Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-15DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116653
Gabriele Rocchetti , Antonio Gallo
Metabolomics is increasingly recognized as a powerful approach to decode the biochemical complexity of dairy systems. In this review, we propose a novel integrative framework, F3-metabolomics, that systematically connects feed metabolomics (here described as the metabolomic profiling of different feedstuffs), fluid metabolomics (here newly defined as the metabolomic analysis of animal biofluids), and food metabolomics (the characterization of dairy products as a food category). This feed-fluid-food axis could enable researchers to trace the metabolic fate of nutrients, bioactive compounds, and environmental outputs from the ration, through the animal’s systemic metabolism, to the final product. By formally introducing fluid metabolomics as the central analytical node, encompassing saliva, rumen fluid, blood, urine, milk, and feces, we highlight its role as a dynamic interface linking nutritional strategies to phenotypic and compositional outcomes. Anchored in this structured continuum, the F3-metabolomics framework provides a high-throughput basis to explore animal performance, feed efficiency, and product functionality, with a special focus on milk quality parameters. We critically evaluate recent methodological developments across each metabolomic layer, examine integrated case studies, and discuss practical applications in precision livestock farming, sustainability, and food traceability. Finally, we address current challenges in data harmonization, annotation confidence, and multi-omics integration, proposing a roadmap to accelerate the adoption of F3-metabolomics as a next-generation systems-level paradigm for dairy science.
{"title":"F3-metabolomics: Integrating feed, fluid, and food metabolomics in dairy production","authors":"Gabriele Rocchetti , Antonio Gallo","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116653","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116653","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Metabolomics is increasingly recognized as a powerful approach to decode the biochemical complexity of dairy systems. In this review, we propose a novel integrative framework, F3-metabolomics, that systematically connects feed metabolomics (here described as the metabolomic profiling of different feedstuffs), fluid metabolomics (here newly defined as the metabolomic analysis of animal biofluids), and food metabolomics (the characterization of dairy products as a food category). This feed-fluid-food axis could enable researchers to trace the metabolic fate of nutrients, bioactive compounds, and environmental outputs from the ration, through the animal’s systemic metabolism, to the final product. By formally introducing fluid metabolomics as the central analytical node, encompassing saliva, rumen fluid, blood, urine, milk, and feces, we highlight its role as a dynamic interface linking nutritional strategies to phenotypic and compositional outcomes. Anchored in this structured continuum, the F3-metabolomics framework provides a high-throughput basis to explore animal performance, feed efficiency, and product functionality, with a special focus on milk quality parameters. We critically evaluate recent methodological developments across each metabolomic layer, examine integrated case studies, and discuss practical applications in precision livestock farming, sustainability, and food traceability. Finally, we address current challenges in data harmonization, annotation confidence, and multi-omics integration, proposing a roadmap to accelerate the adoption of F3-metabolomics as a next-generation systems-level paradigm for dairy science.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"334 ","pages":"Article 116653"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146036372","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-23DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116659
A.J. Furtado , A.L. Abdalla Filho , F. Perna Junior , R. Pasquini Neto , G.V. Silva , A.A.G. Lobo , L.M. Coelho , J.F. Bruno , A. Berndt , A.F. Pedroso , S.R. Medeiros , P.P.A. Oliveira , P.H.M. Rodrigues
With global population growth, livestock production must be intensified with reduced environmental impact. The benefits of legume-grass intercropping are well-documented; however, no studies have evaluated ruminal fermentation and digestive kinetics. Pigeon pea, a legume intercropped with tropical grasses, can improve the nutritional value of forage, increasing digestive efficiency and mitigating methane emissions, while also reducing the need for nitrogen fertilization. Over two years, nine rumen-cannulated Nellore bulls were allocated to nine experimental paddocks (1.25 ha each; total area of 11.25 ha) in a randomized complete block design, with year as the blocking factor. Treatments followed a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement, consisting of three forage systems and two seasons (dry and rainy), with three paddock replicates per treatment: DEG, a degraded pasture; REC, recovered pasture fertilized with 200 kg of N; and MIX, mixture of legume-grass pasture. External and internal markers were used to determine dry matter intake (DMI). Grass and legume intake proportions were estimated using C3 and C4 carbon isotopes. The concentration and production of short-chain fatty acids, methane, and ammonia compounds were calculated using the ex-situ fermentation technique. Animals in DEG pasture presented a higher DMI of the supplement and higher relative energy loss as methane production, while a higher level of DM digestibility was observed in the MIX pasture. Higher ruminal concentrations of NH3-N were obtained for animals in the REC pasture. The lowest ruminal DM and NDF degradation rates were observed in the MIX pasture.
随着全球人口的增长，畜牧生产必须在减少环境影响的同时得到加强。豆科草间作的好处是有据可查的；然而，尚无研究评估瘤胃发酵和消化动力学。鸽豆是一种豆科植物，与热带牧草间作，可以提高饲料的营养价值，提高消化效率，减少甲烷排放，同时还可以减少对氮肥的需求。在2年的时间里，采用完全随机区隔设计，将9头瘤胃空心公牛分配到9个实验围场（每个1.25 ha，总面积11.25 ha），以年份为阻隔因素。处理遵循3 × 2因子安排，包括3种牧草系统和2个季节（旱季和雨季），每个处理有3个围场重复：DEG，退化牧场；REC，恢复草场施肥200 kg N；和MIX，豆科牧草的混合物。采用内外标记测定干物质采食量（DMI）。利用C3和C4碳同位素估算草和豆科植物的摄入比例。利用移地发酵技术计算了短链脂肪酸、甲烷和氨化合物的浓度和产量。DEG牧场饲粮的DMI和相对能量损失（甲烷产量）较高，MIX牧场饲粮的DM消化率较高。REC牧场的动物瘤胃NH3-N浓度较高。MIX牧场的瘤胃DM和NDF降解率最低。
{"title":"Intake, digestibility and rumen fermentation in Nellore bulls grazing degraded or recovered pastures of Urochloa ssp. or the grass intercropped with pigeon pea","authors":"A.J. Furtado , A.L. Abdalla Filho , F. Perna Junior , R. Pasquini Neto , G.V. Silva , A.A.G. Lobo , L.M. Coelho , J.F. Bruno , A. Berndt , A.F. Pedroso , S.R. Medeiros , P.P.A. Oliveira , P.H.M. Rodrigues","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116659","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116659","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>With global population growth, livestock production must be intensified with reduced environmental impact. The benefits of legume-grass intercropping are well-documented; however, no studies have evaluated ruminal fermentation and digestive kinetics. Pigeon pea, a legume intercropped with tropical grasses, can improve the nutritional value of forage, increasing digestive efficiency and mitigating methane emissions, while also reducing the need for nitrogen fertilization. Over two years, nine rumen-cannulated Nellore bulls were allocated to nine experimental paddocks (1.25 ha each; total area of 11.25 ha) in a randomized complete block design, with year as the blocking factor. Treatments followed a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement, consisting of three forage systems and two seasons (dry and rainy), with three paddock replicates per treatment: DEG, a degraded pasture; REC, recovered pasture fertilized with 200 kg of N; and MIX, mixture of legume-grass pasture. External and internal markers were used to determine dry matter intake (DMI). Grass and legume intake proportions were estimated using C3 and C4 carbon isotopes. The concentration and production of short-chain fatty acids, methane<sub>,</sub> and ammonia compounds were calculated using the <em>ex-situ</em> fermentation technique<strong>.</strong> Animals in DEG pasture presented a higher DMI of the supplement and higher relative energy loss as methane production, while a higher level of DM digestibility was observed in the MIX pasture. Higher ruminal concentrations of NH<sub>3</sub>-N were obtained for animals in the REC pasture. The lowest ruminal DM and NDF degradation rates were observed in the MIX pasture.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"334 ","pages":"Article 116659"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146075312","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The objective of this study was to assess whether maternal guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) supplementation, with or without rumen-protected methionine (RP-Met), during late gestation affects performance, uteroplacental vascular indicators, and metabolic responses in beef cows. From gestation day 202 until parturition, thirty-six pregnant Nellore cows (502 ± 12.8 kg), each carrying a female fetus, were assigned in a 2 × 2 factorial design: control (no GAA or RP-Met), RP-Met (0.02 g/kg BW), GAA (0.12 g/kg BW), or GAA + RP-Met (0.12 g/kg BW GAA + 0.02 g/kg BW RP-Met). No GAA × RP-Met interaction was detected for nutrient intake or performance variables (P > 0.05), and neither GAA nor RP-Met affected nutrient intake (P > 0.05). However, GAA supplementation increased final body weight (P = 0.01), average daily gain (P = 0.01), shrunk body weight gain (P = 0.01), and estimated empty body weight gain (P = 0.02), whereas RP-Met had no effect on cow performance (P > 0.05). No GAA x RP-Met interaction was observed for placental measurements (P > 0.05). Control cows exhibited a greater uterine artery pulsatility index than cows supplemented with GAA or GAA + RP-Met, with intermediate values for RP-Met (P = 0.04). Neither GAA nor RP-Met affected placental cotyledon number or placental weight (P > 0.05). GAA supplementation, alone or in combination with RP-Met, increased plasma arginine, citrulline, and ornithine concentrations (P ≤ 0.05), while RP-Met increased plasma methionine concentrations (P < 0.01). A GAA × RP-Met interaction was observed for plasma homocysteine, with greater concentrations in cows receiving GAA + RP-Met (P = 0.01). Serum creatine, nitric oxide, and urinary creatinine concentrations were not affected by treatment. Cows supplemented with GAA had lower urinary 3-methylhistidine:creatinine ratio (P = 0.01), indicating reduced skeletal muscle protein mobilization. In the liver, GAA supplementation reduced arginine:glycine amidinotransferase (AGAT) abundance (P = 0.03), whereas guanidinoacetate N-methyltransferase (GAMT) abundance was not affected. In conclusion, GAA supplementation during late gestation improved maternal performance, altered amino acid metabolism, reduced muscle protein mobilization, and modified uteroplacental vascular indicators independent of changes in feed intake. The absence of additive performance responses to RP-Met suggests that the primary physiological effects of GAA were driven by arginine-sparing and creatine-related metabolic mechanisms rather than methyl group limitation.
{"title":"Supplementation of guanidinoacetic acid with or without rumen-protected methionine during late gestation affect metabolism and performance of pregnant beef cows","authors":"L.J.M. Motta , L.V. Kladt , L.Y.P. Toma , L.H.L. Chalfun , L.N. Rennó , M.M. Santos , T.C. Costa , M.M. Lopes , T.L. Resende , C.B. Sampaio , M.P. Gionbelli , M.S. Duarte","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116654","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116654","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The objective of this study was to assess whether maternal guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) supplementation, with or without rumen-protected methionine (RP-Met), during late gestation affects performance, uteroplacental vascular indicators, and metabolic responses in beef cows. From gestation day 202 until parturition, thirty-six pregnant Nellore cows (502 ± 12.8 kg), each carrying a female fetus, were assigned in a 2 × 2 factorial design: control (no GAA or RP-Met), RP-Met (0.02 g/kg BW), GAA (0.12 g/kg BW), or GAA + RP-Met (0.12 g/kg BW GAA + 0.02 g/kg BW RP-Met). No GAA × RP-Met interaction was detected for nutrient intake or performance variables (<em>P</em> > 0.05), and neither GAA nor RP-Met affected nutrient intake (<em>P</em> > 0.05). However, GAA supplementation increased final body weight (<em>P</em> = 0.01), average daily gain (<em>P</em> = 0.01), shrunk body weight gain (<em>P</em> = 0.01), and estimated empty body weight gain (<em>P</em> = 0.02), whereas RP-Met had no effect on cow performance (<em>P</em> > 0.05). No GAA x R<em>P</em>-Met interaction was observed for placental measurements (<em>P</em> > 0.05). Control cows exhibited a greater uterine artery pulsatility index than cows supplemented with GAA or GAA + RP-Met, with intermediate values for RP-Met (<em>P</em> = 0.04). Neither GAA nor RP-Met affected placental cotyledon number or placental weight (P > 0.05). GAA supplementation, alone or in combination with RP-Met, increased plasma arginine, citrulline, and ornithine concentrations (<em>P</em> ≤ 0.05), while RP-Met increased plasma methionine concentrations (<em>P</em> < 0.01). A GAA × RP-Met interaction was observed for plasma homocysteine, with greater concentrations in cows receiving GAA + RP-Met (<em>P</em> = 0.01). Serum creatine, nitric oxide, and urinary creatinine concentrations were not affected by treatment. Cows supplemented with GAA had lower urinary 3-methylhistidine:creatinine ratio (<em>P</em> = 0.01), indicating reduced skeletal muscle protein mobilization. In the liver, GAA supplementation reduced arginine:glycine amidinotransferase (AGAT) abundance (<em>P</em> = 0.03), whereas guanidinoacetate N-methyltransferase (GAMT) abundance was not affected. In conclusion, GAA supplementation during late gestation improved maternal performance, altered amino acid metabolism, reduced muscle protein mobilization, and modified uteroplacental vascular indicators independent of changes in feed intake. The absence of additive performance responses to RP-Met suggests that the primary physiological effects of GAA were driven by arginine-sparing and creatine-related metabolic mechanisms rather than methyl group limitation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"334 ","pages":"Article 116654"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146036282","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-14DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116646
Yuchao Hu , Tao Guo , Yuan Wang , Yang Jia , Wenwen Wang , Chang Gao , Yi Yang , Lei Yang , Zhiwei Cui , Na Liu , Xiaoping An , David L. Harmon , Jingwei Qi
This study aimed to investigate the effects of different feeding durations of a blend of cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and capsicum oleoresin (CEC) on the growth performance, meat quality, muscle fatty acid and amino acid compositions, fiber characteristics, and antioxidant capacity in finishing lambs. Thirty-six female 3-month-old Dorper × Small Tail Han crossbred lambs (29.9 ± 2.52 kg of BW ± SD) were randomly assigned to three groups: control, basal diet without CEC (CFD0), basal diet supplemented with 80 mg CEC/kg diet from 31 to 60 d (CFD30), or basal diet supplemented with 80 mg CEC/kg diet from 1 to 60 d (CFD60). After 60 d of experimentation, six lambs from each treatment were slaughtered for further analysis. The results indicated that lambs fed CEC diet (CFD30 and CFD60) exhibited higher (P < 0.05) average daily gain compared with control (CFD0). The pH24 h of lambs fed CEC diet was higher (P < 0.05) than the control. The value of L*, b*, H*, and shear force in CFD30 and CFD60 was lower than CFD0 (P < 0.05). In comparison to the CFD0 group, the CFD30 and CFD60 groups had lower percentages of moisture, drip loss, and water loss rates (P < 0.05), along with a higher intramuscular fat content (P < 0.05). The ratio of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) to saturated fatty acids (SFA) and the proportions of essential amino acids (EAA) and branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) in the CFD30 and CFD60 groups were significantly higher than those in the control (P < 0.05). Conversely, the proportion of SFA in the CFD30 and CFD60 groups was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the CFD30 group had the lowest proportions of total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (P < 0.05). Compared with the control, dietary CEC supplementation increased mRNA expression of MyHC Ⅱa and MyHC Ⅰ (P < 0.05). Dietary CEC supplementation from 31 to 60 d resulted in the highest MyHC Ⅱb, MyHC Ⅱx, and myoglobin mRNA levels (P < 0.05). The serum content of malondialdehyde (MDA) was lower in the CFD30 and CFD60 groups compared with control, and CFD60 had higher total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) (P < 0.05). In addition, glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), as well as the capacity of T-AOC were higher in the longissimus thoracis muscle of the CFD30 and CFD60 groups compared with control (P < 0.05). These results suggested that CEC improved meat quality by enhancing antioxidant capacity and regulating muscle fiber composition. Furthermore, feeding CEC during the late finishing stage of lambs could maximize its potential benefits.
{"title":"A blend of cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and capsicum oleoresin (CEC) improves performance and meat quality of finishing lambs","authors":"Yuchao Hu , Tao Guo , Yuan Wang , Yang Jia , Wenwen Wang , Chang Gao , Yi Yang , Lei Yang , Zhiwei Cui , Na Liu , Xiaoping An , David L. Harmon , Jingwei Qi","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116646","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116646","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to investigate the effects of different feeding durations of a blend of cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and capsicum oleoresin (CEC) on the growth performance, meat quality, muscle fatty acid and amino acid compositions, fiber characteristics, and antioxidant capacity in finishing lambs. Thirty-six female 3-month-old Dorper × Small Tail Han crossbred lambs (29.9 ± 2.52 kg of BW ± SD) were randomly assigned to three groups: control, basal diet without CEC (CFD0), basal diet supplemented with 80 mg CEC/kg diet from 31 to 60 d (CFD30), or basal diet supplemented with 80 mg CEC/kg diet from 1 to 60 d (CFD60). After 60 d of experimentation, six lambs from each treatment were slaughtered for further analysis. The results indicated that lambs fed CEC diet (CFD30 and CFD60) exhibited higher (<em>P</em> < 0.05) average daily gain compared with control (CFD0). The pH<sub>24 h</sub> of lambs fed CEC diet was higher (<em>P</em> < 0.05) than the control. The value of L*, b*, H*, and shear force in CFD30 and CFD60 was lower than CFD0 (<em>P</em> < 0.05). In comparison to the CFD0 group, the CFD30 and CFD60 groups had lower percentages of moisture, drip loss, and water loss rates (<em>P</em> < 0.05), along with a higher intramuscular fat content (<em>P</em> < 0.05). The ratio of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) to saturated fatty acids (SFA) and the proportions of essential amino acids (EAA) and branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) in the CFD30 and CFD60 groups were significantly higher than those in the control (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Conversely, the proportion of SFA in the CFD30 and CFD60 groups was significantly lower than that in the control group (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Furthermore, the CFD30 group had the lowest proportions of total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Compared with the control, dietary CEC supplementation increased mRNA expression of <em>MyHC Ⅱa</em> and <em>MyHC Ⅰ</em> (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Dietary CEC supplementation from 31 to 60 d resulted in the highest <em>MyHC Ⅱb, MyHC Ⅱx,</em> and <em>myoglobin</em> mRNA levels (<em>P</em> < 0.05). The serum content of malondialdehyde (MDA) was lower in the CFD30 and CFD60 groups compared with control, and CFD60 had higher total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) (<em>P</em> < 0.05). In addition, glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), as well as the capacity of T-AOC were higher in the <em>longissimus thoracis</em> muscle of the CFD30 and CFD60 groups compared with control (<em>P</em> < 0.05). These results suggested that CEC improved meat quality by enhancing antioxidant capacity and regulating muscle fiber composition. Furthermore, feeding CEC during the late finishing stage of lambs could maximize its potential benefits.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"334 ","pages":"Article 116646"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146036374","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-13DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116641
Zemin Li , Minhyeok Kang , Kayeon Ko , Yu Song , Yunkyoung Lee , Guiguo Zhang
Despite the recognized benefits of inulin as a dietary fiber, its specific effects on goats are still unclear, and the mechanisms involved are not well defined, hindering its effective application. This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary inulin supplementation on growth performance, rumen microbiota, and metabolites in fattening goats. Eighty-four crossbred male goats were randomly allocated into 12 pens (7 goats per pen), and assigned to two dietary treatments: a control group (CON) fed a basal diet, and an inulin group (INU) fed a basal diet supplemented with 0.5 % inulin (w/w). Results showed that inulin supplementation significantly increased average daily gain (ADG) in the INU group (P < 0.05). Serum total protein (P < 0.05) and the tibial bone density, mineral content, strength, and thickness (P < 0.05) were significantly improved in the INU group compared to the CON group. The concentration of propionate (P < 0.05) was significantly higher in the INU group compared to the CON group. Moreover, inulin supplementation significantly decreased the abundance of Candidatus_Saccharimonas, Lachnoclostridium (P < 0.05), and Saccharofermentans (P < 0.01), whereas the abundance of Oscillospiraceae_UCG-005 (P < 0.05) was significantly increased. Metabolomic analysis indicated that inulin decreased the levels of adenine and α, α-trehalose, while increasing orotic acid levels through the pyrimidine metabolism pathway. Taken together, dietary inulin supplement improved the growth performance and systemic health of goats by specially modulating ruminal microbiota, metabolome, and associated metabolic pathways. This suggest inulin supplementation is a recommended nutritional strategy for enhancing the productivities and systemic health of intensively raised goats.
{"title":"Dietary inulin improves growth performance and systemic health of fattening goats by modulating rumen microbiome and metabolome","authors":"Zemin Li , Minhyeok Kang , Kayeon Ko , Yu Song , Yunkyoung Lee , Guiguo Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116641","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116641","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Despite the recognized benefits of inulin as a dietary fiber, its specific effects on goats are still unclear, and the mechanisms involved are not well defined, hindering its effective application. This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary inulin supplementation on growth performance, rumen microbiota, and metabolites in fattening goats. Eighty-four crossbred male goats were randomly allocated into 12 pens (7 goats per pen), and assigned to two dietary treatments: a control group (CON) fed a basal diet, and an inulin group (INU) fed a basal diet supplemented with 0.5 % inulin (w/w). Results showed that inulin supplementation significantly increased average daily gain (ADG) in the INU group (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Serum total protein (<em>P</em> < 0.05) and the tibial bone density, mineral content, strength, and thickness (<em>P</em> < 0.05) were significantly improved in the INU group compared to the CON group. The concentration of propionate (<em>P</em> < 0.05) was significantly higher in the INU group compared to the CON group. Moreover, inulin supplementation significantly decreased the abundance of <em>Candidatus_Saccharimonas, Lachnoclostridium</em> (<em>P</em> < 0.05)<em>,</em> and <em>Saccharofermentans</em> (<em>P</em> < 0.01), whereas the abundance of <em>Oscillospiraceae_UCG-005</em> (<em>P</em> < 0.05) was significantly increased. Metabolomic analysis indicated that inulin decreased the levels of adenine and α, α-trehalose, while increasing orotic acid levels through the pyrimidine metabolism pathway. Taken together, dietary inulin supplement improved the growth performance and systemic health of goats by specially modulating ruminal microbiota, metabolome, and associated metabolic pathways. This suggest inulin supplementation is a recommended nutritional strategy for enhancing the productivities and systemic health of intensively raised goats.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"334 ","pages":"Article 116641"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146036281","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-19DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116644
B. Lahart , L. Shalloo , W. Flynn , V. Glevarec , J.P. Murphy , N. Walker , H. Costigan
There is increasing pressure to develop solutions for reducing enteric methane (CH4) emissions from dairy production systems. 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP; Bovaer10®) has been proven to reduce CH4 by 20–30 % from dairy cows within indoor settings when the additive is mixed throughout the basal diet using a mixing wagon. This method of delivery may not be possible where mixing wagons to feed animals are not freely available as is the case in most pasture-based production systems in Ireland. Top-dressing 3-NOP onto the feed with minerals offers an alternative method of delivering the additive to non-lactating dairy cows. However, there has been limited research to date on the CH4 abatement potential of 3-NOP when top-dressed. The current study investigated the potential of 3-NOP top dressed twice daily onto grass silage to reduce CH4 emissions of non-lactating dairy cows over a 6 week period. Treatment cows received 3-NOP mixed with minerals, which were top-dressed onto grass silage, while control cows were offered grass silage with minerals (without 3-NOP) top-dressed onto their silage. Enteric CH4, hydrogen (H2), and carbon dioxide (CO2) were measured using GreenFeed measurement units. Body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS) were also monitored, while dry matter intake (DMI) was determined at a group level. There was no effect of 3-NOP supplementation on BW or BCS, while DMI was observed to be similar between treatment and control groups. Cows supplemented with 3-NOP produced 11.8 % less enteric CH4 than cows offered the control diet. Furthermore, the effect was variable across the day, with the greatest reductions in CH4 in the periods post top-dressing. Cows supplemented with 3-NOP also produced 2.5-fold more H2 relative to the control group, with the effect heavily influenced by time post top-dressing. In conclusion, twice daily top-dressing of 3-NOP onto grass silage fed to non-lactating dairy cows can moderately reduce enteric CH4 emissions without impacting productivity.
{"title":"Twice daily top-dressing of 3-nitrooxypropanol as a strategy to reduce enteric methane emissions in pregnant non-lactating dairy cows consuming grass silage","authors":"B. Lahart , L. Shalloo , W. Flynn , V. Glevarec , J.P. Murphy , N. Walker , H. Costigan","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116644","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116644","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>There is increasing pressure to develop solutions for reducing enteric methane (CH<sub>4</sub>) emissions from dairy production systems. 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP; Bovaer10®) has been proven to reduce CH<sub>4</sub> by 20–30 % from dairy cows within indoor settings when the additive is mixed throughout the basal diet using a mixing wagon. This method of delivery may not be possible where mixing wagons to feed animals are not freely available as is the case in most pasture-based production systems in Ireland. Top-dressing 3-NOP onto the feed with minerals offers an alternative method of delivering the additive to non-lactating dairy cows. However, there has been limited research to date on the CH<sub>4</sub> abatement potential of 3-NOP when top-dressed. The current study investigated the potential of 3-NOP top dressed twice daily onto grass silage to reduce CH<sub>4</sub> emissions of non-lactating dairy cows over a 6 week period. Treatment cows received 3-NOP mixed with minerals, which were top-dressed onto grass silage, while control cows were offered grass silage with minerals (without 3-NOP) top-dressed onto their silage. Enteric CH<sub>4</sub>, hydrogen (H<sub>2</sub>), and carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) were measured using GreenFeed measurement units. Body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS) were also monitored, while dry matter intake (DMI) was determined at a group level. There was no effect of 3-NOP supplementation on BW or BCS, while DMI was observed to be similar between treatment and control groups. Cows supplemented with 3-NOP produced 11.8 % less enteric CH<sub>4</sub> than cows offered the control diet. Furthermore, the effect was variable across the day, with the greatest reductions in CH<sub>4</sub> in the periods post top-dressing. Cows supplemented with 3-NOP also produced 2.5-fold more H<sub>2</sub> relative to the control group, with the effect heavily influenced by time post top-dressing. In conclusion, twice daily top-dressing of 3-NOP onto grass silage fed to non-lactating dairy cows can moderately reduce enteric CH<sub>4</sub> emissions without impacting productivity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"334 ","pages":"Article 116644"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146036283","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2026-01-14DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116643
Willem Cornelius Augustyn, Hester Adriana O’Neill, Arno Hugo, Ockert Bernard Einkamerer
Obstructive urolithiasis is a prevalent and economically significant urogenital disorder in small ruminants, particularly in male and wether lambs. This review examines the multifactorial etiology of urolithiasis, emphasizing the roles of macro mineral metabolism and male castration practices. The condition arises from the supersaturation, crystallization, and aggregation of minerals in urine, often exacerbated by dietary imbalances, water intake, urinary pH, and anatomical predispositions. Common calculi types include struvite, calcium phosphate, calcium oxalate, and silicate stones, with high-grain diets, low calcium-to-phosphorus ratios, and inadequate water intake identified as major contributors. The influence of macro minerals such as potassium, sodium, chloride, sulfur, calcium, and magnesium on urinary mineral concentration and acid-base balance is explored through the dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) framework. Manipulation of DCAD via anionic salts like ammonium and calcium chloride can effectively reduce urine pH, minimizing stone formation risk. This review also highlights the significant impact of early castration on urogenital development, particularly the reduction in urethral diameter due to testosterone deficiency, which increases susceptibility to obstruction. Despite established preventative strategies, including dietary modifications and delayed castration, obstructive urolithiasis remains a complex challenge. The review emphasizes the need for further research, particularly within South African feedlot systems, to optimize prevention strategies involving castration timing and mineral nutrition. Improved understanding of DCAD manipulation and mineral metabolism will contribute to enhanced animal welfare and feedlot productivity.
{"title":"Review of macro mineral metabolism and male castration on obstructive urolithiasis in small ruminants","authors":"Willem Cornelius Augustyn, Hester Adriana O’Neill, Arno Hugo, Ockert Bernard Einkamerer","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116643","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116643","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Obstructive urolithiasis is a prevalent and economically significant urogenital disorder in small ruminants, particularly in male and wether lambs. This review examines the multifactorial etiology of urolithiasis, emphasizing the roles of macro mineral metabolism and male castration practices. The condition arises from the supersaturation, crystallization, and aggregation of minerals in urine, often exacerbated by dietary imbalances, water intake, urinary pH, and anatomical predispositions. Common calculi types include struvite, calcium phosphate, calcium oxalate, and silicate stones, with high-grain diets, low calcium-to-phosphorus ratios, and inadequate water intake identified as major contributors. The influence of macro minerals such as potassium, sodium, chloride, sulfur, calcium, and magnesium on urinary mineral concentration and acid-base balance is explored through the dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) framework. Manipulation of DCAD via anionic salts like ammonium and calcium chloride can effectively reduce urine pH, minimizing stone formation risk. This review also highlights the significant impact of early castration on urogenital development, particularly the reduction in urethral diameter due to testosterone deficiency, which increases susceptibility to obstruction. Despite established preventative strategies, including dietary modifications and delayed castration, obstructive urolithiasis remains a complex challenge. The review emphasizes the need for further research, particularly within South African feedlot systems, to optimize prevention strategies involving castration timing and mineral nutrition. Improved understanding of DCAD manipulation and mineral metabolism will contribute to enhanced animal welfare and feedlot productivity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"333 ","pages":"Article 116643"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145973991","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-12-22DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116616
Marleen M. Voorhuijzen-Harink , Vittorio Saggiomo , Bas J. Fronen , Theo W. Prins , Valerie van der Vorst , Toine F.H. Bovee , Aldrik H. Velders , Gert IJ. Salentijn
The use of processed animal proteins (PAPs) has been re-authorized in feed materials, but the ban on cannibalism is still in place. Food safety authorities perform controls in feed-producing factories, but send limited numbers of samples to official control laboratories, as current methods are time-consuming. Food safety control would, therefore, benefit from early on-site identification of potentially high-risk sample streams with a higher chance of intra-species cross-contamination of the produced feed. In addition, feed producers would benefit from simple assays to check their (ingredient or semi-) materials for potentially fraudulent admixtures or contaminations. To enable fast detection and to address both costs and speed, we developed easy-to-use, on-site applicable loop-mediated amplification (LAMP) assays for the detection of poultry (i.e. chicken, turkey, ducks, geese, and helmeted guineafowl as defined by the European Commission) in highly processed feed materials. Additionally, to demonstrate applicability on-site, the developed DNA-based LAMP assays were combined with easy-to-use DNA extraction and amplification devices, resulting in an entire workflow of less than one hour. The performance of the developed assays was evaluated by testing fresh and processed meat mixtures spiked with poultry meat, and highly processed poultry feed materials spiked with poultry PAPs. A comparison of LAMP with the EURL-AP recommended laboratory qPCR method showed that LAMP performs similarly as qPCR regarding the detection of spiked chicken or turkey meat in fresh meat mixtures, namely 0.1 %, but qPCR was found to be slightly more sensitive for the detection of poultry PAPs in highly processed feed materials.
{"title":"Easy, on-site applicable DNA extraction in combination with LAMP analysis for the early detection of DNA derived from processed animal proteins in poultry feed","authors":"Marleen M. Voorhuijzen-Harink , Vittorio Saggiomo , Bas J. Fronen , Theo W. Prins , Valerie van der Vorst , Toine F.H. Bovee , Aldrik H. Velders , Gert IJ. Salentijn","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116616","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116616","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The use of processed animal proteins (PAPs) has been re-authorized in feed materials, but the ban on cannibalism is still in place. Food safety authorities perform controls in feed-producing factories, but send limited numbers of samples to official control laboratories, as current methods are time-consuming. Food safety control would, therefore, benefit from early on-site identification of potentially high-risk sample streams with a higher chance of intra-species cross-contamination of the produced feed. In addition, feed producers would benefit from simple assays to check their (ingredient or semi-) materials for potentially fraudulent admixtures or contaminations. To enable fast detection and to address both costs and speed, we developed easy-to-use, on-site applicable loop-mediated amplification (LAMP) assays for the detection of poultry (i.e. chicken, turkey, ducks, geese, and helmeted guineafowl as defined by the European Commission) in highly processed feed materials. Additionally, to demonstrate applicability on-site, the developed DNA-based LAMP assays were combined with easy-to-use DNA extraction and amplification devices, resulting in an entire workflow of less than one hour. The performance of the developed assays was evaluated by testing fresh and processed meat mixtures spiked with poultry meat, and highly processed poultry feed materials spiked with poultry PAPs. A comparison of LAMP with the EURL-AP recommended laboratory qPCR method showed that LAMP performs similarly as qPCR regarding the detection of spiked chicken or turkey meat in fresh meat mixtures, namely 0.1 %, but qPCR was found to be slightly more sensitive for the detection of poultry PAPs in highly processed feed materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"333 ","pages":"Article 116616"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145847626","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A 90-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the dietary effects of Saraca asoca bark powder (SA) on reproductive performance, including gonadal indices, hormone levels, antioxidant activity, gene expression, and histological alteration in female Anabas testudineus fingerlings. Five isonitrogenous (35 % crude protein) and isolipidic (8 % crude lipid) diets were formulated with graded level of SA viz. 0 % (control, SA-0), 1 % (SA-1 %), 2 % (SA-2 %), 3 % (SA-3 %) and 6 % (SA-6 %). A total of 225 fingerlings (average weight, 3.30 ± 0.25 g) were randomly distributed into 15 tanks in triplicate using completely randomized design. Results demonstrated that a 3 % inclusion of SA (SA-3 %) significantly (P < 0.05) increased gonadosomatic index, hepatosomatic index, and relative fecundity, whereas these indices declined with the 6 % inclusion level. Plasma concentration of estradiol and vitellogenin were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the SA-3 % group as compared to other treatment but were reduced in SA-6 % supplemented group. Furthermore, antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and the transcript levels of reproductive related genes [cyp19a (3.16 ± 0.06) and IL-6 (3.93 ± 0.05)] were significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced with the 3 % inclusion levels (SA-3 %) and declined by SA-6 % treatment group. Ovarian histology revealed that advanced oocyte maturation [vitellogenic stage 3 (75 %)] was significantly higher in SA-3 % group. Similarly, hepatic histology showed pronounced vacuolation of hepatocytes, indicative of active yolk precursor synthesis in the same group. Overall, the supplementation of Saraca asoca bark powder (SA-3 %) significantly improved reproductive performance in climbing perch by upregulating reproductive hormones, antioxidant defence through HPG axis and controlling gene expression related to gametogenesis and steroidogenesis.
{"title":"Dietary Saraca asoca bark powder as a reproductive enhancer: Insights into endocrine, molecular, oxidative, and reproductive tissue biomarkers in female climbing perch (Anabas testudineus)","authors":"Maneesh Kumar Dubey , Shivendra Kumar , Prem Prakash Srivastava , Aditi Banik , R.K. Brahmchari , Pankaj Kishore , Amit Kumar , Rini Joshi","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116656","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116656","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A 90-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the dietary effects of <em>Saraca asoca</em> bark powder (SA) on reproductive performance, including gonadal indices, hormone levels, antioxidant activity, gene expression, and histological alteration in female <em>Anabas testudineus</em> fingerlings. Five isonitrogenous (35 % crude protein) and isolipidic (8 % crude lipid) diets were formulated with graded level of SA viz. 0 % (control, SA-0), 1 % (SA-1 %), 2 % (SA-2 %), 3 % (SA-3 %) and 6 % (SA-6 %). A total of 225 fingerlings (average weight, 3.30 ± 0.25 g) were randomly distributed into 15 tanks in triplicate using completely randomized design. Results demonstrated that a 3 % inclusion of SA (SA-3 %) significantly (<em>P</em> < 0.05) increased gonadosomatic index, hepatosomatic index, and relative fecundity, whereas these indices declined with the 6 % inclusion level. Plasma concentration of estradiol and vitellogenin were significantly higher (<em>P</em> < 0.05) in the SA-3 % group as compared to other treatment but were reduced in SA-6 % supplemented group. Furthermore, antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and the transcript levels of reproductive related genes [<em>cyp19a</em> (3.16 ± 0.06) and <em>IL-6</em> (3.93 ± 0.05)] were significantly (<em>P</em> < 0.05) enhanced with the 3 % inclusion levels (SA-3 %) and declined by SA-6 % treatment group. Ovarian histology revealed that advanced oocyte maturation [vitellogenic stage 3 (75 %)] was significantly higher in SA-3 % group. Similarly, hepatic histology showed pronounced vacuolation of hepatocytes, indicative of active yolk precursor synthesis in the same group. Overall, the supplementation of <em>Saraca asoca</em> bark powder (SA-3 %) significantly improved reproductive performance in climbing perch by upregulating reproductive hormones, antioxidant defence through HPG axis and controlling gene expression related to gametogenesis and steroidogenesis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"333 ","pages":"Article 116656"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146034387","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-12-31DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116631
Nathalia Marques Andriotti, Wagner Paris, Fábio José Maia, Ruan Carlos Castilho Martins, Otávio Fancé, Laura Carpenedo Pinto, Luís Fernando Glasenapp de Menezes
Feed additives that improve energy metabolism efficiency can enhance cattle performance and nitrogen use. This study evaluated the effects of guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) and methionine (MET) supplementation, alone or combined, on performance, ruminal parameters, and nitrogen metabolism of feedlot-finished steers. Forty Angus steers (20 ± 2 months old; initial body weight 431.9 ± 8.9 kg) were randomly allocated to individual pens and fed for 86 days (plus 20-day adaptation period to the diets, totaling 106 days of feedlot). Feed intake, rumen, urine and blood data were collected in three experimental periods to assess responses over time. Animals were distributed in a completely randomized 2 × 2 factorial design (n = 10 per treatment): Control, GAA (6 g/d), MET (5 g/d), and GAA + MET. Data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test (P < 0.05) to evaluate main effects and interactions. No significant effects of GAA, MET, or their interaction were observed on average daily gain or dry matter intake (P > 0.05). GAA supplementation increased total ruminal volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration (57.3 vs. 46.5 mmol/L) and tended to alter acetate proportion, indicating enhanced fermentation efficiency. Nitrogen excretion and plasma metabolites were unaffected. GAA altered ruminal fermentation patterns but did not improve performance traits under the conditions of this high-energy finishing diet. This research contributes to understanding how GAA affects rumen fermentation and nitrogen metabolism in feedlot cattle, supporting more precise use of energy precursors in nutritional strategies.
{"title":"Effects of guanidinoacetic acid and methionine supplementation in low-forage diets on ruminal fermentation and performance of feedlot-finished steers","authors":"Nathalia Marques Andriotti, Wagner Paris, Fábio José Maia, Ruan Carlos Castilho Martins, Otávio Fancé, Laura Carpenedo Pinto, Luís Fernando Glasenapp de Menezes","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116631","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116631","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Feed additives that improve energy metabolism efficiency can enhance cattle performance and nitrogen use. This study evaluated the effects of guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) and methionine (MET) supplementation, alone or combined, on performance, ruminal parameters, and nitrogen metabolism of feedlot-finished steers. Forty Angus steers (20 ± 2 months old; initial body weight 431.9 ± 8.9 kg) were randomly allocated to individual pens and fed for 86 days (plus 20-day adaptation period to the diets, totaling 106 days of feedlot). Feed intake, rumen, urine and blood data were collected in three experimental periods to assess responses over time. Animals were distributed in a completely randomized 2 × 2 factorial design (n = 10 per treatment): Control, GAA (6 g/d), MET (5 g/d), and GAA + MET. Data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test (P < 0.05) to evaluate main effects and interactions. No significant effects of GAA, MET, or their interaction were observed on average daily gain or dry matter intake (P > 0.05). GAA supplementation increased total ruminal volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration (57.3 vs. 46.5 mmol/L) and tended to alter acetate proportion, indicating enhanced fermentation efficiency. Nitrogen excretion and plasma metabolites were unaffected. GAA altered ruminal fermentation patterns but did not improve performance traits under the conditions of this high-energy finishing diet. This research contributes to understanding how GAA affects rumen fermentation and nitrogen metabolism in feedlot cattle, supporting more precise use of energy precursors in nutritional strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"333 ","pages":"Article 116631"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145940317","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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