Eureka! Institutional Repository

The rapid increase of the population of the world combined with the development of people’s living standards have resulted in the provision of high biological and dietary value foods. The livestock produces products which are then being transformed into excellent quality proteins, which are essential to human nutrition. The development of industry, the evolution of biotechnology and the constant search for more alternative feeds lead to new trends in the feeding of ruminants with a corresponding high nutritional value. The ultimate goal of this move is to reduce production costs and promoting animal health. The aim of my thesis was a bibliographic review of the changes that are being observed in the way the feeding process of ruminants is taking place and how the genetic improvements and the zootechnical management affect this whole process. The feed of ruminants constitutes the 50-60% of global production. The use of alternative feeds to reduce production costs is critical. The exploitation of by-products of agricultural industries other than ruminant feed also protects the environment and the eco-system. Also, the use of new biotechnology products as feed additives, improves animals’ digestion and protects – improves their physical condition.