From nutrients to performance: Advances in using lactic acid-treated cereals in ruminant feed

Cereals serve as a shared energy source for both humans and feedlot animals. For producers, large incorporations of cereals in the ruminant diet have resulted in foreseeable profits from production. For ruminant nutritionists, improving the gastrointestinal utilization of cereals while minimizing drawbacks to health is a crucial concern. Over the past decade, studies have shown promising outcomes in ruminant performance using cereals treated with lactic acid (LA). These benefits are concentrated on enhanced production performance and reduced high cereal diet-induced health issues. However, inconsistencies in experimental conditions and the diversity of cereal cultivars used in these studies hindered the pace of reaching conclusive remarks. In this review, we summarize data about cereal nutrient variations induced by LA treatment and the underlying mechanisms involved in these variations. We also discuss how LA-treated cereals benefit ruminant gastrointestinal homeostasis and enhance overall health. We aimed to provide an overview of LA modifications on cereal nutrients and frame the functional role of LA-treated cereals on ruminant performance. We also propose research gaps, which are intended to stimulate future research.