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Alternative Forages, Novel Feeds, and Supplementation Effects on Animal Performance...
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Alternative Forages, Novel Feeds, and Supplementation Effects on Animal Performance and Product Quality: Meat, Milk, and Natural Fibres

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Products".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2023) | Viewed by 15486

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Eric Nanthan Ponnampalam

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Animal Production Sciences, Agriculture Victoria Research, Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
Interests: sustainable agriculture; climate challenge; lipid metabolism; fatty acid; meat science; forage utilisation; novel feeds and alternate supplements; methane mitigation; meat quality; nutritional value of meat and milk; consumer desire
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Benjamin Holman

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650, Australia
Interests: animal science; animal production; animal nutrition; ruminant nutrition; meat quality; animals food science; feeding; forage; agricultural statistics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

You are invited to contribute to this Special Issue.

Nutrition is a vital management tool for the successful rearing of animals. Indeed, nutrition is often a limiting factor when rearing animals for meat, milk, and fibre production. This may be due to socioeconomic factors, such as feed costs, agri-food competitors, land and resource availability, and legislature. Geography and climate will affect animal nutrition, with seasonal variation, agronomic resources, and climate change impacting the quality, amount, and type of diet fed to ruminants. Plant species, botanical compositions, and the age of pastures can also affect the nutritional value of animal diets. The provision of resilient and high-value forages, oil industry co-products, crop residues, and/or the supplementation with grains can help to ameliorate these limiting factors and provide animals with their nutritional requirements. However, when doing so, producers should consider the holistic outcomes from their feeding strategies—specifically, the effect of the total mixed ration or diet on feed intake, methane mitigation, animal productivity, and product quality.

Ruminants are apt for converting low-value and fibrous feeds, of little value to humans, into high-value meat, milk, and fibre products. It is the rumen and its associated microbiota that facilitate this conversion and that contribute to the bioavailability of many essential macro- and micronutrients. These interactions will affect the partitioning between biological deposits and the biochemistry of body tissues, e.g., skeletal muscle tissues. Different diets will contain different amounts of bioactive compounds that can affect rumen function and nutrient transfer. These include essential fatty acids (i.e., omega-3, omega-6, omega-9, conjugated linoleic acids, etc.), vitamins (i.e., vitamins B, C, and E), phytonutrients (i.e., phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, etc.), and more. These compounds can be excreted or accumulate in ruminant tissues. In addition, some diets are better sources for limiting nutrients within a ruminant diet. Variations in the diet will result in variations to meat and milk quality, their oxidative stability, preservation, and their nutritional value to the consumer. The same is observed for ruminant fibre and wool quality.

It is important, therefore, that we quantify the effects of alternative forages, novel feeds, and industry byproducts, when they are used as animal feeds, on the quality, longevity, and applications for the resultant animal products. The objective of this Special Issue is to publish articles addressing this research theme. We are only inviting 10 articles for this issue, so if you are interested, please reply to us with the title and brief introduction or abstract.

We look forward to working with you in the coming months.

Dr. Eric Nanthan Ponnampalam
Dr. Benjamin W.B. Holman
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • feeding systems
  • ruminant nutrition
  • rumen–diet interactions
  • meat quality
  • milk quality
  • wool quality
  • sustainable agri-culture
  • climate challenge
  • supplementation
  • methane emission
  • forage and feed utilisation
  • level of supplementation
  • consumer interface

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 321 KiB  
Article
Influence of Dietary Lipid Source Supplementation on Milk and Fresh Cheese from Murciano-Granadina Goats
by Francisco Moya, Josefa Madrid, Fuensanta Hernández, Irene Peñaranda, María Dolores Garrido and María Belén López
Animals 2023, 13(23), 3652; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13233652 - 25 Nov 2023
Viewed by 802
Abstract
This study analyzes the influence of the incorporation of flaked linseed and fish oil in the diet on the resulting milk and cheese. Three dietary treatments were assayed in 350 milking Murciano-Granadina multiparous goats in full-lactation: a control diet and two experimental diets, [...] Read more.
This study analyzes the influence of the incorporation of flaked linseed and fish oil in the diet on the resulting milk and cheese. Three dietary treatments were assayed in 350 milking Murciano-Granadina multiparous goats in full-lactation: a control diet and two experimental diets, one including flaked linseed (FL) at 3.88% of dry matter, and the other containing salmon oil (SO) at 2.64% of dry matter for three periods of 21 d. None of the dietary treatments affected the daily milk yield, cheese yield, or the physicochemical parameters of the milk and cheese. Regarding the fatty acid profile (FA), the milk and cheese from animals whose diets were supplemented with SO had a higher percentage of fatty acids than those obtained with the FL-supplemented diet, except for C18:0, C18:1, C18:2 n-6, trans-9, trans-12 C18:2, cis-9, trans-11 C18:2, C18:3, and C19:0, which reached their highest levels in milk obtained with the diet supplemented with FL. The decrease in the percentage of C16:0 was greater in the milk derived from the FL diet than from the SO diet. The FL-supplemented diet improved the nutritional value of milk due to a reduction in saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and increases in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). The decrease in n-6/n-3 in the observed milk was more pronounced with the FL diet. No differences in the sensory profile were found for the milk and cheese derived from the different dietary treatments. Dietary n-3 treatments modified the fatty acid profile without making any sensory difference to milk and fresh cheese, accompanied by marginal modifications to the physicochemical profile. We conclude that dietary supplementation with flaked linseed or fish oil produces milk and cheese from Murciano-Granadina goats with a higher nutritional quality without modifying the sensory profile of the corresponding products obtained from animals that were fed a routine diet. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alternative Forages, Novel Feeds, and Supplementation Effects on Animal Performance and Product Quality: Meat, Milk, and Natural Fibres)
16 pages, 2197 KiB  
Article
The Impact of a Phytobiotic Mixture on Broiler Chicken Health and Meat Safety
by Hubert Iwiński, Karolina A. Chodkowska, Kamil Drabik, Justyna Batkowska, Małgorzata Karwowska, Piotr Kuropka, Adam Szumowski, Antoni Szumny and Henryk Różański
Animals 2023, 13(13), 2155; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13132155 - 30 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2082
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to assess the effects of different doses of a phytobiotic mixture on selected production parameters and meat quality and to assess the residue of the preparation in tissues and the possible toxic effects in broiler chickens. Broiler [...] Read more.
The purpose of the study was to assess the effects of different doses of a phytobiotic mixture on selected production parameters and meat quality and to assess the residue of the preparation in tissues and the possible toxic effects in broiler chickens. Broiler chicks aged 160 days, divided into four equal groups, were supplemented with the phytobiotic mixture at different doses, D1—0.5 mL/L, D2—1 mL/L, and D3—2 mL/L, four times during a 42-day trial. There were no statistically significant differences in weight gain per week of life and mortality in the birds. The study also demonstrated that the use of the mixture of phytobiotics had no significant effect on colour, pH, WHC, and natural leakage. However, a beneficial effect of the additive was found in the group treated with a dose of 1 mL/L, where less thermal leakage from the meat was demonstrated. Furthermore, significant differences in the change in thigh muscle tenderness were also observed. In the histopathological analysis of the liver no significant differences were observed. In addition, no residues of the mixture or its metabolites were found in the tissues analysed. In conclusion, the proposed scheme of administration of the phytobiotic additive, regardless of the dose, does not cause pathological changes in organs and does not carry the risk of residues of the product in tissues intended for human consumption. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alternative Forages, Novel Feeds, and Supplementation Effects on Animal Performance and Product Quality: Meat, Milk, and Natural Fibres)
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16 pages, 1277 KiB  
Article
Lipid Characteristics of the Muscle and Perirenal Fat in Young Tudanca Bulls Fed on Different Levels of Grass Silage
by Javier Mateo, Irma Caro, Sergio Soto, Sonia Andrés, Rocío Aláiz-Rodríguez and Emma Serrano
Animals 2023, 13(2), 261; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13020261 - 12 Jan 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1381
Abstract
Beef derived from grass-fed cattle is a specific quality criterion. The effect of grass silage intake on quality characteristics, i.e., fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins, and lipid-derived volatile composition of intramuscular and perirenal fat from fattening bull weaners were studied. Visible (VIS) and near-infrared [...] Read more.
Beef derived from grass-fed cattle is a specific quality criterion. The effect of grass silage intake on quality characteristics, i.e., fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins, and lipid-derived volatile composition of intramuscular and perirenal fat from fattening bull weaners were studied. Visible (VIS) and near-infrared (NIR) spectra were also obtained from perirenal fat. Perirenal fat analysis was performed for feeding differentiation purposes. A total of 22 Tudanca breed 11-month-aged bulls were finished on three different diets: grass silage and a commercial concentrate ad libitum (GS-AC), grass silage ad libitum and the commercial concentrate restricted to half of the intake of the GS-AC group (GS-LC), and barley straw and concentrate ad libitum (Str-AC). Feeding had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on γ-linolenic acid and the ratio n-6/n-3 fatty acids. Furthermore, β-carotene content was greater in beef from silage groups than in the Str-AC group. Feeding also affected the perirenal fat composition. Beef from silage-fed bulls and straw-fed bulls could be differentiated by fatty acid percentages, especially 18:0, t-18:1, and c9-18:1, β-carotene content, b* colour value, and carotenoid colour index. However, the VIS or NIR spectra data showed poor differentiating performance, and the volatile composition did not have appreciable differentiation power. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alternative Forages, Novel Feeds, and Supplementation Effects on Animal Performance and Product Quality: Meat, Milk, and Natural Fibres)
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Review

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38 pages, 6808 KiB  
Review
Effects of Nutritional Factors on Fat Content, Fatty Acid Composition, and Sensorial Properties of Meat and Milk from Domesticated Ruminants: An Overview
by Eric N. Ponnampalam, Hasitha Priyashantha, Janak K. Vidanarachchi, Ali Kiani and Benjamin W. B. Holman
Animals 2024, 14(6), 840; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14060840 - 8 Mar 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2812
Abstract
The meat and milk products from domesticated ruminants are important foods within a balanced diet, offering a rich source of energy, protein, fats, minerals, and vitamins. The sensorial properties of meat and milk are mainly linked to their fat content and fatty acid [...] Read more.
The meat and milk products from domesticated ruminants are important foods within a balanced diet, offering a rich source of energy, protein, fats, minerals, and vitamins. The sensorial properties of meat and milk are mainly linked to their fat content and fatty acid composition, which are influenced by the feeding background or nutrient composition of diets. While several studies have investigated the nutritional effects on the fat content and fatty acid profile of ruminant meat and milk, as well as their relationship with sensorial properties, a comprehensive overview of these effects is lacking. This paper summarises current literature and discusses changes to fatty acid composition (including ω-3 concentrations), fattiness, and associated quality traits of sheep, goat, beef cattle, alpaca, and llama meat that can be achieved by using different forages or feeds in a total mixed ration. Additionally, it presents the shelf life and nutritional value of meat, milk, and cheeses from the milk of dairy cattle, buffalo, goats, and sheep as influenced by a ruminant diet. Further advancement in these areas will promote the sustainability of ruminant production and its associated feeding systems in achieving premium quality animal-derived foods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alternative Forages, Novel Feeds, and Supplementation Effects on Animal Performance and Product Quality: Meat, Milk, and Natural Fibres)
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30 pages, 775 KiB  
Review
Soybean Replacement by Alternative Protein Sources in Pig Nutrition and Its Effect on Meat Quality
by Silvia Parrini, Chiara Aquilani, Carolina Pugliese, Riccardo Bozzi and Francesco Sirtori
Animals 2023, 13(3), 494; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13030494 - 31 Jan 2023
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5267
Abstract
Soybean is one of the most expensive and limiting feed ingredients in diet formulations; however, in pig farming, it represents the main source of protein. The production and supply of soybean are critical steps due to their environmental impact and feed/food competition for [...] Read more.
Soybean is one of the most expensive and limiting feed ingredients in diet formulations; however, in pig farming, it represents the main source of protein. The production and supply of soybean are critical steps due to their environmental impact and feed/food competition for land use. Therefore, research is focusing on finding alternatives to replace soybean partially or totally. However, alternative ingredients should ensure similar growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality characteristics compared to conventional soybean-based diets. The objective of this review was to evaluate the impact of different alternative protein sources to soybean in pig nutrition and their effects on growth performance, carcass, and meat quality traits. The review process was performed on Scopus®, and it considered research findings published from 2012 to the present on the Sus scrofa species. Articles without a control group fed with soybean were discarded. The main alternative protein sources identified were other legumes and distillers’ dried grain with solubles (fish and animal proteins, oilseed by- and co-products). Interesting innovative protein sources included by-products from other industries (residues), microalgae and insects. Nevertheless, in dietary formulations, close attention must be paid to address the nutritional requirements, balance the supply of amino acids, avoid anti-nutritional or toxic compounds occasionally present in alternative protein sources, as well as determine the availability of protein feed in specific geographical areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alternative Forages, Novel Feeds, and Supplementation Effects on Animal Performance and Product Quality: Meat, Milk, and Natural Fibres)
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26 pages, 632 KiB  
Review
Protective Application of Morus and Its Extracts in Animal Production
by Lixue Wang, Huaqi Gao, Cui Sun and Lingxia Huang
Animals 2022, 12(24), 3541; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12243541 - 15 Dec 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2276
Abstract
Different components of the mulberry tree (fruits, leaves, twigs, and roots) are rich in active compounds, and have been reported to possess potent beneficial properties, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-allergenic, antihypertensive, and neuroprotective. The mulberry and its extracts can effectively improve the [...] Read more.
Different components of the mulberry tree (fruits, leaves, twigs, and roots) are rich in active compounds, and have been reported to possess potent beneficial properties, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-allergenic, antihypertensive, and neuroprotective. The mulberry and its extracts can effectively improve the growth performance and fitness of animals. They not only possess the properties of being safe and purely natural, but also they are not prone to drug resistance. According to the literature, the supplemental level of the mulberry and its extracts in animal diets varies with different species, physiological status, age, and the purpose of the addition. It has been observed that the mulberry and its extracts enhanced the growth performance, the quality of animal products (meat, egg, and milk), the antioxidant and the anti-inflammatory responses of animals. Furthermore, the mulberry and its extracts have antibacterial properties and can effectively moderate the relative abundance of the microbial populations in the rumen and intestines, thus improving the immunity function of animals and reducing the enteric methane (CH4) production in ruminants. Furthermore, the mulberry and its extracts have the potential to depurate tissues of heavy metals. Collectively, this review summarizes the nutrients, active compounds, and biological functions of mulberry tree products, as well as the application in livestock production with an aim to provide a reference for the utilization of the mulberry and its extracts in animal production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alternative Forages, Novel Feeds, and Supplementation Effects on Animal Performance and Product Quality: Meat, Milk, and Natural Fibres)
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