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VETERINARY QUARTERLY
Taylor and Francis
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Abstract: |
The application of high doses of mineral feed additives in the form of inorganic salts
increases the growth performance of animals, but at the same, due to their low bioavailability,
can contaminate the environment. Therefore, there is a need to find a replacement of
administering high doses of minerals with an equally effective alternative. The application of
lower doses of metal-containing nanoparticles with the same effect on animal production
could be a potential solution. In the present review, zinc, silver, copper, gold, selenium, and
calcium nanoparticles are discussed as potential feed additives for animals. Production of
nanoparticles under laboratory conditions using traditional chemical and physical methods
as well as green and sustainable methods – biosynthesis has been described. Special attention
has been paid to the biological properties of nanoparticles, as well as their effect on
animal health and performance. Nano-minerals supplemented to animal feed (poultry, pigs,
ruminants, rabbits) acting as growth-promoting, immune-stimulating and antimicrobial
agents have been highlighted. Metal nanoparticles are known to exert a positive effect on
animal performance, productivity, carcass traits through blood homeostasis maintenance,
intestinal microflora, oxidative damage prevention, enhancement of immune responses, etc.
Metal-containing nanoparticles can also be a solution for nutrient deficiencies in animals
(higher bioavailability and absorption) and can enrich animal products with microelements
like meat, milk, or eggs. Metal-containing nanoparticles are proposed to partially replace
inorganic salts as feed additives. However, issues related to their potential toxicity and safety
to livestock animals, poultry, humans, and the environment should be carefully investigated
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