Recent Advances in The Application Of Biotechnology in Animal Nutrition

ABSTRACT

 Biotechnology is the use of biological processes, organisms, or systems to manufacture products intended to improve plants and animals for human use. Recently, there are wide potential applications of biotechnology in the field of animal production to increase the productivity of animals through better plane of nutrition, better production and improved health conditions. Hence this long essay was undertaken to review current techniques used in animal biotechnology with emphasis on animal nutrition and their contribution to livestock production and to recommend biotechnological advances in animal nutrition that should be adopted to boost livestock production in Africa. Nutrients like protein, amino acids and fats can be produced or protected according to the need at different physiological states of the animals. Enzymes can be used to improve the availability of nutrients from feed and to reduce the wastage of the feed and fodder. Prebiotics and probiotics or immune supplements can be useful to inhibit enteric pathogenic bacteria. Along with these, use of plant biotechnology to produce feed and fodder with good nutritive values can be done with ease. Furthermore, addition of vaccines or antibodies in feeds can be used to protect the animals from diseases. It is also possible to genetically manipulate rumen microbes to improve the health of animals. However, there are challenges in accepting the role of biotechnology in animal nutrition, which mainly depend on social and cultural norms and economic importance to consumers and society. Nevertheless, biotechnology is already gaining widespread use in animal production and there are numerous other potential applications. It is concluded that the application of biotechnology can be envisaged for improving the performance of animals through better nutrition, enhanced production potential or improved health status. Also, nutrients (i.e. amino acids) can be produced and/or protected, resulting in improved formulation of diets that more accurately meet specific needs for productive functions