Novel Nutritional Interventions for Ruminant Health, Welfare and Productivity: from Phytogenic Additives to Nanotechnology

Phytogenic feed additives, including plant extracts, essential oils, and other bioactive compounds, have garnered significant interest because of their potential antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic effects. At the same time, nanotechnology is emerging as a promising tool for improving the stability, bioavailability, delivery, and efficacy of nutrients and bioactive compounds. However, important questions remain regarding their mechanisms of action, efficacy, safety, and implications for animal health and welfare. Therefore, further research is needed to translate these emerging nutritional approaches into practical applications that benefit ruminant production systems.This Research Topic aims to consolidate recent advances in the use of phytogenic feed additives and nanotechnology applications for enhancing ruminant health, welfare, and productivity. By integrating nutritional physiological and microbiological research with applied production science, this collection seeks to advance sustainable ruminant production while improving animal health and welfare through evidence-based nutritional innovation.We welcome high-quality contributions examining the efficacy, mechanisms of action, safety, and practical applications of novel nutritional interventions in cattle, sheep, goats, buffaloes, and other ruminant species. Contributions may focus on phytogenic feed additives, plant-derived bioactive compounds, essential oils, nano-formulated nutrients or bioactives, and other emerging nutritional innovations. All topics should emphasize the mechanisms by which these interventions influence nutrient metabolism, nutrient availability, or metabolic health and performance. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:- Phytogenic feed additives and their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and metabolic effects on nutrient metabolism and ruminant performance- Plant-derived bioactive compounds and essential oils: mechanisms of action on nutrient digestion, absorption, and metabolism in ruminant nutrition- Nano-formulated nutrients and bioactive compounds: mechanisms of enhanced bioavailability, nutrient absorption, and metabolic partitioning- Rumen fermentation responses and nutrient metabolism: how phytogenic additives and nanotechnology applications modulate nutrient availability and microbial metabolism- Intestinal integrity and nutrient absorption: immune and antioxidant responses to novel nutritional interventions and their impact on nutrient metabolism- Metabolic health and nutrient partitioning: growth and production performance under phytogenic and nano-formulated nutritional strategies- Feed efficiency and nutrient utilization: how emerging feed additives enhance nutrient digestibility and metabolic efficiency- Animal welfare improvements through nutrition-based interventions: links between dietary strategies and metabolic homeostasis- Nutrient metabolism and bioavailability: studies examining mechanisms of action, bioavailability, safety, and nutritional implications of phytogenic additives and nanotechnology applications- Sustainability and practical applications: how phytogenic additives and nanotechnology support efficient nutrient utilization and metabolic optimization in commercial ruminant productionWe encourage submissions across all ruminant species and welcome Original Research articles, Reviews, Systematic Reviews, Short Communications, and Case Studies. Contributions examining mechanisms of action, safety, food-chain implications, sustainability, and practical applications are particularly encouraged. Studies with clear translational relevance for improving ruminant health, welfare, productivity, and production sustainability are highly valued. Topic editors: Maria Esther Ortega-Cerrilla, PEDRO ZETINA CÓRDOBA, Jorge L. Mejía-Méndez Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/85527/novel-nutritional-interventions-for-ruminant-health-welfare-and-productivity-from-phytogenic-additives-to-nanotechnology