International Journal of Molecular Zoology 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 255-264 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmz 259 4.2 Use of feed additives Feed additives play a crucial role in supporting energy metabolism in livestock. Enzymes such as cellulase can enhance the digestibility of fibrous feed components, thereby increasing the availability of energy from the diet. Probiotics like Lactobacillus casei have been shown to improve ruminal fermentation and nutrient absorption, leading to better energy utilization (So et al., 2021). Additionally, the use of chemical compounds to inhibit rumen methanogenesis can redirect energy from methane production to more valuable fermentation products, potentially increasing ruminant productivity (Ungerfeld, 2018). These additives are essential tools in modern animal nutrition for enhancing energy metabolism and overall performance. Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of feed additives in improving energy metabolism. For instance, a study on Thai native steers fed with fermented sugarcane bagasse treated with Lactobacillus casei, cellulase, and molasses showed significant improvements in nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and energy partitioning compared to conventional rice straw feeding (So et al., 2021). Another meta-analysis on the inhibition of rumen methanogenesis found that while the relationship between methane inhibition and productivity was complex, there was a tendency for increased milk production efficiency in some cases (Ungerfeld, 2018). These findings underscore the potential benefits of feed additives in enhancing energy metabolism in livestock. 4.3 Precision nutrition Precision feeding involves tailoring the diet to meet the specific nutritional needs of individual animals or groups of animals, thereby optimizing energy metabolism and improving overall efficiency. This approach takes into account factors such as the animal's physiological state, production goals, and environmental conditions. For example, precision feeding can help ensure that dairy cows receive the right balance of nutrients to support both milk production and body condition throughout lactation (Piantoni and VandeHaar, 2022). By closely matching nutrient supply with nutrient requirements, precision feeding minimizes waste and maximizes the efficiency of energy use in livestock production. Technological advancements have greatly enhanced the ability to implement precision nutrition in livestock. Tools such as automated feeding systems, real-time monitoring of animal health and performance, and advanced data analytics allow for more precise control of nutrient intake and better decision-making. For instance, climate respiration chambers can be used to measure energy and nitrogen balance in dairy cows, providing valuable insights into how different dietary treatments affect energy partitioning and overall productivity (Nichols et al., 2019). These technologies enable more accurate and efficient feeding strategies, ultimately leading to improved energy metabolism and animal performance. 5 Case Studies 5.1 Dairy cattle Nutritional strategies in dairy cattle focus on managing energy balance, especially during critical periods such as early lactation and heat stress. One approach involves feeding a tailored total mixed ration (TMR) during the first 30 days postpartum, which has been shown to improve milk output, metabolic status, and body condition score (BCS) compared to ad libitum access to fresh pasture plus concentrates (Brady et al., 2021). Additionally, strategies to mitigate heat stress, such as adjusting diets to support physiological responses and incorporating supplements like propionates and dietary buffers, are crucial for maintaining energy metabolism under high-temperature conditions (Sammad et al., 2020) (Figure 3). Concentrate supplementation strategies during the transition period also play a significant role, with different timings of concentrate build-up affecting energy supply and metabolic status (Steinwidder et al., 2021). 5.2 Poultry In poultry production, enhancing energy metabolism involves optimizing feed energy utilization through the use of exogenous enzymes and accurate energy requirement predictions. Exogenous carbohydrases, for example, can significantly improve nutrient digestion and absorption, particularly in diets with viscous ingredients, leading to better energy utilization and gut health (Musigwa et al., 2021). Additionally, transitioning from metabolisable energy (ME) systems to net energy (NE) systems can provide more accurate measurements of dietary energy, accounting for energy losses as heat during feed ingestion, absorption, and metabolism.
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