International Journal of Molecular Zoology 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 255-264 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmz 255 Review Article Open Access Optimizing Animal Energy Metabolism: Nutritional Strategies in Agricultural Production Xiaofang Lin Tropical Animal Medicine Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572000, Hainan, China Corresponding email: xiaofang.lin@hitar.org International Journal of Molecular Zoology, 2024, Vol.14, No.5 doi: 10.5376/ijmz.2024.14.0023 Received: 01 Jul., 2024 Accepted: 11 Aug., 2024 Published: 01 Sep., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Lin, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Lin X.F., 2024, Optimizing animal energy metabolism: nutritional strategies in agricultural production, International Journal of Molecular Zoology, 14(5): 255-264 (doi: 10.5376/ijmz.2024.14.0023) Abstract The study found that tailored nutritional management significantly impacts milk production, metabolic status, and body condition in dairy cows, with specific genotypes responding differently to nutritional strategies. Additionally, increasing the amount of energetic-protein supplements in post-weaning phases improved metabolic profiles and ovarian activity in heifers. Integrating crop and livestock systems and using co-product feeds were identified as effective strategies to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of livestock production. Furthermore, leveraging genetic selection and advanced nutritional management practices can significantly improve feed efficiency and reduce environmental impacts in beef production systems. The findings suggest that optimizing nutritional strategies tailored to specific animal needs and integrating advanced genetic and management practices can significantly enhance energy metabolism, productivity, and sustainability in agricultural production. These strategies not only improve animal health and productivity but also contribute to more sustainable and efficient agricultural systems. Keywords Nutritional strategies; Energy metabolism; Agricultural production; Dairy cows; Heifers; Feed efficiency; Sustainability; Genetic selection 1 Introduction Animal energy metabolism encompasses the physiological and biochemical processes that convert feedstuffs into energy and nutrients necessary for growth, maintenance, and production. This involves a complex interplay of digestive and metabolic mechanisms that ensure the efficient use and storage of energy and nutrients within the animal's body (Kerr, 2021). The efficiency of these processes is critical for optimizing animal productivity and maintaining economic viability in agricultural production (VandeHaar et al., 2016). Understanding the fundamental aspects of energy metabolism, including nutrient partitioning and the regulation of metabolic pathways, is essential for developing effective nutritional strategies (Hocquette et al., 2007). Nutritional strategies play a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency of animal production systems. By optimizing the intake and utilization of nutrients, these strategies can significantly improve feed efficiency, reduce production costs, and enhance the overall health and productivity of farm animals (VandeHaar et al., 2016; Mulliniks and Beard, 2018). For instance, targeted nutritional management during key physiological periods, such as the transition period in dairy cows, can support metabolic adaptations and prevent metabolic dysfunctions (Overton and Waldron, 2004). Additionally, advancements in genetic selection and nutritional management have led to substantial improvements in feed efficiency and productivity in the dairy industry (VandeHaar et al., 2016). The integration of nutrition with other management practices, such as grouping and total mixed ration feeding, further underscores the importance of a holistic approach to optimizing animal energy metabolism (VandeHaar et al., 2016). This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of animal energy metabolism and the role of nutritional strategies in optimizing agricultural production. The objectives are to summarize the key physiological and biochemical processes involved in animal energy metabolism, highlight the importance of nutritional strategies in enhancing feed efficiency and productivity, and discuss recent advancements and future directions in the field, including the integration of genetic, nutritional, and management practices.
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