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Safety and Efficacy of Feed Additives in Animal Production
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Safety and Efficacy of Feed Additives in Animal Production

A special issue of Agriculture (ISSN 2077-0472). This special issue belongs to the section "Farm Animal Production".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 February 2022) | Viewed by 53935

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Lubomira Gresakova

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Animal Physiology Slovak Academy of Sciences, Kosice, Slovakia
Interests: trace elements; mineral status; antioxidant status; absorption; bioavailability
Dr. Emilio Sabia

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Science and Technology, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
Interests: ruminant nutrition; animal production; dairy science; crop production; feeding; beef production; carbon footprint; LCA; biodiversity; environmental impact

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Due to the challenge of reducing the environmental impact of animal production as well as maintaining animal health and sustainable livestock productivity, it is necessary to change the feeding strategy of livestock. Feed supplementation with safe and efficient nutrient additives should provide optimal animal performance as well as maximize livestock productivity with respect to the environment. Nutritional feed additives used in animal nutrition and originating from different sources affect physiological processes, such as nutrient digestibility and absorption, immunity, mineral status, antioxidant activity or reproduction of livestock. Improving nutrient digestion and absorption by feed supplementation can increase micronutrient bioavailability, provide safe and functional foods, as well as reduce environmental pollution from animal production.

The scope of the present Special Issue is to publish high-quality papers concerning various sources of nutritional feed additives using in-farm animal nutrition, and to investigate their effects on livestock health and production together with environmental pollution. Therefore, we invite you to submit, in this Special Issue, your recent findings, in the form of original research, communications or reviews regarding feed supplementation with nutritional feed additives, nutraceuticals or alternative feed byproducts, the effect of feed supplementation on animal growth, health and production, gut microbiota and food safety, and environmental impact.

Dr. Lubomira Gresakova
Dr. Emilio Sabia
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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. Agriculture is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

  • nutritional feed additives
  • digestibility
  • bioavailability
  • microbiota
  • food safety
  • environment

Published Papers (15 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 2184 KiB  
Article
Growth Performance, Meat Quality, and Fecal Microbial Population in Limousin Bulls Supplemented with Hydrolyzable Tannins
by Andrej Mergeduš, Marjan Janžekovič, Dejan Škorjanc, Tadeja Kraner Šumenjak and Maksimiljan Brus
Agriculture 2022, 12(7), 939; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture12070939 - 28 Jun 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1469
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of supplementation of hydrolyzable tannins (HT) from sweet chestnut wood extract (Castanea sativa Mill.) to the diet of Limousin bulls on growth rate, carcass and meat quality traits, and fecal Clostridia strain [...] Read more.
The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of supplementation of hydrolyzable tannins (HT) from sweet chestnut wood extract (Castanea sativa Mill.) to the diet of Limousin bulls on growth rate, carcass and meat quality traits, and fecal Clostridia strain levels in a 7-month feeding trial. Thirty-two bulls were randomly assigned to four treatment groups (CON (without addition of HT); TAN 1 (1 g HT kg−1 DM); TAN 2 (1.5 g HT kg−1 DM); and TAN 3 (1.5 g HT kg−1 DM with a nominally lower dose of concentrate). Compared with the CON group, supplementation with HT significantly (p < 0.050) increased bull growth rate during 4–7 months, whereas carcass and meat quality traits were unaffected during the last three months of fattening. Supplementation of HT significantly reduced meat drip loss (p = 0.000) compared with the CON group. No effects were observed on the total number of fecal Clostridia strains; however, the concentration of Clostridiumperfringens was significantly lower (p = 0.004) in TAN 1 than that in the CON group. The results obtained in fattening bulls indicate that the addition of HT is justified in practice to improve growth performance and feed efficiency without adverse effects on the carcass and meat quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safety and Efficacy of Feed Additives in Animal Production)
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16 pages, 471 KiB  
Article
Trace Mineral Solubility and Digestibility in the Small Intestine of Piglets Are Affected by Zinc and Fibre Sources
by Katarína Tokarčíková, Klaudia Čobanová, Margaréta Takácsová, Marcin Barszcz, Marcin Taciak, Anna Tuśnio and Ľubomíra Grešaková
Agriculture 2022, 12(4), 517; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture12040517 - 06 Apr 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2467
Abstract
Findings that Zn and fibre source affected the nutrient apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), made us hypothesize that interactions could occur affecting the apparent digestibility of Zn and trace elements (TEs) interacting with Zn in the digestive tract. Therefore, the study investigated the [...] Read more.
Findings that Zn and fibre source affected the nutrient apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), made us hypothesize that interactions could occur affecting the apparent digestibility of Zn and trace elements (TEs) interacting with Zn in the digestive tract. Therefore, the study investigated the effects of Zn and fibre sources on the apparent digestibility and solubility of TEs (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn) and pH in the small intestinal segments of 40-days-old piglets. In vitro solubility of TEs was estimated using a simulated digestion assay. Feed supplementation with potato fibre (PF) affected the ATTD of all TEs and dry matter as well as mineral solubility in the ileum and/or jejunum without any effect on pH in the small intestine. Intake of PF enhanced Zn and Cu absorption (p < 0.01), but significantly decreased ATTD of Fe and Mn (p < 0.001). Diet supplementation with Zn glycinate decreased Zn absorption in the gut (p < 0.01) and affected the solubility of other TEs in the different digestion phases. Although in vitro solubility of TEs does not provide a good prediction of mineral bioaccessibility, using a combination of in vitro and in vivo methods can enable prediction of the trace mineral absorption. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safety and Efficacy of Feed Additives in Animal Production)
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14 pages, 319 KiB  
Article
Effect of Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) Pellets on Rumen Microbiome and Histopathology in Lambs Exposed to Gastrointestinal Nematodes
by Daniel Petrič, Michaela Komáromyová, Dominika Batťányi, Martyna Kozłowska, Weronika Filipiak, Anna Łukomska, Sylwester Ślusarczyk, Malgorzata Szumacher-Strabel, Adam Cieślak, Marián Várady, Svetlana Kišidayová and Zora Váradyová
Agriculture 2022, 12(2), 301; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture12020301 - 21 Feb 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2169
Abstract
Our study analyzed the ruminal fermentation and microbiome, hematological profile, and abomasal histopathology of lambs experimentally infected with a gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) and fed sainfoin pellets (SFPs; 600 g DM/d/animal) for 14 d. Twenty-four lambs infected with Haemonchus contortus were divided into two [...] Read more.
Our study analyzed the ruminal fermentation and microbiome, hematological profile, and abomasal histopathology of lambs experimentally infected with a gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) and fed sainfoin pellets (SFPs; 600 g DM/d/animal) for 14 d. Twenty-four lambs infected with Haemonchus contortus were divided into two separated groups: animals fed meadow hay (control) and animals fed SFPs. The ruminal contents, fermentation parameters, and microbiome in vitro and in vivo were determined using molecular and microscopic techniques. Ruminal contents in the SFP group indicated smaller populations of Archaea (p < 0.001), Methanomicrobiales (p = 0.009), and lower methane concentrations in vitro (p = 0.046) and in vivo (p = 0.030) than the control group. The relative abundance of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens quantified by real-time PCR was higher in the lambs with the SFP diet (p = 0.05). Haemonchosis affected the number of red blood cells of the lambs (p < 0.001). The lambs in the SFP group had a higher percentage of damaged abomasa glands than did the control group (p = 0.004). The consumption of SFPs by GIN-infected lambs may affect ruminal methanogens and subsequently decrease methane emission without undesirable changes in the ruminal microbiome or the health of the animals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safety and Efficacy of Feed Additives in Animal Production)
18 pages, 1748 KiB  
Article
Effects of Knotweed-Enriched Feed on the Blood Characteristics and Fitness of Horses
by Marcela Kovářová, Petr Maděra, Tomáš Frantík, Jan Novák and Štěpán Vencl
Agriculture 2022, 12(1), 109; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture12010109 - 13 Jan 2022
Viewed by 3539
Abstract
The aboveground biomass of dry knotweed was administered daily to large groups of young (1- to 3-year-old) stallions of the Czech Warmblood, Czech-Moravian Coldblood and Silesian Norik breeds, fed individually for 4 and 6 months in two successive winter experiments. Their fitness was [...] Read more.
The aboveground biomass of dry knotweed was administered daily to large groups of young (1- to 3-year-old) stallions of the Czech Warmblood, Czech-Moravian Coldblood and Silesian Norik breeds, fed individually for 4 and 6 months in two successive winter experiments. Their fitness was compared with control groups consisting of equally numerous subgroups comparable in age, breed, body mass and initial blood parameters. The effects of knotweed on the horses’ fitness were evaluated based on changes in blood characteristics. Even if administered in small amounts, 150 g per day, knotweed could (1) increase the thrombocyte numbers, (2) increase the globulin content (thus improving the horses’ immunity, which is desired in large groups of animals), (3) stimulate lipid metabolism in cold-blooded horses and (4) decrease the concentration of cholesterol. The long-lasting effect of knotweed on both the urea and triglyceride–cholesterol ratio presumably reflected, between the two experiments, the temporary protein starvation of horses on pastures with poor quality of grass in a dry summer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safety and Efficacy of Feed Additives in Animal Production)
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10 pages, 305 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Dried Grape Pomace Feeding on Nutrients Digestibility and Serum Biochemical Profile of Wethers
by Miroslav Juráček, Patrícia Vašeková, Peter Massányi, Anton Kováčik, Daniel Bíro, Milan Šimko, Branislav Gálik, Michal Rolinec, Ondrej Hanušovský, Renata Kolláthová, Eva Mixtajová and Mária Kalúzová
Agriculture 2021, 11(12), 1194; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture11121194 - 26 Nov 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2243
Abstract
The aim of this study was to find the effect of dried grape pomace (GP) feeding on the nutrients digestibility coefficients and biochemical parameters of sheep blood serum. The experiment was divided into three feeding periods—C (control), GP1 (1% grape pomace concentration), and [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to find the effect of dried grape pomace (GP) feeding on the nutrients digestibility coefficients and biochemical parameters of sheep blood serum. The experiment was divided into three feeding periods—C (control), GP1 (1% grape pomace concentration), and GP2 (2% grape pomace concentration). Wethers in three groups in balance cages were housed for right feces collection. The C feed diet consisted of hay, ground wheat, soybean meal, mineral and vitamin lick. An experimental diet with 1% and 2% addition of GP from the daily dry matter intake was fed. After that, digestibility coefficients (in %) were calculated by the difference between nutrient intake and excretion. Furthermore, in the wethers’ blood, biochemical parameters (mineral, energetic, nitrogen, and enzymatic profile) were analyzed. After the GP2 feeding, statistically significant higher digestibility of CP (crude protein), NFC (nonfiber carbohydrates), NDF (neutral detergent fiber), and OM (organic matter) was found. However, the addition of dried GP increased significantly the content of Cl− and decreased the value of glucose, nevertheless, their concentrations were within the reference interval. Parameters of the wethers’ blood serum nitrogen and enzymatic profile were not affected by GP feeding. Dried grape pomace in an amount of 2% diet dry matter can be considered a suitable source of nutrients in sheep feeding, which in addition should improve the digestibility of diet crude protein. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safety and Efficacy of Feed Additives in Animal Production)
13 pages, 306 KiB  
Article
Bioavailability of Dietary Zinc Sources and Their Effect on Mineral and Antioxidant Status in Lambs
by Ľubomíra Grešáková, Katarína Tokarčíková and Klaudia Čobanová
Agriculture 2021, 11(11), 1093; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture11111093 - 04 Nov 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1604
Abstract
This study investigated the relative bioavailability (RBV) of zinc from different sources used as feed additives in ruminant nutrition based on Zn concentration and the activity of Zn-dependent enzymes in lamb tissues. Thirty-two male lambs of Improved Valachian breed (three months old) were [...] Read more.
This study investigated the relative bioavailability (RBV) of zinc from different sources used as feed additives in ruminant nutrition based on Zn concentration and the activity of Zn-dependent enzymes in lamb tissues. Thirty-two male lambs of Improved Valachian breed (three months old) were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments. For 120 days, the lambs were fed either the total mix ration (TMR) providing 29.6 mg Zn/kg or the TMR supplemented with either zinc sulphate (ZnSO4), zinc chelate of glycine hydrate (ZnGly), or zinc chelate of protein hydrolysate (ZnProt). The supplemented diets contained a total of 80 mg Zn/kg. Supplementation with ZnSO4 increased Zn concentration in the liver, while the highest Zn uptake was in the kidneys of lambs fed the ZnProt diet. The ZnGly supplemented diet elevated the activity of the Cu/Zn-dependent enzyme superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD) in the liver. Regardless of Zn source, Zn supplementation resulted in increased total antioxidant status (TAS) in the pancreas. The estimated RBV of Zn based on linear regression slope ratios did not differ among the Zn sources. Our results indicate similar availability of Zn from organic dietary sources as from commonly used zinc sulphate; however, their effects on mineral and antioxidant status may differ slightly in growing lambs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safety and Efficacy of Feed Additives in Animal Production)
8 pages, 284 KiB  
Article
Effect of Enterococcus faecium AL41 (CCM8558) and Its Enterocin M on the Physicochemical Properties and Mineral Content of Rabbit Meat
by Monika Pogány Simonová, Ľubica Chrastinová and Andrea Lauková
Agriculture 2021, 11(11), 1045; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture11111045 - 25 Oct 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1466
Abstract
Improving rabbit meat quality using natural substances has become an area of research activity in rabbit nutrition due to stabilization of husbandry health and economy. The present study evaluates the effect of bacteriocin-producing, beneficial strain Enterococcus faecium AL41/CCM8558 and its enterocin M (EntM) [...] Read more.
Improving rabbit meat quality using natural substances has become an area of research activity in rabbit nutrition due to stabilization of husbandry health and economy. The present study evaluates the effect of bacteriocin-producing, beneficial strain Enterococcus faecium AL41/CCM8558 and its enterocin M (EntM) on the quality and mineral content of rabbit meat. Seventy-two Hycole rabbits (aged 35 days) were divided into EG1 (CCM8558 strain; 1.0 × 109 CFU/mL; 500 µL/animal/d), EG2 (EntM; 50 µL/animal/d), and control group (CG). The additives were administrated in drinking water for 21 days. Significant increase in meat phosphorus (EG1: p < 0.05; EG2: p < 0.0001) and iron (EG1, EG2: p < 0.001) contents was noted; sodium and zinc levels were only slightly higher in experimental groups compared with control data. The calcium (EG1, EG2: p < 0.001), potassium, and copper (EG1: p < 0.01) concentrations were reduced. The treatment did not have a negative influence on physicochemical traits of rabbit meat. Based on these results, we conclude that diet supplementation with beneficial strain E. faecium CCM8558 and its EntM could enhance the quality and mineral content of rabbit meat, with the focus on its iron and phosphorus contents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safety and Efficacy of Feed Additives in Animal Production)
13 pages, 656 KiB  
Article
Productive Performance, Carcass Traits, and Meat Quality in Finishing Lambs Supplemented with a Polyherbal Mixture
by José Felipe Orzuna-Orzuna, Griselda Dorantes-Iturbide, Alejandro Lara-Bueno, Germán David Mendoza-Martínez, Luis Alberto Miranda-Romero, Rufino López-Ordaz and Pedro Abel Hernández-García
Agriculture 2021, 11(10), 942; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture11100942 - 29 Sep 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2663
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of a polyherbal mixture (HM) containing saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides on productive performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of lambs during the final fattening period. Thirty-six Dorper × Katahdin lambs [...] Read more.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of a polyherbal mixture (HM) containing saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides on productive performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of lambs during the final fattening period. Thirty-six Dorper × Katahdin lambs (23.27 ± 1.23 kg body weight (BW)) were housed in individual pens and were assigned to four treatments (n = 9) with different doses of HM: 0 (CON), 1 (HM1), 2 (HM2) and 3 (HM3) g of HM kg−1 of DM for 56 days. Data were analysed as a completely randomized design using the MIXED and GLM procedures of statistical analysis system (SAS), and linear and quadratic effects were tested to evaluate the effects of the HM level. DM digestibility decreased in lambs fed HM3 (p < 0.05). There was no effect of HM on daily weight gain, dry matter intake, final BW, feed conversion, carcass characteristics, colour (L* and a*) and meat chemical composition. Meat pH, cooking loss and drip loss increased linearly (p < 0.05) when the HM dose was increased. The Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) of meat was lower (p < 0.05) in lambs fed HM3. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of 3 g HM kg1 of DM improves meat tenderness. However, high doses of HM in the diet may decrease the digestibility of DM and increase the cooking loss and drip loss of lamb meat during the final fattening period. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safety and Efficacy of Feed Additives in Animal Production)
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13 pages, 252 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Feeding Hens a Peanut Skin-Containing Diet on Hen Performance, and Shell Egg Quality and Lipid Chemistry
by Ondulla Toomer, Thien Vu, Rebecca Wysocky, Vera Moraes, Ramon Malheiros and Kenneth Anderson
Agriculture 2021, 11(9), 894; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture11090894 - 17 Sep 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3612
Abstract
Peanut skins are a considerable waste product with little current economic value or use. We aimed to determine the dietary effects of peanut skins on layer production performance and egg quality and chemistry of the eggs produced. Two hundred commercial hens were randomly [...] Read more.
Peanut skins are a considerable waste product with little current economic value or use. We aimed to determine the dietary effects of peanut skins on layer production performance and egg quality and chemistry of the eggs produced. Two hundred commercial hens were randomly assigned to four treatments (five replicates) and fed ad libitum for 8 weeks: conventional control diet, diet containing 24% high-oleic peanut (HOPN), diet containing 3% peanut skin (PN Skin), and a diet with 2.5% oleic acid (OA). Hens fed the HOPN diet had significantly reduced body weights relative to the control and PN Skin treatments, producing fewer total eggs over the 8-week experimental period. Eggs weights were similar between the control and PN Skin treatments at weeks 2 and 4, while eggs from the PN Skin treatment group were heavier than other treatments at weeks 6 and 8 of the experiment. Eggs produced from the HOPN treatment had reduced saturated fatty acid (FA) content in comparison to the other treatment groups, while similar between PN Skin and control eggs at week 8 of the experiment. This study suggests that PN skins may be a suitable alternative layer feed ingredient. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safety and Efficacy of Feed Additives in Animal Production)
15 pages, 599 KiB  
Article
Feeding Laying Hens a Diet Containing High-Oleic Peanuts or Oleic Acid Enriches Yolk Color and Beta-Carotene While Reducing the Saturated Fatty Acid Content in Eggs
by Ondulla T. Toomer, Thien Chuong Vu, Elliot Sanders, Adam Karl Redhead, Ramon Malheiros and Kenneth E. Anderson
Agriculture 2021, 11(8), 771; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture11080771 - 12 Aug 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2627
Abstract
We investigated the dietary effects of high-oleic peanuts (HOPN) or oleic fatty acids (OA) on older production hen performance, egg mass and quality, and lipid composition. A total of 99 laying hens were divided between three treatments and fed ad libitum for 8 [...] Read more.
We investigated the dietary effects of high-oleic peanuts (HOPN) or oleic fatty acids (OA) on older production hen performance, egg mass and quality, and lipid composition. A total of 99 laying hens were divided between three treatments and fed ad libitum for 8 weeks: (1) Conventional diet; (2) HOPN diet; (3) OA diet. Body weight (BW) was measured at weeks 1 and 8, and feed, egg weights (EW), and egg quality parameters were collected. Data was analyzed by analysis of variance at p < 0.05 significance level. There were no treatment differences in 8 week BW, feed conversion ratio, or average weekly egg quality parameters. The 8 week average EW of eggs from the HOPN group had reduced EW relative to the other treatment groups (p = 0.0004). The 8-week average yolk color score (p < 0.0001) was greater in eggs from the HOPN group relative to the other treatments. Overall, the β-carotene (p < 0.006) and OA content (p < 0.0001) was greater in eggs from the HOPN group, with reduced saturated fats in eggs from the HOPN group relative to the other treatments. These results suggest that HOPN and/or OA may be a useful layer feed ingredient to enrich eggs, while significantly reducing egg size in older production hens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safety and Efficacy of Feed Additives in Animal Production)
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14 pages, 1007 KiB  
Article
Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Humic Substances on Production Parameters, Immune Status and Gut Microbiota of Laying Hens
by Dagmar Mudroňová, Viera Karaffová, Boris Semjon, Pavel Naď, Jana Koščová, Martin Bartkovský, Andrej Makiš, Lukáš Bujňák, Jozef Nagy, Jana Mojžišová and Slavomír Marcinčák
Agriculture 2021, 11(8), 744; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture11080744 - 06 Aug 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2519
Abstract
Despite the fact that humic substances (HS) have been frequently studied in relation to their effects on livestock health, studies on their influence on egg production and quality, immunity, and intestinal microbiota of laying hens are limited. In this study, the influence of [...] Read more.
Despite the fact that humic substances (HS) have been frequently studied in relation to their effects on livestock health, studies on their influence on egg production and quality, immunity, and intestinal microbiota of laying hens are limited. In this study, the influence of 0.5% HS supplementation on the specific production parameters of eggshell mineral quality, immune parameters (relative expression of IgA, IGF-2, MUC-2 gene in cecum; activity of phagocytes, percentage of selected lymphocyte subpopulations in the peripheral blood), and number of lactic acid bacteria and enterobacteria in the intestinal contents in laying hens was tested. The addition of 0.5% HS to the laying hen feed had a positive effect on egg laying rate, daily egg mass, egg weight, feed conversion and eggshell quality and also had an immunostimulatory effect manifested by increased phagocyte activity and B cell response. Concurrently, an increase in the number of enterobacteria in the intestinal contents and a decrease in the proportion of T lymphocytes (p < 0.05) was observed, which can be considered as a negative effect of HS. The results confirmed that HS can be used for the improvement of egg production and targeted immunostimulation, but their effect on the intestinal microbiota and T lymphocytes should be studied in more detail. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safety and Efficacy of Feed Additives in Animal Production)
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19 pages, 1313 KiB  
Article
Effects of Rocket Seed Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, and Their Mixture on Growth Performance, Feed Utilization, Digestibility, Redox Status, and Meat Fatty Acid Profile of Growing Rabbits
by Sabrin Abdelrahman Morshedy, Ahmed M. Abdelmodather, Mohamed M. Basyony, Soliman A. Zahran and Mohamed A. Hassan
Agriculture 2021, 11(7), 662; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture11070662 - 14 Jul 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3320
Abstract
Vegetable oils are a source of natural antioxidants, including tocopherols, sterols, phenolic compounds, coenzymes, and polyunsaturated fatty acids that provide nutritional value, organoleptic properties, and significantly delay or prevent lipid oxidation. Eighty-four V-line rabbits at 5 weeks of age with an initial body [...] Read more.
Vegetable oils are a source of natural antioxidants, including tocopherols, sterols, phenolic compounds, coenzymes, and polyunsaturated fatty acids that provide nutritional value, organoleptic properties, and significantly delay or prevent lipid oxidation. Eighty-four V-line rabbits at 5 weeks of age with an initial body weight (BW) of 535.60 ± 13.48 g were assigned randomly to four experimental groups (seven replicates in each group with three rabbits each). The first group served as a control and received 0.3 mL/kg BW of distilled water (CON), while the second and third groups received 0.3 mL/kg BW of rocket seed oil (RSO) and wheat germ oil (WGO), respectively. The fourth group received a mixture of oils consisting of 0.15 mL of RSO and 0.15 mL of WGO/kg BW (MOs). The experiment lasted 7 weeks. The study investigated the effects of RSO, WGO, and their mixture on growth performance, feed utilization, antioxidant status, and immune response of growing rabbits. The results indicated that the rabbits that were administered orally with RSO and WGO or their mixture had higher (p ≤ 0.05) final BW, weight gain, and average daily gain when compared to the control group. In addition, the feed conversion ratio improved significantly with RSO, WGO, and MOs treatments. Different oil treatments improved nutrient digestibility, nutritive value, and nitrogen balance. Moreover, the rabbits that received RSO, WGO, and their mixture had an improvement the meat fatty acid composition compared to the control rabbits. Oral administration of RSO, WGO, and their mixture significantly improved serum protein fractions, decreased blood urea nitrogen, and had a positive effect on serum total lipids, HDL-c, and LDL-c. Furthermore, the treatments of RSO, WGO, and MOs had a significant improvement in the antioxidative status and immune response. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safety and Efficacy of Feed Additives in Animal Production)
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14 pages, 789 KiB  
Article
Dietary Supplementation of Some Antioxidants as Attenuators of Heat Stress on Chicken Meat Characteristics
by Mihaela Saracila, Tatiana Dumitra Panaite, Silvia Mironeasa and Arabela Elena Untea
Agriculture 2021, 11(7), 638; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture11070638 - 08 Jul 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2251
Abstract
The study evaluated the effect of dietary chromium and vitamin C, Zinc, and sorrel wood powder supplements on chicken health and the nutritional, textural, and sensorial quality of chicken meat. A total of 120 Cobb 500 chickens (heat stress, 32 °C) were assigned [...] Read more.
The study evaluated the effect of dietary chromium and vitamin C, Zinc, and sorrel wood powder supplements on chicken health and the nutritional, textural, and sensorial quality of chicken meat. A total of 120 Cobb 500 chickens (heat stress, 32 °C) were assigned into four treatments: control diet (C) and three test diets including 200 µg/kg diet chromium picolinate and supplemented with: 0.25 g vitamin C(VC)/kg diet (E1), 0.025 g Zn/kg diet (E2), and 10 g creeping wood sorrel powder (CWS)/kg diet (E3). Crude protein concentration increased in the breast meat from the E3 group; crude fat decreased in E1 and E3 compared to those fed the C diet. Dietary combinations of CrPic with VC, Zn, and CWS increased redness and decreased the luminosity parameter of breast meat compared with the C group. Dietary combinations of CrPic with VC and CWS lowered the hardness of breast meat. Significant positive correlation was found between hardness–gumminess (r = 0.891), gumminess–cohesiveness (r = 0.771), cohesiveness–resilience-EE (r = 0.861; r = 0.585), ash-L* (r = 0.426), and a negative one between ash–a* (r = 0.446). In conclusion, a dietary combination of CrPic with VC, Zn, and CWS as antioxidant sources could have a beneficial effect on quality without affecting sensory attributes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safety and Efficacy of Feed Additives in Animal Production)
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Review

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20 pages, 3174 KiB  
Review
Sustainable Livestock Production in Nepal: A Focus on Animal Nutrition Strategies
by Prabhat Khanal, Rajan Dhakal, Tanka Khanal, Deepak Pandey, Naba Raj Devkota and Mette Olaf Nielsen
Agriculture 2022, 12(5), 679; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture12050679 - 10 May 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 14212
Abstract
In many developing countries, the livestock sector plays a vital role in the national economy, providing a source of food, income, and employment. With changes in demographical, socio-economic, and environmental status, the livestock sector in the developing world is facing challenges of low [...] Read more.
In many developing countries, the livestock sector plays a vital role in the national economy, providing a source of food, income, and employment. With changes in demographical, socio-economic, and environmental status, the livestock sector in the developing world is facing challenges of low productivity and has become both a culprit and a victim of undesirable climate change impacts globally. In this paper, we will review the status of Nepalese livestock production systems and evaluate possible livestock species-specific strategies to promote a more productive and sustainable livestock sector in the future. In Nepal, the livestock sector is deemed essential to alleviate poverty and improve the nutritional status of the population, as in many other developing countries. However, there is a need for substantial improvements in livestock productivity, in particular improvement of feeding strategies to exploit the genetic potential of livestock. For ruminants, the important issue is to improve nutritional value and hence utilization of existing feedstuffs. Use of, e.g., urea, molasses, and enzymes to improve feed digestibility and implementation of technologies to effectively preserve biomass from forages that are only seasonally available are necessary strategic measures. Identification and use of novel anti-methanogenic feed ingredients will be crucial to develop a ruminant livestock sector that is not only productive, but also environmentally sustainable. For monogastric animals, the development and use of novel protein feed ingredients, such as insects raised on indigestible (for monogastrics) plant residues, should become part of future feeding strategies in support of a circular bioeconomy and improved productivity, not least in small scale poultry production. Future policies should also include a strong focus on capacity building and development of research infrastructure, and promotion of collaborative activities among research and industry sectors to establish a productive yet sustainable livestock sector in Nepal. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safety and Efficacy of Feed Additives in Animal Production)
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25 pages, 920 KiB  
Review
Biogenic Selenium Nanoparticles in Animal Nutrition: A Review
by Svetlana Malyugina, Sylvie Skalickova, Jiri Skladanka, Petr Slama and Pavel Horky
Agriculture 2021, 11(12), 1244; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture11121244 - 09 Dec 2021
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4823
Abstract
Selenium still represents a matter of debate in the scientific community. Bionanotechnology has introduced a whole new perspective on selenium use in animal nutrition. In recent years, attention has been focused on selenium nanoparticles prepared by chemical synthesis. Societal pressure directs research in [...] Read more.
Selenium still represents a matter of debate in the scientific community. Bionanotechnology has introduced a whole new perspective on selenium use in animal nutrition. In recent years, attention has been focused on selenium nanoparticles prepared by chemical synthesis. Societal pressure directs research in a “greenway” that is more eco-friendly. Biogenic selenium nanoparticles thus represent a new space for research in the use of this new form of selenium in animal nutrition. Recent research shows that biogenic selenium nanoparticles have low toxicity, improve antioxidant status, and increase the body’s immune response. However, their benefits may be much greater, as numerous in vitro studies have shown. In addition, biogenic selenium nanoparticles possess antimicrobial, antifungal, and anticancer activities. Further research should answer questions on the use of biogenic selenium nanoparticles as a feed supplement in individual categories of livestock, and their safety in terms of long-term supplementation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safety and Efficacy of Feed Additives in Animal Production)
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