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The main objective of this study was to evaluate whether the addition of curcumin‐loaded nanocapsules (prepared and characterized) in the diets of dairy sheep improved milk quality. The nanocapsules were prepared using two polymers: poly‐ε‐caprolactone (PCL) and Eudragit L‐100. The nanocapsules contained 0.25 mg/ml (Nano‐Eudragit L‐100) and 2 mg/ml (Nano‐PCL) of curcumin. Dairy sheep were divided into four groups: A (control), B (30 mg free curcumin/kg concentrate), C (3 mg Nano‐PCL/kg concentrate), and D (3 mg Nano‐Eudragit/kg concentrate). We observed that the number of total leukocytes and serum globulin levels were lower in Group D than in the control (Group A) (p < 0.05). Antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals (ACAP) and catalase enzymes was elevated in Group D, with consequently reduced lipid peroxidation (LPO; p < 0.05). In milk, there were no differences in production and composition between groups during the experimental period (p > 0.05); however, ACAP increased and LPO decreased in milk. Practical applications Curcumin is a functional molecule with potent antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antimicrobial actions, used frequently and with medical indications in human food. Free curcumin in sheep diets improves milk quality and increases its shelf life. This study showed that curcumin nanocapsules produced from the Eudragit L‐100 polymer potentiated the anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant actions of dairy sheep when used in the diet daily, at doses 10 times lower than that of free curcumin. These positive effects were reflected in higher total antioxidant capacity and lower lipid peroxidation in milk in sheep‐fed curcumin‐loaded Eudragit L‐100 nanocapsules, generating desirable milk properties. In practice, the use of nanotechnology enhances the beneficial effects of curcumin in milk, possibly creating a nutraceutical food desirable to consumers.

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The aim of this study was to verify the influence of tea tree oil (TTO) (Melaleuca alternifolia) tested in its pure and nanostructured (TTO nanoparticles) forms on the reproduction of female Rhipicephalus microplus. For our purpose, female ticks were collected from naturally infected animals and treated in vitro with TTO (1, 5, and 10 %) and TTO nanoparticles (0.075, 0.375, and 0.75 %). In order to validate the tests, they were performed in triplicate using positive (amitraz) and negative (untreated) controls. It was possible to observe that pure TTO (5 and 10 %) and TTO nanoparticles (0.375 and 0.75 %) showed 100 % reproductive inhibition on female ticks. Additionally, pure TTO (1 %) also showed an acaricide effect (70 %), similarly to the positive control (78.3 %). This is the first study demonstrating the activity of pure TTO and TTO nanoparticles on female ticks. Therefore, based on these results, we were able to show that both forms and all concentrations of M. alternifolia affected tick reproduction by inhibiting egg laying and hatching. We were also able to show that TTO nanoparticles potentiated the inhibitor effect of pure TTO on the reproduction of R. microplus.