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Simple Summary: Dietary protein levels serve as the fundamental factor influencing sheep growth, development, and production performance. It significantly affects sheep digestion, metabolism, and rumen microbial diversity. Lanzhou fat-tailed sheep, recognized as a national endangered species and a valuable local sheep germplasm resource in China, represent a significant component of the country's sheep germplasm resource strategy. However, there are currently no relevant reports addressing the protein requirements of Lanzhou fat-tailed sheep, nor is there a systematic feeding standard established for this breed. Therefore, the objective of this research was to investigate the effects of different protein levels in the diet on digestion, metabolism, serum biochemical indexes, and rumen microbial diversity in Lanzhou fat-tailed sheep. This research provides a theoretical basis and data support for the conservation and innovative utilization of Lanzhou fat-tailed sheep germplasm resources. This study aimed to investigate the effect of varying levels of dietary protein on digestion, metabolism, serum biochemical indexes, and rumen microflora in Lanzhou fat-tailed sheep. A total of twenty 8-month-old healthy rams with an initial average body weight (BW 25.16 ± 1.09 kg) were selected and randomly divided into four dietary treatments with different protein levels P: 9.47%, MP: 10.53%, HP: 11.56%, and EHP: 12.61%. The rams underwent a 23 day adaptation period, and the experiment was conducted for 7 d. The results showed that with increased dietary protein levels, the apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and urine energy significantly increased (p < 0.05), increasing by 8.65%, 7.31%, 6.22%, and 0.1%, respectively. In contrast, the digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) first increased and then plateaued with the increase in protein levels, and the digestibility of NDF in the HP group was the highest (p < 0.05). The Shannon, Simpson, Chao1, and Ace indices of rumen microorganisms in the four groups did not change significantly (p > 0.05). Additionally, at the phylum level, the relative abundance of Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, and Verrucomicrobiota collectively accounted for over 91% of the total phylum composition. At the genus level, there was an increase in the relative abundance of uncultured_rumen_bacterium and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group in the LP group, whereas the relative abundance of Prevotella decreased. In comparison to the other three groups, the HP group exhibited an increase in the relative abundance of Firmicutes. In summary, dietary protein level had no significant effects on the rumen microflora structure and blood biochemical indexes. However, diets with a high protein level can improve the apparent digestibility of nutrients and energy use efficiency of Lanzhou fat-tailed sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Bacillus subtilis is frequently utilized as a ration addition in the livestock and poultry industries; however, different strains of Bacillus subtilis, dosages, and subjects of research yield diverse outcomes. Therefore, this study shows that the addition of 6.0 × 108 CFU/kg, 1.2 × 109 CFU/kg, and 1.8 × 109 CFU/kg of Bacillus subtilis KG109 powder to diets improves growth performance, carcass quality, serum indicators, intestinal morphology, and digestive enzyme activities in broilers. The study finds that Bacillus subtilis KG109 considerably increases broiler chicken performance, with 1.8 × 109 CFU/kg being the best dosage of diet supplementation. The purpose of this experiment is to investigate how different doses of Bacillus subtilis KG109 powder affect the growth performance, carcass quality, serum biochemical indexes, serum antioxidant and immunological index, intestinal morphology, and digestive enzyme activity of broilers. Four hundred chicks of a similar weight (1 day old) are randomly assigned to four groups of five replicates of 20 chicks each (half males and half females). The control group is fed a basal ration, and the experimental groups T1, T2, and T3 are supplemented with 6.0 × 108 CFU/kg, 1.2 × 109 CFU/kg, and 1.8 × 109 CFU/kg of Bacillus subtilis KG109 bacterial powder, respectively, in the basal ration. The feeding cycle is 52 d. Compared with the control group, Bacillus subtilis KG109 powder (1) increases the broiler feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p < 0.05), (2) improves the carcass quality (slaughter rate, cooking loss, L* and b* values) (p < 0.05), (3) enhances the serum biochemical indexes (alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transaminase (AST), albumin (ALB), and triglycerides (TG)) (p < 0.05), (4) improves the serum antioxidant capacity (total an-tioxidant capacity (T-AOC), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX)) and immunoglobulins (lg A, lg G, lg M) (p < 0.05), (5) improves the intestinal morphology (villus height and villus height to crypt depth (VCR)) (p < 0.05), and (6) increases the intestinal digestive enzyme activities (amylase, protease, and lipase) (p < 0.05). In summary, adding Bacillus subtilis KG109 to broiler diets can result in a significant decrease in broilers' FCR, an increase in their slaughtering rate, a decrease in their serum ALT, ALP, and AST activities, an increase in their serum TG content, an improvement of their immune and antioxidant capacity, an improvement of their intestinal morphology, and an improvement of their intestinal digestive enzyme activity. It is recommended to add 1.8 × 109 CFU/kg of bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palm meal is the residual material after the dehulling and oil extraction of palm kernels, and it is a nutritionally rich and inexpensive feed ingredient. Due to and certain anti-nutrient factors and its high crude fiber content, it is not easy for animals to digest and absorb,but it can be reduced by crushing, high temperature and high pressure blasting, bacterial enzyme complex fermentation, microbial fermentation and other methods. After fermentation, palm meal has the advantages of good palatability and disease prevention, can improve the digestibility and production performance of animals. This paper mainly describes the characteristics, nutritional properties and anti-nutritional properties of palm meal, and analyzes the practical application of palm meal and its fermented feed in pig, ruminant, poultry and aquatic animal breeding and its influence on animal production performance and serum biochemical indexes, combined with previous studies. The feasibility of alleviating the effect of anti-nutrition factors in feed and replacing corn soybean meal as unconventional feed raw materials provides reference for the application of palm meal and its fermented feed in livestock and poultry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of replacing a portion of corn, expanded soybean meal, and other ingredients in the basic diet of meat rabbits with hybrid Broussonetia papyrifera whole plant powder on the growth performance, slaughter performance, organ index, meat quality, serum biochemical indexes, and intestinal tissue morphology of meat rabbits. A total of 192 commercial meat rabbits weaned at 35 days of age were randomly divided into four groups, with six replicates per group and eight rabbits per replicate. Some corn, extruded soybean meal, peanut shell, and peanut vine in the basal diet were replaced by 0% (control group), 5% (5% group), 10% (10% group) and 15% (15% group) hybrid whole plant meal, respectively. The pre-feeding period was seven days, and the formal trial period was 30 days. The results showed that compared with the control group, the 5% group could extremely increase the final weight of the rabbits (P<0.01) and increase the average daily weight gain (P>0.05). The 10% group could extremely increase the daily feed intake and growth rate (P<0.01), and extremely reduce the incidence and mortality rate (P<0.01). All experimental groups extremely reduced liver weight and liver index (P<0.01). The shear force of the longissimus dorsi muscle of rabbits in all experimental groups was extremely higher than that of the control group (P<0.01), with the 10% group being the highest. Compared with the control group, the 10% and 15% groups could extremely reduce the serum albumin/ globulin ratio and the urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio, and significantly increase creatinine content (P<0.05). The 15% group could significantly increase the activity of alanine aminotransferase (P<0.05). The 5% group could extremely increase the villus height of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum (P<0.01), and significantly increase the villus crypt ratio of the duodenum (P<0.05). The 15% group could extremely increase the villus crypt ratio of the ileum (P<0.01). The results show that 5% and 10% hybrid Broussonetia papyrifera whole plant powder has a good effect on improving growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, meat quality and intestinal tissue morphology of meat rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of adding ginseng crude extract and its combination with schizophyllan or glucose oxidase on the egg production performance and serum biochemical indexes of laying hens. A total of 720 Roman Grey laying hens at 240 days of age were randomly divided into four groups, with six replicates per group and 30 hens per replicate. The control group was fed a basal diet, Group Ⅰ was fed a basal diet + 0.2% ginseng crude extract, Group Ⅱ was fed a basal diet + 0.2% ginseng crude extract + 750 mg/kg schizophyllan, and Group Ⅲ was fed a basal diet + 0.2% ginseng crude extract + 100 g/t glucose oxidase. The trial lasted for 56 days. The results showed that on day 28 of the trial, the eggshell thickness of Group Ⅱ was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05), and the substandard egg rate of Group Ⅱ was significantly lower than that of the control group and Group Ⅲ (P<0.05). The eggshell weight of Group Ⅰ and Group Ⅲ was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). On day 28 of the trial, the expression of eggshell gland plasma membrane calcium ATPase 1b (PMCA 1b) in all treatment groups was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05), and the content of osteocalcin and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25- (OH) -D3] in all treatment groups was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). On day 56 of the trial, the expression of eggshell gland PMCA 1b in Group Ⅱ was significantly higher than that of the other groups (P<0.05), and the content of osteocalcin and 25-(OH)-D3 in Group Ⅱ was lower than that of the other groups (P<0.05). On days 28 and 56 of the trial, the expression of eggshell gland calcium-binding protein (CaBP-D28k) in all treatment groups was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). On day 28 of the trial, the content of serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-β (TNF-β) in all treatment groups was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05), and the serum total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity of Group Ⅲ was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). On day 56 of the trial, the serum IL-1β content of Group Ⅰ was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05), the serum IL-1β, IL-2, and TNF-β content of Group Ⅱ was significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.05), and the IL-6 content was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). The serum glutathione (GSH) content of Groups Ⅱ and Ⅲ was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05), and the serum malondialdehyde (MDA) content of all treatment groups was significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). The study indicates that the addition of ginseng crude extract to the diet can effectively improve the egg quality, regulate calcium and phosphorus metabolism in hens, and reduce inflammatory responses. Considering the comprehensive effects, the combination of ginseng crude extract with schizophyllan is more optimal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to explore the effects of honeysuckle, skullcap and mulberry leaves crude extract on the production performance, egg quality, slaughter performance, and meat quality of laying hens in the late laying period. A total of 4 320 six hundred and seventy-day-old Dawu Golden Phoenix laying hens with similar production performance and good health were selected and randomly divided into two groups, with six replicates in each group and 360 hens in each replicate. The control group was fed basic diet and normal drinking water. The experimental group added 0.3% honeysuckle, skullcap and mulberry leaves crude extract to drinking water. The test period was 30 days. The results showed that compared to the control group, the experimental group had a significant increase in the number of normal eggs, total egg production, total weight of normal eggs, average weight of normal eggs, egg production rate, and the number of small yellow follicles (P<0.05), the proportion of abnormal eggs, average number of spotted eggs, average number of eggs with calcium salt deposits, average number of wrinkled eggs, the ratio of spotted eggs, and the ratio of eggs with calcium salt deposits were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the pH value of the pectoral muscle, the pH value of the leg muscle, the water-holding capacity of the leg muscle, and the a* and b* values of the leg muscle in the experimental group were all significantly increased (P<0.05), the L* values of both the pectoral and leg muscles in the experimental group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The study indicates that adding honeysuckle, skullcap and mulberry crude extract to the drinking water of laying hens in the late laying period can effectively increase the egg production performance, improve meat quality and serum biochemical indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to study the effects of silage corn mixed pellet diet on the growth performance, slaughter traits, viscera indexes, and serum biochemical indexes of Zi geese. A total of 60 Zi geese at 28 days of age were randomly divided into two groups with three replicates in each group and 10 Zi geese in each replicate. Zi geese in the control group was fed a basal diet, while in silage group was fed the silage corn mixed pellet diet, with the experimental period of 42 days. The results showed that there was no significant difference in growth performance and viscera indexes between the two groups (P>0.05). Compared with control group, Zi geese in the silage group semi-eviscerated rate significantly increased by 3.57%, and serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase activity significantly decreased by 41.44% (P<0.05). The study indicates that feeding silage corn mixed pellet diet in the Zi goose breeding period has no negative effects on growth and development, and is conducive to improving slaughter traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] The effects of Spanish alfalfa replacing American alfalfa on performance, serum biochemical indexes and rumen microflora of East Friesian and Hu sheep crossbreed first-generation dairy sheep (DHF1) were studied. [Method] Forty-eight DHF1 sheep (second parity and second lactation month) were randomly divided into two groups, with 6 replicates in each group and 4 sheep in each replicate. After 15 days of pre-feeding, the formal experiment was conducted for 45 days. During the trial period, the two groups of sheep were fed on silage corn and pellet feed (alfalfa, oat and concentrate) with the same ingredients except for different alfalfa types.The feed intake and residual feed were recorded every day, and milk yields by machine at 10:00 and 18:00 every day were measured during the experimental period. On days 15, 30 and 45 of the trial period, small amounts of milk samples were taken to determine routine nutritional components (milk fat, milk protein, lactose and non-fat solids). On day 45 of the trial period, 10 mL blood was taken from jugular vein to determine serum biochemical indexes (total protein, albumin, globulin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, blood sugar, malondialdehyde, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase activity and total antioxidant capacity). Rumen fluid of dairy sheep from each group was collected by rumen fluid collection tube on day 45 of the trial period, and rumen microflora was analyzed by 16S rDNA.Finally, economic benefits of the two experimental groups were analyzed. [Result] There was no significant difference in milk yield between the two groups on days 15, 30 and 45 (P>0.05). On day 30 of the trial period, the fat of dairy sheep in Spanish alfalfa group was significantly higher than that in American alfalfa group (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference among other indexes (P>0.05). The content of total protein in serum of Spanish alfalfa group was significantly higher than that of American alfalfa group (P<0.05). Chao1 index, Shannon index and Shannon/Simpson index of rumen microorganisms in Spanish alfalfa group were significantly higher than those in American alfalfa group (P<0.05), Simpson index was not significantly different from that in American alfalfa group (P>0.05), and coverage was significantly lower than that in American alfalfa group (P<0.05). The dominant bacteria in rumen of test sheep in the two groups were Firmicutes and Bacteroides, and the relative abunclance of Proteus in rumen of the American alfalfa group was significantly higher than that of the Spanish alfalfa group (P<0.01). At the genus level, there was no significant difference in the relative abundance of each genus in rumen between the two groups (P>0.05). The daily economic benefit of dairy sheep in Spanish alfalfa group was slightly higher than that in American alfalfa group. [Conclusion] Spanish alfalfa instead of American alfalfa has no negative effect on performance, serum biochemical indexes and rumen health of dairy sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: As the aquaculture industry intensifies to enhance production efficiency and capacity, the risk of disease outbreaks in high-density systems, such as those for largemouth bass, has escalated. This necessitates the exploration of novel strategies for disease prevention and control. Studies have shown that Atractylodes macrocephala polysaccharide (AMP) possesses the functions of promoting growth and enhancing immune capacity, making it a potential feed additive in animal production. Methods: This study aimed to assess the impact of AMP on the growth performance, serum biochemical indices, and intestinal flora structure of largemouth bass. A total of 360 healthy largemouth bass (mean weight: 15.25 ± 1.29 g) were randomly assigned to four groups, each with three replicates. The groups were fed diets supplemented with 0% (Group D, control group), 0.4% (Group A), 0.8% (Group B), or 1.2% (Group C) AMP for 42 days. Results: The results showed that the addition of an appropriate amount of AMP in the feed significantly improved the weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) of largemouth bass, reduced the feed conversion ratio (FCR), and enhanced growth performance. AMP reduced the levels of AST and ALT, indicating a hepatoprotective effect on largemouth bass, with significant differences from the control group (P < 0.05). AMP also improved the intestinal microbiota composition of largemouth bass, positively affecting intestinal health. The analysis of intestinal microbiota revealed 1,288 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) in the intestine of largemouth bass in Group B, dominated by Firmicutes and Bacteroidota. In contrast, Group C (1.2%) had 920 ASVs, with Fusobacteriota and Firmicutes as the major components, while the relative abundance of Firmicutes was lower, showing significant differences from the control Group D. The functional analysis of intestinal microbiota based on KEGG showed significant differences (P < 0.05) among the four groups in Carbon metabolism, Biosynthesis of amino acids, and Metabolic pathways. Discussion: The study concludes that the inclusion of AMP at 0.8% - 1.2% in the feed can enhance the growth performance and intestinal health of largemouth bass, offering a promising strategy for disease prevention and control in intensive aquaculture settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of compound probiotics on apparent digestibility of nutrients, serum biochemical indexes and fecal flora of dogs. Eighteen Chinese rural dogs were divided into three groups: basic diet group, 0.3% compound probiotics group (basic diet + 0.3% compound probiotics), 0.6% compound probiotics group (basal diet + 0.6% compound probiotics). The daily feed intake, apparent digestibility of nutrients, serum biochemical indexes and the composition of fecal flora were determined after feeding for 63 days. The results showed that 0.3% and 0.6% compound probiotics significantly increased the apparent digestibility of dry matter and crude protein (P<0.05), and the 0.6% compound probiotics group had the highest digestibility. Compared with the basic diet group, the total white blood cells of the 0.3% and 0.6% compound probiotics groups decreased significantly (P<0.05) on the 63 day, and the decrease was more significant in the 0.6% compound probiotics group, The fecal flora abundance and diversity of 0.6% compound probiotics group were higher than that of 0.3% compound probiotics group and basic diet group. Therefore, adding 0.6% compound probiotics in dog diet is beneficial to regulate the balance of dog intestinal flora and reduce dog inflammation. [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 experiment aimed to explore the effects of adding different amounts of fermented cassava residue to the feed on the growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, and economic benefits of Hu sheep. A total of 48 weaned Hu sheep were randomly divided into four groups, with 12 replicates per group and one sheep per replicate. The sheep in each group were fed with feed containing 0 (control group), 10%, 20%, and 30% fermented cassava residue. The preliminary trial period was seven days, and the formal experimental period was 60 days. The results showed that compared to the control group, the final weight, total weight gain, and average daily weight gain of the 20% fermented cassava residue group were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the feed to gain ratio was significantly decreased (P<0.05), the content of total protein and albumin in serum was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the content of urea nitrogen was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The activity of glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase in the serum of the 10% and 20% fermented cassava residue groups was significantly decreased (P<0.05), the content of creatinine in the 10% and 30% fermented cassava residue groups was significantly increased (P<0.05), the content of uric acid in the 20% and 30% fermented cassava residue groups was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the weight gain income of Hu sheep in each fermented cassava residue group increased by 10.68%, 23.76%, 16.57%, and the breeding profits increased by 10.36%, 36.92%, 14.99%, respectively. The results show that 20% fermented cassava residue in the diet can improve the production performance of Hu sheep, and the economic benefit of breeding is good. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of potato seedling silage on the growth performance, rumen fermentation parameters, and serum biochemical indexes of mutton sheep. A total of 48 healthy mutton sheep with similar body weight were randomly divided into four groups with three replicates per group and four mutton sheep per replicate. The control group was fed with whole-plant corn silage, while experimental groups I, II, and III used 25%, 50%, 100% potato seedling silage to replace the whole-plant corn silage, respectively. The pre-feeding period was one week, and the formal experimental period lasted for 60 days. The results showed that the final body weight and average daily weight gain of group II were significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05), and the feed-to-gain ratio was significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). The ruminal acetic acid in groups I and II was significantly higher than that in the control group and group III (P<0.05), and the concentration of total volatile fatty acids in group II was significantly higher than that in the control group and group III (P<0.05), the microbial protein content in group II was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05), and the concentration of ammonium nitrogen was significantly lower than that in the control group and group III (P<0.05). The levels of serum cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and urea nitrogen in group II were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05), and the level of serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in groups I and II was significantly higher than that in the control group and group III (P<0.05). The serum glucose level in all experimental groups was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). The study indicates that the appropriate addition of potato seedling silage has a promoting effect on the growth performance and rumen fermentation of mutton sheep, and enhances lipid metabolism. It is advisable to replace 50% of the whole-plant corn silage with potato seedling silage. [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 aim of this experiment was to study the effects of alfalfa substitution with different proportions of Sophora alopecuroides L. on the growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, and immune indexes of Hyla rabbits. A total of one hundred and twenty 35-day-old healthy Hyla rabbits with similar body weight were randomly divided into four groups with five replicates per group and six rabbits per replicate. The rabbits in the control group were fed a basal diet, and the others in the experimental groups were fed 4%, 8%, and 12% Sophora alopecuroides L. instead of alfalfa in the basal diet, respectively. The pre-test lasted for 14 days and the formal test lasted for 56 days. The results showed that compared with the control group, the average daily gain and body weight at the 28th and 56th days in 4% group were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the feed to gain ratio was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The live weight, half evisceration rate, and full evisceration rate were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the serum globulin (GLB) content of experimental groups was significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the activities of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly increased (P<0.05). Serum glucose (GLU) and total cholesterol (TG) concentrations in 8% and 12% groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Thymus weight and thymus index in 8% group were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and liver index was significantly increased (P<0.05). The concentrations of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M(IgM) in 4% group were significantly increased (P<0.05). The results show that when the upper limit of Sophora alopecuroides L. is 8%, and the supplemental amount of Sophora alopecuroides L. is 4%, the breeding effect of meat rabbits is the best. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to investigate the impact of substituting corn with fermented sweet potato potato on the growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, immune indexes, and intestinal morphology of yellow-feathered broilers. A total of 360 one-day-old yellow-feathered broilers were randomly divided into four groups, with six replicates in each group, and 15 broilers in each replicate. The broilers in control group were fed a basal diet. Groups I, II, and III were fed diets with 1%, 3%, and 5% fermented sweet potato pomace substituting corn, respectively, from 1 to 21 days of age, and 5%, 8%, and 10% from 22 to 42 days and 43 to 70 days of age, respectively. The trial lasted for 70 days. The results showed that substituting corn with fermented sweet potato pomace did not significantly affect the average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio of the yellow-feathered broilers (P>0.05). Compared to the control group, the levels of serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in groups I and II were significantly increased (P<0.05). At 21 days of age, the villus height and crypt depth of the duodenum in group I were significantly reduced (P<0.05), while the crypt depth in the ileum was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the villus height to crypt depth ratio (V/C) in the ileum of groups I and III were significantly decreased (P<0.05). At 42 days of age, the villus height of the duodenum and jejunum and crypt depth of the jejunum in group III were significantly reduced (P<0.05), the V/C of the duodenum in group I was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the villus height of the ileum in groups I and II were significantly increased (P<0.05). At 70 days of age, the villus height and V/C of the duodenum in groups I and II were significantly increased (P<0.05), the crypt depth was significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the villus height and V/C of the jejunum in group II were significantly increased (P<0.05). The study indicates that adding fermented sweet potato pomace to the diet as a substitute for corn can improve the serum immune indicators and intestinal tissue morphology of yellow-feathered broilers, and the optimal supplemental level is 5% at 1 to 21 days of age and 8% at 22 to 70 days of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper was to investigate the effects of adding "sunflower shells + corn stalks" processing dust to diets on the growth performance, serum biochemical and immune indices, antioxidant capacity and economic benefits of Hezuo pigs, fifty 90- day-old Hezuo pigs with good health and similar body weights were selected for a 7-day prefeeding period. During the pre-feeding period, all pigs were fed a basal diet, and at the end of the pre-feeding period, 40 Hezuo pigs with similar body weights were selected and randomly divided into four groups, with the control group being fed with basal diet, and the groups Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ were added 5%, 10%, and 15% of "30% sunflower shells + 70% corn stalks" processing dust into the basal diet respectively. The positive text period was 90 days, and the growth performance of the Hezuo pigs was measured as well as their serum biochemical indices, immune indices, and antioxidant capacity and economic benefits. The test results showed that: ① compared with the control group, the average daily feed intake increased by 6.77% and 3.39% (P> 0.05) in groups Ⅰ and Ⅱ, respectively, and decreased by 5.08% (P>0.05) in group Ⅲ, and the average daily weight gain increased by 10.00% (P<0.05) and 6.66% (P>0.05) in groups Ⅰ and Ⅱ, respectively. ② Compared with the control group, albumin increased by 20.02% in group Ⅱ (P<0.05), total choles‐ terol decreased by 14.33% in group Ⅲ (P<0.05), and the levels of triglycerides and urea in the test group were both reduced (P<0.01). ③ Compared with the control group, the immunoglobulin M poles of groups Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ were decreased by 34.29%, 24.00%, and 20.57% (P<0.01); and the tumor necro‐ sis factor-α was increased by 6.98% (P>0.05), 18.58% and 19.67% (P<0.05), respectively. ④ Superox‐ ide dismutase was reduced by 19.67% (P<0.05) in group Ⅲ and malondialdehyde was reduced by 44.90% (P<0.01) in group Ⅱ as compared to the control group. ⑤ Compared with the control group, the economic benefits of groups Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ were all improved, and the group Ⅰ had the best benefit, which was 62.59 yuan/head. In conclusion, the adding 10% of "sunflower shells + corn stalks" process‐ ing dust to the diets is more conducive to lipid metabolism, adding 5% enhanced the body metabolism, significantly increased the daily weight gain, and increases the economic benefits. Therefore, it is recom‐ mended to add 5% of "sunflower shells + corn stalks" processing dust to the diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of adding Panax notogineng residue to the feed on the growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, and meat quality of Xichou Wugu chickens. A total of 270 Xichou Wugu chickens with similar body weight and 28 days old were divided into three groups, with five replicates per group, each replicate consisted of 18 Xichou Wugu chickens, half in male and female. The control group was fed a basic diet, while the experimental group Ⅰ and group Ⅱ were supplemented with 4% and 8% Panax notogineng residue in the basic diet, respectively. The pre-test lasted for seven days and the experiment lasted for 60 days. The results showed that compared to the control group, the feed to gain ratio was significantly reduced in group Ⅱ (P<0.05), and the total muscle amino acids were significantly increased (P<0.05). The average daily feed intake, serum triglycerides, muscle fat, and saturated fatty acid content in group Ⅰ and group Ⅱ were all significantly decreased (P<0.05). the muscle moisture, unsaturated fatty acids, and essential fatty acid content were significantly increased in group Ⅰ and group Ⅱ (P<0.05). The study indicates that the addition of Panax notogineng residue to the feed can improve the growth performance, improve serum biochemical indexes, and enhance the meat quality of Xichou Wugu chickens, the addition of 4% Panax notogineng residue is the more suitable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of bile acids on the growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, and antioxidant capacity of Tianchang Sanhuang chickens during the growing period. A total of 300 seven-week-old Tianchang Sanhuang chickens with similar body condition were randomly divided into five groups, each group with six replicates, and each replicate consisted of 10 chickens. The basal diets were supplemented with 0 (control group), 0.01% chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), 0.02% CDCA, 0.01% hyodeoxycholic acid (HDCA), and 0.02% HDCA, respectively. The experiment lasted for eight weeks. The results showed that at the age of 7 to 10 weeks, compared with the control group, the 0.02% HDCA extremely reduced the content of HDL-C in the serum (P<0.01), the 0.01% CDCA significantly reduced the content of CREA in the serum (P<0.05), and the 0.02% CDCA significantly reduced the activity of T-SOD in the serum (P<0.05). At the age of 11 to 14 weeks, compared with the control group, the 0.02% CDCA significantly increased the average daily weight gain (P<0.05) and significantly reduced the feed to gain ratio (P<0.05), the 0.01% CDCA and 0.01% HDCA group extremely increased the daily growth of tibial circumference (P<0.01), the 0.02% HDCA extremely increased the activity of ALT in the serum (P<0.01), and the 0.02% CDCA extremely reduced the activity of AST in the serum (P<0.01), and the 0.01% CDCA and 0.01% HDCA significantly reduced the content of TBA in the serum (P<0.05). The study indicates that the addition of bile acids to the feed can effectively improve the growth performance of Tianchang Sanhuang chickens during the growing period, improve some serum biochemical indexes, and does not affect the body's antioxidant enzyme activity, with the addition of 0.02% CDCA showing the better effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the effects of Feizhusan on the growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, antioxidant levels, and growth hormone levels of fattening pigs, a total of 160 fattening pigs were divided into four groups in this experiment. The control group was fed with basic feed, group 1, 2, and 3 added 1%, 2%, and 4% Feizhusan to the feed. The experimental period was 35 days. During the experiment, the growth of fattening pigs were recorded, and serum biochemical indexes, antioxidant levels, and growth hormone levels were measured on days 0 and 35. The results showed that compared with the control group, the weight gain and average daily weight gain of group1, group 2, and group 3 increased significantly (P<0.01), average daily feed in‐ take of group 2 and group 3 increased significantly (P<0.05). There were no significant difference in feed conversion ratio among the groups (P>0.05). Serum urea nitrogen significantly decreased (P<0.05), serum glucose extremely significantly increased (P<0.01), superoxide dismutase showed an upward trend (0.05< P<0.10), and cortisol significantly decreased (P<0.05). In summary, adding Feizhusan to the feed for fat‐ tening pigs has the effect of improving growth performance, improving serum biochemical indexes, in‐ creasing antioxidant and growth hormone levels，and the recommended dosage is 2%. [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 explore the effects of essential oil organic acid complex on the growth performance, blood routine, serum biochemical indexes, and meat quality of Guangxi Sanhuang chickens. A total of 240 chickens of 72-day-old (finishing period) with the same body weight and physiological state were randomly selected and divided into two groups, with six replicates in each group and 20 chickens in each replicate. The control group was fed with basal diet, while the experimental group was fed with a diet containing 0.25 g/kg essential oil organic acid complex. The trial period was 42 days. The results showed that the final weight and average daily weight gain of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P<0.05), the feed-to-weight ratio was significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.05), and the death rate was reduced by 25.04% (P>0.05). The ratio of large platelets in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). Serum alanine aminotransferase activity, total cholesterol content, and triglyceride content in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05), while aspartate aminotransferase activity and aspartate/alanine aminotransferase ratio were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). The shear force of breast muscle of Sanhuang chickens in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). The study indicates that the essential oil organic acid complex has positive effects on growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, and meat quality of Guangxi Sanhuang chickens, and can be used as a substitute anti-drug product in Guangxi Sanhuang chickens breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The purpose of this experiment was to study the effects of compound probiotics on the growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, and slaughter performance of finishing Hu sheep. Eighty-four 3-month-old male Hu sheep with similar weight were randomly divided into four groups with three replicates in each group and seven sheep in each replicate. The control group was fed with basal diet, and the basal diet was supplemented with 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% compound probiotics (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis and Enterococcus faecalis) in experimental group Ⅰ, group Ⅱ, and group Ⅲ, respectively. The pre-test period was 15 days, and the formal test period was 120 days. The results showed that the average daily gain of experimental group Ⅲ was extremely higher than that of control group (P<0.01), and the feed-to-weight ratio was extremely lower than that of experimental control group (P<0.01). The IgA content in group Ⅲ was extremely higher than that in the control group (P<0.01), while the other data in each experimental group showed no significant difference compared to the control group (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in serum biochemical indexes, and serum antioxidant indexes between the experimental group and the control group (P>0.05). The mutton pH value of experimental group Ⅰ and group Ⅲ was extremely lower than the other groups (P<0.01). The contentrations of fat, saturated fatty acid, and unsaturated fatty acid in mutton of group Ⅲ were extremely higher than those of other groups (P<0.01), and the live weight before slaughter was significantly higher than that of control group (P<0.05). The study indicates that adding compound probiotics to the diet can improve the growth performance, meat quality, and slaughter performance of Hu sheep, and the feeding effect is better when the addition amount is 0.3%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effects of microecological agents on the production performance, nutrients apparent digestibility, wool production performance, and serum biochemical indexes of Alpine Merino sheep. Ninety Alpine Merino ewes aged 2~3 years and of similar weight were randomly divided into three groups with three replicates in each group and ten ewes in each replicate. The control group, the test group Ⅰ and the test group Ⅱ were added with 0, 1%, and 2% microecological agents in the feed, respectively. The pre-test period was ten days, and the formal test period was 120 days. The results showed that compared with the control group, the newborn weight of lambs in the test group Ⅰ and the test group Ⅱ was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the wool yield and wool length of ewes were significantly increased (P<0.05). The apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, and neutral detergent fiber in the test group were significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). The contentrations of serum total protein, globulin, and glucose in the test groups were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05), while the contentrations of urea nitrogen, cholesterol, and triglyceride were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The rumen pH value, ammonia nitrogen, and butyric acid concentration of ewes in the test group decreased significantly (P<0.05), while the proportion of acetic acid increased significantly (P<0.05). The study indicates that adding microecological agents to the supplemental diet of Alpine Merino sheep can effectively increase the birth weight of lambs, wool yield and wool length of ewes, and improve serum biochemical indexes and rumen fermentation function of ewes. The appropriate amount of microecological agents is 1%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this experiment was to study the effects of different varieties of whole plant corn silage on the production performance, serum biochemical indexes, and rumen fermentation parameters of dairy cows. In this experiment, 30 cows with a body weight of (650.00±36.11) kg were selected and randomly divided into two groups, with 15 replicates per group and one cow per replicate. The control group was fed with Heyu 187 silage, and the experimental group was fed a new variety of whole plant corn silage, respectively. The pre-test period was 15 days and the test period was 60 days. The results showed that there was no significant difference in nutritional quality of whole corn silage between the two varieties (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in dry matter intake and milk composition between the two groups (P>0.05). Milk yield, 3.5% milk fat correction milk, and feed efficiency of experimental group were significantly higher than those of control group (P<0.05). The serum β-hydroxybutyric acid content in experimental group was significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in rumen fermentation parameters between the two groups (P>0.05). The study indicates that the feeding effect of the new whole corn silage is better than that of Heyu 187, which is helpful to improve the production performance of dairy cows, and has no adverse effects on the health and rumen fermentation of dairy cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effects of compound Chinese herbal on physiological indexes, growth performance, and serum biochemical indexes of beef cattle under heat stress. Twenty-four fattening Xia'nan cattle with good body condition and similar body weight were randomly divided into four groups, with six replicates in each group and one cattle in each replicate. The control group was fed with a basal diet, while the experimental group were fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% compound Chinese herbal, respectively. The trial period was 30 days. The results showed that the THI in the cowshed was greater than 72 during the whole test period, and the cattle were in a state of heat stress. On the 20th and 30th day, the respiratory rate of 1.0% group and 1.5% group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the dry matter intake and average daily gain of 1.0% group increased significantly (P<0.05), and the feed-to-weight ratio of 0.5% group and 1.0% group decreased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the concentrations of TP, ALB, GLB, T-AOC, and GSH-Px, SOD activities in 1.0% group increased significantly (P<0.05), while the concentrations of BUN, GLU, and MDA decreased significantly (P<0.05), and the concentrations of IgG and IL-6 in 1.0% group and 1.5% group increased significantly (P<0.05). The results show that adding compound Chinese herbal to diet can improve the heat stress response of beef cattle, and the better effect is 1.0%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this experiment was to study the effects of different proportions of Zhangzagu straw instead of peanut vine on the growth performance, nutrients apparent digestibility, meat quality, and serum biochemical indexes of finishing sheep. Twenty-four healthy 'Du x Hu' hybrid finishing rams with the body weight of (32.73± 2.46) kg aged about three months were randomly divided into three groups, with eight replicates in each group and one sheep in each replicate. The control group only added peanut vine. In the experimental Group I, 50% Zhangzagu straw was used to replace peanut vine. In the experimental Group II, 80% Zhangzagu straw was used to replace peanut vine. The pre-feeding period was 10 days, and the formal trial period was 70 days. The results showed that compared with the control group, the average daily feed intake of Group I decreased significantly (P<0.05), and the apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber increased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the L* value of flesh color in Group I significantly increased (P<0.05) and the shear force significantly decreased (P<0.05), the pH45 min value in Group II significantly increased (P<0.05) and the shear force value significantly decreased (P<0.05), while the L* value of flesh color in Group II was significantly lower than that of Group I (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the levels of total protein (TP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and cholesterol (CHOL) were significantly increased in Group I (P<0.05), and the TP content in Group II increased significantly (P<0.05). The study indicates that replacing peanut vine with Zhangzagu straw has certain effects on the growth performance, nutrients apparent digestibility, meat quality, and serum biochemical indexes of finishing sheep, and 50% Zhangzagu straw instead of peanut vine has the best weight gain effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this experiment was to study the changes of serum biochemical indexes of Dagu chicken roosters and analyze the differences of serum biochemical indexes among chickens with different growth rates. In the experiment, 263 roosters aged one day were raised to 24 weeks old. From the third week, five cocks were randomly selected for blood collection every single weekend, and serum biochemical indexes were measured. At the 12th week of age, 12 chickens with high body weight (H group) and six chickens with low body weight (L group)were randomly selected, and their body weight was accurately measured and blood samples were taken to measure serum biochemical indexes. The results showed that serum albumin, globulin, total carbon dioxide, calcium, total bilirubin, and urea nitrogen were significantly or extremely significantly positively correlated with age (P<0.05 or P<0.01), while albumin to globulinl ratio, total bile acid, glucose, and inorganic phosphorus were significantly negatively correlated with age (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in serum aspartate aminotransferase levels (P>0.05), while there were significant differences in other serum indexes among different feeding stages (P<0.05). At 12 weeks old, the serum total bile acid content in H group was significantly higher than that in L group (P<0.05), and glucose content was significantly lower than that in L group (P<0.01). There was a significant (P<0.05) or extremely significant (P<0.01) correlation between body weight and serum total bile acid, lipase, and glucose levels. The study indicates that the contents and differences of serum biochemical indexes in different feeding stages of Dagu chicken roosters are determined, and the body weight of 12-week-old Dagu chickens is related to bile acid, glucose and lipase in serum, and the body weight can be estimated by a mathematical model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effects of different proportions of soft acid in drinking water on the production performance, egg quality, and serum biochemical indexes of Jingfen No.2 laying hens at the late of laying peak. A total of 270 Jingfen No.2 laying hens with normal body condition and similar weight at 556 days old were randomly divided into three groups with six replicates in each group and 15 laying hens in each replicate. The control group (CON group) drank tap water. 500 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg of soft acid were added to tap water in the soft acid 500 group and 800 group, respectively. The pre-test period was seven days, and the formal test period was 42 days. The results showed that compared with the control group, the unqualified egg rate of the soft acid 500 group and the soft acid 800 group decreased significantly (P<0.05), the average egg weight increased significantly (P<0.05), and the feed to egg ratio of the soft acid 800 group decreased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the eggshell scores of soft acid 500 group and soft acid 800 group increased significantly (P<0.05), and the egg weight, yolk weight, eggshell strength, yolk ratio and yolk score all showed an increasing trend (P>0.05). Compared with the control group, the total protein content in serum of the soft acid 800 group increased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the levels of serum IgA and IgG in the soft acid 500 group and 800 group increased significantly (P<0.05). The study indicates that adding 500 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg soft acid in drinking water has positive effects on improving production performance, egg quality, serum biochemical indexes, and immune function of Jingfen No.2 laying hens, and the effect of adding 800 mg/kg soft acid is better than that of 500 mg/kg soft acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effects of Bacillus pumilus (GXUN613L) on the growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health of coho salmon. A total of 240 coho salmon with initial body mass of (130.2±10.1) g were randomly divided into four groups with three replicates in each group and 20 coho salmon in each replicate. Bacillus pumilus (GXUN613L) was supplemented with 0, 2x107, 4x109, and 8x1011 CFU/g in basal diet in CK group, LL group, LM group, and LH group, respectively. The trial period was six weeks. The results showed that the weight gain rate and specific growth rate of coho salmon in LL group and LM group were significantly higher than those in CK group (P<0.05), the protein efficiency ratio of coho salmon in LM group was significantly higher than that in CK group (P<0.05), and the feed conversion ratio was significantly lower than that in CK group (P<0.05). Serum total protein, albumin and total cholesterol in LL group, LM group, and LH group were significantly higher than those in CK group (P<0.05). Serum glucose content and alkaline phosphatase activity in LM group were significantly higher than those in CK group (P<0.05). The total antioxidant capacity, catalase activity, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activity of liver in LM group were significantly higher than those in CK group (P<0.05). The muscular layer thickness and villus height of foregut and hindgut in LM group were significantly higher than those in CK group (P<0.05), and the intestinal microbial diversity was better. The result shows that the addition of Bacillus pumilus (GXUN613 L) in feed can promote the growth, improve the serum indexes and intestinal health, and enhance the antioxidant capacity of coho salmon. The suitable addition amount of GXUN613L is 4x109 CFU/g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to explore the effects of compound organic acidifiers on the production performance, egg quality, serum biochemical indexes, and economic benefits of laying hens in the late laying period. Five hundred and forty 72-week-old Jingfen No.2 laying hens with similar body condition were selected and randomly divided into three groups (CON group, L-COA group, and H-COA group), with six replicates in each group and 30 hens in each replicate. Each group was fed the same diet. The CON group drank tap water throughout the whole process. The L-COA group and H-COA group added 0.10% and 0.15% compound organic acidifiers to the drinking water, respectively. The test period was 42 days. The results showed that compared to the CON group, the egg production rate and egg qualified rate of the L-COA group were significantly increased (P<0.05), the egg production rate, average egg weight, and egg qualified rate of the H-COA group were significantly increased (P<0.05). The eggshell strength and egg yolk score of the L-COA group were significantly improved (P<0.05). The serum low-density lipoprotein content and alanine aminotransferase activity in the L-COA group and H-COA group were significantly reduced (P<0.05). The breeding profits of the L-COA group and H-COA group increased by 1.08% and 13.64%, respectively. The study indicates that adding compound organic acidifiers to the drinking water of laying hens during the late laying period has a positive effect on egg production efficiency, egg quality, serum biochemical indexes, and economic benefits, and the better effect is achieved when the added amount of compound organic acidifiers is 0.15%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this experiment was to study the effects of different levels of compound acidifiers on the growth performance, nonspecific immunity, and serum biochemical indexes of grass carp. A total of 480 grass carps with similar weight were randomly divided into four groups with three replicates in each group and 40 grass carps in each replicate. Grass carp in the control group were fed with basic feed, while grass carp in the experimental group were fed with feed containing 0.1% (0.1% compound acidifier group), 0.2% (0.2% compound acidifier group) and 0.4% (0.4% compound acidifier group), respectively. The trial period was eight weeks. The results showed that compared with the control group, the powder weight, weight gain rate and specific growth rate of grass carp in the 0.2% compound acidifier group increased significantly (P<0.05), while the feed coefficient decreased significantly (P<0.05). The liver-body ratio of grass carp in the 0.1% compound acidifier group and 0.2% compound acidifier group was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the crude fat content of grass carp muscle in each compound acidifier group increased significantly (P<0.05), and the water content of grass carp muscle in 0.2% compound acidifier group decreased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the activity of lysozyme (LZM) and the content of triglyceride (TG) in serum of grass carp in the 0.2% and 0.4% compound acidulant groups were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the content of immunoglobulin M (IgM) in serum of grass carp in each compound acidulant group was significantly increased (P<0.05). The serum urea nitrogen (BUN) content decreased significantly (P<0.05), total protein (TP), glucose (GLU) content and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity increased significantly in the 0.2% compound acidifier group (P<0.05). The study indicates that adding the proper amount of compound acidifier in grass carp production can improve growth performance, improve body composition, enhance immunity, and improve some serum biochemical indexes, and the suitable addition level of compound acidifier is 0.2%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effects of two total mixed diets on the growth performance and serum biochemical indexes of 25~35 kg Suffolk and Tibetan sheep crossbred F1 ewe under cold season house feeding conditions. Twenty-one ewes bred in F1 generation of Suffolk and Tibetan sheep hybrid with similar body condition and phenotype were randomly divided into three groups with seven replicates in each group and one sheep in each replicate. Group D (CP 14.26%, ME 12.93 MJ/kg) and Group G (CP 15.06%, ME 11.67 MJ/kg) were fed total mixed diets with different protein and energy levels, while the control group was fed alfalfa and oat hay. The pre-test period was seven days, and the formal test period was 60 days. The results showed that the average daily gain from 1 to 30 days, the average daily gain from 31 to 60 days, the average daily gain from 1 to 60 days, and the average daily gain from 1 to 60 days in Group G were significantly higher than those in Group D and control group (P<0.05), while the feed-to-weight ratio from 31 to 60 days and 1 to 60 days were significantly lower than those in Group D (P<0.05). The average daily feed intake and feed-weight ratio from 1 to 30 days, and average daily feed intake from from 31 to 60 days and 1 to 60 days in Group D were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). The serum glucose, total cholesterol, and lactate dehydrogenase activity in Group G were significantly higher than those in Group D and control group (P<0.05), the serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase activity in Group G was significantly higher than that in Group D and control group (P<0.05), the serum albumin and calcium contentrations in Group D were significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05), the serum total bile acid and inorganic phosphorus content in Group D were significantly higher than that in and control group (P<0.05), and the serum urea nitrogen content in Group D and Group G was significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05). The study indicates that feeding total mixed diet to F1 ewe of Suffolk and Tibetan hybrid in cold season can improve the growth performance, and the feeding effect of group G is better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of different crude protein levels on the growth performance, nutrient apparent digestibility and serum biochemical indexes of house-feeding intensive fattening yaks fed in cold season. In this study, 30 male yaks with good body condition and weight of (180.00±11.67) kg were randomly divided into three groups, with 10 replicates in each group and one yak in each replicate. Three crude protein levels were designed for total mixed diets (TMR), which were 12.5% (Group Ⅰ), 15.5% (Group Ⅱ), and 18.5% (Group Ⅲ). The pre-test period was 30 days, and the formal test period was 90 days. The results showed that the total weight gain and average daily weight gain of yaks in Group Ⅰ and Group Ⅱ were significantly higher than those in Group Ⅲ (P<0.05). The feed to weight ratio of yaks in Group Ⅲ was significantly higher than that in Group Ⅰ and Group Ⅱ (P<0.05). The apparent digestibility of crude ash in Group Ⅱ and Group Ⅲ was significantly higher than that in Group Ⅰ (P<0.05). The activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in yak serum of Group Ⅲ was significantly higher than that in Group Ⅱ (P<0.05). The content of urea nitrogen (BUN) in Group Ⅲ was significantly higher than that in Group Ⅰ and Group Ⅱ (P<0.05). The study indicates that the fattening effect of medium protein level diet in the yak fattening process is better, and the recommended protein level of yak diet in the cold season is 15.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this experiment was to study the effects of fermented Chinese medicine on the production performance, serum biochemical indexes, and nutrient apparent digestibility of dairy cowss. Fifty-six cows with similar body condition and parity were randomly divided into two groups with four replicates in each group and seven cows in each replicate. The control group was fed with a basal diet, while the experimental group was fed with 200 g/d fermented Chinese medicine. The pre-test period was one week, and the formal test period was eight weeks. The results showed that compared with the control group, on the 56th day, the milk yield, milk fat rate, milk protein rate, and lactose rate in the experimental group increased significantly (P<0.05), while the number of somatic cells in milk decreased significantly (P<0.05). The activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and the contentrations of urea nitrogen (BUN) and nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) in serum of dairy cows decreased significantly (P<0.05). The apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) increased significantly (P<0.05). The results showed that adding fermented Chinese medicine to dairy cows' diet can improve production performance and nutrient apparent digestibility of dairy cows, and improve dairy quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Chinese herbal preparations on the growth performance, serum biochemical indexes and immune performance of pigeons. Using a single-factor experimental design, 240 healthy pigeons at the age of 28 days were selected and randomly divided into four groups, with five replicates in each group and 12 pigeons in each replicate. The group CK was fed with basal diet, and the group A, group B and group C were fed with 0.010, 0.025, and 0.050 g/kg Chinese herbal preparations, respectively. The pre-test period was 7 days, and the formal test period was 30 days. The results showed that at the final weight of pigeons in the group B was significantly higher than that in the group CK (P<0.05). At the age of 56 days, the serum albumin (ALB) content of the group B was extremely higher than that in the group A (P<0.01) and significantly higher than that in the group CK (P<0.05). The serum total cholesterol (TC) content in the groups B and C was significantly higher than that in the group A (P<0.05). At 65 days of age, the serum total protein (TP) content in the group B was significantly higher than that in the group CK (P<0.05), and significantly higher than that in the group A (P<0.05). The serum ALB content in the group B was extremely higher than that in the group CK (P<0.01) and significantly higher than that in the group A (P<0.05). At 42 days of age, the serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and M (IgM) levels in the group B and group C were significantly higher than those in the group CK (P<0.05). The serum levels of complement C3 and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in the group B and group C were significantly higher than those in the group CK (P<0.05). At 65 days of age, the serum levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgM, IgG and interleukin-2 (IL-2) in the group B were significantly higher than those in the group CK (P<0.05). The serum levels of complement C3, complement C4, IFN-γ, interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the group B were extremely higher than those in the group CK (P<0.01). Studies have shown that the addition of Chinese herbal medicine preparations can effectively improve the growth performance and serum biochemical indexes of pigeons, promote the development of immune organs, and enhance immunity, and the effect of adding 0.025 g/kg is better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effects of replacing fish meal with fermented Antarctic krill meal on growth performance, body color, and serum biochemical indexes of koi carp, 450 koi carp with an average body weight of (4.92±0.22) g were randomly divided into five groups with three replicates per group and 30 fish per replicate. In the control group, we added unfermented defatted Antarctic krill meal, and in the experimental groups, we added defatted Antarctic krill meal fermented by Enterococcus faecalis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Clostridium butyricum, and compound bacteria (1:1:1), which were termed as ES (control group), EF, LP, CB, and MIX, respectively. The addition amount of Antarctic krill meal in each group was 200 g/kg, and the experiment lasted for 70 days. The results showed the following: Compared with those in the control group, the replacement of fish meal with fermented Antarctic krill meal significantly improved final body weight (FBW), weight gain rate (WGR), and specific growth rate (SGR) (P0.05). Based on the above results, using complex bacteria to ferment krill meal in the koi carp feed is recommended with a 20% addition level of defatted krill meal, which can effectively improve the absorption and conversion utilization rate of krill meal.

The purpose of the experiment was to study the effects of adding different levels of fermented soybean residue complex on growth performance, slaughter performance, meat quality and serum biochemical indices of Wugang Tong geese. A total of 144 healthy 50-day-old Wugang Tong geese were randomly divided into 4 groups with 6 replicates per group and 6 geese per replicate (half male and half female). The control group was fed a basal diet, and the experimental groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 3%, 6% and 9% fermented soybean residue complex, respectively. The experiment lasted for 20 days. The results showed as follows: ① compared with the control group, the average daily feed intake of 3% experimental group was significantly increased (P<0.05). ② There were no significant differences in dressing percentage, half-eviscerated percentage, eviscerated percentage, breast muscle percentage, leg muscle percentage and abdominal fat percentage among all groups (P>0.05). ③ Compared with the control group, the pH24 h of breast muscle in 9% experimental group was significantly increased (P<0.05), leg muscle L*24 h value of 6% experimental group was significantly decreased (P<0.05); leg muscle b*24 h value of 9% experimental group was significantly higher than that of control group and 3% experimental group (P<0.05); leg muscle cooking loss in 6% experimental group was significantly lower than that in control group and 3% experimental group (P<0.05). ④ The liver index of the control group was 25.73%, while the liver index of the 3% and 6% experimental groups was 32.57% and 32.59%, respectively, with an increase of 26.58% and 26.66% (P<0.05). ⑤ Dietary fermented soybean residue complex significantly increased the serum total protein (TP) content (P<0.05). The serum globulin (GLB) of experimental group had a tendency to increase (0.05≤P<0.10), and urea nitrogen (BUN) had a tendency to decrease (0.05≤P<0.10). In conclusion, fermented soybean residue complex can improve the growth performance, meat quality, protein metabolism and liver development of Wugang Tong geese, and the appropriate supplemental level of fermented soybean residue complex in 50 to 70 days of age of Wugang Tong geese is 3% to 6%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this experiment was to study the effects of plant essential oils on the production performance, serum biochemical indexes, immune indexes, intestinal development, and intestinal flora of laying hens. A total of 160 thousand 430-day-old JF-1 laying hens were randomly divided into two groups, with five replicates in each group and 16 000 hens in each replicate. The CO group was fed with basal diet, while the EO group was fed with 200 g/t plant essential oil. The trial period was 40 days. The results showed that the qualified egg rate of laying hens was increased, the feed-to-egg ratio was decreased, and the serum IgG and IgA concentrations of laying hens were significantly increased (P<0.05). Plant essential oil decreased the ratio of intestinal chorionic gland, increased the number of Lactobacillus in intestinal tract, and significantly decreased the number of Clostridium perfringens in intestinal tract (P<0.05). The result shows that adding plant essential oil to the diet can improve the performance and immunity of laying hens, promote the development of intestinal morphology, and reduce the number of harmful bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of different treatments of whole-plant corn silage in dairy cows' diet on the production performance, milk quality, rumen fermentation parameters, and serum biochemical indexes were studied. Sixty Holstein cows with similar parity, lactation period and milk yield were divided into four treatment groups according to a single factor design, with five replicates in each group and three cows in each replicate. Dairy cows in the control group were fed a whole-plant corn silage without any additives, dairy cows in the test group 1 were fed a whole-plant corn silage treated with probiotic preparation, dairy cows in the test group 2 were fed a whole-plant corn silage treated with enzyme preparation, and dairy cows in the test group 3 were fed a whole-plant corn silage treated with bacteria-enzyme compound preparation. The pre-feeding period was one week, and the formal trial period was eight weeks. The results showed that compared with the control group, the average daily dry matter intake of cows in the test group 3 significantly increased (P<0.05). The milk yield of dairy cows in the test group 1, group 2 and group 3 significantly increased (P<0.05). The milk protein rate in the test group 3 significantly increased (P<0.05), and the somatic cell number in the test group 1, group 2 and group 3 significantly decreased (P<0.05). The rumen acetic acid, total volatile fatty acid, and bacterial protein levels in the test group 3 significantly increased (P<0.05). The serum total protein level in the test group 3 significantly increased (P<0.05), the serum glucose level in the test group 1, test group 2 and test group 3 significantly increased (P<0.05), and the urea nitrogen level significantly decreased (P<0.05). The result shows that the whole-plant corn silage treated with additives can improve the production performance, milk quality, rumen fermentation function and some serum biochemical indexes of dairy cows, and the whole-plant corn silage treated with bacteriaenzyme compound preparation had a better effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to reveal the seasonal variation of serum biochemical indexes and endocrine indexes of Inner Mongolia cashmere goats, a total of 11 two-year-old ewes were allowed to graze freely throughout the year, and the ambient temperature, relative humidity, and precipitation were recorded over the course of the year. Monthly blood samples were collected from the jugular vein to measure serum biochemical indexes and endocrine indexes. The results showed that in winter, serum total protein and albumin concentrations of cashmere goats were higher compared to other seasons ( P<0.05 or P<0.01), and serum globulin concentration was higher in winter than in spring ( P<0.05). In summer, serum cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein concentration of cashmere goats was lower than in other seasons ( P<0.01), and serum triglyceride concentration in autumn and winter was higher than in spring and summer ( P<0.01), while lowdensity lipoprotein concentration was higher in autumn than in spring and summer ( P<0.05 or P<0.01). Blood glucose concentration of cashmere goats in spring was higher than in autumn ( P<0.05), serum insulin concentration in autumn was higher than in summer ( P<0.05), serum triiodothyronine concentration in winter was higher than in summer ( P<0.05), and serum heat shock protein 90 concentration in summer was higher than in other seasons ( P<0.05 or P<0.01). Non-esterified fatty acid concentration of cashmere goats in winter was higher than in other seasons ( P<0.05 or P<0.01). The study indicates that seasonal changes can influence serum biochemical indicators and regulate the secretion of related endocrine hormones in Inner Mongolian cashmere goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to investigate the effects of 'Zhang Za Gu' on the semen quality and serum biochemical indexes in male breeder rabbits. Thirty-six healthy adult Iraqi male rabbits with good sexual desire were randomly divided into six groups, with six replicates in each group and one breeder rabbits in each replicate. Rabbits in each group were fed diets containing 0, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% 'Zhang Za Gu', respectively. The pretrial period was seven days, and the pretrial period was 90 days. The results showed that, compared to day 30, sperm motility and sperm density of the experimental groups increased on the 60th day and the 90 th day ( P<0.05), while semen volume and sperm abnormality rate showed no significant changes ( P>0.05). Different levels of 'Zhang Za Gu' had no significant impact on the serum biochemical indices of male breeder rabbits ( P>0.05). The study indicates that considering factors such as feed cost and semen quality, the optimal effect is observed when 'Zhang Za Gu' appending proportion is 10%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of whole-plant corn silage on the intestinal length, organ indexes, and serum biochemical indexes of Taizhou geese. A total of 180 female Taizhou breeding geese at 35 days old were randomly divided into six groups with three replicates in each group and 10 geese in each replicate. The control group was fed a basic diet, while Group I - Group V were fed the whole-plant corn silage that replaced 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50 % of the basic diet. The pre-test period was 7 days and the experimental period was 49 days. The results indicate that at 71 days of age, the lengths of the cecum in Group VV and Group V, the cecum in Group V, and the rectum in Group V were significantly higher than those in the control group ( P<0.05). At 92 days of age, the length of the rectum in Group V was significantly higher than that in the control group ( P<0.05). At 71 days of age, the liver index in Group V was superior to the control group and Group V and Group V ( P<0.05), and the gizzard index was higher than that in the control group ( P<0.05). At 92 days of age, the TP concentration in Group V, Group III Group IV and Group V was higher than that in the control group. The AST activity in the control group was higher than that in Group I and Group V ( P<0.05). The study indicates that replacing the basic diet with whole-plant corn silage has no negative effect on the development of the hearts and livers of Taizhou geese aged 43-92 days. It can promote the development of the digestive organs, protein anabolism, and deposition, with the suitable substitution ratio being 20% to 30%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to explore the effects of autumn supplementary feeding on the serum biochemical indexes of Oula sheep at different age stages. A total of 24 healthy and similar-conditioned Oula ewes at the ages of 6, 12, and 36 months were selected for each age group. The Oula sheep at each age stage were randomly divided into a grazing group (group 1) and a grazing + supplementary feeding group (group 1), with three replicates in each group and four sheep in each replicate. The pre-feeding period was 10 days and the formal experimental period was 60 days. The results showed that the average daily weight gain of the group ii was higher than that of the group i for 6-month-old and 12-month-old sheep ( P<0.05). In 6-month-old sheep of the group i, the serum E2 and GH levels were higher than those in the group i ( P<0.05). In 12-month-old and 36-month-old sheep of the group i, the ALP activity was higher than that in the group i( P<0.05). In 6-month-old sheep of the group i, the serum GLB level was higher than that in the group i( P<0.05). In 12-month-old sheep of the group, the IL-2 level was higher than that in the group ( P<0.05). In 36-month-old sheep of the group, the levels of GLB, IgM, IL-4, and IL-6 were higher than those in the group ( P<0.05). In 6-month-old sheep of the group, the serum GSH-Px activity was higher than that in the group ( P<0.05). In 12-month-old and 36-month-old sheep of the group, the SOD activity was higher than that in the group ( P<0.05). The study suggests that autumn supplementary feeding promotes the rapid maturation of 6-month-old ewes, enhances the growth, metabolic capacity, immune function, and antioxidant ability at different age in Oula sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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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 experiment aimed to investigate the effects of Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecium on the production performance, egg quality, serum biochemical indexes, immune indexes, and intestinal microbes of laying hens. A total of four hundred .38-week-old Hyline Brown laying hens were randomly divided into four groups, with five replicates per group and 20 hens per replicate. Group 1 (control group) were fed with a basic diet. Group 2 received a basic diet supplemented with 200 g/t of Bacillus subtilis. Group 3 received a basic diet supplemented with 200 g/t of Enterococcus faecium. Group 4 received a basic diet supplemented with a composite probiotic consisting of 100 g/t of Bacillus subtilis and 100 g/t of Enterococcus faecium. The experimental period lasted for 56 days. The results showed that compared to the control group, the egg production rate of all the experimental groups increased (P<0.05), and the mortality rate and feed to egg ratio decreased (P<0.05). The eggshell thickness and yolk color increased (P<0.05). The total protein and globulin levels in the serum of laying hens in all the experimental groups increased (P<0.05), and the levels of immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, and y -interferon in the serum all increased (P<0.05). The number of lactic acid bacteria in the cecum chyme of the laying hens increased (P<0.05), while the number of Escherichia coli and Salmonella decreased (P<0.05). The study suggests that Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecium can improve the production performance of laying hens, maintain intestinal health, and enhance serum biochemical and immune indexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted to study the effect of corn stalk leaves and pith on the growth performance, nutrient apparent digestibility, and serum biochemical indexes of mutton sheep. Thirty healthy ewes weighing (30.0 ± 3.0) kg were randomly divided into two groups according to the principle of similar body weight, with three replicates in each group and five ewes in each replicate. The sheep in the control group were fed a corn straw as the roughage, the sheep in the experimental group were fed corn stalk leaves and pith as the roughage, and the sheep in the experimental group and the control group were fed the same concentrate. The pre-trial period was 10 days and the formal trial period was 90 days. The results showed that compared with the control group, the average daily gain of the experimental group increased by 10.58%, the average daily dry matter intake increased by 1.01%, and the feed to gain ratio decreased by 8.66%. The apparent digestibility rates of dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, calcium, and phosphorus in the experimental group were 6.52%, 8.69%, 9.43%, 8.17%, 8.43%, 5.87%, and 6.51% higher than those in the control group, respectively. Compared with the control group, the total protein content, globulin content, and alkaline phosphatase activity in the serum of sheep in the experimental group increased by 3.41%, 10.70%, and 12.42%, respectively, and the urea nitrogen content decreased by 5.00%. The concentrations of serum immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin M, immunoglobulin G, complement C3, and complement C4 in the experimental group were 5.89%, 7.90%, 7.58%, 6.95%, and 2.66% higher than those in the control group, respectively. The experiment o indicates that compared with the whole corn stalk, corn stalk leaves and pith are a kind or high quality roughage herbivorous livestock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]