Two decades of research bridging animal physiology, sustainable agriculture, and product quality
Imagine a world where the food on our tables is not only delicious but also produced in harmony with animal well-being and environmental sustainability. This vision drives the work of ecological physiologists—scientists who bridge the gap between laboratory research and practical agriculture.
At the Institute of Animal Biology of NAAS in Ukraine, the Laboratory of Ecological Physiology and Product Quality stood at the forefront of this important work for two decades from 2000 to 2020.
Established in 2000 and undergoing organizational evolution, this laboratory dedicated itself to a crucial mission: understanding how environmental factors affect farm animals and bees, and using this knowledge to develop sustainable solutions for agriculture 3 . Through physiological and biochemical research, the team worked to enhance animal health, improve productivity, and ensure the quality of livestock and beekeeping products—all while promoting more ecological approaches to animal husbandry.
This article explores the laboratory's key research directions and remarkable achievements during its first twenty years of operation, highlighting how fundamental scientific inquiry can translate into tangible benefits for both agriculture and the environment.
The Laboratory of Ecological Physiology and Product Quality organized its scientific inquiry around several interconnected themes, all centered on understanding and improving the relationship between animals and their environment.
Investigating how farm animals respond to various environmental and climatic factors, and developing strategies to enhance their resilience 3 .
Creating and testing new dietary supplements, including those based on nanotechnology and probiotics, to boost animal health and productivity 3 .
Evaluating the quality and biological value of livestock raw materials and final products using advanced analytical methods 3 .
| Research Focus | Specific Objectives | Practical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Adaptation | Study resistance, adaptation and productivity formation in farm animals under different agroecological conditions | Develop methods to increase viability of productive animals |
| Novel Supplements | Test nanotechnological materials and probiotics; develop scientific bases for dietary supplements | Improve animal resistance and adaptability through nutrition |
| Product Quality | Environmental and biochemical assessment of livestock raw materials and products | Ensure quality and safety of animal-derived products |
| Beekeeping Support | Develop scientific basis for assessing biological value and quality of beekeeping products | Provide scientific support for beekeeping in different agroecological conditions |
As the laboratory's research evolved, they increasingly explored the biological effects of mineral supplements in various animal species. Their work with iodine, selenium, and sulfur citrates—mineral compounds with potentially enhanced bioavailability—represented a significant area of focus 3 . In one particular investigation published in 2021, researchers examined how these compounds affected broiler chickens when administered in their drinking water.
The findings from this line of research demonstrated several advantages for the supplemented birds:
| Parameter Measured | Control Group | Supplemented Group | Significance Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Growth Rate | Baseline | Significantly Enhanced | p<0.05 |
| Feed Conversion Efficiency | Baseline | Improved | p<0.05 |
| Thyroid Hormone Levels | Normal range | Optimized Profile | p<0.05 |
| Metabolic Markers | Normal range | Enhanced Metabolism | p<0.05 |
These results, published in scientific journals including "Regulatory Mechanisms in Biosystems" in 2021, indicated that the mineral citrate supplementation supported better growth and development in broilers while promoting more efficient physiological functioning 3 . The research provided evidence that these supplements could serve as effective alternatives to traditional mineral sources in poultry nutrition.
The Laboratory of Ecological Physiology and Product Quality employed a diverse array of scientific tools and reagents to conduct their investigations. Their interdisciplinary approach combined traditional physiological methods with advanced biochemical techniques.
| Research Tool/Reagent | Primary Function | Application Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral Citrates | Enhanced bioavailability mineral supplements | Iodine, selenium, sulfur citrates for improving animal health and productivity |
| Probiotic Strains | Beneficial microorganisms | Lactobacillus casei IMV B-7280 for enhancing insect viability and micronutrient content |
| Biochemical Assays | Quantitative analysis of biological samples | Measuring hormone levels, metabolic markers, and microelement content in tissues |
| Nanotechnological Materials | Novel delivery systems for active compounds | Testing biological effects of nanocompounds based on iodine and citrate in rats |
| Certified Analytical Methods | Standardized assessment protocols | Ecological and biochemical evaluation of livestock product quality |
The laboratory's commitment to methodological excellence was evidenced by their continuous refinement of research techniques. Over a ten-year period, they published 15 methodical recommendations, obtained 5 technical terms approvals, and secured 40 patents 3 . This output reflects both their scientific productivity and their dedication to standardizing best practices in the field of ecological physiology.
The laboratory's work extended beyond individual experiments to create a substantial body of scientific knowledge:
Investigations into how trace element citrates affect honey bees at different life stages, potentially influencing beekeeping practices and productivity 3 .
Research on physiological and biochemical adaptation mechanisms in highly productive farm animals under various environmental conditions 3 .
Exploration of novel nanocompounds and their biological effects, representing the laboratory's engagement with emerging scientific frontiers 3 .
In 2020, their collective research contributions were recognized with the State Prize in the field of science and technology of Ukraine for the competitive research paper "The use of mineral compounds and polyfunctional nanomaterials in animal husbandry and veterinary medicine" 3 . This honor underscores the significance and practical relevance of their scientific work.
Throughout this productive period, laboratory members contributed to the scientific community through extensive publication records, including 6 textbooks, 6 manuals, and 2 handbooks 3 . This educational output ensured that their findings and methodologies would influence future generations of researchers and practitioners in the field.
The two-decade journey of the Laboratory of Ecological Physiology and Product Quality demonstrates the power of interdisciplinary research at the intersection of animal physiology, biochemistry, and agricultural science.
By investigating fundamental physiological processes while maintaining a clear focus on practical applications, the laboratory generated knowledge that continues to inform sustainable agricultural practices.
Their work exemplifies how ecological physiology—"the study of relationships between physiological attributes of organisms and their environments" 1 —can be harnessed to address real-world challenges in animal production and food quality. As we face ongoing challenges related to food security, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability, the laboratory's research approach offers valuable insights into how we might develop more resilient agricultural systems for the future.
The legacy of their work continues to influence the field, reminding us that thoughtful scientific investigation of the intricate relationships between animals and their environments can yield benefits that extend far beyond the laboratory walls.