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Angela Trocino Associate professor at the Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Italy. PhD in Animal Science. Coordinator of the PhD Course in Animal and Food Science, University of Padova. Scientific responsible of Project Unimpresa (2019), PhD project Unismart (2019), Marie Curie PISCOPIA (2014), Project FEAMP (2017), Project of the University of Padova (2014), Project CNR-Agenzia2000 young researchers; responsible for a research unit in project PSR-ISAL (2014). Participant to H2020-RUR-2020 NETPOULSAFE (2020-2023), PRIMA FISH-PhotoCAT (2020-2023), Concerted action ERAFE (FAIR3-CT96-1651) (1996-2002); Expert COST Action 848 (2000–2005); national research projects granted by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MIUR) and Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Forestry. In collaboration with Italian and foreign researchers, her research activity deals with: rearing systems and welfare of rabbits, broiler chickens and layer hens; harmonization of studies in rabbit nutrition and feeding; protein and energy metabolism, nutritional requirements and relationships with health in growing rabbits and reproducing does. Among the other research topics, effects of feeding, rearing, and housing systems on meat quality (veal, rabbit, fish, broiler chickens); effect of rearing systems of welfare, freshness, quality, and safety of fish and molluscs. Author and co-author of more than 200 original documents, including research papers, communications at congresses and book chapters. In Scopus, 86 publications and H-index 22.

## Preface to "Future Challenges in Rabbit Nutrition"

Rabbit breeding, although being a small sector of animal husbandry, is widespread in many areas of the world as the rabbit is intended both for food (meat) and not food (fur) purposes. Rabbit production chain has to face various problems, mainly concerning animal health and product quality. Gastrointestinal disorders and epizootic rabbit enteropathy are major health problems in rabbit production, causing high mortality rates around and after weaning, which also affects global farm efficiency. Considering the European commitment to responsible antibiotic use in animals, rabbit nutrition and feeding play a very important role in contrasting these problems. Besides, the increasing cost of conventional feed ingredients and the increasing interest towards circular economy push research to look for alternative raw materials able to provide new sources of proteins, energy on other valuable components for rabbit diets with a sustainable environmental impact.

To overcome these issues, studies using a multidisciplinary approach addressing aspects of the rabbit nutrition and feeding, with a direct impact on the rabbit farming, welfare, health, and meat quality are particularly appreciated and requested by the scientific community.

This Special Issue received four original papers and one review focused on different nutritional approaches. In particular a phyto-additive (thyme essential oil) and a rabbit-derived bacteriocin-producing strain (Enterococcus faccium CCM7420) with probiotic properties were investigated as new feed additives while two types of insect fats and their effects as dietary replacement of soybean oil and their in vitro antimicrobial activities were studied as alternative raw materials. Results collected in this Special Issue will be of particular interest for farmers and animal nutritionists working in the rabbit.

> Francesco Gai, Laura Gasco, Angela Trocino Editors

#### Article
