Application of low molecular weight chitosan in animal nutrition, husbandry, and health: A review

Abstract

Chitosan (CHT) is a natural substance widely used in veterinary medicine. However, the application of chitosan in animal production has severe shortcomings. This is because it is insoluble in pH ≥ 7 due to its very stable crystalline nature. This has stimulated its derivatization and depolymerization to low molecular weight chitosan. Low molecular weight chitosan (LMWCHT) has unique characteristics such as antibacterial activity and biodegradability, which make it sound for its use in animal nutrition, husbandry, and health. This review has provided sufficient evidence to demonstrate the usefulness of LWMCHT in animal nutrition, husbandry, and health. The review has also shown the benefit of LWMCHT in chemotherapy delivery. Further, the review has demonstrated the potential of LWMCHT as an alternative antibiotic in animal nutrition.

Keywords

• Low molecular weight chitosan
• Antimicrobial activity
• Biodegradability
• Antibiotic
• Animal husbandry
• Animal health