AnimalsPub Date : 2025-10-08DOI: 10.3390/ani15192919
Bin Gao, Wanchao Zhang, Deqi Hao, Kaisi Yang, Changxi Chen
{"title":"CF-DETR: A Lightweight Real-Time Model for Chicken Face Detection in High-Density Poultry Farming.","authors":"Bin Gao, Wanchao Zhang, Deqi Hao, Kaisi Yang, Changxi Chen","doi":"10.3390/ani15192919","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15192919","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Reliable individual detection under dense and cluttered conditions is a prerequisite for automated monitoring in modern poultry systems. We propose CF-DETR, an end-to-end detector that builds on RT-DETR and is tailored to chicken face detection in production-like environments. CF-DETR advances three technical directions: Dynamic Inception Depthwise Convolution (DIDC) expands directional and multi-scale receptive fields while remaining lightweight, Polar Embedded Multi-Scale Encoder (PEMD) restores global context and fuses multi-scale information to compensate for lost high-frequency details, and a Matchability Aware Loss (MAL) aligns predicted confidence with localization quality to accelerate convergence and improve discrimination. On a comprehensive broiler dataset, CF-DETR achieves a mean average precision at IoU 0.50 of 96.9% and a mean average precision (IoU 0.50-0.95) of 62.8%. Compared to the RT-DETR baseline, CF-DETR reduces trainable parameters by 33.2% and lowers FLOPs by 23.0% while achieving 81.4 frames per second. Ablation studies confirm that each module contributes to performance gains and that the combined design materially enhances robustness to occlusion and background clutter. Owing to its lightweight design, CF-DETR is well-suited for deployment in real-time smart farming monitoring systems. These results indicate that CF-DETR delivers an improved trade-off between detection performance and computational cost for real-time visual monitoring in intensive poultry production.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 19","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12524335/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145298036","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
AnimalsPub Date : 2025-10-08DOI: 10.3390/ani15192921
Lyalya Musina, Anna Lebedeva, Ludmila Drozdova, Alexey Prusakov, Vladimir Ponamarev
{"title":"Features of the Liver Microstructural Organization of the Bactrian Camel.","authors":"Lyalya Musina, Anna Lebedeva, Ludmila Drozdova, Alexey Prusakov, Vladimir Ponamarev","doi":"10.3390/ani15192921","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15192921","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Camels have developed unique adaptive mechanisms, one of which is the active accumulation of lipids. This metabolic feature has a direct influence on the liver ultrastructure. Its analysis reveals how exactly the hepatocytes have evolved to effectively store fat and neutralize toxins, which is crucial for survival in the desert. Considering the latter, the aim of this research is to establish the features of the microstructural organization of the liver of the Bactrian camel (<i>Camelus bactrianus</i>). This study was conducted using 15 liver tissue fragments from 5 healthy Bacterian camels (3 pieces from each animal) via biopsy. The sections were examined using a JEM-1011 electron microscope at magnifications of 2500-8000. Electron microscopic analysis of hepatocytes revealed a significantly larger hepatocyte diameter (25-30 µm), suggesting an adaptation for metabolites and water storage. Hepatocytes exhibited fewer, medium-sized (0.5-2 µm) lipid droplets, present in only 12-15% of cells. A high density of specialized Kupffer (15-20 cells per 10,000 µm<sup>2</sup>) and activated Ito cells was observed, indicating enhanced detoxification and immune functions. These specific ultrastructural features provide a model for studying metabolic resistance and inform veterinary diagnostics and husbandry practices for this species.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 19","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12523359/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145298225","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
AnimalsPub Date : 2025-10-08DOI: 10.3390/ani15192918
Katharina Ameli, Stephanie Krämer
{"title":"Implementing Culture of Care in Germany.","authors":"Katharina Ameli, Stephanie Krämer","doi":"10.3390/ani15192918","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15192918","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The implementation of the 3Rs principles is an essential part of daily routines and structural processes in animal research. The work of Russell and Burch regarding the 3Rs has been implemented in the field over the course of decades, but since 2002, the concept of a Culture of Care has come more to the forefront. In the present project, 503 experts in Germany were exploratively surveyed about their individual perceptions of Culture of Care and its implementation within their institutions. Using a questionnaire with closed questions (five-point agreement scale) and open questions, the data offer insights into Culture of Care in Germany. The results allow for the initial conclusion that a Culture of Care has not been fully established yet. Further research is needed to address a holistic and critical interdisciplinary Culture of Care that focuses on the animals' perspective in a transformative way.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 19","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12524104/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145298149","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
AnimalsPub Date : 2025-10-08DOI: 10.3390/ani15192920
Benedetta Cordioli, Manuel Garbuio, Luca Palazzolo, Francesco Dorigo, Luca Zandonà, Laura Viel, Claudia Zanardello, Luca Bano
{"title":"Unusual Epidemic of Tyzzer's Disease in Commercial Rabbit Breeders: Clinical, Pathological, and Therapeutic Observations.","authors":"Benedetta Cordioli, Manuel Garbuio, Luca Palazzolo, Francesco Dorigo, Luca Zandonà, Laura Viel, Claudia Zanardello, Luca Bano","doi":"10.3390/ani15192920","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15192920","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Clostridium piliforme</i> (Cp) is a pleomorphic spore-forming obligate intracellular bacterium and the causative agent of Tyzzer's disease. The condition affects multiple species, including rabbits, in which the disease is sporadic in recently weaned animals. This report details a case of disease caused by Cp observed exclusively in breeding rabbits of a commercial farm. The clinical manifestations were a higher mortality rate in does and late-gestation abortions. We performed necropsy and further microbiological, parasitological and histopathological analyses. Anatomopathological lesions were suggestive of Tyzzer's disease and the presence of Cp was confirmed by PCR. Parasitological analysis tested negative and standard bacteriological examination of intestines revealed a high load of <i>Escherichia coli</i> and <i>Clostridium perfringens</i>, which were considered secondary pathogens. <i>Chlamydophila</i> sp. and <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> infections were excluded by PCR as causative agents of abortions. Moreover, in the months following the diagnosed outbreak, episodes of subcutaneous edema occurred in multiple does and young breeders born after the resolution of the epidemic. The constant reduction in the use of antimicrobials in recent years could make some neglected diseases emerge again. Therefore, it is crucial to suspect such uncommon pathologies in commercial rabbitries to properly manage them on farms.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 19","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12524181/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145298544","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
AnimalsPub Date : 2025-10-08DOI: 10.3390/ani15192922
Anna Rygało-Galewska, Klara Piotrowska, Magdalena Matusiewicz, Damian Bień, Monika Łukasiewicz-Mierzejewska, Zbigniew Skibko, Andrzej Borusiewicz, Tomasz Niemiec
{"title":"Effects of Free and Conjugated Methionine on Growth, Meat Quality, Mineral Profile, and Shell Strength in Garden Snails (<i>Cornu aspersum</i>).","authors":"Anna Rygało-Galewska, Klara Piotrowska, Magdalena Matusiewicz, Damian Bień, Monika Łukasiewicz-Mierzejewska, Zbigniew Skibko, Andrzej Borusiewicz, Tomasz Niemiec","doi":"10.3390/ani15192922","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15192922","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The present study examined the impact of adding methionine (Met) and its conjugated form (Met-Met) on <i>Cornu aspersum</i> snails. The primary focus was on the animals' growth performance, the chemical composition of their carcass (whole body without the shell), the mineral profile, and the mechanical properties of their shells. In two experiments conducted under controlled laboratory conditions, diets supplemented with varying levels of Met addition (0.3, 0.6, 1.4 g/kg feed) were used, and the effects of free methionine, Met-Met and their mixture (1.4 g/kg feed) were compared. The study incorporated measurements of body weight, shell width, and mortality of snails. Analyses encompassing protein, fat, sulphur amino acids, glutathione levels, oxidative stress indices (DPPH, TAC, TBARS), and macro- and micronutrient content of carcass and shells were conducted. The findings demonstrated that adding 1.4 g Met/kg feed significantly enhanced the shells' weight gain (+56% vs. Control), shell weight (+56%) and crushing force (+135%). Furthermore, an increase in the Met content of the carcass was observed (+18%), along with elevated carcass Ca (+28%) and P (+30%) and higher shell Ca (+12%) and Zn (+87%), alongside reduced carcass Fe (-38%) and Cu (-19%). In Experiment II, the Met-Met group exhibited the highest carcass weight (+16% vs. Control), the greatest carcass-to-body weight ratio, and the highest proportion of mature individuals (+27%). Moreover, Met-Met supplementation improved Cu absorption and retention in the carcass (+19%). Also, the results suggest that the conjugated form of methionine may improve Cu absorption and storage in the carcass (+19%). The study's findings indicate that methionine addition, especially in Met-Met form, can substantially impact the efficiency of <i>C. aspersum</i> farming, enhancing both the productivity outcomes and the quality of the product. That is particularly important in increasing the shell's mechanical resistance and the carcass's nutritional value.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 19","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12523424/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145298264","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Comparative Analysis of Genetic Parameters for Test-Day Egg Production in Four Thai Native Synthetic Chicken Lines Under Heat Stress.","authors":"Doungnapa Promket, Khanitta Pengmeesri, Vibuntita Chankitisakul, Wuttigrai Boonkum","doi":"10.3390/ani15192912","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15192912","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study evaluated genetic parameters for test-day egg production in four Thai native synthetic chicken lines-Soi Nin, Soi Pet, Kaen Thong, and Kaimook e-san-under heat stress in Thailand. A total of 11,887 monthly test-day egg records from 1134 hens, collected between January 2023 and July 2025, were analyzed using a repeatability test-day model with the temperature-humidity index (THI) as an environmental covariate. THI thresholds from 70 to 80 were evaluated, and the THI1 equation provided the best model fit with the highest coefficient of determination (R<sup>2</sup>) and the lowest mean squared error (MSE). With increasing THI, heritability estimates declined from 0.255-0.323 at THI 70 to 0.173-0.236 at THI 80, a 26.9-32.2% decrease reflecting reduced additive genetic variance and consequent lower genetic expression under heat stress. Genetic correlations between egg production and heat stress were positive at low THI (0.250-0.600) but became negative at THI ≥ 73, suggesting antagonism between productivity and thermotolerance under severe stress. The rate of decline in egg production increased with increasing THI, from -0.35 to -0.45 eggs/bird/THI at THI 73, -0.80 to -1.22 at THI 76, and -1.76 to -2.35 at THI 80. The ranges of heritability and decline rates reflect the variation observed among the four Thai native synthetic chicken lines examined in this study. Kaimook e-san consistently showed the steepest decline in egg production, whereas Soi Nin exhibited the smallest, indicating greater resilience. These findings reveal significant genetic variation in heat tolerance among Thai native synthetic lines and underscore the need to consider both productivity and environmental sensitivity in breeding programs to sustain egg production under future climate change.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 19","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12523639/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145298070","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
AnimalsPub Date : 2025-10-07DOI: 10.3390/ani15192916
Lina Zhang, Yong Cheng, Li Lu, Songtao Zhong, Tiande Zou, Mingren Qu, Jun Chen
{"title":"Effects of Dietary Potassium Diformate Supplementation on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Gastrointestinal pH, Jejunal Morphology, Digestive Enzyme Activity, and Antioxidant Status in Weaned Piglets.","authors":"Lina Zhang, Yong Cheng, Li Lu, Songtao Zhong, Tiande Zou, Mingren Qu, Jun Chen","doi":"10.3390/ani15192916","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15192916","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study evaluated the effects of dietary potassium diformate supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, gastrointestinal pH, jejunal morphology, digestive enzyme activity, and antioxidant status of weaned piglets in a 28-day trial. Twenty-four weaned piglets were selected and, after a 4-day adaptation period, randomly assigned to 4 treatment groups (n = 6). The dietary treatments included a control diet (basal diet) and 3 diets supplemented with 0.6%, 1.2%, or 1.8% potassium diformate in the basal diet. The results indicated that the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of piglets was reduced by all three potassium diformate supplementation levels compared to the control group (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Additionally, the FCR was decreased in piglets fed the 1.8% potassium diformate-supplemented diet compared to those fed the 1.2% potassium diformate-supplemented diet (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Piglets fed the three potassium diformate-supplemented diets exhibited higher apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter and crude protein than the control group (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The 1.8% potassium diformate groups also showed increased ATTD of calcium and phosphorus compared to the control group (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Supplementation with 1.2% or 1.8% potassium diformate reduced the digesta pH in the proximal stomach, distal stomach, and duodenum, while increased jejunal villus height (VH), VH/crypt depth (VH/CD) ratio, and catalase and total superoxide dismutase activities in the jejunal mucosa compared to the control group (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The 1.2% potassium diformate group showed higher α-amylase activity than the control group (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that FCR negatively correlated with ATTD of dry matter, crude protein, calcium, phosphorus, and jejunal VH, while positively correlating with digesta pH in the proximal stomach (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The ATTD of dry matter negatively correlated with digesta pH in the proximal stomach, distal stomach, and duodenum, and positively correlated with jejunal VH/CD ratio and catalase activity (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The ATTD of crude protein negatively correlated with digesta pH in the proximal stomach, distal stomach, and duodenum (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Collectively, dietary supplementation with 1.8% potassium diformate reduced FCR of weaned piglets, which was associated with enhanced nutrient digestibility, reduced pH in the anterior gastrointestinal tract, and improved jejunal morphology.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 19","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12523615/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145298157","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
AnimalsPub Date : 2025-10-07DOI: 10.3390/ani15192917
José A Torres, E Jorge Tizado, Raquel Castillo-Contreras, Luis F Villanueva, Carlos Sánchez-García
{"title":"From Removal to Selective Control: Perspectives on Predation Management in Spanish Hunting Grounds.","authors":"José A Torres, E Jorge Tizado, Raquel Castillo-Contreras, Luis F Villanueva, Carlos Sánchez-García","doi":"10.3390/ani15192917","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15192917","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Historically, predator control has been a frequent practice conducted in the hunting grounds of Spain. After the approval of Law 42/2007 on Natural Heritage and Biodiversity, and the enforcement of international regulations, predator control methods are required to be selective, non-massive, and conducted by trained specialists when traps are used; however, there is a lack of research on the current status of predator management. Data was gathered from 16 regional wildlife departments and from 373 questionnaires from hunting grounds targeting the conservation of small game species. Seven predatory species were included in the regional game species lists, the most frequently controlled being the red fox (<i>Vulpes vulpes</i>, 90.4%), wild boar (<i>Sus scrofa</i>, 78.3%), and Eurasian magpie (<i>Pica pica</i>, 51.5%), with control intensity differing among regions. In total, 87% of the questionnaire respondents declared controlling at least one predator species, while 49.3% employed gamekeepers to perform the control. In all surveyed regions, shooting was authorized, and it was the most frequent control method in hunting grounds for the aforementioned species (ranging from 76 to 100%), while the use of approved restraint methods was allowed in 11 regions but only used in 7 for foxes (8%) and magpies (25%). The control intensity (animals culled/km<sup>2</sup>) for foxes was higher when conducted by full-time keepers, while for magpies and wild boars, it was higher when conducted by hunters. The implementation of habitat management (agricultural and forest measures) that helps to reduce predation was higher in hunting grounds not conducting predator control. Based on our results, we propose a national predation management framework focused on controlling rather than removing predators.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 19","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12524060/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145298436","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
AnimalsPub Date : 2025-10-07DOI: 10.3390/ani15192913
Marcos Rocha Manso, Luciana Navajas Rennó, Edenio Detmann, Mário Fonseca Paulino, Sidnei Antônio Lopes, Nicole Stephane de Abreu Lima, Deilen Paff Sotelo Moreno, Román Maza Ortega
{"title":"Do Protein Supplementation Levels Influence the Performance of Male Nellore Calves Under a Grazing System at Pre-Weaning?","authors":"Marcos Rocha Manso, Luciana Navajas Rennó, Edenio Detmann, Mário Fonseca Paulino, Sidnei Antônio Lopes, Nicole Stephane de Abreu Lima, Deilen Paff Sotelo Moreno, Román Maza Ortega","doi":"10.3390/ani15192913","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15192913","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sequential supplementation with different crude protein levels and periods on performance, nutritional and metabolic characteristics, and efficiency of nitrogenous compounds use in grazing male Nellore calves at pre-weaning. Fifty male Nellore calves during pre-weaning were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. The strategies were as follows: Supplementation period in the initial pre-weaning was 1-78th experimental day and in the final pre-weaning was 79-156th experimental day. The Low and high protein levels in the supplement were 150 g CP/kg) and 300 g CP/kg, respectively. All animals received 6 g/kg BW of supplement. Protein levels in the supplement did not affect intake of forage DM, and neutral detergent fiber in the animals. However, a higher CP intake and the CP to DOM ratio (<i>p</i>-value < 0.05) was evidence for the high calves compared with low calves. Supplementation strategies did not affect the blood concentrations of IGF-1, glucose, and total protein. Likewise, protein levels in the supplement did not affect the ADG and number and diameter of muscle fibers. In conclusion, the decrease in protein levels in the supplement from 300 to 150 g CP/kg DM does not detrimentally affect performance and nutritional and metabolic characteristics in male beef calves under a grazing system at pre-weaning.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 19","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12523759/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145298132","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
AnimalsPub Date : 2025-10-07DOI: 10.3390/ani15192910
Rumbidzai Blessing Nhara, Joseph Jimu Baloyi
{"title":"Complementary Effects of Essential Oils and Organic Acids on Rumen Physiology as Alternatives to Antibiotic Feed Additives.","authors":"Rumbidzai Blessing Nhara, Joseph Jimu Baloyi","doi":"10.3390/ani15192910","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15192910","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The investigation into the complementary roles of essential oils (EOs) and organic acids in enhancing rumen physiology is increasingly gaining recognition within the field of animal nutrition. Essential oils are known for their antimicrobial effects, which can specifically target certain microbial populations in the rumen, thereby impacting fermentation processes, methane output, and nutrient digestion. In addition, the integration of organic acids plays a crucial role in stabilizing rumen pH and steering the metabolic activities of bacterial populations toward propionate production, a process essential for energy metabolism in ruminants. The concurrent use of essential oils and organic acids may yield synergistic benefits that could further optimize ruminal fermentation efficiency, enhance feed conversion rates, and lower methane emissions. This systematic review used the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The literature search was meticulously designed to encompass parameters related to ruminant species, feed additives, essential oils, organic acids, synergistic effects, and rumen physiology. The efficacy of both organic acids and essential oils is highly dependent on their concentration and the specific combinations utilized. When certain essential oils are used in conjunction with selected organic acids, they may mitigate any potential negative effects on fermentation, thereby fostering a more favorable environment for the proliferation of beneficial microbial communities. Understanding the relationship between essential oils and organic acids is essential for the formulation of diets that enhance rumen health while concurrently reducing environmental pressures through diminished methane emissions. Future research should prioritize long-term in vivo investigations to gain more comprehensive insights into the interactions among these dietary components and identify the optimal combinations for ruminant feeding strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 19","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12523765/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145298136","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}