The re-usage of byproducts needs urgent attention as the recycling and reduction in wastes can minimize environmental pollution and ameliorate the present situation by creating new products, such as animal feed and ingredients for the food industry. The industrial production of rose oil from Rosa damascena Mill. generates tons of byproducts, due to the low oil yield. Byproducts such as spent petals are systematically used as feed supplements, while the polyphenol-rich extracts are incorporated in numerous animal products. Among their benefits, exogenous (through a dietary strategy) antioxidants such as polyphenols, play a pivotal role in the antioxidant system in intensive farmed animals—influencing the growth performance and increasing the feed conversion. On the other hand, incorporated extracts serve as natural antioxidants retaining the discoloration of meat products, as well as inhibiting the lipid and protein oxidation during storage, extending their shelf-life. Rosa damascena Mill. extracts are used as additives in functional and more healthier products with reduced nitrite content and enhanced the biological value of the consumed products. The aim is to systematize the existing knowledge about the potential use of spent Rosa damascena Mill. petals and their extracts, as well as highlight the need for further research in dairy and meat products.

The increasing global demand for animal-derived food products, combined with growing environmental and public health concerns, has intensified the search for sustainable strategies in livestock production. Among emerging nutritional approaches, phytogenic feed additives (PFAs) have gained attention as natural alternatives to conventional synthetic growth promoters. PFAs, derived from herbs, spices, essential oils, and plant extracts, contain diverse bioactive compounds such as phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and saponins. These compounds exhibit antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities that can support animal health, productivity, and product quality. Current research indicates that PFAs positively influence digestive physiology by modulating gut microbiota, improving intestinal integrity, and stimulating digestive enzyme secretion. These mechanisms enhance nutrient utilization, feed efficiency, and growth performance. In addition, the antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties of plant-derived compounds strengthen the ability of animals to cope with physiological stress and disease, potentially reducing reliance on synthetic antimicrobials and supporting antibiotic-free production systems. PFAs may also improve reproductive performance and physiological stability, particularly in small livestock species and indigenous breeds. Beyond productivity benefits, phytogenic additives contribute to environmental sustainability by improving feed conversion efficiency and reducing nutrient excretion. The present literature review confirms that although variability in plant composition and the need for standardization remain challenges, PFAs represent a valuable component of integrated nutritional strategies aimed at achieving resilient, environmentally responsible, and economically sustainable livestock production systems.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of phyto-additive mixture supplementation on semen quality and on some reproductive parameters after artificial insemination in rabbits. The trial run 120 days on 20 adult New Zealand white rabbit bucks that were allocated into two different groups, first was control (CON; n = 10) fed with commercial pelleted-feed and second was considered experimental group (EXP; n = 10) which received in feed a natural feed additive mixture (0.1% of dried Chlorella vulgaris powder and 0.1% of dried Laurus nobilis leaves powder). Consequently, the quality assessment of semen by the Computer Assisted Semen Analyzer (CASA) system, samples were instrumentally inseminated on rabbit does for two consecutive reproductive cycles, and productive and reproductive indexes were evaluated. Results demonstrate that while spermatozoa concentration and ejaculate volume did not differ significantly among experimental groups or between reproduction cycles, spermatozoa motility parameters were significantly enhanced in rabbits receiving the phyto-additive mixture, as evidenced by increased total motility (87.83% vs. 70.63%) and progressive motility (75.68% vs. 50.10%) compared with the control group (p < 0.01). No differences were observed in prolificacy traits during the first reproductive cycle, whereas in the second cycle the phyto-additive treatment increased the number of kits born alive per litter (12.29 vs. 10.19; p < 0.05) and improved kit growth performance at birth (79.17 vs. 66.75 g), at weaning (1085.28 vs. 963.15 g), and in average daily gain (28.75 vs. 25.61 g/day). The study provides evidence of alternative practises based on feeding programme to enhance reproductive traits in rabbit production. The goal is to provide farmers with examples of good farming practise (such as precision farming), focused on sustainability and efficiency, and a certain transfer of knowledge.

The incorporation of natural plant extracts into dairy products has attracted increasing interest due to their potential to enhance nutritional value and product stability. This study evaluated the effects of distilled rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) flower ethanolic extract on the physicochemical, texture, microbiological, and sensory properties of kashkaval cheese. Cheese samples were immersed in solutions containing rose extract at concentrations of 1.25% (S2) and 2.5% (S3) and compared with a control (S1) during ripening. Sensory evaluation showed that S2 achieved the most favorable balance of aroma, flavor, and overall acceptability, whereas S3 exhibited reduced acceptance due to an excessively strong floral aroma. The enrichment did not significantly affect fat (26–29%), water (33–36%), or salt (~2%) content. However, rose extract accelerated proteolysis, with S2 showing the highest maturity index (NPN/TN 13.76% at month 6) compared with the control (11.19%). Enriched samples showed improved amino and organic acid profiles, while the control contained higher levels of saturated fatty acids and cholesterol. All samples met microbiological safety criteria. Rose extract also influenced color and texture properties. These results demonstrate that rose extract can serve as a functional ingredient to improve the quality and technological properties of kashkaval cheese, with optimal effects at 1.25%.

In recent years, most of the populations of the world have been using herbal materials for their strong antimicrobial properties and major health benefits. The objective of this study was to evaluate the phenolic profile, as well as the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, of a dietary supplement composed of extracts from hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) calyces and lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora) leaves (Metabolaid^®, Patent P201731147) mixed at a weight ratio of 35:65 (w/w), respectively. The bioactive components of the methanolic extract were analyzed by UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using spectrophotometric methods, while the antimicrobial activity was assessed through the microdilution method against selected Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The total phenols content resulted in being 256.10 ± 2.26 mg GAE/g f.w., the flavonoid content was 48.90 ± 2.95 mg CE/g f.w., flavonols were 60.17 ± 7.68 mg QE/g f.w., and anthocyanins were 3.78 ± 0.17 mg C3GE/g f.w. The FRAP value, observed in the natural mix additive, was 1.25 ± 0.03 mg Fe²⁺/g f.w., while the ORAC showed the value of 1893.77 ± 30.39 µmol TE/g f.w. and the DPPH was 23.33 ± 4.12 µg/mL. We found eight phenolic acids, seven flavonols, five anthocyanins, and nine other phenolic compounds. The extract showed a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 12.5 mg/mL against E. coli, E. aerogenes, and E. faecalis and of 25 mg/mL against S. enterica ser. Typhimurium and S. aureus and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 25 mg/mL against E. coli, E. aerogenes, and E. faecalis and of 50 mg/mL against S. enterica ser. Typhimurium and S. aureus. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that Metabolaid^® is a rich source of bioactive compounds and provides beneficial effects against oxidative stress and pathogenic bacteria, supporting its nutraceutical potential.

Dietary phytogenic additives and microalgae are increasingly investigated as natural alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters in rabbit production due to their potential effects on gut health and nutrient utilisation. This study evaluated the nutraceutical potential of Chlorella vulgaris and Laurus nobilis as plant-based additives for growing New Zealand White rabbits. A 45-day feeding trial was conducted using control and experimental diets enriched with 0.1% Chlorella and 0.1% Laurus. Productive performance, nutrient digestibility, blood biochemistry and faecal composition were monitored, and polyphenolic compounds were analysed in feed, blood, faeces and caecal microbiota using HPLC-DAD. Final body weight (3097 vs. 2909 g) and feed intake (142.7 vs. 145.0 g day⁻¹) did not differ significantly between treatments. However, crude protein digestibility was significantly lower in the supplemented group than in the control group (54.39–47.79% vs. 63.73–62.33%; p < 0.05). Faecal chemical composition differed significantly between groups, particularly for dry matter, which was higher in the supplemented group across sampling times. Polyphenols detected across biological matrices confirmed the bioavailability of selected phytochemicals, with ferulic acid showing the highest stability. Correlation analysis indicated shared metabolic or absorptive pathways among several compounds. Overall, low-dose supplementation with C. vulgaris and L. nobilis appears safe and may support improved digestive physiology and nutrient utilisation without compromising rabbit health. Further research with larger sample sizes and detailed microbiome profiling is needed to clarify metabolic interactions and long-term effects of these nutraceutical strategies.