Potential Application of Chitosan and Its Derivatives in Broiler Production-An Updated Overview

The ban on antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) in poultry feeds has prompted a search for effective alternatives, one of which is chitosan, which has been studied for poultry health and growth benefits. Not only acting as an antibacterial agent, chitosan can also serve as an antioxidant, immunomodulator, toxin binder and growth promoter for broiler chickens. In addition, the use of chitosan can also improve the physiological conditions, carcass and meat characteristics of broiler chickens. There is currently no optimum level of chitosan as feed additive for broiler chickens. The level or proportion of use of chitosan and its derivatives as feed additives varies greatly from study to study, depending greatly on the types, characteristics, molecular weight, deacetylation degree, sources of chitosan, as well as conditions during the experiments. This review paper provides an updated overview regarding the potential application of chitosan and its derivatives in broiler production as an alternative to AGP.