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Nutritional Health of Monogastric Animals

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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: 15 May 2025 | Viewed by 6931

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ines Andretta

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Guest Editor

Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90010-150, RS, Brazil
Interests: gut-health; nutrition; pigs; poultry; precision feeding

Dr. Alícia Zem Fraga

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Guest Editor

School of Veterinary, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
Interests: poultry; swine; additives; sanitary challenge conditions; intestinal morphology

Dr. Gabriela Miotto Galli

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Guest Editor

Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90010-150, RS, Brazil
Interests: poultry; swine; intestinal health; additives; metabolism

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleague,

Ensuring the optimal health of monogastric animals is imperative to enhance production efficiency, improve animal welfare, and ultimately meet the demands of global food security within a sustainable framework. Certainly, proper nutrition and well-planned feeding strategies are essential to achieve success in this task. By providing balanced diets tailored to precisely meet animal nutritional requirements, producers can maximize nutrient-use efficiency and elevate the quality of derived animal products while concurrently mitigating adverse environmental impacts; however, feed may have an even more significant impact. Certain feed constituents have the potential to improve gut health, modulate immune responses, diminish disease prevalence, and mitigate antibiotic use.

This Special Issue provides space for original research papers that address the use of nutritional strategies, functional ingredients, or feed additives to maximize the health of monogastric animals. Papers addressing strategies to reduce the use of antibiotics or novel techniques to assess the effects of nutritional health solutions (such as gut health biomarkers) are also invited.

Dr. Ines Andretta
Dr. Alícia Zem Fraga
Dr. Gabriela Miotto Galli
Guest Editors

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Keywords

broilers
feed additives
gut health
inflammation
nutrition
pigs
poultry

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 1634 KiB

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

Viewed by 403

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 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 KiB

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) 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 KiB

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

Viewed by 1412

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 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 KiB

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

Viewed by 1418

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 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 KiB

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 1 | Viewed by 1810

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 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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