Hydrogel Composites and Their Potential Application in Animal Production and Health

ABSTRACT Biopolymer‐based hydrogels have emerged as functional materials with distinct characteristics such as nontoxicity, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and water absorption, which offer valuable properties that can contribute to sustainability and environmentally safe products. They can be modified and adapted for various applications, such as biomedical, pharmaceutical, industrial, textile, and agricultural purposes. With emerging concerns about environmental contamination and safe animal production practices for increased animal welfare and human health, research has increased in search of alternatives to antibiotics, bioactive substance delivery, and growth boosters that will promote sustainable production. The application of naturally derived and bio‐based hydrogels presents a great opportunity for exploration and application for animal production purposes, especially as functional feed ingredients, feed processing, wound treatment, farm waste management, antibacterial agents, encapsulation, and nutrient delivery. This review provides an overview of recent research regarding the applications of hydrogels in animals and provides insights into areas with limited information to stimulate research interest in the utilization of hydrogel composites for animal growth, development, and health.