Chitosan in Animal Nutrition – A Growing Research Field

Chitosan, a bioactive polysaccharide derived from crustacean shells, is gaining increasing attention in animal nutrition research. Its natural properties – antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and digestive-enhancing – make it a promising candidate for use as a feed additive in livestock production. Studies suggest that it can improve both performance parameters and feed utilization efficiency. A recent study explored the effects of chitosan in a rabbit fattening model, with promising results that may also be applicable to other animal species.