Sustainable livestock production is a critical component of global food security and environmental stewardship. Agricultural crop residues, such as cereal straws, stovers, and hulls, as well as agro-industrial by-products, including oilseed meals, distillery wastes, and fruit/vegetable processing residues, are generated in large quantities worldwide, and these residues can be used in the diet of the animals to reduce the feed production cost and sustainability. In this review, we found that the use of treated crop residues in the diet of animals increased the production performance without causing any side effects on their health. Additionally, we also noticed that using these crop residues also mitigates the methane production in ruminants and feed costs, particularly for harvesting the feed crops. Traditionally, these materials have often been underutilized or even disposed of improperly, leading to wastage of valuable nutrients and potential environmental pollution. By incorporating these materials into animal feed formulations, livestock producers can benefit from several key advantages. The review further discusses the challenges and considerations involved in the effective utilization of these alternative feed resources, such as variability in nutrient composition, anti-nutritional factors, and the need for appropriate preprocessing and formulation strategies. Emerging technologies and innovative approaches to optimize the integration of crop residues and by-products into sustainable livestock production systems and also reduce global warming, particularly methane, CO₂ and other particles that affect the environment after burning these crop residues, are also highlighted. By synthesizing the current knowledge and exploring the multifaceted benefits, this review underscores the vital roles that agricultural crop residues and agro-industrial by-products can play in fostering the sustainability and resilience of livestock production, ultimately contributing to global food security and environmental stewardship.

Hydrogen sulfide is a Janus-faced molecule with many beneficial and toxic effects on the animal health. In ruminants, rumen fermentation plays a vital role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. During rumen fermentation, the production of hydrogen sulfide can occur, and it can be rapidly absorbed into the body of the animals through the intestinal wall. If the production of hydrogen sulfide concentration is higher in the rumen, it can cause a toxic effect on ruminants known as poliomyelitis. The production of hydrogen sulfide depends on the population of sulfate-reducing bacteria in the rumen. In rodents, H₂S maintains the normal physiology of the gastrointestinal tract and also improves the healing of the chronic gastric ulcer. In the gut, H₂S regulates physiological functions such as inflammation, ischemia–reperfusion injury and motility. In this review article, we summarize the toxicity occurrence in the body of animals due to high levels of hydrogen sulfide production and also recent progress in the studies of physiological function of H₂S in the gut, with a special emphasis on bacteria-derived H₂S is discussed in this review.

Rabbit farming plays a crucial role in meeting the global demand for high-quality meat and sustainable agricultural practices. In recent years, significant attention has been directed toward the integration of Genomic-Assisted Selection (GAS) and Precision Nutrition (PN) as synergistic strategies to improve productivity and animal welfare in rabbit production systems. This integration is particularly critical given the intricate interplay between genetic predispositions and nutritional demands in optimizing rabbit farming outcomes. The present review systematically explores the genetic diversity inherent to rabbit breeds, examines the impact of key genetic traits on productivity and welfare metrics, and highlights advancements in genomic research and associated tools within the context of rabbit breeding practices. By examining the importance of personalized nutrition tailored to individual rabbit requirements, as well as nutritional strategies to optimize productivity and longevity. In this regard, we provide essential understanding for farmers and researchers in the rabbit farming industry. Our goal is to provide a new perspective on the significance of this integrated approach and its implications for future practices and research in rabbit production, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to harness the full potential of genomics and nutrition in enhancing rabbit farming practices.

The rising cost and environmental impact of conventional protein sources in poultry feed necessitate exploration of sustainable alternatives. Azolla pinnata (AP), a nutrient-rich aquatic fern, has emerged as a promising candidate. Our objective was to evaluate the potential of AP as a sustainable feed ingredient for broilers, focusing on its impact on growth, feed efficiency, gut health, and profitability. To obtain AP, we harvested green Azolla from river banks using plastic sieves, sun-dried it, and pulverized it. Three-hundred-day-old Cobb chicks were individually weighed and randomly assigned to four dietary groups, namely: Group A (the control, 0g APM/kg feed), Group B (1g APM/kg feed), Group C (2g APM/kg feed), and Group D (3g APM/kg feed). The study used a completely randomized design with four treatments, each having three replicates of 15 broilers. Broiler weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), villus height, villus-crypt ratio, and economic returns were assessed. The results showed that broilers fed with 3g APM/kg feed had significantly improved weight gain, optimal feed intake, and the lowest FCR compared to other groups. This group also exhibited increased villus height and villus-crypt ratio, suggesting enhanced nutrient absorption. Notably, the 3g APM/kg feed group showed a 22% increase in net returns compared to the control. This study provides compelling evidence for the potential of APM as a sustainable and cost-effective protein source in broiler diets. It offers economic benefits to farmers while promoting gut health and improved broiler performance. Further research can explore the long-term effects and optimal APM inclusion levels for large-scale adoption in the poultry industry.

The lactation-pregnancy overlap in the industrialized 49-day breeding model increases nutritional demands for lactating-pregnant rabbit does. This study examined the effects of folic acid (FA) on the production performance and intestinal microflora of does with different litter size (LS, or number of kits). A total of 144 third-parity Hyplus does, aged 11 months and weighing approximately 5.00 ± 0.07 kg, were divided four treatment groups: control group (basal diet) and FA groups (basal diet + 15, 30, and 45 mg/kg FA). Does with LS of 5, 7, and 9 were slected after weaning. Our findings revealed that 1) Increased FA supplementation initially increased and then decreased the pre-lactation body weight of 21-day-old kits and prolactin (PRL) level of does, while showing an inverse trend for estrogen (E) level of does. Increased LS significantly (P < 0.05) correlated with reduced milk yield of does. There was a significant (P < 0.05) interaction between FA and LS affecting PRL, E, growth hormone (GH) levels of does, and the pre-lactation body weight of 21-day-old kits. 2) Increased FA supplementation initially increased and then decreased the post-lactation body weight of 21-day-old and 35-day-old kits, elevated plasma folic acid (PFA) level of does, and significantly (P < 0.05) impacted the pregnancy rate of does. Increased LS was associated with reduced post-lactation body weight in 21-day-old and 35-day-old kits (P < 0.05). There was a significant (P < 0.05) interaction between FA and LS affecting plasma insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), homocysteine (HCY), PFA levels of does, post-lactation body weight of 21-day-old kits, and weaning body weight of 35-day-old kits. 3) FA supplementation promoted the growth of Ruminococcaceae and Rikenella_RC9_gut_group in feces of does, indicating enhanced anti-inflammatory capabilities and crude fiber (CF) breakdown. In summary, FA supplementation improved conception rates, regulated lactation-related hormone synthesis and secretion, increased body weight of 21-day-old kits, and enhanced intestinal anti-inflammatory functions.

The Muscovy duck ( Cairina moschata ) is a vital poultry species for rural livelihoods in Benin, yet no prior scientific study has documented its phenotypic and morphometric characteristics in the country. This study presents the first comprehensive characterization of Muscovy ducks raised across three agroecological zones of southern Benin, aiming to establish a foundational reference for sustainable breeding and conservation. A total of 406 adult ducks (260 females and 146 males) from 93 smallholder farms were assessed for both qualitative and quantitative traits. Significant sexual dimorphism was observed, with males exhibiting larger body dimensions than females (P < 0.05). A wide range of plumage patterns was recorded, dominated by white (58%), along with black, ash, and the first report of rare blue eye coloration. Beak and skin colours were mostly pink (66%) and white (73%), respectively; traits that may serve as important identifiers for local genetic lines. Notably, most morphometric traits varied significantly across colour morphs and agroecological zones, reflecting rich phenotypic diversity. Ducks with spotted white and grey plumage had superior measurements, while other colour groups excelled in specific traits such as thoracic cage width and leg length. Strong positive correlations were found between body weight and body length (r = 0.73), and leg length and chest height (r = 0.80). These results offer valuable insights for local producers and lay the groundwork for targeted selection, genetic improvement, and future molecular research on indigenous duck populations in Benin.