Nanotechnology Applications in Animal Nutrition

Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative tool in animal nutrition, offering precise delivery of nutrients, enhanced bioavailability of trace elements and targeted antimicrobial action. By engineering materials at the nanoscale, researchers have developed nano‐carriers able to protect sensitive compounds from degradation in the gastrointestinal tract and to release them at sites of absorption. Nano‐formulations of minerals such as zinc, selenium and copper promote antioxidant defence, bolster immune responses and improve growth performance at lower inclusion rates than conventional sources. Metallic nanoparticles and polymeric systems also serve as alternatives to in‐feed antibiotics, exhibiting broad‐spectrum antimicrobial activity against enteric pathogens while reducing the risk of resistance. In ovo administration of nano‐nutrients has been explored to confer developmental advantages before hatch, and nanomaterials are under evaluation as sensors to monitor gut health and nutrient uptake in real time. Together, these advances point to more sustainable production by lowering environmental excretion of minerals, optimising feed efficiency and improving animal welfare through precise nutritional support.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have demonstrated that biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesised using plant extracts can control enteric parasitoses and enhance growth in poultry. In broiler chickens infected with coccidial parasites, treatment with nanoparticulate zinc oxide led to significant reductions in oocyst shedding, improvement of weight gain and elevated levels of endogenous antioxidants. Pro‐inflammatory cytokine profiles were modulated, yielding a more balanced immune response and improved anticoccidial index. The spherical nanoparticles, stabilised at favourable surface charge, exhibited efficient intestinal uptake and minimal toxicity at therapeutic doses. These findings highlight the potential of green‐synthesised nano‐minerals to replace or augment current anticoccidial agents, reduce reliance on chemotherapeutics and mitigate economic losses in commercial poultry production.

Nanotechnology Applications in Animal Nutrition publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in nanotechnology applications in animal nutrition across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Nanoparticle: A discrete particle measuring between 1 and 100 nm in at least one dimension, exhibiting unique surface and physicochemical properties compared with bulk materials.

Nanocarrier: A nanoscale delivery system designed to encapsulate or bind bioactive compounds, protecting them from degradation and facilitating controlled release.

Bioavailability: The proportion of an administered nutrient or compound that reaches systemic circulation and is available for physiological function.

In ovo administration: Delivery of substances directly into the egg during incubation to influence embryonic development and post‐hatch performance.

Anticoccidial index: A composite measure of efficacy in coccidiosis control, incorporating lesion scores, oocyst output and weight‐gain parameters to assess treatment success.

References

1. Current and future prospects for nanotechnology in animal production. Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology (2017).
2. Preparation and effects of nano mineral particle feeding in livestock: A review. Veterinary World (2015).
3. Effect of in ovo supplementation of nano forms of zinc, copper, and selenium on post-hatch performance of broiler chicken. Veterinary World (2016).
4. Biosynthesis and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Nigella sativa against coccidiosis in commercial poultry. Scientific Reports (2023).
5. Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Chlorella vulgaris Aqueous Extract and Their Effect on Salmonella enterica and Chicken Embryo Growth. Molecules (2025).
6. Nanominerals: Fabrication Methods, Benefits and Hazards, and Their Applications in Ruminants with Special Reference to Selenium and Zinc Nanoparticles. Animals (2021).