Technological Processes Applied to Laboratory Animal Feeds and New Feeding Approaches

Abstract

Laboratory animal nutrition plays a crucial role in ensuring the health, welfare, and scientific validity of research studies involving animals. Technological advancements in feed processing have provided researchers with innovative tools and techniques to enhance the nutritional quality and stability of laboratory animal diets. Recent developments in feed processing technology have focused on improving the precision, consistency, and nutrient bioavailability of laboratory animal diets. Techniques such as pelleting, extrusion, and coating have been utilized to create homogeneous feed formulations with controlled nutrient profiles. In addition to advances in feed processing, new feeding approaches have emerged to address the specific nutritional requirements of laboratory animals. Precision feeding technologies, incorporating real-time monitoring systems and data analytics, allow for the customization of feed formulations based on individual animal needs. Overall, the integration of technological processes and new feeding approaches in laboratory animal nutrition represents a promising avenue for advancing animal welfare, research quality, and scientific outcomes in preclinical and biomedical research. By leveraging cutting-edge feed processing techniques and tailored feeding strategies, researchers can ensure the optimal nutrition, health, and well-being of laboratory animals, fostering both ethical research practices and robust scientific results. This review provides an overview of the technological processes applied to laboratory animal feeds and introduces new feeding approaches aimed at optimizing animal health and research outcomes.