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The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of the modified Sijunzi powder on the egg quality, antioxidant function, and immune function of Lion-head goose. A total of 240 twenty-four months old female Lion-head geese were randomly divided into two groups, with five replicates per group, each consisting of 24 geese. The control group was fed a basic diet, while the herbal group was fed a test diet with the addition of 3 g/kg of the modified Sijunzi powder to the basic diet. The pre-feeding period was one week and the trial period lasted for four weeks. The results showed that compared to the control group, the albumen height, yolk weight, and Haugh unit of goose eggs in herbal group were significantly increased ( P<0.05). The concentrations of oleic acid, linoleic acid, and DHA in the goose eggs were significantly increased (P<0.05). The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the yolk and serum of the herbal group was significantly enhanced ( P<0.05), and the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) was extremely increased (P<0.01), while the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly reduced ( P<0.05). The total cholesterol (TC) content and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity in the serum were also significantly decreased (P<0.05). The content of immunoglobulin A (IgA) was extremely increased (P<0.01), and the content of immunoglobulin M (IgM) was significantly increased (P<0.05). The study indicates that the addition of 3 g/kg modified Sijunzi powder to the diet can improve the egg quality, enhance the antioxidant capacity and immune function of Lion-head goose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of peptidoglycan and lipoteichoic acid extracted from Bacillus pumilus SE5, when added individually and in combination, on the immune response, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal morphology of Epinephelus coioides. A total of 540 healthy groupers with an initial body weight of (14.69±0.04) g were randomly divided into six groups, with three replicates per group and 30 fish per replicate. The control group (CG group) was fed a basal diet, while the experimental groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with inactivated Bacillus pumilus SE5 (1.0 x 108 CFU/g, HIB group), peptidoglycan (52.86 mg/kg, PGN group), lipoteichoic acid (6.60 mg/kg, LTA group), and combined peptidoglycan and lipoteichoic acid (26.43 mg/kg + 3.30 mg/kg, PLA01 group; 52.86 mg/kg + 6.60 mg/kg, PLA02 group). The trial period was eight weeks. The results showed that the acid phosphatase (ACP) activity in the liver of Epinephelus coioides in the HIB and PLA01 groups was significantly higher than that in the CG and LTA groups (P<0.05). The intestinal superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the HIB group was significantly higher than that in the CG group (P<0.05). The malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the intestines of all experimental groups was significantly lower than that in the CG group (P<0.05). Except for the HIB and LTA groups, the villus height in the intestines of all experimental groups was significantly higher than that in the CG group (P<0.05), with the PLA01 group having the longest villi. The muscle layer thickness was greatest in the PLA02 group, and the muscle layer thickness in the PGN, PLA02 groups was significantly higher than that in the CG group (P<0.05). The study indicates that the combined addition of lipoteichoic acid and peptidoglycan from Bacillus pumilus SE5 has a better promoting effect on the immune efficiency, intestinal antioxidant capacity, and intestinal morphology of Epinephelus coioides than individual additions, and PLA01 group shows better potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of magnolol on the growth performance, immune function, and antioxidant capacity of weaned lambs. A total of 32 weaned Hu sheep lambs were randomly divided into four groups, with eight replicates per group and one lamb per replicate. The control group was fed a basal diet, while the experimental groups were fed experimental diets containing 0.05%, 0.10%, and 0.20% magnolol, respectively. The pretrial period was one week, and the formal trial period was 60 days. The results showed that the total weight gain and average daily weight gain in the 0.10% magnolol group increased by 30.90% and 30.98% compared to the control group (P<0.05), respectively. The feed conversion ratio in the 0.10% and 0.20% magnolol groups decreased by 19.67% and 12.31% compared to the control group (P<0.05), respectively. The diarrhea rates in the 0.05%, 0.10%, and 0.20% magnolol groups decreased by 37.53%, 75.06%, and 52.97% compared to the control group (P<0.05), respectively. Compared to the control group, the levels of serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the 0.10% magnolol group were significantly increased (P<0.05). The serum interleukin-4 (IL-4) level in the 0.10% magnolol group was significantly increased (P<0.05), while the serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) level in the 0.10% and 0.20% magnolol groups was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The serum interleukin-10 (IL-10) level in the 0.10% magnolol group was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) level was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The serum interferon-γ (IFN-γ) level in the 0.05%, 0.10% and 0.20% magnolol groups was significantly increased ( P<0.05). The activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in the serum of the 0.10% and 0.20% magnolol groups were significantly increased ( P<0.05), while the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the serum of the 0.05%, 0.10%, and 0.20% magnolol groups was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The study indicates that the addition of magnolol to the diet of Hu sheep lambs can improve growth performance, reduce diarrhea rates, enhance immunity, and increase antioxidant capacity. The appropriate addition level of magnolol is 0.10%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to study the impact of traditional Chinese medicine compound polysaccharides on the growth performance, immune moderation, and intestinal flora of broilers. A total of 900 1-day-old broilers were selected. The broilers in the blank control group (BCG) were fed a basal diet, and those in the positive control group (PCG) were fed a basal diet supplemented with 10 mg/kg levamisole hydrochloride, and those in different concentrations of TCMCP groups (0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% TCMCPG) were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% TCMCP. There were 3 replicates in each group and 60 broilers in each replicate. The experiment lasted for 42 days. The results showed that the final weight of 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% TCMCPG groups was extremely higher than the BCG group (P<0.01). 1.0% TCMCPG group extremely increased average daily gain (P<0.01), 0.5% and 2.0% TCMCPG groups significantly increased average daily gain (P<0.05). The ratio of feed to gain in 0.5%, 1.0% and 2.0% TCMCPG groups was extremely decreased (P<0.01). Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) content in 1.0% and 2.0% TCMCPG groups was extremely higher than the BCG group (P<0.01), and serum IgG content in 0.5% TCMCPG group was significantly increased (P<0.05). 1.0% TCMCPG group extremely increased the content of immunoglobulin A (IgA) (P<0.01). Serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) content in 1.0% and 2.0% TCMCPG groups was significantly increased (P<0.05). In 0.5%, 1.0% and 2.0% TCMCPG groups, thymus, bursa, and spleen indexes were extremely increased (P<0.01), and serum concentrations of interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were extremely increased (P<0.01). The number and volume of lymphocytes in the splenic tissue structure increased. In terms of intestinal flora, 0.5%, 1.0% and 2.0% TCMCPG groups extremely decreased the number of Escherichia coli in jejunum and cecum (P<0.01), and extremely increased the number of Lactobacillus in cecum (P<0.01). The Lactobacillus number in jejunum was extremely increased in 1.0% TCMCPG group (P<0.01). The study indicates that TCMCP can improve the immune function, improve the enteric microbiome, and improve growth performance, 1.0% TCMCPG has the best effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aims to explore the impact of varying proportions of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on the growth performance, immune function, and serum biochemical indexes of broilers. The trial employed a randomized block design, a total of 1 200 one-day-old broilers were divided into four groups with six replicates per group and 50 broilers per replicate. The broilers were fed diets supplemented with 0, 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg GABA, respectively. The trial lasted for 21 days. The results showed that compared with Group I, Group IV showed an extreme reduction in the feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) (P<0.01), and there was a significant increase in average daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily weight gain (ADG) (P<0.05). The thymus index, bursa index, and the serum levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in Group IV were all significantly elevated (P<0.05). The serum leptin (Lep) levels in all experimental groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The levels of serum growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), albumin (ALB), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in Group III and Group IV were significantly increased, while the levels of total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) were significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the urea nitrogen (BUN) content showed an extreme decrease (P<0.01). The total protein (TP) and globulin (GLB) content in Group IV, as well as the levels of cholecystokinin (CCK) and the activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), were significantly reduced (P<0.05). The study suggests that the addition of 40 mg/kg GABA in the feed can enhance broilers' appetite, promote protein deposition in the body, regulate growth and development, and strengthen the immune system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of different levels of plant extracts on the growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, and immune function of Xuhuai white goat, and to determine the suitable supplemental level of plant extracts in Xuhuai white goat breeding. A total of 48 healthy Xuhuai white goats were selected and divided into four treatment groups with three replicates per group and four Xuhuai white goats per replicate according to the single-factor experimental design. The control group was fed a basic diet, while the experimental groups were fed diets containing 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.4% plant extracts. The preliminary trial lasted for one week, and the formal experiment was conducted for eight weeks. After the experiment, the growth performance, biochemical indexes, and immune indexes of the Xuhuai white goats in each group were measured. The results showed that compared with the control group, the final weight and average daily gain of 0.2% and 0.4% plant extract groups were significantly increased (P<0.05), the ratio of feed to gain was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The diarrhea rate was significantly decreased by 33.88% and 41.82% (P<0.05). Compared with control group, the contentrations of serum urea nitrogen and cholesterol of Xuhuai white goats in 0.2% and 0.4% plant extract groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05), while the contentrations of albumin, total protein, high density lipoprotein and growth hormone were significantly increased (P<0.05). The glutamic oxalacetic transaminase activity of Xuhuai white goats in all experimental groups was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the serum interleukin-4 concentrations of Xuhuai white goats in 0.2% plant extract group were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the serum interleukin-22 concentrations were significantly decreased (P<0.05), serum interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α concentrations of Xuhuai white goats in all experimental groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The contentrations of serum interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-β of Xuhuai white goats in 0.2% and 0.4% plant extract groups were significantly increased (P<0.05). The results indicate that feeding an appropriate amount of plant extracts can improve the growth performance, immune function, and health status of Xuhuai white goats, with the better effect at the 0.2% addition level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to explore the effects of whole-plant millet on the semen quality, serum reproductive hormones, antioxidant capacity, and immune function of male rabbits. Thirty-six adult Ira bucks were randomly divided into six groups, with six replicates per group, and housed individually. The control group and groups I to V were fed diets with 0, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% whole-plant millet, respectively, as an equivalent replacement for alfalfa meal. The preliminary trial lasted for seven days, and the formal experiment lasted for 90 days. The results showed that as the experimental time extended, the sperm deformity rate in each group showed a downward trend. Compared with the 30th day, the sperm motility and sperm density of each group were significantly increased on the 60th and 90th days (P<0.05). At the 60th and 90th days, compared with groups IV and V, the sperm motility and sperm density in the control group and groups I to III were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with groups IV and V, the content of testosterone (TESTO) in groups II and III was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in groups IV and V was significantly decreased (P<0.05), the content of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in groups III to V was significantly increased (P<0.05). The study indicates that whole-plant millet has a positive regulatory effect on the semen quality, serum reproductive hormones, antioxidant capacity, and immune function of male rabbits. Considering the comprehensive production performance and economic benefits, it is best to use whole-plant millet straw as a substitute at a level of 15%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of acute stress with different nitrite concentrations on immunity and gill Na+/K+-ATPase activity of Litopenaeus vannamei. Litopenaeus vannamei with average weight of (1.68±0.23) g were selected. The nitrite concentrations were set as 0 (Control group),0.4, 0.8, 1.6, 3.2 mg/L respectively. The acute stress test lasted for 96 h. Hepatopancreas immune function and gill Na+/K+-ATPase activity were measured at 0, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96 h, respectively. The result showed that the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the liver pancreas of Litopenopenus vannamei in stress groups showed an overall trend of increasing first and then decreasing with the extension of stress time. In the 3.2 mg/L group, the activities of SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, and ACP in the liver pancreas of Litopenopenus vannamei all dropped to the level of the control group after 96 hours of stress. The activity of LDH dropped to the level of the control group after 24 hours of stress and then continued to decrease significantly below the level of the control group (P<0.05). Except for the 0.4 mg/L group, where the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the hiver pancreas of Litopenopenus vannamei dropped to the level of the control group after 96 hours of stress, the MDA content in all other groups was significantly higher than that of the control group during the 96 hours of stress (P<0.05). Within 96 hours of stress, the activity of Na+/K+-ATPase in the gills of Litopenopenus vannamei in the 0.4 mg/L group continued to rise; the activity of Na+/K+-ATPase in the gills of Litopenopenus vannamei in the 0.8 to 3.2 mg/L groups showed a trend of initial activation followed by inhibition with the extension of stress time, and in the 3.2 mg/L group, it dropped to the level of the control group after 96 hours of stress. The study shows that the immune function and gill Na+/K+-ATPase activity of Litopenaeus vannamei were significantly affected under acute nitrite stress of 0.4 to 3.2 mg/L. When the salinity is (24.0±1.0) parts per thousand, it is necessary to control the nitrite content within 0.4 mg/L during the healthy aquaculture process of the Litopenaeus vannamei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to study the effects of crude extract of Flos sophorae and Fructus sophorae on the growth performance, immunity, and antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens. A total of 300 one-day-old AA broilers were randomly divided into four groups, with five replicates in each group and 15 chickens in each replicate. Group A (control group) was fed a basal diet, and groups B, C and D were fed the basal diet supplemented with 100, 150, 200 mg/kg crude extract of Flos sophorae and Fructus sophorae, respectively. The experimental period was 42 days. The results showed that 1~42 days, compared with the control group, the average daily weight gain of broilers in the experimental group was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the feed to gain ratio was significantly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the yellowness of the pectoral and leg muscles and the shear force in the group D were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the thymus index, bursa index, and serum IgG in the groups C and D were significantly increased at 21 and 42 days (P<0.05), and the antibody titers of Newcastle disease and avian influenza in the groups C and D at 28 days were significantly increased (P<0.05). The content of serum TNF-α in the groups C and D was significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the content of serum IL-10 was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the T-AOC, T-SOD and GSH-Px activity in the serum of the experimental groups were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the content of MDA in the serum was significantly reduced (P<0.05). The study indicates that that adding crude extract of Flos sophorae and Fructus sophorae to the feed can promote the growth and development of broilers, improve meat quality, enhance the body's immune system, and strengthen antioxidant functions, with the addition of 200 mg/kg Flos sophorae and Fructus sophorae rude extract showing better results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary complex plant essential oil supplementation on the growth performance, immune function, and intestinal digestive enzyme activity of Wujin pigs. A total of 120 Wujin pigs with similar body weight were divided into four groups with three replicates per group and 10 Wujin pigs per replicate. The control group was fed a basic diet of corn-soybean meal, while the experimental groups were fed diets supplemented with 250, 500, and 1 000 mg/kg of a complex plant essential oil. The preliminary period lasted for one week, and the formal experimental period lasted for 30 days. The results showed that compared with the control group, feeding 500 mg/kg and 1,000 mg/kg of the complex plant essential oil could increase the final body weight and average daily weight gain, and reduce the feed-to-weight ratio and diarrhea rate (P<0.05). Feeding 500 mg/kg and 1 000 mg/kg of the complex plant essential oil could increase the levels of interleukin-4 and interleukin-1β (P<0.05), and decrease the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 (P<0.05), and increase the level of serum immunoglobulin A (P<0.05), feeding 250, 500, and 1 000 mg/kg of the complex plant essential oil could increase the levels of serum interleukin-10 and immunoglobulin G (P<0.05). Feeding 500 mg/kg of the complex plant essential oil could enhance the activity of intestinal trypsin, ileal trypsin, and lipase, and duodenal trypsin (P<0.05), and feeding 250, 500, and 1 000 mg/kg of the complex plant essential oil could enhance the activity of duodenal amylase and lipase (P<0.05). The study suggests that the complex plant essential oil can improve the growth performance, reduce the diarrhea rate, enhance immune function, and intestinal digestive enzyme activity of Wujin pigs, and a comprehensive analysis indicates that the addition of 500 mg/kg of the complex plant essential oil is more appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to study the effects of probiotic-fermented Chinese herbal medicine on the growth performance, serum immune indexes, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal function of weaned piglets. A total of 54 healthy weaned piglets, aged 35 days and weighing (8.76±0.54) kg, were selected, half in male and female, randomly divided into three treatment groups, with three replicates in each group and six piglets in each replicate. The control group was fed a basal diet, while the experimental group A and group B were supplemented with 0.5% and 1.0% of probiotic-fermented Chinese herbal medicine in the basal diet, respectively. The trial period was 28 days. The results showed that compared to the Chinese herbal medicine before fermentation, the total flavonoids, total alkaloids, total saponins, and crude polysaccharides in the probiotic-fermented Chinese herbal medicine significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the average daily weight gain significantly increased (P<0.05), and the feed conversion ratio and diarrhea rate significantly decreased in group A and group B (P<0.05). The levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), complement C3, and complement C4 in the serum were significantly higher in group A and group B than in the control group (P<0.05). The total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and the activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) in the serum of piglets in group A and group B were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the serum was significantly reduced (P<0.05). The levels of Lactobacillus and yeast in the small intestine of group A and group B significantly increased (P<0.05), while E. coli and Salmonella significantly decreased (P<0.05). The villus height and villus-to-crypt ratio (V/C) in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of group A and group B significantly increased (P<0.05), and the crypt depth in the jejunum significantly decreased (P<0.05). The study indicates that the addition of probiotic-fermented Chinese herbal medicine to the diet improves the growth performance, immune function, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal function of weaned piglets, and the effect of 0.5% probiotic-fermented Chinese herbal medicine is better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to explore the effects of adding different proportions of Zingiber mioga flavonoids to feed on the growth performance, immune function, plasma biochemical indices and antioxidant function of chicks. Ninety seven-day-old chicks with similar physical conditions were randomly divided into three groups, with 10 replicates per group and three chicks per replicate. The control group was fed a basic diet, while Group Ⅰ and Group Ⅱ were supplemented with 100, 200 mg/kg of Zingiber mioga flavonoids in the basic diet, respectively. The experiment lasted for 35 days. The results showed that from the 1st to the14th day of the experiment, the average daily weight gain of chicks in Group Ⅰ was extremely higher than that of the control group and Group Ⅱ (P<0.01), and the feed to gain ratio was extremely lower than that of the control group and Group Ⅱ (P<0.01). On the 35th day of the experiment, the activity of plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in Group Ⅰ and Group Ⅱ was extremely lower than that of the control group (P<0.01), and the antibody titers against H9 subtype avian influenza virus and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in the blood were significantly higher than those of the control group (P<0.05). The activity of plasma catalase (CAT) was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). The plasma total protein (TP) content in Group Ⅱ was significantly higher than that in the control group and Group Ⅰ (P<0.05). On the 35th day, the thymus index and bursa of fabricius index in Group Ⅰ and Group Ⅱ were significantly higher than those of the control group (P<0.05). The study indicates that the addition of an appropriate amount of Zingiber mioga flavonoids to the feed of chicks can improve growth performance, immune function, partial plasma biochemical indices and antioxidant function, with a recommended addition of 100 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of Chinese medicinal herbs additives on the growth performance and immune function of growing chickens. A total of 288 healthy Jinghong No. 1 growing chickens at six weeks of age were randomly divided into four groups, with six replicates in each group and 12 chickens in each replicate. Group Ⅰ (Control group), Group Ⅱ, Group Ⅲ, and Group Ⅳ were supplemented with 0, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% Chinese medicinal herbs additives in the basic diet, respectively. The experimental period lasted for eight weeks. The results showed that compared to Group Ⅰ, the body weight of experimental groups at 10 and 14 weeks of age was significantly increased (P<0.05), the average daily weight gain in Group Ⅱ, Group Ⅲ, and Group Ⅳ was increased at 7 to 10 weeks and 11 to 14 weeks of age. At 14 weeks of age, the serum growth hormone level in Group Ⅳ was significantly higher than that of Group Ⅰ (P<0.05), the serum thyroxine levels in Group Ⅱ, Group Ⅲ, and Group Ⅳ were significantly higher than that of Group Ⅰ (P<0.05). At 10 weeks of age, the serum T-AOC, SOD, and GSH-Px activities were enhanced, and the serum MDA content was reduced in Group Ⅱ, Group Ⅲ, and Group Ⅳ. At 14 weeks of age, the serum CAT activity was significantly increased in Group Ⅱ and Group Ⅳ, and the serum MDA content was significantly reduced in Group Ⅱ and Group Ⅲ (P<0.05). Compared to Group Ⅰ, the serum IL-6 content was significantly reduced, and the IL-10 content was significantly increased in Group Ⅲ at 10 weeks of age (P<0.05). At 14 weeks of age, the serum IL-6 and IL-1β contents were significantly reduced in Group Ⅳ(P<0.05), the serum IL-10 content was significantly increased in Group Ⅱ, Group Ⅲ, and Group Ⅳ (P<0.05). The study indicates that the addition of Chinese medicinal herbs to the diet can improve the growth performance, enhance immune function, and antioxidant capacity of growing chickens, with the suitable addition rate being 0.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the experiment was to explore the effects of composite enzyme preparation on the growth performance, nutrients apparent digestibility, immune function, and mutton quality of mutton sheep. A total of 120 mutton sheep were divided into four groups by random block design method, with six replicates in each group and five mutton sheep in each replicate: Control group (basal diet), experimental group A (basal diet + 1.0 g/kg composite enzyme preparation), experimental group B (basal diet + 2.0 g/kg composite enzyme preparation), and experimental group C (basal diet + 4.0 g/kg composite enzyme preparation). The pre-test lasted for seven days and the formal test lasted for 90 days. The results showed that the average daily gain of the mutton sheep in the experimental group C was significantly higher than that in other groups (P<0.05), and the feed to weight ratio was significantly lower than that in other groups (P<0.05). The apparent digestibility of crude protein, crude fat, dry matter, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and calcium in all the experimental groups were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05). The concentrations of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin A (IgA), and spleen index of mutton sheep in the experimental group C were significantly higher than those in other groups (P<0.05). The carcass weight and pH24 h value of mutton sheep in the experimental group C were significantly higher than those of other groups (P<0.05), while the cooking loss and drip loss were significantly lower than those of other groups (P<0.05). The shear stress of experimental group B and group C was significantly lower than that of experimental group A and control group (P<0.05). The study indicates that the composite enzyme preparation can improve the growth performance, apparent digestibility of nutrients, immune function, and mutton quality of mutton sheep, and the application of 4.0 g/kg composite enzyme preparation has the better effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this experiment was to study the effects of fermented Schisandra dregs on growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, and immune function of Shanxi black pigs. Sixty 28-day-old Shanxi black weaned piglets were randomly divided into four groups with three replicates in each group and five weaned piglets in each replicate. In each group, 0 (control group), 0.1% (experimental group Ⅰ), 0.2% (experimental group Ⅱ), and 0.3% (experimental group Ⅲ) fermented Schisandra dregs were added to the basal diet, respectively. The pre-test period was seven days, and the formal test period was 21 days. The results showed that compared with the control group, the average daily gain of weaned piglets in experimental group Ⅱ and experimental group Ⅲ increased significantly (P<0.05), and the feed to gain ratio decreased significantly (P<0.05). The diarrhea rate of weaned piglets in all experimental groups decreased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the contentrations of serum albumin, total protein and blood glucose in all experimental groups increased significantly (P<0.05), while the activity of aspartate-oxaloacetic aminotransferase decreased significantly (P<0.05). The serum globulin content in the experimental group Ⅱ and experimental group Ⅲ increased significantly (P<0.05), while the serum urea nitrogen content decreased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the serum levels of IgG, IgM, and IL-2 in all experimental groups were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the serum levels of IgA in the experimental group Ⅱ and experimental group Ⅲ were significantly increased (P<0.05). The results show that fermented Schisandra dregs can effectively improve the growth performance, reduce diarrhea rate, improve serum biochemical indexes and enhance immune function of weaned piglets, and the best results are achieved with a 0.3% addition rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this experiment was to study the effects of dietary arginine level on the growth performance, immune function, and small intestine development of broilers. A total of 600 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into five groups with six replicates in each group and 20 chickens in each replicate. Each group was supplemented with 0, 0.65%, 1.15%, 1.65%, and 2.15% arginine in the basal diet. The trial period was 42 days. The results showed that compared with the control group, the body weight and average daily gain (ADG) of broilers in the 0.65% supplementation group were significantly higher (P<0.05), and the villus height/recess depth of duodenum and jejunum were significantly higher after 42 days of experiment (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the content of serum immune protein in the 2.15% supplementation group increased significantly on the 21st day (P<0.05), and the index of bursa of fabricius increased significantly on the 42st day (P<0.05). The study indicates that proper addition of 0.65% arginine in basal diet can increase the body weight, average daily gain, and promote the development of duodenum and jejunum in the later growth stage of broilers. High level of arginine (2.15%) can improve the level of serum immune protein and promote the development of small intestine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this experiment was to study the effects of dietary microencapsulated compound probiotics on the growth performance, immune function, and intestinal flora of weaned piglets. Twenty-four healthy weaned piglets (Landrace x Rongchang) with similar weight were randomly divided into a control group and experimental group, with three replicates in each group and four pigs in each replicate. The control group was fed with corn-soybean meal basal diet, while the experimental group was fed with 0.1% microencapsulated compound probiotics, including Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Lactobacillus plantarum and Bacillus subtilis. The trial period was 42 days. The results showed that compared with the control group, the average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed-to-weight ratio of piglets in the experimental group had no significant difference, but the serum growth hormone content tended to increase. Compared with the control group, the concentrations of IgA, IgG, and IgM in the experimental group had no significant difference, but the concentrations of interleukin-1 and interleukin-6 decreased significantly (P<0.05). The relative abundance of Muribaculaceae, ruminal bacteria, Christenium and other bacteria in the experimental group increased significantly. The study indicates that adding microencapsulated compound probiotics in diet increased the content of growth hormone in piglets, reduced the content of inflammatory molecules, increased the richness and diversity of intestinal microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this experiment was to study the effects of diets with different concentrate-to-coarse ratios on the growth performance, rumen fermentation, nutrients apparent digestibility, and serum immune indexes of autumn lambs. Thirty 4-month-old F1 hybrid male lambs of 'Dubo x Small Tail Han sheep' were randomly divided into three groups, with 10 replicates in each group and one sheep in each replicate. Experimental Group I, Group II, and Group III were fed with diets with the ratio of concentrate to coarse of 40:60, 55:45, and 70:30, respectively. The results showed that the average daily gain of lambs in Group III was significantly higher than that in Group I (P<0.05), and the feed to gain ratio of Group II and Group III was significantly lower than that in Group I (P<0.05). The apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber in Group I was significantly lower than that in other groups (P<0.05), while the apparent digestibility of organic matter in Group II was significantly higher than that in Group III (P<0.05). The content of propionic acid in rumen of lambs in experimental group I was significantly lower than that in other groups (P<0.05), and the ratio of ethylene to propylene in experimental group I was significantly higher than that in other groups (P<0.05). The level of serum immunoglobulin G in Group II was significantly higher than that in Group III (P<0.05), and the level of serum interleukin-6 in Group II was significantly lower than that in other groups (P<0.05). The study indicates that when the concentrate-to-coarse ratio is 55:45, the growth of lambs in autumn can be healthier, the utilization rate of feed can be improved, the growth performance of lambs can be improved, and the economic benefits can be increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the experiment was to study the effects of Astragalus compound Chinese herbal medicine on the serum immune indexes, meat quality, and muscle nutrients of finishing pigs. A total of 250 finishing pigs of 170 days of age with similar body condition and body weight were randomly divided into five groups with five replicates per group and 10 finishing pigs per replicate. The control group was fed a basal diet, and the experimental groups were fed diets supplemented with 0.6%, 0.8%, 1.0%, and 1.2% Astragalus compound Chinese herbal medicine (ACM), respectively. The experiment lasted for 60 days. The results showed that the contents of serum immunoglobulin and complement protein were significantly higher in the 0.8% ACM group and 1.0% ACM group than in the control group (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the muscle water loss rate of the experimental groups decreased significantly (P<0.05), the redness value of meat color increased significantly (P<0.05), and the yellowness value decreased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the water content in meat of the experimental groups decreased significantly (P<0.05), the content of crude fat in meat of the 1.0% ACM group increased significantly (P<0.05), and the content of crude protein in meat of the 0.8% ACM group and 1.2% ACM group increased significantly (P<0.05). Adding 1.2% ACM significantly increased the content of total amino acids and essential amino acids (P<0.05), and adding 0.8% ACM significantly increased the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (P<0.05). The study indicates that the dietary addition of 0.8%~1.0% ACM can improve serum immune function and meat quality of finishing pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of modified Buzhong Yiqi Decoction on the meat quality and immune function. Sixty male lambs of two-month-old small-tailed Han sheep were randomly divided into five groups, with three replicates in each group and four lambs in each replicate. The experimental group was fed with 1%, 2%, and 3% modified Buzhong Yiqi Decoction in the basal diet, the commercial control group was fed with 2% Siweidongli powder in the basal diet, and the blank control group was fed with the basal diet. The pre-test lasted for nine days and the formal test lasted for 107 days. The results showed that the total fatty acid content in 1% dose group was significantly higher than that in other groups (P<0.05). Compared with the blank control group, the concentrations of flavor amino acids and n-heptanal in 2% dose group increased significantly (P<0.05), while the concentrations of n-hexanal and n-nonanal decreased significantly (P<0.05). The concentrations of essential amino acids, total amino acids, and 1-octen-3-ol in 3% dose group increased significantly (P<0.05), while the concentrations of decanoic acid and stearic acid decreased significantly (P<0.05). At the ages of five and six months, the antibody levels against peste des petits ruminants in the serum of lambs in all dose groups significantly increased (P<0.05). The study suggests that modified Buzhong Yiqi Decoction may improve the flavor of mutton by affecting the metabolism of fatty acids and flavor amino acids in the bodies of small-tailed Han sheep, regulating the synthesis of mutton odor substances and volatile flavor substances, and simultaneously enhancing the immunity of mutton sheep to a certain extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this experiment was to study the effects of different doses of Chinese herbal additives on the growth performance, serum antioxidant indexes, and immune function of Hu sheep. A total of 48 two-month-old weaned lambs in good health and similar weight were selected and randomly divided into four groups, with four replicates in each group. The control group was fed a basal diet, and the experimental group I, group III, and group III were fed the diets supplemented with 0.010, 0.025, 0.050 g/kg of Chinese herbal additives, respectively. The pre-trial period was seven days and the formal period was 90 days. The results showed that the average daily weight gain of the experimental group II increased by 22.22% compared with that of the control group from 61 to 90 days (P<0.05), and the feed to gain ratio decreased by 18.85% (P<0.01). At 30 d, compared with the control group, the concentrations of total protein (TP) and interferon- γ (IFN- γ) in the experimental group III increased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the experimental group IIII, the concentrations of immunoglobulin G (IgG), interleukin 4 (IL-4), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and IFN-γ in experimental group III significantly or extremely increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). At 60 d, the concentration of the reduced glutathione (GSH) in the exprimental group III extremely increased compared with the control group and the experimental group IIIII (P<0.01). Compared with the control group and the experimental group IIII, immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgG, IL-4, and IFN- γ increased extremely (P<0.01). The concentration of IL-6 in the exprimental group II were significantly higher the experimental group III (P<0.05), and the concentrations of IgA and IL-4 were significantly or extremely higher than those of the experimental group II (P<0.05 or P<0.01). At 90 d, the concentration of IgA in the experimental group II was extremely higher than that of the control group (P<0.01), and the concentrations of immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IFN-γ were significantly higher than that of the experimental group III (P<0.05). The study indicates that the Chinese herbal medicine additive can promote the growth of Hu sheep, enhance the antioxidant ability and immunity of the animal body, and the appropriate amount of Chinese herbal medicine additive is 0.025 g/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorogenic acid is a compound with a variety of biological activities, which can regulate the relevant signaling pathways of the body, reduce the inflammatory response, improve immunity, control oxidative stress response, inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria, improve intestinal microbial flora, and improve animal performance and health. In addition, chlorogenic acid has the advantages of a wide range of sources and high temperature resistance, which can be used in the feed production. This article mainly summarizes the extraction methods, functions, and roles of chlorogenic acid in animal production, to provide a reference for the rational and effective use of chlorogenic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacillus licheniformis is an anaerobic gram-positive bacterium, which has the characteristics of high temperature resistance, acid resistance, enzyme production, and antibacterial substances, which can improve the growth performance of broilers, improve immune performance, promote intestinal development and regulate intestinal flora, prevent and control diseases such as chicken necrotizing enteritis and coccidiosis, and has the potential to replace antibiotics. The paper reviewed the effects of Bacillus Hcheniformis on the growth performance, immune function, antioxidant performance, intestinal development, and microbial composition of broilers, as well as the prevention and control effects of necrotizing enteritis and coccidiosis, and summarized the appropriate dosage of Bacillus Hcheniformis, in order to provide a reference for the application of Bacillus Hcheniformis in broiler production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probiotics have significant effects in promoting the intestinal function and maintaining the stability of the intestinal microbial community in livestock and poultry. The intestinal epithelium and mucosa serve as the first line of defense against the invasion of exogenous pathogens in the body, playing a crucial role in maintaining overall health. Probiotics can enhance the tight junctions between intestinal epithelial cells, increase the secretion of immune substances, improve the intestinal mucosal barrier, and contribute to the overall health of the organism. This article reviews the mechanisms of action of probiotics on the intestinal tract of livestock and poultry, as well as their impact on immune organs, immune cells and factors, and intestinal mucosal immune function. The aim is to provide new insights for the development of probiotics and their application in livestock and poultry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The epidermis of fish is covered with a layer of mucus secreted by epidermal mucus cells. Epidermal mucus serves as a physical and immune barrier between fish and the external water environment, and its composition and secretion are affected by the distribution, quantity, development stage of epidermal mucus cells and the changes in the external environment. With the development of the aquaculture industry both at home and abroad, the application research on fish epidermal mucus has gradually increased. In the paper, the composition, function and application of fish epidermal mucus are reviewed, in order to provide reference for the extraction, development and industrial application of the active components in fish epidermal mucus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the experiment was to explore the mechanism of Qizhi oral liquid in enhancing the immune function of poultry. The active ingredients and their targets of Astragalus and Ganoderma lucidum in the compound were collected by the traditional Chinese medicine systematic pharmacology database and analysis platform (TCMSP), and the immune targets were collected by the OMIM, TTD and GeneCards databases. The potential target of Qizhi oral liquid for the poultry immunity was obtained. The Chinese medicine-component-target-pathway-disease network diagram and protein interaction (PPI) network were constructed by Cytoscape 3.9.1 software, and GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis were performed on the targets. The molecular docking of active ingredients and core targets was verified by molecular docking technology. The results showed that the .30 components of Qizhi oral liquid correspond to 66 targets, and .329 targets of poultry immunization, including 17 intersection targets. The core PPI targets included nuclear factor κB inhibitor α (NFKBIA), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interferon γ (IFNG). There were .38 results of GO functional enrichment, including .3.3 biological process items, four molecular function items and one cell component item. KEGG pathway analysis showed that the intersection genes were mainly concentrated in the C-type lectin receptor signaling pathway, the FoxO signaling pathway and the toll-like receptor signaling pathway. The results of molecular docking showed that the key components had good binding activity with the core protein target, which proved the reliability of the prediction results of network pharmacology. The study indicates that Qizhi oral liquid can enhance the immune function of poultry through a multi-component, multi-target and multi-pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of different levels of dandelion extract on the growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, and immune function of broilers. Two thousand healthy one-day-old AA broilers were divided into four groups, with 10 replicates per group and 50 broilers per replicate. The broilers in each group were fed experimental diets containing 0 (control group), 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.4% dandelion extract, respectively. The experiment lasted for 42 days. The results showed that compared to the control group, 0.2% and 0.4% dandelion extract increased the body weight of broilers at 42 days of age (P<0.05). From 22 to 42 day, 0.2% dandelion extract improved the average daily weight gain (P<0.05), while 0.2% and 0.4% dandelion extract reduced the feed to weight ratio (P<0.05). From 1 to 42 day, 0.2% and 0.4% dandelion extract increased the average daily weight gain (P<0.05), and 0.2% dandelion extract reduced the feed to weight ratio (P<0.05). 0.2% and 0.4% dandelion extract increased the levels of total protein and albumin in the serum (P<0.05), and reduced the levels of urea nitrogen, cholesterol, and triglycerides (P<0.05). 0.2% dandelion extract decreased the activity of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, 0.2% and 0.4% dandelion extract increased the spleen index and thymus index of broilers at 42 days of age (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.4% dandelion extract increased the Newcastle disease antibody titer (P<0.05), and 0.2% and 0.4% dandelion extract increased the levels of immunoglobulin M, immunoglobulin A, and immunoglobulin G (P<0.05). The study indicates that adding an appropriate amount of dandelion extract to the diets can improve the growth performance, enhance the immune function, and improve the certain serum biochemical indexes. The suitable inclusion level of dandelion extract is determined to be 0.2%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to compare the effects of different forms of nano-zinc oxide on the growth performance, immune function, and intestinal barrier of weaned piglets. A total of 192 weaned piglets aged 24 days (half in male and female), with an average weight of (7.47 ± 0.62) kg were randomly divided into four groups, with six replicates in each group and eight piglets in each replicate. The control group was fed a basal diet, and the experimental group I, group II and group III were fed with 2 000 mg/kg nano-zinc oxide, 500 mg/kg coated nano-zinc oxide, 1 000 mg/kg coated nano-zinc oxide, respectively. The experiment lasted for 14 days. The results showed that the total effective rate of nano zinc oxide was 7.12%, which was lower than that of coated nano zinc oxide (78.54%). All forms of nano zinc oxide significantly increased the final weight and average daily gain of weaned piglets (P<0.05), and significantly decreased the ratio of feed to gain and diarrhea rate (P<0.05), with the best effects observed in the experiment group III. Compared with the control group, the levels of immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin A in the serum of weaned piglets in all experimental groups were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the secretion of immunoglobulin in the cecum and colon was significantly elevated in the experiment group I and experiment group III (P<0.05). Different forms of nano zinc oxide significantly decreased the serum diamine oxidase activity and endotoxin content in weaned piglets (P<0.05). The study indicates that dietary supplementation of nano zinc oxide and coated nano zinc oxide of weaned piglets can promote growth, reduce diarrhea rate, enhance immune function, and improve intestinal barrier function. The effects of 1 000 mg/kg of coated nano zinc oxide are better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of soybean isoflavones on the growth performance, immune function, testicular development, and reproductive hormone of Bashang long-tail chickens. A total of 750 Bashang long-tail chickens aged 40 weeks were randomly divided into five groups with three replicates in each group and 50 chickens in each replicate. The diets of the group I, group II, group III, group IV, and group V were supplemented with 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mg/kg soybean isoflavone, respectively. The pre-feeding period lasted for seven days, and the formal experimental period lasted for 63 days. The results showed that the weight gain of Bashang long-tail chickens in the group II, group III, group IV, and group V was significantly higher than that in the group I (P<0.05). The thymus index of the Bashang long-tail chickens in the group III was significantly higher than that of other groups (P<0.05). The burse index of the Bashang long-tail chickens in the group III was significantly increased by 16.09%, 14.70%, and 22.67% compared to the group I, group II, and group V, respectively (P<0.05). The spleen index of the Bashang long-tail chickens in the group I was significantly increased by 17.98% compared to the group I (P<0.05). The testicular index of the Bashang long-tail chickens in the group III was the highest, which is significantly higher than the group I (P<0.05), with an increase of 11.74%. The sperm collection volume, sperm density, and effective sperm count of the Bashang long-tail chickens in the group III were significantly higher than those in the group I (P<0.05), with the increase of 9.52%, 4.79%, and 8.97%, respectively. The TESTO content of the Bashang long-tail chickens in the group III was significantly increased by 10.42%, 4.72%, and 6.42% compared to the group I, group II, and group V, respectively (P<0.05). The LH levels of the Bashang long-tail chickens in the group III significantly increased by 7.63%, 5.83%, and 10.12% compared to the group I, group II, and group V, respectively (P<0.05). The study indicates that soybean isoflavone can obviously improve the growth performance, immune function, testicular development, semen quality, and plasma reproductive hormone secretion level of Bashang long-tail chickens, and the optimal amount of additive is 15 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary hydroxy-methionine (MHA) chelate supplementation on the production performance, antioxidation performance, immune and reproductive hormone indexes of Xuefeng black bone breeding chickens. A total of 324 healthy 32-week-old Xuefeng black bone chickens with similar body weight were randomly divided into three groups, with six replicates per group and 18 chickens per replicate. The prefeeding period lasted for two weeks and the trial period lasted for eight weeks. The chickens in the control group were fed a basal diet. The experimental groups added 30 mg/kg MHA-Zn (MZ group, calculated by zinc), 25 mg/kg MHA-Mn (MM group, calculated by manganese) and 30 mg/kg MHA-Zn + 25 mg/kg MHA-Mn (MZM group) in the basal diet, respectively. The results showed that compared with the control group, the laying rate and healthy chick rate of the experimental groups were significantly increased (P<0.05). The hatching rate of the MZM group was significantly higher than that of the control group and MM group (P<0.05). The death rate of embryos in the MZ group and MZM group was significantly lower than that in the control group and MM group (P<0.05). The serum content of progesterone, folliclestimulating hormone, estradiol and parathyroid hormone in the MZM group was significantly higher than those in the other groups ( P<0.05). The activity of total superoxide dismutase and catalase in the serum of MZM group was significantly higher than those of the control group and MZ group (P<0.05). The serum activity of manganese superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the MZM group was significantly higher than those in the control group and MM group (P<0.05). The serum malondialdehyde content in the MM group and MZM group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the content of immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin M and interleukin-2 in the serum of the MZM group was significantly increased ( P<0.05). The study indicates that adding of MHA chelate in the diet can improve the production performance of Xuefeng black bone chickens by increasing antioxidation performance, immune and reproductive hormone levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the experiment was to investigate the effect of VC and bacterial enzyme complex combined with glucose on serum biochemical indexes, immune and antioxidant function of cows with antibiotic poisoning. Twenty cows with antibiotic poisoning, weighing about (250.00±10.23) kg were randomly divided into a control group and an experimental group, with five replicates in each group and two cows in each replicate. The cows in the control group received an intravenous injection of glucose and VC, and the cows in the experimental group received an oral administration of glucose and bacterial enzyme complex for seven days. The results showed that compared with the control group, on the 8th day, the leukocytes, neutrophils, erythrocytes and hemoglobin of cows in the experimental group were significantly decreased ( P<0.05), and the platelets were significantly increased ( P<0.05). The activitiy of ALT and CK, and the concentrations of TBIL, Na, P and BUN in serum significantly decreased ( P<0.05), while the concentrations of ALB and Ca significantly increased ( P<0.05). The concentrations of IgM, IgG, IL-6, IFN-γ, SOD activity and T-AOC in the serum of the cows in the experimental group significantly increased ( P<0.05), while the concentrations of MDA significantly decreased ( P<0.05). On the 8th day of the experiment, there were no significant differences in blood routine, serum biochemistry, antioxidant indexes and immune between the experimental group and healthy cows ( P>0.05). The study indicates that glucose and bacteriase complex treatment can effectively improve the blood routine, serum biochemical, immunity and antioxidant function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the experiment was to study the effect of nucleotides on growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, immune function of calves. In the same batch of newborn calves, eighty five-day-old calves with similar body weight were randomly divided into four groups, with five replicates in each group and four calves in each replicate. The calves in control group were fed a basal diet, the calves in experimental group 1, group 2 and group 3 were given 1, 2 and 3 g/(head⋅d) nucleotides. The experiment lasted for 56 days. The results showed that compared with the control group, the average daily gain of calves in the group 2 and the group 3 were significantly increased ( P<0.05), and the incidence of enteritis and pneumonia of calves in the experimental groups was significantly decreased ( P<0.05), the WBC of calves in the group 2 and the group 3 was significantly decreased ( P<0.05). The HCT of calves in the experimental groups were significantly decreased ( P<0.05). The serum ALB concent of calves in the group 1 and the group 2 was significantly higher than that in the control group ( P<0.05). The serum AST activity of calves in all experimental groups was lower than those in the control group ( P<0.05). The TNF- α level in the group 2 was significantly lower than that in the control group ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the average profit of each calf in the group 2 and the group 3 increased by 3.95% and 5.21%, respectively. The study indicates that nucleotides can significantly improve the daily gain and health level of calves, enhance the immunity of calves and increase economic efficiency. It is recommended that the suitable dosage of nucleotides should be 2~3 g/(head⋅d). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to study the effect of astaxanthin and antimicrobial peptides on laying hens in the late laying period. A totaol of 700 healthy 56-week-old Hailan brown laying hens with similar weight were selected and randomly divided into seven groups, with five replicates in each group and 20 hens in each replicate. The hens in E0 group (control group) were fed a basal diet, the hens in E1~E6 were fed with a basal diet with different levels of astaxanthin (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%) and antimicrobial peptides (300, 500 mg/kg). The pre-test period was 1 w and the trial period was 8 w. The results showed that compared with E0, the egg production rate in E1~E6 significantly increased (P<0.05), and E3 was significantly higher than that of the other experimental groups (P<0.05). The serum IL-2, IL-10, TNF-α and IFN-γ in E1~E6 were significantly increased compared to E0 (P<0.05). The jejunum villus height of E3 significantly increased compared to E0 (P<0.05), the jejunum crypt depth of E1~E6 significantly decreased compared to E0 (P<0.05), and the jejunum villi to crypt ratio of E1~E6 significantly increased compared to E0 (P<0.05). The ileum villus height of E1~E6 was significantly increased compared to E0 (P<0.05), the ileum crypt depth of E1~E6 significantly decreased compared to E0 (P<0.05), and the ileum villi to crypt ratio of E1~E6 significantly increased compared to E0 (P<0.05). The number of cecal Lactobacilli in E1~E6 significantly increased compared to E0 (P<0.05), and the number of cecal Escherichia coli in E1~E6 significantly decreased compared to E0 (P<0.05). The study indicates that adding astaxanthin and antimicrobial peptides to the diet can improve the feeding effect of laying hens in the late laying period, and adding 1.0% astaxanthin and 300 mg/kg antimicrobial peptides has better effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was to investigate the effect of allicin on growth performance, immune function and serum biochemical indexes of Partridge shank chickens. A total of 400 one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly distributed into four groups, with five replicates in each group and 20 chickens in each replicate. The control group, experimental group I, group II and group III were added with 0, 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg allicin in the basal diet, respectively. The experiment lasted for 28 d. The results showed that compared with control group, the average daily gain of the experimental group I was significantly increased (P<0.05), the average daily gain of experimental group II and group III was extremely increased (P<0.01), and the feed to gain ratio of the experimental group II was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with control group, the dressing rate of group II was extremely increased (P<0.01), and the dressing rate of group III was significantly increased (P<0.05). The spleen index of group II was significantly increased (P<0.05). The serum levels of immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin G in experimental group II and group III were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05). The serum levels of immunoglobulin M in all allicin groups were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05). The serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ in all allicin groups were lower than those in control group (P<0.05). The serum levels of Il-1β in group II and group III were significantly lower than those in control group (P<0.05). The serum level of interleukin-4 in group II was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05). Compared with control group, the content of serum TP and GLB in group II were significantly increased (P<0.05), the content of serum TC in group III was significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the content of HDL was significantly increased (P<0.05). The serum BUN content in group II and group III were significantly lower than those in control group (P<0.05), and the serum ALP activity in group II was higher than that in control group (P<0.05). The experiment indicates that the supplementation of 100~150 mg/kg allicin can improve the dressing percentage, promote the growth and development of the spleen, increase the content of TP, GLB, and HDL in the serum, and reduce the content of TC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to study the effect of different arginine levels on liver biochemistry, antioxidant indexes and intestinal antioxidant and immune indexes of Wulong geese during laying period. A total of one hundred and fifty 34-week-old Wulong geese were randomly divided into six groups, with five replicates in each group and five geese in each replicate (one male and four female). Geese in control group were fed with a basal diet with arginine level of 0.72%, The dietary arginine levels of each experimental group were 0.82%, 0.92%, 1.02%, 1.12% and 1.22%, respectively. The pre-test lasted for 1 w and the formal test lasted for 16 w. The results showed that liver TG content of geese in 1.02% group was significantly lower than that in 0.72% group, 0.82% group, 1.12% group and 1.22% group (P<0.05). Liver T-AOC of geese in 0.92% group was significantly higher than that in 0.72% group, 0.82% group, 1.12% group and 1.22% group (P<0.05). The liver GSH-Px activity of geese in 1.02% group was significantly higher than that in 0.72% group, 1.12% group and 1.22% group (P<0.05). The GSH-Px activity of geese jejunum in 1.02% group was significantly higher than that in 0.72% group, 0.82% group and 1.22% group (P<0.05). The sIgA content in geese ileum in 1.02% group and 1.12% group was significantly higher than that in 0.72% group and 0.82% group (P<0.05). The study indicates that dietary arginine can regulate liver lipid metabolism and promote antioxidant capacity and immune function, the recommended level of arginine is 1.02%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of coated and uncoated γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on growth performance, nutrient apparent digestibility, serum biochemical indexes and immune function of Simmental cross cattle during heat stress period. Thirty Simmental crossbred cattle with similar body weight and health status were randomly divided into three groups, with five replicates in each group and two Simmental cross cattle in each replicate. The diet of control group was not supplemented with GABA, the diet of test group A supplemented with 80% uncoated GABA, the diet of test group B supplemented with 50% coated GABA, and 1 g additive was added per 50 kg body weight. The pre-test lasted for 7 d, and the experimental period lasted for 30 d. The results showed that compared with control group, the average daily gain of cattle in test group B was increased by 3.97% (P>0.05), the average daily feed intake was significantly increased by 3.14% (P<0.05), and the feed to gain ratio was decreased by 0.92% (P>0.05). The apparent digestibility of crude protein, crude fiber, Ca and P were increased by 6.02% (P<0.05), 12.68% (P<0.05), 12.46% (P<0.05) and 6.21% (P>0.05), respectively. The concentrations of total protein and globulin in serum were significantly increased by 8.12% (P<0.05), 17.95% (P<0.05), albumin was decreased by 1.84% (P>0.05), and the concentration of BUN in serum was significantly decreased by 22.05% (P<0.05). The concentration of glucose GLU in serum was increased by 2.45% (P>0.05). The concentrations of IgG, IgM and IgA in serum were significantly increased by 14.29%, 53.33% and 52.57% (P<0.05), respectively, content of IL-2 was increased significantly by 6.32% (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, there were no significant differences in all indexes of cattle in test group A (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in Na+, K+, Cl-, Ca2+ and P in serum among all groups (P>0.05). The study indicates that the addition of coated GABA can promote the growth, increase the apparent digestibility of some nutrients, improve some serum biochemical indexes and enhance the body immunity of Simmental cross cattle during heat stress period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was to investigate the effect of Panax notoginseng stems and leaves on serum biochemical indexes, immune function and muscle quality of Xizhou Wugu chicken. A total of two hundred and seventy 42-day-old Xizhou Wugu chickens were randomly divided into three groups, with three replicates in each group and 30 chickens in each replicate. Xizhou Wugu chickens in control group were fed with a basal diet, while group Ⅰ and group Ⅱ were fed with a basal diet supplemented with 4% and 8% Panax notoginseng stems and leaves, respectively. The experiment lasted for 90 d. The results showed that the content of serum globulin, bursa index, spleen index and the content of threonine, valine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, lysine, arginine, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, γ -linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid and essential amino acids in muscle of silk-bone chickens in group Ⅰ and group Ⅱ were significantly increased (P<0.05). The content of serum alkaline phosphatase and urea nitrogen, and myristic acid and stearic acid in muscle were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The experiment indicates that dietary addition of Panax notoginseng stems and leaves to feed Xizhou Wugu chickens can improve serum biochemical indexes, regulate body metabolic function, enhance immunity and improve muscle quality of Xizhou Wugu chickens chicken, and 4% Panax notoginseng stems and leaves is more suitable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the unavailability of all growth promoters except Chinese medicine herb in animal feed, the application of Chinese medicine herb in animal feed has gradually become a research hotspot. Adding proper amount of specific Chinese medicinal herb or extracts in aquatic animal feed could not only enhance the immunity of aquatic animals, but also improve the feed ingestion and growth rate, and decrease the lipid level of aquatic products. The paper reviews the feeding value of common Chinese medicine herb and their extracts in aquatic animal feed, which can not only promote the development and utilization of Chinese medicine herb resources, but also provide reference for the rational use of single and compound Chinese medicine herb in aquatic feed and healthy aquaculture of aquatic animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to investigate the effect of Chinese herbal medicine on growth performance, immune function and gut microbiota of broilers. A total of 300 one-day-old broilers were selected and divided into five groups, with three replicates in each group and 20 broilers in each replicate. The blank control group did not add medicine in drinking water, the positive control group added 0.05 g/L levamisole hydrochloride in drinking water, and experimental groups were supplemented with 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g/L Chinese herbal medicine in drinking water, respectively. The experiment lasted for 42 d. The results showed that compared with blank control group, the final weight and average daily weight gain of broilers in different growth stage in 0.5 g/L group and 1.0 g/L group of Chinese herbal medicine were extremely improved (P<0.01), and the feed to gain ratio of 1.0 g/L group of Chinese herbal medicine was extremely reduced (P<0.01). Compared with blank control group, the thymus, indices bursa indices and spleen indices of broilers in different group of Chinese herbal medicine were extremely increased (P<0.01). The volume of lymphocytes in white and red pulp of spleen tissue structure increased, and the number of cells increased. Compared with blank control group, serum IL-2, IL-4, IFN-γ and IL-10 content in Chinese herbal medicine groups significantly or extremely increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01), the number of Escherichia coli in jejunum and cecum decreased significantly or extremely (P<0.05 or P<0.01), while the number of lactic acid bacteria was significantly or extremely increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The study indicates that Chinese herbal medicine can improve the growth performance and immune function of broilers, increase the number of beneficial bacteria in intestine, and reduce the number of harmful bacteria. The 1.0 g/L group of Chinese herbal medicine has better effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplemental compound probiotics on growth performance, intestinal barrier and immune function of Clostridium perfringens infected broilers. A total of 240 one-day-old Cobb broilers were randomly divided into four groups, which were control group, infected group, compound probiotics 1 + infected group and compound probiotics 2 + infected group, with five replicates in each group, 12 broilers in each replicate. Compound probiotics 1 mainly consisted of Lactobacillus zeae and Lactobacillus plantarum, and compound probiotics 2 mainly contained Lactobacillus paracasei. All infected broilers were inoculated orally with Clostridium perfringenss type A during 14~20 d, and broilers in uninfected group were inoculated with an equal volume of liquid medium. The experiment lasted for 42 d. The results showed that compared with control group, the average body weight and average daily gain of broilers at 21 d and 1~21 d in infected group were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the average daily gain and average daily feed intake of broilers at 1~42 d in infected group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with control group, ileum villi height was significantly decreased (P<0.05), spleen index was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with infection group, the ratio of jejunum villus height to crypt depth of broilers in compound probiotic 1 + infected group on 21 d and 28 d was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the spleen index was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The average daily gain of broilers from 1 to 42 d in the compound probiotics 2 + infected group was significantly increased (P<0.05), the ratio of jejunum villus height to crypt depth at 28 d was significantly increased (P<0.05), jejunum ZO-1 mRNA level at 21 d was significantly up-regulated (P<0.05), IL-8 mRNA levels in jejunum of broilers at 21 d was significantly down-regulated (P<0.05). The experiment indicates the addition of Lactobacillus paracasei-based compound probiotics to diet can mitigate the negative impact on production performance of Clostridium perfringens-infected broilers. The addition of Lactobacillus-based compound probiotics can improve the intestinal health of broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to study the effect of different levels of fermented Chinese herbal by-products on growth performance, serum biochemical index, antioxidant capacity and immune function of Songliao Black pigs during finishing period. Fifty Songliao Black pigs (93.85±4.11) kg at late finishing stage were randomly divided into five groups, with five replicates in each group and two pigs in each replicate. Songliao Black pigs in control group were fed with basic diet. Experimental group I, group II, group III and group IV were supplemented with 1% fermented Chinese herbal by-products, 1% unfermented Chinese herbal by-products, 3% fermented Chinese herbal by-products and 3% unfermented Chinese herbal by-products in basic diet, respectively. The pre-test lasted for 6 d and the formal test lasted for 54 d. The results showed that compared with control group, the ADG of Songliao Black pigs in group I and group III was increased by 17.42% and 24.69%, respectively, and F/G was decreased by 5.05% and 10.33% (P<0.05), respectively. Compared with control group, the IgA content of Songliao Black pigs in group I and group III was increased by 5.30% and 13.49%, respectively. Compared with control group, the serum IGF-1 content and T3 content of Songliao Black pigs in group III were increased by 14.00% (P<0.05) and 38.19% (P<0.05), respectively. Compared with control group, the serum MDA content of Songliao Black pigs in group III was decreased by 50.76% (P<0.05). The experiment indicates that adding 3% fermented Chinese herbal by-products in diet can improve the antioxidant capacity and immune level of body, increase the secretion level of growth hormones, and improve the growth performance of Songliao Black pigs during finishing period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acidifiers are widely used in pig production. Acidifiers improve feed utilization by reducing gastrointestinal pH value, improve intestinal flora and activate pepsin. Adding proper amount of acidifiers to diet can effectively alleviate the early weaning syndrome and diarrhea rate, and improve the immunity and growth performance of piglets. The article reviews the types of acidifiers and their effect on growth performance, immune function and antioxidant function of pigs, in order to provide reference for further application of acidifiers in pig production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to investigate the effect of adding different doses of probiotics, acidifiers and enzyme preparations to diet on immune function of Dagu chickens. A total of 1 200 Dagu chickens were randomly divided into five groups, with four replicates in each group and 60 chickens in each replicate. Dagu chickens in group A (control group) were fed with basic diet, Dagu chickens in group B were fed with basic diet + 0.3% probiotics, Dagu chickens in group C were fed with basic diet + 0.3% probiotics + 0.2% acidifiers, Dagu chickens in group D were fed with basic diet + 0.3% probiotics + 100 g/t enzyme preparation, and Dagu chickens in group E were fed with basic diet + 0.3% probiotics + 0.2% acidifiers + 100 g/t enzyme preparations. The experiment lasted for 63 d. The results showed that on 28 d, spleen index and bursa of fabricius indexes of group C, group D and group E were significantly higher than those of control group (P<0.05). Compared with control group, the levels of newcastle disease antibody and avian influenza antibody in group B, group C, group D and group E were significantly increased (P<0.05). On 42 d, the content of IgA in peripheral blood of group B was significantly lower than that of group E (P<0.05), the content of IgM in peripheral blood of Dagu chickens in group E was significantly higher than that of group C (P<0.05). On 56 d, IgA content of Dagu chickens in group E was significantly higher than that of control group (P<0.05). On 42, 56 d, the levels of IgG in peripheral blood of Dagu chickens in group C, group D and group E were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05). On 28, 63 d, the number of T and B lymphocytes in group B, group C, group D and group E of Dagu chickens were significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05). The experiment indicates that combination of probiotics, acidifiers and enzyme preparations can enhance immune organ indexes and antibody levels of Dagu chickens, increase content of immunoglobulins and number of T and B lymphocytes, enhance the humoral immune function of Dagu chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to study the effect of fermented Chinese herbal additives on growth performance, immune function and antioxidant capacity of Saibei rabbits. A total of 200 thirty-day-old rabbits were randomly divided into five groups, which were control group Ⅰ (basal diet), control group Ⅱ (basal diet + 0.5% unfermented Chinese herbs), group Ⅰ (basal diet + 0.5% fermented Chinese herbs), group Ⅱ (basal diet + 1.0% fermented Chinese herbs) and group Ⅲ (basal diet + 1.5% fermented Chinese herbs), respectively, with four replicates in each group and ten rabbits in each replicate. The experiment lasted for 30 d. The results showed that the feed to gain ratio in experimental groups was significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the average daily gain was significantly increased (P<0.05). The content of TP, ALB, GH and IGF-Ⅰ in serum of experimental groups were significantly higher than those of control group Ⅰ (P<0.05). The content of TC, TG, GLU, LDL and MDA in serum of rabbits in group Ⅱ and group Ⅲ were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Serum T-AOC, the activity of CAT, SOD, GSH-Px, the content of HDL, IgA, IgG, IgM, IL-6, IFN-γ were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with control group Ⅰ, spleen index and thymus index of rabbits in experimental groups were significantly increased (P<0.05). The study indicates that fermented Chinese herbs can effectively improve the growth performance, immune function and antioxidant capacity of Saibei rabbits, and the effect of 1.0% supplementation is better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of Bacillus subtilis on growth performance, slaughter performance, meat quality, immune function, antioxidant function and intestinal morphology of broilers. A total of 120 White feathered broilers were randomly divided into four groups with three replicates in each group and ten broilers in each replicate. Broilers in control group were fed a basal diet, and group Ⅰ, group Ⅱ and group Ⅲ were fed the basal diet supplemented with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg Bacillus subtilis, respectively. The experiment lasted for 42 d. The results showed that compared with control group, the average daily gain of broilers in experimental groups was significantly increased at 22 to 42 days of age and 1 to 42 days of age (P<0.05), the final weight of broilers in group Ⅱ and group Ⅲ was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the feed to gain ratio of broilers in group Ⅱ was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with control group, the semi-evisceration rate, drip loss rate and cooking loss rate of broilers in group Ⅱ and group Ⅲ were significantly increased (P<0.05), the dressing percentage, breast muscle percentage and muscle pH value of broilers in group Ⅱ were significantly increased (P<0.05). The spleen index of broilers in group Ⅱ was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05). Compared with control group, serum IgG content of broilers in experimental groups was significantly increased (P<0.05), BUN content was significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the content of IgA, TP and MDA in serum of broilers in group Ⅱ and group Ⅲ were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05). The activity of ALT and T-SOD in serum of broilers in group Ⅱ were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05). Compared with control group, the villus height of duodenum and jejunum of experimental groups was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the villus ratio of duodenum and jejunum of group Ⅱ was significantly increased (P<0.05). The study indicates Bacillus subtilis can improve the growth performance, slaughter performance, meat quality, immune function, antioxidant function and intestinal morphology of broilers, and the effect is best when the dosage is 200 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted to study the effect of compound Chinese medicine feed additives on growth performance, slaughter performance, meat quality and immune function of finishing pigs. A total of 120 finishing pigs were randomly divided into four groups, with three replicates in each group and 10 pigs in each replicate. Control group, low-dose group, medium-dose group and high-dose group were supplemented with 0, 0.1%, 0.5% and 1.0% compound traditional Chinese medicine feed additives in the basal diet, respectively. The pre-test lasted for 7 d, and the formal test lasted for 56 d. The results showed that compared with control group, final weight, carcass weight, dressing percentage and carcass skew length of finishing pigs in high-dose group were significantly increased (P<0.05), while back fat thickness was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The average daily gain of finishing pigs in all dose groups was significantly increased (P<0.05). The average daily feed intake of finishing pigs in medium dose group and high dose group was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the feed to gain ratio was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with control group, the pH24 h value of finishing pigs in high-dose group was significantly increased (P<0.05), the shear force and drip loss rate in medium-dose and high-dose groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the cooking loss rate in all dose groups was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with control group, the content of IgA and IL-2 in serum of finishing pigs in medium-dose group and high-dose group were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the content of serum IgG in all dose groups was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with control group, spleen index of finishing pigs in highdose group was significantly increased (P<0.05). The study indicates that with the increase of the dosage of compound Chinese medicine feed additive in the diet of finishing pigs, the growth performance, slaughter performance, meat quality and immune function of finishing pigs are gradually enhanced, and the appropriate dosage is 1.0%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to investigate effect of adding complex plant essential oils (oregano essential oil, cinnamaldehyde, eucalyptus oil) to diet of broilers on growth performance, immune function and antioxidant capacity. A total of 120 one-day-old healthy broilers with similar body weight were selected and randomly divided into four groups, with three replicates in each group and 10 broilers in each replicate. The control group broilers were fed with basic diet, while low, medium and high dose groups were supplemented with 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg of composite plant essential oil in basic diet, respectively. Broilers were raised in three stages: 1~21, 22~42 and 43~60 d, the experiment lasted for 60 d. The results showed that ADG of broilers in medium and high dose groups was significantly higher than that in control group and low dose group on 1~21, 22~42 and 1~42 d (P<0.05), and F/G was significantly lower than other two groups (P<0.05). The ADFI of broilers in low, medium and high dose groups on 43~60 d was significantly higher than that of control group (P<0.05). Titer of newcastle disease antibody and content of serum IgG, IgA and lgM in medium and high dose groups of broilers were significantly higher than those in control group and low dose group (P<0.05). T-AOC and T-SOD in serum of broilers in low, medium and high dose groups were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05), and content of MDA was significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05). The experiment indicates that adding complex plant essential oils to diet can improve growth performance, enhance immune function and antioxidant capacity of broilers with an appropriate dosage of 200 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted to study the effect of feeding Bacillis natto on growth performance, immune function and intestinal flora of broilers. A total of 180 one-day-old Kebao broilers were randomly divided into two groups, with six replicates in each group and 15 broilers in each replicate. The broilers in control group were fed with a basal diet, and broilers in experimental group were fed with a basal diet +300 mg/kg Bacillus natto. The experiment lasted for 42 d. The results showed that compared with control group, the average daily gain of experimental group at 1~42 d of age was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the body weight at 42 d of age was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with control group, serum IgM content of broilers in experimental group was increased by 37.63% and 38.85% at 21 and 42 d of age, respectively (P<0.01). Compared with control group, the content of IL-1β in jejunal mucosa of broilers in experimental group at 42 d of age was extremely decreased (P<0.01). The results of PCoA analysis showed that the flora structure of the experimental group was changed, and the proportion of Alistipes in experimental group was increased compared with control group (P>0.05). Enorma, norank&lowbar;f&lowbar;Flavobacteriaceae and Paludicola in experimental group were significantly increased (P<0.05). The study indicates that Bacillus natto can improve the structure of intestinal flora, enhance the richness and diversity of intestinal flora, enhance the immune function, thus improve the growth performance of broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to investigate the effect of iron-rich Candida utilis on growth performance, blood indexes and intestinal morphology of weaned piglets. A total of 90 healthy 28-day-old 'Duroc × Landmass × Yorkshire' weaned piglets with an average body weight of (7.86±0.54) kg were randomly divided into two groups, with nine replicates in each group and five piglets in each replicate. Piglets in CON group were fed with a basal diet + ferrous sulfate (containing 104 mg/kg iron), and piglets in experimental group (CU group) were fed with a basal diet + iron-rich Candida utilis (containing 104 mg/kg iron). The experiment lasted for 28 d. The results showed that there was no significant effect of iron-rich Candida utilis on growth performance of weaned piglets (P>0.05). Compared with CON group, the total number of WBC and Bas in CU group were significantly increased (P<0.05). The content of serum IgA and IgG were significantly increased (P<0.05), and TNF-α was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The serum iron content was significantly increased, while the total iron binding capacity and ceruloplasmin activity were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with CON group, the activity of serum catalase, cytochrome oxidase, glutathione peroxidase and total superoxide dismutase in CU group were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the content of serum malondialdehyde was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The villus height and villus height/crypt depth values in duodenum and jejunum of weaned piglets in CU group were significantly increased (P<0.05), and crypt depth was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The study indicates that the complete replacement of dietary inorganic iron by iron-rich Candida utilis can improve the iron metabolism, antioxidant and immune functions of weaned piglets, which is beneficial to the maintenance of intestinal morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different levels of dandelion powder on growth performance, nutrient apparent digestibility and immune function of weaned piglets. A total of two hundred 28-day-old piglets weighing about 7.5 kg were randomly divided into five groups, with four replicates in each group and 10 piglets in each replicate. Piglets in control group, group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 4 were fed corn-soybean meal diet containing 0, 250, 500, 1 000 and 2 000 mg/kg dandelion powder, respectively. The test period was 28 d. The results showed that compared with control group, the final weight of piglets in dandelion powder group was significantly increased ( P<0.05). The average daily gain of piglets in group 2, group 3 and group 4 was significantly increased (P<0.05), feed to gain ratio was significantly decreased ( P<0.05), the diarrhea rate was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The diarrhea rate of piglets in group 3 and group 4 was significantly lower than that in group 2 and group 1 (P<0.05). The apparent digestibility of organic matter, dry matter in group 2, group 3 and group 4 were significantly higher than those in control group and group 1 (P<0.05). The apparent digestibility of dry matter in group 3 was significantly higher than that in group 2 (P<0.05). The content of immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M and the levels of interleukin-4 and interleukin-10 in group 2, group 3 and group 4 were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05), while the level of tumor necrosis factor-α was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The experiment indicates that adding a certain level of dandelion powder in feed of weaned piglets can improve growth performance of piglets, reduce the incidence of diarrhea, promote the body's digestion and absorption of nutrients, enhance the humoral and cellular immune function. Considering the comprehensive cost of breeding, the suitable supplemental level of dandelion powder is 1 000 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]