chitosan

The rising cost of feed additives has made livestock production increasingly expensive, especially for small ruminants. This has created the need to explore cheaper alternative feed sources that can still support efficient growth and nutrient utilization. Chitin and chitosan, obtained from snail shell waste, are potential feed additives known to enhance nutrient digestion and nitrogen use in animals. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of diets containing chitin and chitosan on nitrogen balance and retention in goats. A total of twelve (12) goats were randomly assigned to six different dietary treatments.The trial lasted 15 days, with an 8-day digestibility and nitrogen balance trial using metabolic cages. Data on feed intake, fecal and urinary nitrogen excretion, and nitrogen balance were collected and analyzed statistically. The results showed that goats fed diets chitosan retained more nitrogen compared to those on the control diet. There were no adverse effects on dry matter intake. The study concludes that chitosan derived from snail shell can serve as useful feed additives at 0.5% inclusion level for improving nitrogen utilization in goats.

Schiff bases and their complexes are versatile compounds synthesized from the condensation of an amino compound with carbonyl compounds and widely used for industrial purposes and also exhibit a broad range of biological activities including antifungal, antibacterial, antimalarial, antiproliferative, anti inflammatory, antiviral, and antipyretic properties. Many Schiff base complexes show excellent ca alytic activity in various reactions and in the presence of moisture. Over the past few years, there have been many reports on their applications in homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. The high thermal and moisture stabilities of many Schiff base complexes were useful attributes for their application as catalysts in reactions involving at high temperatures. The activity is usually increased by complexation therefore to understand the properties of both ligands and metal can lead to the synthesis of highly active compounds. The influence of certain metals on the biological activity of these compounds and their intrinsic chemical interest as multidentate ligands has prompted a considerable increase in the study of their coordination behaviour. Development of a new chemotherapeutic Schiff bases and their metal complexes is now attracting the attention of medicinal chemists.

This study evaluated the effects of snail-derived chitin and chitosan on the haematological, biochemical, and antioxidant responses of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. Eighteen weaner goats were assigned to six dietary treatments, including varying levels of snail chitin (3% and 6%), snail chitosan (0.5% and 1%), a control diet, and an oxytetracycline-supplemented diet. The diets consisted of 50% Guinea grass and 50% concentrate. Proximate composition of the diets showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in dry matter and crude protein, indicating that chitin and chitosan did not compromise nutrient adequacy.However, ash,ether extract, nitrogen- free extract, and ADF varied significantly (p < 0.05), reflecting the fibrous nature of the additives.Haematological and serum biochemical indices remained within normal physiological ranges across treatments, showing no adverse effects on erythropoiesis, immunity, liver function, or kidney function. Notably, goats fed 6% chitin and 0.5% chitosan exhibited slightly elevated total protein and globulin levels (p < 0.05), suggesting improved protein utilisation. Antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GPx, and GSH) were enhanced in supplemented groups, while MDA remained stable, demonstrating reduced oxidative stress. Overall, the findings indicate that snail chitin (up to 6%) and chitosan (up to 1%) can be safely incorporated into goat diets as functional feed additives. Their inclusion supports healthy physiological functions, enhances antioxidant status, and offers a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to synthetic additives and antibiotics. Further studies are recommended to assess long-term effects, growth performance, carcass characteristics, and reproductive responses for wider commercial adoption.