggest that methanolic extracts of M. oleifera and T. vulgaris, particularly in combination, can serve as natural alternatives to antibiotics in broiler production under pathogenic challenge. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Health of Monogastric Animals)

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18 pages, 304 KB

Open AccessArticle

Organic Glycinate Trace Minerals Improve Hatchability, Bone and Eggshell Breaking Strength, and Mineral Uptake During Late Laying Cycle in Layer Breeders

by Mujtaba Akram Jahangir, Muhammad Muneeb, Muhammad Farooq Iqbal, Syeda Maryam Hussain, Syed Sohail Habib, Sohail Ahmad, Kasim Sakran Abass, Nasir Mukhtar, Rashed A. Alhotan, Ali R. Al Sulaiman and Ala E. Abudabos

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(10), 927; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12100927 - 24 Sep 2025

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Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of replacing inorganic trace minerals with organic glycinate forms at two inclusion levels in layer breeders during the late laying cycle over 6 weeks (66 to 72 weeks of age). For this, a total of 180 layer breeders [...] Read more.

This study evaluated the effects of replacing inorganic trace minerals with organic glycinate forms at two inclusion levels in layer breeders during the late laying cycle over 6 weeks (66 to 72 weeks of age). For this, a total of 180 layer breeders (162 hens and 18 males; Lohmann LSL Ultralite) were randomly divided into three treatment groups having six replicates of nine hens each and one male for each replicate following a completely randomized design (CRD). The dietary treatments included: (1) Basal diet + inorganic trace minerals at breed recommended levels (ITM100), (2) Basal diet + organic trace minerals at recommended levels (OTM100), (3) Basal diet + organic trace minerals at half dose of recommended levels (OTM50). The trace mineral contents in the samples (feed, bone, and excreta) were determined through inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. The results indicated that glycinate minerals supplementation at half dose enhanced (p ≤ 0.05) tibial breaking strength compared to the inorganic minerals (38.97 vs. 29.55 MPa). Similarly, egg quality (egg geometry, yolk index, eggshell properties), and hatching traits (hatchability and fertility) were enhanced (p ≤ 0.05) following the use of glycinate organic minerals as compared to inorganic minerals. Copper deposition was higher (p ≤ 0.05) in the OTM100 as compared to other groups. Excreta levels of zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) were higher (p ≤ 0.05) in the ITM100 group compared to OTM100 and OTM50. In conclusion, supplementation of glycinate trace organic minerals to layer breeder hens during the late laying cycle had enhanced the bone and eggshell breaking strength, hatching traits, and absorption of certain trace minerals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Health of Monogastric Animals)

17 pages, 755 KB

Open AccessArticle

Individual and Combined Effect of Zinc-L-Selenomethionine Complex with Mannan-Oligosaccharide on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Gut Development and Immune Response in Broilers

by Hammad Talib, Ehsaan Ullah Khan, Muhammad Muneeb, Abdul Mateen, Saima Naveed, Jibran Hussain, Sohail Ahmad, Elham Assadi Soumeh and Abdulkareem M. Matar

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(8), 768; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12080768 - 17 Aug 2025

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Abstract

Due to the increased restrictions on antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs), natural substitutes such as organic selenium and prebiotics are gaining increased attention to enhance the gut health and performance of broilers. This study aimed at assessing the effects of organic selenium separately and [...] Read more.

Due to the increased restrictions on antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs), natural substitutes such as organic selenium and prebiotics are gaining increased attention to enhance the gut health and performance of broilers. This study aimed at assessing the effects of organic selenium separately and in combination with mannan-oligosaccharides (MOSs) on gut development, immunity, carcass traits and overall growth performance in broiler chickens. For this study, 528-day-old straight-run broiler chicks (Ross-308) were assigned to four dietary treatments (six replicates of 22 birds each), in a completely randomized design under a 2 × 2 factorial layout, including: (1) Se0.2 (0.20 mg/kg organic selenium), (2) Se0.2 + MOS (0.20 mg/kg selenium + 1 g/kg MOS), (3) Se0.4 (0.40 mg/kg selenium) and (4) Se0.4 + MOS (0.40 mg/kg selenium + 1 g/kg MOS). The results showed that the lower level of organic selenium, along with MOS (Se0.2 + MOS), resulted in significantly enhanced (p ≤ 0.05) feed conversion ratio, body weight gain and livability. Whereas the higher level of organic selenium, along with prebiotic (Se0.4 + MOS), remarkably (p ≤ 0.05) improved carcass traits, immunity and villus height in broilers. In conclusion, the combined provision of 0.4 mg/kg organic Se and 1 g/kg MOS optimally enhances broiler performance, immunity and gut health, offering a promising substitute to AGPs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Health of Monogastric Animals)

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10 pages, 431 KB

Open AccessArticle

Nutritional Value of Whole Corn Germ Obtained by the Wet Method for Poultry

by Michele Bernardino de Lima, Carlos Bôa-Viagem Rabello, Gabriel Henrique Nacamura da Silva, Jaqueline Aparecida Pavanini, Rita Brito Vieira, Isidro Chemane Argentina, Lizandra Amoroso and Edney Pereira da Silva

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(5), 470; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12050470 - 14 May 2025

Viewed by 1108

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the nutritional value of whole corn germ (WCG) in the diet of chickens. Amino acid digestibility, fatty acid digestibility, and metabolizable energy were evaluated. A metabolism assay was conducted using the precise feeding method on roosters. A completely [...] Read more.

This study aimed to assess the nutritional value of whole corn germ (WCG) in the diet of chickens. Amino acid digestibility, fatty acid digestibility, and metabolizable energy were evaluated. A metabolism assay was conducted using the precise feeding method on roosters. A completely randomized design was used, with two treatments and ten replications per rooster in each experimental unit. The treatments were as follows: WCG1, precise feeding with WCG; and WCG2, fasting birds to determine metabolic and endogenous losses in energy and fat. The variables analyzed were coefficients for amino acids in corn germ meal and fatty acid digestibility. The results showed that the standardized digestibility coefficients for amino acids in corn germ meal were (in g/kg) as follows: Lys, 920; Thr, 780; Met + Cys, 800; Arg, 910; His, 890; Ile, 950; Leu, 970; Phe + Tyr, 870; Val, 980; Gly + Ser, 740; Ala, 960; Asp, 870; and Glu, 930. The average fatty acid digestibility and AMEn were 850 g/kg and 4934 kcal/kg, respectively. Corn germ meal, which showed high digestibility of nutrients and energy, is considered an interesting ingredient for diets requiring high energy concentration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Health of Monogastric Animals)

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21 pages, 1634 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Dietary Supplementation Using Phytobiotics with Different Functional Properties on Expression of Immunity Genes, Intestinal Histology, Growth, and Meat Productivity of Broiler Chickens

by Marina I. Selionova, Vladimir I. Trukhachev, Artem Yu. Zagarin, Egor I. Kulikov and Nina P. Belyaeva

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(4), 302; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12040302 - 25 Mar 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1802

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of immunity-related genes and morpho-histological features of the intestines, and the growth and meat production of broiler chickens when fed plant extracts with different functional components. Chickens in the control group received a [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of immunity-related genes and morpho-histological features of the intestines, and the growth and meat production of broiler chickens when fed plant extracts with different functional components. Chickens in the control group received a basic diet. The feed in the experimental groups contained plant extracts standardized to various biologically active components such as the extract of common chicory with inulin (INUL), St. John’s wort with flavonoids (FLAV), maral root with ecdysterone (ECDS), and extracts of creeping thyme with flavonoids and tannins (FLAV-TANN). The results of this study showed that the application of the studied phytobiotics increased the expression of the pro-inflammatory gene IL8, with the 2^−ΔΔCT value ranging from 2.66 to 4.63. In the case of the antimicrobial peptide gene AvBD9, the 2^−ΔΔCT value ranged from 1.66 to 8.16, depending on the group. AvBD10 gene expression increased (2^−ΔΔCT = 2.19) when the chickens were fed the chicory extract and decreased when thyme extract was used (2^−ΔΔCT = 0.33). The study also found that using biologically active components in the diets of broiler chickens was accompanied by a significant decrease in the height of epithelial cells in the cecum mucous membrane in the INUL group (61.3%, p ≤ 0.001), FLAV group (60.0%, p ≤ 0.001), ECDS group (48.2%, p ≤ 0.001), and FLAV + TANN group (67.6%, p ≤ 0.001). It also caused a reduction in the depth of crypts in the INUL (38.4%, p ≤ 0.001), FLAV (32.3%, p ≤ 0.001), ECDS (50.9%, p ≤ 0.001), and FLAV + TANN (53.4%, p ≤ 0.001) groups. The use of all extracts, except creeping thyme, caused changes in the size of muscular elements in the intestinal walls; thus, the thickness of the muscular layer increased 1.5–2.0 times under the influence of flavonoids in St. John’s wort and of inulin in chicory, to 430.99 and 579.87 μm, respectively (p ≤ 0.001), and decreased 1.9 times under the influence of ecdysterone in maral root to 151.59 μm (p ≤ 0.001). The use of phytobiotics increased feed consumption and stock safety, leading to an increase of 4.1–7.5% in the live weights of broiler chickens at the end of the rearing period, thus contributing to the higher slaughter quality of poultry; in particular, the weights of breast muscles in cockerels in the INUL group increased by 16.9% (p ≤ 0.05), while the weights in the ECDS and FLAV + TANN groups increased by 18.1% (p ≤ 0.05) and 23.1% (p ≤ 0.01), respectively. Thus, the use of the studied phytobiotics in the broiler chicken diet increases meat production and activates immunity, which indicates the possibility of replacing antibacterial drugs with natural nutraceuticals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Health of Monogastric Animals)

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14 pages, 1421 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Microencapsulated Medium-Chain Fatty Acids, Lignocellulose, and Heat-Killed Lactobacillus plantarum L-137 Supplementation on Lactating Sow Performance, and Nutritional and Immunological Parameters in Colostrum

by Nithat Wichasit, Wandee Tartrakoon, Rangsun Charoensook, Riantong Singanusong, Juan J. Loor, Gaku Shoji, Satoru Onoda and Tossaporn Incharoen

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(2), 134; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12020134 - 6 Feb 2025

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Abstract

This experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementing miMCFA, lignocellulose, and HKL137 on lactating sow performance and nutritional composition and immunity in colostrum. Fifty 3–4 parity sows (Large White × Landrace) were randomly assigned to one of five treatments: (1) control (CON) [...] Read more.

This experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementing miMCFA, lignocellulose, and HKL137 on lactating sow performance and nutritional composition and immunity in colostrum. Fifty 3–4 parity sows (Large White × Landrace) were randomly assigned to one of five treatments: (1) control (CON) without supplementation, (2) miMCFA (S1), (3) miMCFA + lignocellulose (S2), (4) miMCFA + HKL137 (S3), and (5) miMCFA + lignocellulose + HKL137 (S4). Supplements were daily added to the morning meal for 21 days (day 100 of gestation to day 7 post-farrowing). Compared with CON, the S1 and S4 groups had improvements (p < 0.01) in live-born piglet numbers, and colostrum yield. Fat content in colostrum was significantly increased (p < 0.01) in the S3 and S4 groups than those of CON group. Additionally, IgG levels were significantly greatest (p < 0.05) in the S3 and S4 groups. Likewise, IgM levels were notably highest (p < 0.05) in the S2 and S4 groups. These results indicated that the synergistic administration of miMCFA, lignocellulose, and HKL137 resulted in significant enhancements in both sow performance indices and colostrum metrics, encompassing both quantitative and qualitative parameters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Health of Monogastric Animals)

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15 pages, 2557 KB

Open AccessArticle

Inclusion of Ora-Pro-Nóbis (Pereskia aculeata) Leaf Meal in the Diet of Adult Nile Tilapia Improves Growth Performance and Intestinal Absorption Capacity Without Compromising Metabolic and Hematological Variables

by Émerson J. A. Matos, Jailson Novodworski, Rafaela M. Gonçalves, Elisabeth C. Urbinati, Robie A. Bombardelli and Fábio Meurer

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12010015 - 1 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2713

Abstract

Corn and soybeans are commodities and ingredients of global interest, whose prices fluctuate based on global demands. In this sense, this study aimed to assess ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata) leaf meal (OLM) as an alternative to be included in the diets of Nile [...] Read more.

Corn and soybeans are commodities and ingredients of global interest, whose prices fluctuate based on global demands. In this sense, this study aimed to assess ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata) leaf meal (OLM) as an alternative to be included in the diets of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The optimal inclusion level of OLM in tilapia diets is investigated herein, aiming to improve their growth performance and health. Five diet variations containing OLM (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) were tested. Feed conversion and protein efficiency rates in the 5% and 10% OLM groups were statistically similar to the control group (p ≤ 0.05) and lower in the 15% and 20% OLM groups. Fish fed 5% and 10% OLM diets showed better feed efficiency, while higher OLM levels (15% and 20%) led to reduced carcass protein and ether extract levels. Increasing OLM levels enhanced intestinal villi height and area, associated with improved nutrient absorption and decreased liver fat degeneration, suggesting dietary adaptation and healthier liver conditions. Thus, OLM can be included up to 10% in tilapia diets, improving their growth performance, feed efficiency, and intestinal absorptive capacity without adversely affecting other parameters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Health of Monogastric Animals)

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11 pages, 468 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Guanidine Acetic Acid on the Growth and Slaughter Performance, Meat Quality, Antioxidant Capacity, and Cecal Microbiota of Broiler Chickens

by Xuedan Li, Zhimin Chen and Jiantao Li

Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(11), 550; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11110550 - 8 Nov 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2383

Abstract

The objective of this research was to assess the impact of guanidine acetic acid (GAA) on the growth performance, slaughter outcomes, meat quality, antioxidant capacity, and cecal microbiota of broiler chickens. A total of 128 Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into two [...] Read more.

The objective of this research was to assess the impact of guanidine acetic acid (GAA) on the growth performance, slaughter outcomes, meat quality, antioxidant capacity, and cecal microbiota of broiler chickens. A total of 128 Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into two experimental groups. One group served as the control and was provided with a standard diet, whereas the group treated with GAA received a diet enhanced with 400 mg/kg of GAA. The duration of the experiment was 42 days. Measurements for growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, and antioxidant capacity were conducted both during and at the conclusion of the study, while assessments of slaughter performance and meat quality were carried out solely at the end. Notable differences were observed in terms of growth performance, blood biochemistry, and metabolic parameters between the control and GAA-treated groups (p < 0.05). Hence, these findings imply that dietary GAA supplementation can favorably affect growth, carcass quality, biochemical indicators, and antioxidant capacity in broiler chickens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Health of Monogastric Animals)

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12 pages, 2163 KB

Open AccessArticle

Citric Acid by-Product Fermentation by Bacillus subtilis I9: A Promising Path to Sustainable Animal Feed

by Sirisak Tanpong, Nalisa Khochamit, Padsakorn Pootthachaya, Wilailak Siripornadulsil, Narirat Unnawong, Anusorn Cherdthong, Bundit Tengjaroenkul and Sawitree Wongtangtintharn

Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(10), 484; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11100484 - 8 Oct 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2985

Abstract

Citric acid by-products in animal feed pose a sustainability challenge. Bacillus species are commonly used for fermenting and improving the nutritional quality of feedstuffs or by-products. An experiment was conducted to enhance the nutritional value of citric acid by-products through fermentation with Bacillus [...] Read more.

Citric acid by-products in animal feed pose a sustainability challenge. Bacillus species are commonly used for fermenting and improving the nutritional quality of feedstuffs or by-products. An experiment was conducted to enhance the nutritional value of citric acid by-products through fermentation with Bacillus subtilis I9 for animal feed. The experiment was carried out in 500 mL Erlenmeyer flasks with 50 g of substrate and 200 mL of sterile water. Groups were either uninoculated or inoculated with B. subtilis I9 at 10⁷ CFU/mL. Incubation occurred at 37 °C with automatic shaking at 150 rpm under aerobic conditions for 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. Inoculation with B. subtilis I9 significantly increased Bacillus density to 9.3 log CFU/mL at 24 h (p < 0.05). CMCase activity gradually increased, reaching a maximum of 9.77 U/mL at 72 h. After 96 h of fermentation with inoculated B. subtilis I9, the citric acid by-product exhibited a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in crude fiber by 10.86%, hemicellulose by 20.23%, and cellulose by 5.98%, but an increase in crude protein by 21.89%. Gross energy decreased by 4% after inoculation with B. subtilis in comparison to the uninoculated control (p < 0.05). Additionally, the non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) degradation due to inoculation with B. subtilis I9 significantly reduced (p < 0.05) NSP by 24.37%, while galactose, glucose, and uronic acid decreased by 22.53%, 32.21%, and 18.11%, respectively. Amino acid profile content increased significantly by more than 12% (p < 0.05), including indispensable amino acids such as histidine, isoleucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, and valine and dispensable amino acids like alanine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, proline, and tyrosine. Furthermore, citric acid by-products inoculated with B. subtilis I9 exhibited changes in the cell wall structure under scanning electron microscopy, including fragmentation and cracking. These results suggest that fermenting citric acid by-products with B. subtilis I9 effectively reduces dietary fiber content and improves the nutritional characteristics of citric acid by-products for use in animal feed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Health of Monogastric Animals)

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Review

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17 pages, 728 KB

Open AccessReview

Scutellaria baicalensis and Lonicera japonica: An In-Depth Look at Herbal Interventions Against Oxidative Stress in Non-Ruminant Animals

by Vetriselvi Sampath, Yu Jin Baek and In Ho Kim

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(9), 816; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12090816 - 26 Aug 2025

Viewed by 1030

Abstract

The use of antibiotics as growth promoters (AGPs) has been a common practice in animal production; however, concerns over microbial resistance have led organizations, such as the FAO, EU, and EFSA, to restrict or ban their use. This has prompted a growing interest [...] Read more.

The use of antibiotics as growth promoters (AGPs) has been a common practice in animal production; however, concerns over microbial resistance have led organizations, such as the FAO, EU, and EFSA, to restrict or ban their use. This has prompted a growing interest in natural alternatives, particularly medicinal herbs, for enhancing animal performance and health. Among these, Scutellaria baicalensis (Chinese Skullcap) and Lonicera japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle) have gained attention for their high medicinal value in monogastric animal diets. These plants contain bioactive compounds, such as flavones (baicalin, baicalein, oroxylin A), iridoids (loganin), and saponins (including loniceroside hederagenin), which exhibit a range of biological activities, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-stress effects. Notably, these herbal extracts are natural, safe, and unlikely to induce microbial resistance. Recent studies suggest that supplementation with S. baicalensis and L. japonica can improve livestock production performance by mitigating oxidative stress. This review aims to highlight the potential application of these plant-based additives in reducing oxidative damage and enhancing productivity in animal agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Health of Monogastric Animals)

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12 pages, 2857 KB

Open AccessReview

Assessing Intestinal Health in Pigs: Recognizing Unaddressed Areas and Prospective Research Avenues

by Marina Patricia Walter, Gabriela Miotto Galli, Alicia Zem Fraga, Aires Santos Silva, Júlio César Vieira Furtado, Pedro João Viera Ascari and Ines Andretta

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(5), 475; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12050475 - 14 May 2025

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Abstract

Gut health is crucial for pigs because it affects nutrient absorption, immune function, and growth performance. However, its definition remains unclear, particularly regarding measurable responses in scientific studies. This review critically analyzed studies assessing intestinal health in pigs during the nursery, growing, and [...] Read more.

Gut health is crucial for pigs because it affects nutrient absorption, immune function, and growth performance. However, its definition remains unclear, particularly regarding measurable responses in scientific studies. This review critically analyzed studies assessing intestinal health in pigs during the nursery, growing, and finishing phases, focusing on the invasiveness of the applied techniques. Papers published between 2005 and 2023 were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct, resulting in 322 articles. Publications grew at an annual rate of 23%, with 84% of studies conducted in the nursery phase. In the database, 87% of intestinal health assessments were combined with growth performance measures. Semi-invasive methods, such as blood collection, were used in 65% of the studies. Non-invasive measures, such as fecal samples, were analyzed in 39% of the studies, whereas urine (7%) and saliva (0.6%) were used in only a small fraction of the studies. Invasive methods, including intestinal tissue collection, were employed in 89% of studies. Among these, 24% did not specify the euthanasia method or number of pigs euthanized. No significant association was found between invasive and non-invasive methods, limiting the ability to establish clear relationships. Future studies should integrate multiple levels of invasiveness to improve the understanding and reduce reliance on invasive techniques. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Health of Monogastric Animals)

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