2026

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repository.iuls.ro/handle/20.500.12811/6933

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listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Phytobiotics as Dietary Natural Growth Promoters in Producing High-Quality and Safe Poultry Products—A Narrative Review
(MDPI, 2026-02-14) Cojocariu, Laurian-Cristian; Usturoi, Marius-Giorgi; Usturoi, Alexandru; Lazăr, Mircea; Balmuș, Ioana Miruna; Simeanu, Daniel; Radu-Rusu, Răzvan-Mihail
As the demand for poultry meat and eggs is increasing in the world, and the use of antibiotics is forbidden in Europe (since 2006), with countries such as the Philippines, Thailand, Bangladesh and China having imposed restriction or prohibitions, researchers and producers have sought for effective non-antibiotic alternatives. Probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics and phytobiotics are frequently used as alternatives in the field of poultry production. Phytobiotics, plant-derived substances, also referred to as botanicals or phytogenics, are used as animal diets supplements due to their wide range of bioactive compounds (menthol, curcumin, eugenol, allicin and others) and many advantages. They are classified as herbs, spices, plant extracts and essential oils. Some of the benefits offered by the dietary phytobiotics are antimicrobial, antioxidant, digestion stimulant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, carminative, antiseptic and appetite stimulant, the modulation of gut microbiota and improvement in the intestinal histology. Some representatives of phytobiotics are turmeric, oregano, sage, thyme, black pepper, ginger, garlic, echinacea, rosemary and others. Despite the significant potential of phytobiotics, their widespread adaptation is currently inhibited by challenges regarding cost-effectiveness (high price for raw materials), scarce regulatory frameworks, and inconsistent biological efficacy. The lack of standardization reflects a dual challenge, enclosing both the inherent chemical variability of raw botanical materials and the technical inconsistencies present throughout the industrial manufacturing, and extraction processes as producers use different machinery for extracting and producing the animal feed. To address these systemic impediments, a joint effort across the entire value chain—from primary producers to regulatory authorities—is essential for the development of unified testing protocols and standardization dosage guidelines that ensure the pharmacological safety and reliability of phytobiotic products.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Design and characterization of sustainable mortars incorporating industrial waste–derived materials
(Nature Research, 2026-03-04) Caftanachi, Mihaela; Vrabie, Mihai; Harja, Maria; Bucur, Roxana-Dana; Bucur, Daniel
Environmental pressures necessitate finding alternatives to Portland cement using alkali-activated aluminosilicate materials. Mortars containing different types of class F fly ash (Romania and Canada), furnace slag, silica fume and sand, activated with 5.1 M potassium hydroxide solution and 40% sodium silicate solution. Three mixes were tested (Mix 1 – fly ash Romania, Mix 2 - fly ash Canada and Mix 3 – fly ash Canada and slag). The activators were chosen to develop materials with high mechanical strength. The activation process occurred at controlled laboratory conditions (20 ± 2℃ and 65% relative humidity). Mix 3 showed the highest strength values of 43.8 MPa and a flexural strength of 7.4 MPa after 28 days. Mix 2 had a compressive strength of 26.0 MPa, in contrast to 8.3 MPa for Mix 1. The addition of blast furnace slag (Mix 3 vs. Mix 2) nearly doubled the compressive strength values. Proposed mixes are an effective alternative to cement mortar that reduce waste, through valorization of industrial by-products and diminish carbon dioxide emissions by 30%. Microstructural analyses (SEM and XRD) confirmed the formation of reaction products consistent with the observed mechanical strength. The developed mixes show promising mechanical performance and contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions in construction materials.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Occurrence of Mineral Oil Hydrocarbons in Feed and Milk: Implications for Sustainable Dairy Production
(MDPI, 2026-03-16) Matei, Mădălina; Flocea, Elena-Iuliana; Pop, Ioan-Mircea
Mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH) are increasingly reported in agri-food systems, but their presence in dairy production is not yet fully characterized. This study investigated the occurrence of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) and mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) in feed and milk collected from three dairy farms with different production conditions, with the aim of supporting a system-wide interpretation of contaminant presence. Samples were analyzed using confirmed chromatographic methods, and the results were descriptively evaluated to express variability both within and between farms. Both feed and milk samples showed heterogeneous contamination patterns, highlighting the influence of environmental exposure, technological activities and biological variations, rather than a direct linear transfer. To help the interpretation, a conceptual framework linking environment, feed, animals and milk was proposed. From a sustainability point of view, the results highlight the importance of preventive monitoring and farm-level management strategies to reduce contaminant pressure in dairy production. Overall, the study furnishes empirical evidence that contributes to a broader understanding of contaminant occurrence and supports integrated approaches for food safety and sustainable dairy production.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
A Comprehensive Review on Equine Milk: Composition, Functional Properties, Technological Applications, and Future Perspectives
(MDPI, 2026-01-02)
Mare and donkey milk have attracted scientific and commercial interest due to their distinctive biochemical composition and functional potential as nutritional sources. Their compositional similarity to human milk—particularly regarding lactose content, protein profile, and mineral balance—makes them relevant alternatives for individuals with bovine milk intolerance and suitable candidates for nutraceutical and biomedical research. This systematic review provides an overview of the physicochemical properties of the milk of these species, examining the influence of breed, diet, and lactation stage on yield and composition. Particular attention is given to bioactive compounds, including lysozyme, lactoferrin, and immunoglobulins, which have been associated with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities. The review also discusses technological processing methods, such as fermentation, pasteurization, and lyophilization, and their effects on functional and therapeutic properties. Finally, current challenges in production and research are addressed, including the need for standardized protocols, sustainable management strategies, and further investigation into the health-related properties of mare and donkey milk.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Milk Quality Dynamics in Romanian Black Spotted and Romanian Spotted Cattle Breeds Under Heat Stress
(MDPI, 2026-01-21) Amariții (Pădurariu), Gabriela; Pânzaru, Claudia; Maciuc, Vasile
Milk production and quality are increasingly affected worldwide by rising ambient temperatures associated with climate change, with heat stress (HS) representing one of the major environmental challenges for dairy cattle. HS alters physiological and metabolic processes, leading to significant changes in milk composition, particularly in regions exposed to prolonged summer heat. The Temperature–Humidity Index (THI) is widely used to assess the degree of thermal discomfort and its impact on dairy performance. This study investigated the effects of heat stress on milk quality parameters in a dairy herd managed under identical conditions, comprising Romanian Black Spotted (RBS, Holstein strain) and Romanian Spotted (RS, Simmental strain) cows. Descriptive statistics were performed using the SAVC for Windows program, while differences between means were evaluated using the t-test in GraphPad Prism 9. Milk quality traits were significantly affected when THI values exceeded 73, with a consistent decline observed from early summer onwards. In the RBS breed, milk protein content decreased significantly compared with spring values, reaching 3.25% (p < 0.0001) in 2023 and 3.35% (p < 0.01) in 2024. Similar trends were recorded in the RS breed, with minimum protein values of 3.10% (p < 0.0001) and 3.19% (p < 0.0001). Fat content, casein concentration, and milk urea levels also showed highly significant HS-related changes (p < 0.0001). Overall, heat stress negatively affected milk quality, while the RS breed appears less affected under the studied conditions than the RBS breed.

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