Annals of Animal Science Feed

Role of some commercial aqueous additives in growth, blood chemistry, intestinal enzymes, and immune response of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) reared under a zero-water exchange system

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Egypt’s limited freshwater resources affect the quantity and quality of water available for fish farming. Therefore, biological applications in aquaculture may be one of the tools to address water shortages or extend desert aquaculture, and they are sustainable. Therefore, an 84-day fish-rearing experiment was performed under unchanged water conditions using watery additives from three commercial products of probiotics and prebiotics. Four hundred and fifty Nile tilapia juveniles were randomly stocked in 15 rectangular fiberglass tanks (water volume: 1.5 m3) with a density of 30 fish/tank, and their initial weight was 20.00 ± 1.00 g. Five experimental groups were coded as follows: group of control A (CA): fish were raised without water exchange, using no water additives; group of control B (CB): water was replaced every week at a rate of 50% without water additives. The remaining three groups were also kept under zero-water exchange condition, with the water additives provided once a week – for group 1, PRO (a mixture of Bacillus spp.): 4 g/tank/week; for group 2, YUC (a commercial product of yucca extract): 4 ml/tank/week; and for group 3, a commercial product of effective microorganisms (EMs): 4 ml/tank/week. A basal floating feed containing 30% crude protein with a pellet diameter of 2 mm was used. Water quality measures were strictly monitored. The results showed that the treated and control groups had statistically significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) in all indicators, either biological or physiological, in addition to water quality, which showed low ammonia concentration in the treated groups, especially EMs. In the same manner, EMs had the best growth rate, blood hemato-biochemical, immunological status, and digestive enzyme activity, followed by YUC, PRO, and CB, respectively. Our work demonstrated that biological applications play a crucial and important role in sustaining aquaculture, addressing the shortage of water resources, and improving their quality.

The gut–brain–mitochondria axis in heat-stressed poultry: Mechanisms and implications for health and productivity

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Heat stress remains a major constraint to global poultry production, with profound implications for bird health, welfare, and productivity. Exposure to elevated ambient temperatures disrupts thermoregulation, metabolism, immune competence, and behaviour, ultimately compromising performance and survival. Growing evidence indicates that the gut–brain–mitochondria axis (GBMA) represents a critical integrative network through which birds perceive, respond to, and adapt to thermal stress. Heat stress-induced impairment of intestinal barrier integrity, dysbiosis of the gut microbiota, and altered secretion of gut-derived metabolites and neuroactive compounds converge on neuroendocrine pathways, particularly the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal and sympathetic axes, thereby modulating appetite regulation, stress reactivity, and thermoregulatory behaviour. Concurrently, excessive production of reactive oxygen species and calcium imbalance in mitochondria-rich tissues disrupt mitochondrial dynamics and bioenergetics, promoting oxidative damage and apoptosis. This review synthesises current evidence on heat stress-induced disruption of the GBMA at multiple levels, including gut architecture and microbiota, neuroendocrine regulation, and mitochondrial function. We further highlight how maladaptive feedback loops involving inflammation and oxidative stress exacerbate physiological dysfunction, ultimately reducing productivity, resilience, and welfare in poultry.

Valorization of olive oil industry by-products in livestock feeding: Nutritional value, functional properties, processing strategies, and research priorities

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The olive oil industry generates a significant amount of by-products during harvesting and oil extraction, creating environmental challenges while offering opportunities for valorization within livestock production systems. This review provides a structured synthesis of current knowledge on chemical composition, nutritional characteristics, bioactive properties, processing strategies, and feeding applications of major olive oil by-products, including olive pomace, olive cake, olive leaves, and olive mill wastewater. These by-products are generally distinguished by high levels of structural carbohydrates, moderate residual lipid content rich in unsaturated fatty acids, low to moderate crude protein levels, and substantial concentrations of phenolic compounds, resulting in considerable variability in their nutritional value across animal species. Available evidence suggests that olive oil by-products can be incorporated into animal diets without detrimental effects on performance when appropriate processing methods and species-specific inclusion levels are applied. Ruminants exhibit a greater capacity to utilize these materials due to microbial fermentation of fibrous fractions, whereas their use in aquaculture, poultry, and swine species is typically restricted to low inclusion levels and is mainly associated with functional effects, like improved oxidative stability, modulation of gut health, and enhancement of product quality. However, their broader application is considered by various factors including high moisture content, limited fiber digestibility, lipid oxidation, compositional variability, and the presence of anti-nutritional compounds. Overall, the integration of olive oil industry by-products into livestock feeding systems represents a promising strategy to support circular economy approaches and improve the sustainability of livestock production, although further research is required to optimize their practical utilization.

Benefits of Supplementing the Diet of Laying Hens with Levan as an Additive

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This study investigated the effects of levan on various parameters in laying hens, such as: performance, egg quality, intestinal microflora formation, intestinal histomorphometry, morphometry and the composition of specific immune cells in the lymphoid organs, and the formation of blood lymphocyte and monocyte populations. A total of 120 laying hens of the Lohmann Brown line were randomly divided into five experimental groups, each group consisted of eight replications, and each replication consisted of three birds. Group C was the control group and received the basal diet with no levan supplement. The experimental groups received a basal diet supplemented with 0.1% (L0.1), 0.25% (L0.25), 0.5% (L0.5) or 1% (L1) levan. Levan, especially in a concentration of 0.5%, had a positive effect on egg production (EP) (P<0.05). At low doses (0.1%), levan significantly (P<0.05) improved egg breaking strength. Additionally, a significant effect (P<0.05) was observed in the increase in Lactobacillus spp. and the decrease in Enterobacteriaceae in the jejunum, as well as the increase in Bifidobacterium spp. in the cecum. Exploratory 16S rRNA-based profiling of pooled samples suggested shifts in bacterial community composition. Levan significantly (P<0.05) reduced the surface area of the villi in the ileum, and the length of the intestinal villi in the jejunum and ileum. Furthermore, an increase (P<0.05) in crypt depth and a decrease (P>0.05) in the ratio of the villus length to the depth of the crypts in the duodenum were observed. It can also be concluded that levan has a mild immunosuppressive effect. Levan had a positive effect on the performance of the birds. At low doses, levan had a positive effect on several egg quality parameters. The use of levan promoted the development of the gastrointestinal microflora. Levan, its fermentation products, as well as changes in the composition of the microflora of the digestive tract of laying hens may have some immunosuppressive effects.

Perspectives of Using Animal Tissues in the Treatment of Human Diseases

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The shortage of organs and tissues from deceased donors, which are essential for treating patients with extreme organ failure, is a serious problem in transplantology. The increase in average life expectancy and the expansion of medical indications for the procedure have led to a rise in demand for organs, tissues, and cells for transplantation (e.g., heart, kidneys, Langerhans cells, blood vessels). The gap between the number of available organs and the number of people awaiting transplants is growing every year. Stem cells and tissue engineering are proposed as alternatives to human organs and cells, but they have not yet been implemented in clinical practice. The use of organs, tissues, and cells of animal origin, mainly from transgenic pigs, is being considered more and more often, as organs from genetically modified pigs have already been used for transplants in humans. Some tissues, such as kidneys, show very promising results, while others, such as the heart, liver, or lungs, still require a lot of work. It should be emphasized that Polish scientists are also involved in the preparation of transgenic pigs for xenotransplantation. Of course, different solutions should also be sought in the form of artificial organs and the use of bioartificial organs created using multidimensional bioprinting.

Dietary Lactobacillus casei and resveratrol improve growth, antioxidant status, and disease resistance in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The current research evaluated the effect of probiotics Lactobacillus casei and resveratrol individually or in combination on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, growth-related genes, and resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Fish weighing 4.89±0.08 g were divided into four treatments with three replicates and fed with T0: control-without additives; T1: containing Lactobacillus casei; T2: containing resveratrol; T3: containing a combination of both, all for a duration of 56 days. After the feeding experiment, fish were challenged to the bacterial pathogen A. hydrophila for 14 days. The results showed that the probiotic L. casei and resveratrol, individually or in combination, significantly increased growth parameters compared to the control group (P<0.05). Mucosal immunity parameters, such as lysozyme activity, total immunoglobulin levels, and total protein, were significantly increased in L. casei and resveratrol individually or in combination (P<0.05). Also, it significantly increased antioxidant enzyme activity compared to the control group. Additionally, probiotic and resveratrol, individually or in combination, significantly increased the expression of genes related to growth (Ghrelin and IGF-1) compared to the control group. Overall, our results highlight the efficacy of the probiotic L. casei and resveratrol, individually or in combination, in increasing growth performance, feed utilization, antioxidant enzyme activity, and the expression of growth-related genes.

Mycotoxin contamination in aquafeeds: Plant sources, detection methods, risks and control strategies

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

As fish farming has gotten more intensive, it has become a normal practice to formulate aquafeed using plant-based components in place of fish meal, either entirely or partially, mainly to lower production costs. The danger of mycotoxin contamination in aquatic feeds has, however, grown dramatically as a result of this change. Mycotoxins can cause a variety of negative consequences in fish, such as changes at the cellular and organ levels and deficiencies in the development of their morphology and functionality. Mycotoxin exposure can raise mortality in extreme situations. In order to improve the safety and sustainability of aquaculture production systems, research efforts have been focused on assessing and creating practical methods to stop the formation of mycotoxins and to encourage their removal, inactivation, or decrease in bioavailability within aquafeeds.

Effects of Yupingfeng polysaccharide on growth performance, serum growth-related hormones, and metabolomics in chicks

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Yupingfeng polysaccharide (YPF-P), a polysaccharide derived from traditional Chinese medicine, has attracted increasing attention for its beneficial biological and pharmacological properties. This study investigates the effects of YPF-P on serum growth-related hormones, serum metabolomics, and growth performance in chicks. A total of 4,224 three-day-old Qingyuan partridge chickens were randomly assigned to four groups, receiving a basal diet supplemented with 0, 1, 2, or 4 g/kg YPF-P. The present study demonstrates that dietary supplementation with 2 g/kg YPF-P significantly enhanced final body weight (FBW), average daily gain (ADG), and elevated serum levels of growth hormone (GH), growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) (P<0.05). Metabolomic analysis further revealed that serum differential metabolites were predominantly enriched in amino acid metabolism pathways, with levels showing a significant positive correlation with growth-related hormones (P<0.05). These findings suggest that YPF-P promotes broiler growth by modulating endocrine growth-related hormones and reprogramming key metabolic pathways.

Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Modern Pig Breeding

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in pig farming significantly supports herd management, animal health monitoring and optimization of the rearing environment. The paper reviews key solutions such as radio-frequency identification (RFID) sensors, vision systems, sound analysis, deep learning algorithms and intelligent microclimate control systems that support production efficiency. Studies show that computer vision systems achieve more than 90% efficiency in detecting lameness, enabling faster intervention and reducing health losses. AI models for estrus detection achieve more than 95% accuracy, improving insemination planning and increasing reproductive rates. Monitoring feed intake with AI can increase feeding efficiency by 15–20%, improving daily gains and reducing feed wastage. Sound analysis systems enable early detection of respiratory diseases, reducing mortality and increasing pig welfare. The use of intelligent microclimate control systems can automatically regulate temperature, humidity and air quality, reducing environmental stress and preventing disease. The introduction of big data (BD) and Internet of things (IoT) technologies, meanwhile, enables real-time analysis of large data sets to support precision livestock management. Despite the many benefits, the full implementation of AI in pig breeding still requires work on algorithm optimization, component sustainability and implementation costs. The integration of these solutions into precision farming sets the stage for modern and sustainable livestock production.

Cannabidiol as a Water Additive: Impact on Performance, Egg Quality, Stress Reduction, and Gut Health in Laying Hens*

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Health and welfare are great concerns in intensive poultry production. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive hemp compound, has gained attention for its benefits in reducing stress, inflammation, and oxidative stress, as well as its role in modulating the endocannabinoid system. Despite growing interest, research on CBD supplementation in poultry remains limited. In this 15-week study, the effects of water-soluble CBD emulsion on performance, egg quality, corticosterone level, and gut morphology in laying hens were evaluated. A total of 180 Lohmann Brown hens were assigned to five groups: control (no water-soluble emulsion of CBD additive), blank (emulsifier), and groups I, II, and III (20, 40, and 80 mg of CBD/kg body weight in water). Feed and water intake, feed conversion ratio, and egg production were recorded. Egg quality and sensory traits were assessed. Corticosterone levels and gut morphology were examined as stress and health indicators. Higher CBD doses (40 and 80 mg/kg) reduced feed intake without affecting other performance parameters. Enhanced yolk color intensity was observed in all groups compared to the control, attributed to the emulsifier. Corticosterone was significantly lower at 20 mg/kg, suggesting stress relief at lower doses. Group I showed the highest villi length and villi height/crypt depth in the jejunum. In conclusion, low-dose CBD may support stress reduction and gut health in hens, whereas higher doses were associated with reduced feed intake and changes in gut morphology. Although CBD shows promise as a functional additive, further studies are required to specify the optimal dosage and investigate long-term influences on the welfare and productivity of laying hens.

From Concept to Reality: Low-Carbon Footprint Aquaculture Systems

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Aquaculture holds great importance as a source of sustenance for the ever-expanding global population. However, it has become increasingly apparent that this industry's growth has come at a cost, as it has been linked to a range of environmental challenges, including greenhouse gas emissions. To mitigate these issues, there is a growing call for innovative and sustainable aquaculture systems capable of reducing carbon footprints. This paper examines several such systems, including recirculating aqua-culture systems (RAS), integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA), biofloc technology (BFT), and aquaponics. RAS is a closed loop system that recirculates water through the system, reducing the need for water exchanges and associated energy and carbon emissions. IMTA involves the cultivation of multiple species from different trophic levels within a single system, a feature that distinguishes it from simple polyculture, while enabling nutrient recycling and reducing the need for external inputs such as feed and fertilizers. BFT can minimize carbon footprints by reducing energy and water use, minimizing waste, and decreasing demand for wild caught fish as a source of fishmeal. Aquaponics marries aquaculture with hydroponics, using aquatic organisms' waste as a nutrient source for plants and reducing waste while minimizing the need for external inputs. This paper delves into the potential benefits and challenges associated with each system, along with their current status and future prospects. It also underscores the significance of technological innovation, policy support, and industry collaboration in successfully implementing these systems. In conclusion, these innovative aquaculture systems have the potential to revolutionize the industry by promoting sustainability, reducing carbon emissions, and contributing to a more resilient and equitable food system. However, a comprehensive approach that considers the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainability is essential for their successful implementation.

Overview of caprine paratuberculosis in goats in India and other countries

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Caprine paratuberculosis is characterised by chronic granulomatous enteritis caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). It is a severe disease that affects small ruminants globally. The disease causes high economic losses due to animal deaths and a decrease in farm production. India’s goat population is the 2nd largest in the world, with >200 million small ruminants. It is noteworthy that this pathogenic bacterium can also infect sheep and goats as well as cattle worldwide (apart from India), indicating its ability to thrive in diverse environmental conditions. The present review aims to present current updates on prevalence, identification, and diagnostic choices for PTB, with the ultimate goal of facilitating the development of better-informed diagnostic and management strategies. Updates on this disease in goats shall be useful for estimation and for taking preventive measures to control the disease, as well as for future studies to improve genetic, diagnostic, immunisation, and production values.

Effects of threonine on broilers: an in-depth review on growth, gut health, and immune function

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This review examines the pivotal role of threonine (Thr), the third limiting essential amino acid, in optimizing broiler nutrition, particularly with corn–soybean meal-based diets, based on recent research highlights how different dietary levels of Thr influence key physiological parameters, including growth performance, intestinal health, immune function, and carcass composition. As poultry genetics and management practices advance, conventional Thr recommendations are being reassessed. Emerging evidence indicates that supplementing Thr beyond traditional levels (0.74–0.81%) can significantly enhance body weight gain, feed efficiency, gut integrity, immune competence, and meat yield. These improvements are largely attributed to the amino acid’s vital roles in supporting digestive and immune system functions. Current data suggest optimal Thr inclusion ranges of 0.67–0.90% for growth, 0.77–1.10% for gut health, 0.60–1.02% for immune response, and 0.62–0.97% for carcass traits. Collectively, these findings underscore the need for precision in amino acid formulation to meet the complex nutritional demands of modern broilers. The insights presented in this review provide a timely resource for nutritionists and researchers seeking to refine Thr supplementation strategies to achieve efficient and sustainable poultry production.

The impacts of palm oil mill effluent (POME) on aquatic animals – a mini-review

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This review synthesizes and critically evaluates the deleterious ecotoxicological impacts of palm oil mill effluent (POME) on aquatic animals. As the primary byproduct of the palm oil industry, POME presents a significant environmental hazard due to its complex and highly concentrated composition, characterized by elevated biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, high concentrations of suspended solids, and a suite of potentially toxic heavy metals (cadmium, copper, mercury, and lead). Extant toxicological investigations have elucidated the adverse effects of both acute and chronic POME exposure on a range of aquatic animals. These effects encompass disruptions in growth, respiration, integumentary pigmentation, hematological profile, antioxidative enzyme activity, reproduction, behavior (including feeding and mating), and early developmental stages. Reviewed studies spanned POME concentrations from 1.565 ppm to 1 ppt, with exposure durations ranging from 10 to 45 days. Furthermore, the impacts of suspended solids within POME were assessed, revealing significant negative consequences on reproductive behaviors and output, as well as visual acuity, at turbidity levels between 20 and 100 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) with exposure durations from 15 minutes to 15 hours. Notably, current POME ecotoxicological research is taxonomically circumscribed to a limited number of model species, including tilapia, zebrafish, hybrid catfish, and Siamese fighting fish, across various life stages. Consequently, future research must expand the taxonomic and life-stage breadth of investigations to corroborate and refine our understanding of POME’s impacts on aquatic ecosystems. The findings presented herein offer salient, evidence-based insights that can inform the development of effective POME remediation strategies, thereby mitigating the ecological risks posed to aquatic biota.

Mitigation strategies against cold stress in tropical fish – a review

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Cold stress is a significant threat to aquaculture, affecting fish growth, survival, and productivity. Despite its importance, there is a research gap in understanding the mechanisms of cold stress tolerance in aquatic animals and developing effective solutions. This review provides an overview of the different effects of low water temperature on the biological processes of tropical fish. It tackles the physiological changes, such as variations in digestive enzymes, lipid composition, fatty acid profile, and gene expression, that affect fish performance when fish are exposed to low temperatures. This review also showcases the different methods used to enhance the tolerance of fish species to low thermal stressors. These methods include physical barriers, reduced feeding frequency, and use of biofloc and dietary functional feeds. These methods also serve as effective mitigating strategies to combat poor growth, disease outbreak, and mortality in cultured tropical species in overwintering. Thus, the current review article concludes and recommends different directions to cope with the cold stress challenge, such as investigating molecular mechanisms, developing genetic markers, improving water management, investigating the role of nutrition in enhancing cold stress tolerance, selective breeding, developing breeding programs for cold-tolerant aquatics, and monitoring and prediction. Among the many strategies, the present review article highlights the role of utilizing feed additives with functional roles, which seems to be very effective, although sufficient studies and data are currently limited.

Role of TLR/NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathways in mastitis pathogenesis and their potential as therapeutic targets – a review

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Mastitis, a prevalent infectious disease characterized by mammary gland inflammation, represents a major economic burden and health challenge in dairy farming, necessitating comprehensive understanding of underlying molecular mechanisms for effective therapeutic intervention. This review investigates the crucial role of toll-like receptors (TLRs) in mastitis pathogenesis through recognition of key pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). TLR activation triggers complex downstream signaling involving nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathways, orchestrating inflammatory responses and disease progression in bovine mammary tissue. The interplay between these signaling networks controls pathogen recognition, inflammatory initiation, and disease resolution processes. Current research emphasizes oxidative stress-mediated inflammatory responses in mastitis development, elucidating disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Emerging strategies focus on modulating these pathways through natural compounds and pharmacological interventions, offering promising precision immunomodulatory approaches. Understanding the complexity of TLR/NF-κB/MAPK signaling is essential for developing targeted therapies that effectively combat this infectious disease while minimizing adverse effects. This comprehensive analysis of signaling mechanisms establishes a foundation for advancing veterinary medicine and improving dairy cattle health management through evidence-based therapeutic interventions, ultimately addressing the substantial economic impact of mastitis in the dairy industry.

Potential Blood and Tissue Protein Biomarkers of Canine Mammary Gland Tumours – A Review*

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Canine mammary tumours (CMTs) represent one of the most common neoplastic conditions in dogs, occurring predominantly in intact females. Despite being a well-recognised issue for several decades, effective tools for the early detection of CMTs remain limited. Investigating tumour-associated biomarker proteins through quantitative and qualitative approaches may provide solutions to this diagnostic challenge. While some biomarkers for mammary tumours have been extensively studied in both human and veterinary medicine, this article focuses on describing less explored but potentially valuable proteins for diagnostic and prognostic purposes in dogs with CMTs. The studies collected primarily involve proteomic analyses of blood and tumour tissue samples collected from dogs with CMTs. Key proteins discussed include immune system proteins (e.g. interleukins), protein receptors (e.g. vitamin D receptor), signalling pathway proteins (e.g. Hedgehog signalling pathway proteins), membrane channel proteins (aquaporins) and extracellular matrix proteins (periostin and decorin). In addition to individual proteins, large-scale proteomic studies showing the broad CMT proteome and the potential of using autoantibodies as a diagnostic panel are discussed. Furthermore, four distinct patterns of protein expression changes relevant to CMTs are described, i.e. benign, malignant, non-metastatic, metastatic and linear expression profiles. Nonetheless, the current findings provide a strong foundation for future, more comprehensive research.

Probiotic Strategies in Modern Pig Production: From Gut Microbiota Modulation to Immune and Metabolic Benefits*

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Probiotics play an increasingly important role in supporting the health and productivity of swine, in response to the global demand to reduce antibiotic use and enhance the sustainability of pig production systems. The beneficial effects of probiotics are primarily exerted through modulation of the gut microbiota composition and activity, stimulation of immune responses, and improvement of metabolic and performance parameters. Probiotic efficacy strongly depends on the microbial species and strains used (e.g., Lactobacillus spp., Bacillus spp., Enterococcus spp.), the administered dose, delivery method, and the physiological stage of the animal. Numerous studies have highlighted the particular value of probiotics during the critical post-weaning period in pigs, where these supplements help reduce diarrhoea incidence and improve growth performance, as well as in sows, where probiotics enhance lactation outcomes, immune status, and offspring vitality. Probiotics are most commonly administered as feed additives, water supplements, or protective formulations, often in combination with prebiotics, enzymes, or organic acids to enhance their overall efficacy. There is an increasing interest in next-generation probiotics, including host-specific strains and preparations containing microbial metabolites (postbiotics). Despite the considerable progress, many aspects of probiotic action, especially their interactions with the intestinal environment and underlying molecular mechanisms, remain under intensive investigation. The dynamic development of this field suggests that probiotics represent a valuable tool for advancing modern, responsible pig production. The implementation of probiotic preparations in pig production represents an important step towards more ethical and sustainable production, in which animal health and welfare remain key elements of responsible herd management.

Feed Additives and Immunity Boosting for Chickens – A Review

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Feed additives are an alternative to antibiotics to support sustainable poultry production, improving health and productivity, while meeting consumer demand for organic and environmentally-friendly products. Antimicrobial resistance has become a major global concern, which is encouraging the poultry industry to adopt nutritional immunomodulation as a strategy to produce healthy birds without antibiotics. This approach relies on nutritional science to replace antibiotics with immune-boosting feed additives, which is necessary because genetic selection of commercial poultry strains has improved productivity but reduced birds' ability to combat diverse disease challenges. A deeper understanding of immune system physiology can help optimize feed additives to enhance immune function without compromising performance. This review explores the poultry immune system's physiology and mechanisms, followed by an analysis of widely used synthetic feed additives: prebiotics, probiotics, enzymes, betaine, and L-carnitine. Preand probiotics modulate gut microbiota composition, favoring beneficial bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids and competitively exclude pathogens, indirectly bolstering gut-associated lymphoid tissue development and function. Enzymes, either provided as a single enzyme or combination of enzymes, improve feed digestibility stabilize the intestinal microflora. Two further additives are valuable in boosting cellular immunity: betaine and L-carnitine. Betaine is mainly known as an osmotic regulator of cellular function, but it has important immunocompetence strengthening effects. L-carnitine is best known for its effects on mitochondria, but it too can have substantial immunocompetence benefits. Furthermore, many immunomodulatory micronutrients and phytochemicals, including selenium, vitamin E, zinc, and various plant extracts rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, act as powerful antioxidants, mitigate oxidative stress, and directly influence the proliferation and differentiation of immune cells such as T and B lymphocytes, consequently strengthening both humoral and cell-mediated immunity. These alternatives aim to compensate for antibiotic removal while supporting immune modulation and maintaining productivity. A multifaceted approach integrating these additives is essential for poultry health, welfare, and performance.

A Non-Antibiotic Pectin–Morin–Quercetin Intramammary Therapy For Mild Clinical Mastitis In Dairy Cows

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Clinical mastitis remains one of the major health and economic challenges in dairy herds, while the global effort to reduce antimicrobial use has increased interest in effective non-antibiotic intramammary therapies. This study evaluated the efficacy of an intramammary formulation containing pectin, morin, and quercetin (PMQ) in dairy cows with mild to moderate clinical mastitis. Seventy-two multiparous Holstein-Friesian cows from a single commercial farm with confirmed intramammary infection caused by Escherichia coli or Streptococcus uberis were randomly assigned to receive PMQ once daily for seven days, a standard antibiotic treatment (positive control), or phosphate-buffered saline (negative control). Clinical signs and somatic cell counts (SCC) were monitored at 24-h intervals over a 7-day period. No improvement was observed in the negative control group. Both PMQ and the antibiotic treatment resulted in a significant reduction in somatic cell score beginning at approximately 72 h. Clinical recovery progressed in parallel with SCC reduction, with the antibiotic group showing the lowest probability of persistent inflammation; however, PMQ demonstrated a clear therapeutic effect superior to the negative control. These findings suggest that PMQ may represent a promising non-antibiotic intramammary option for the management of mild clinical mastitis, particularly in the context of efforts to promote responsible antibiotic use.