Editorial: Threats and strategies of nutritional metabolic disorders and poisoning diseases in ruminants

Ruminants, including cattle, sheep, goats, deer, giraffes, antelopes, and bison, play a central role in global livestock production, providing essential products such as milk, meat, leather, wool, and medicinal resources (1). However, their unique digestive physiology, metabolic characteristics, and patterns of energy utilization render them particularly susceptible to physiological disturbances, particularly during the transition period spanning late gestation to early lactation (1,2). During this period, animals undergo significant physiological and nutritional stress due to the abrupt transition from low-to high-energy diets, accompanied by dramatic changes in hormones (3,4). Intense metabolic load, imbalances in energy, protein, and minerals, or exposure to dietary toxins can disrupt rumen ecology, impair hepatic lipid and glucose metabolism, and compromise systemic immune function (5,6). Collectively, these perturbations increase susceptibility to metabolic, inflammatory, and infectious disorders and are commonly associated with multi-organ dysfunction involving the liver, reproductive tract, gastrointestinal system, and immune tissues (7)(8)(9).The consequences are profound. Affected animals show reduced performance, altered milk composition and quality, increased morbidity and mortality, and considerable economic losses (10,11). Nutritional metabolic disorders and poisoning-related conditions remain major constraints on the animal health, productivity, and welfare of ruminant livestock worldwide (12). Their multifactorial etiology demands integrated strategies that combine precision nutrition, feed safety, rumen health management, and real-time monitoring. Understanding the pathogenesis and mitigation of these disorders is therefore essential not only for preventing and treating nutritionrelated metabolic diseases but also for ensuring sustainable livestock production and global food security. Strengthening preventive programs and adopting emerging technologies are crucial steps toward improving animal welfare, productivity, and the sustainability of ruminant industry. This Research Topic aims to provide a comprehensive and integrative perspective on nutritional metabolic disorders, poisoning diseases, immune dysfunction, and infection-associated complications in ruminants. Specifically, it aims to investigate the etiology and pathophysiology of these conditions, understand their interconnected mechanisms, and assess their broader impacts on animal health. Key objectives include enhancing diagnostic capabilities, clarifying disease progression, optimizing management and treatment strategies, and developing effective preventive