Enhancing the feed efficiency of crop residues in ruminants: a comprehensive review

Abstract

Abstract Worldwide, the production of agricultural residues exceeds five billion metric tons per year. Regardless of their many applications and substantial potential to increase crop and animal productivity, many crop residues, particularly in Asian, African, and Arabian nations, are burned. This detrimental practice limits the recycling of soil nutrients while increasing air pollution and wellness risks. Enhancing feed efficiency while simultaneously lowering production costs and increasing animal protein is a key objective of nutritional supplements in livestock feeding. Antibiotics have been utilized in farm animals at sub-therapeutic levels to increase feed use effectiveness and digestion, as well as animal welfare and performance. However, the present ban on antibiotics as nutritional supplements has boosted the search for substitutes, with natural feed additives considered cutting-edge options. On the other hand, feed that has undergone biological treatment improves animal productivity, feed intake, and digestibility. Nevertheless, the absence of agents and expertise and substrate weight decrease may result in a 40% dry matter loss limits application. In this review, we look at the importance of detrimental residue administration and the advancement and adoption of technologies to handle surplus residue.