Use of nanoparticles as feed additives to improve digestion and absorption in livestock

Accepted: 31/08/2014 Abstract The word nano technology is derived from the Latin nanus, meaning dwarf). Nanoparticles are of different types based on th eir ability to carry different ingredients and react to different enviro nmental conditions. Nanotechnology will play a major role in the future areas of research in animal nutrition. The particle size of minerals as feed ad itives in nanoparticle form is claimed to be smaller than 100 nanometer, so they c an pass through the stomach wall and into body cells more quickly than ordinary minerals with larger particle size. Nanoadditives can also be inc orporated in micelles or capsules of protein or another natural food/feed in gredient. Development of suitable carriers remains a challenge due to the fa ct th t bioavailability of these molecules is limited by the epithelial barriers of the gastrointestinal tract and their susceptibility to gastrointestinal degradatio n by digestive enzymes. Manipulation of matter at the nanolevel also opens up possibilities for improving the functionality of food/feed molecules to the benefit of product quality.