Ultrafine forms of trace elements in the diet of ruminants: impact on productivity and health

This review examines the biological effects of ultrafine particles of cobalt, manganese, zinc, selenium, silver and copper as active ingredients of feed additives of cattle and small cattle. Nanotechnology has potential advantages of using ultrafine mineral particles in animal nutrition. One of the main advantages of ultrafine particles is their small size and high specific surface area, which causes their low doses of introduction into the diet. In addition, excessive accumulation of chemical elements in waste is prevented, which leads to a reduction in environmental pollution. The introduction of ultrafine elements into the diet of farm animals has a positive effect on health (antioxidant system and immunity), on productive and hematological indicators of livestock. It has been proved that ultrafine particles of some elements have antimicrobial activity against bacteria (including drug-resistant strains), parasites and fungi, and also affect mycotoxins. Due to its inhibitory effect on pathogenic microorganisms, ultrafine particles are responsible for improving the intestinal health of animals. The accumulation of ultrafine particles in the body can cause cell death or their pathological changes. Therefore, further studies of the effectiveness and safety of ultrafine particles are needed in order to prevent adverse effects on animals, the environment and humans.