Effects Of Fermented Stems And Leaves Of Radix Bupleuri On Production Performance,Intestinal Morphology And Microflora Of Laying Hens

Radix bupleuri is one of the traditional Chinese medicinal materials.The stems and leaves of Radix bupleuri are treated as wastes as non-medicinal parts.Fermentation treatment can improve the palatability and nutritional value of Radix bupleuri.In this study,the effects of fermented Radix bupleuri stems and leaves on performance,immune function,intestinal morphology and microbial flora of laying hens were evaluated through feeding experiments,and the optimal supplemental ratio of fermented Radix bupleuri stems and leaves in diets of laying hens was proposed,which provided a theoretical basis for the application of fermented Radix bupleuri stems and leaves.A total of 384 35-week-old Jing Tint 6 laying hens were randomly divided into 4 groups(8 replicates per group and 12 hens per replicate): control group(CON group),5% fermentation group(A group),10%fermentation group(B group)and 15% fermentation group(C group).Piglets in control group were fed a basal diet,and those in experimental groups were fed experimental diets supplemented with 5%,10% and 15% fermented Radix bupleuri stems and leaves,respectively.The experimental period was 2 weeks and the experimental period was 12 weeks.The main results are as follows:(1)Compared with the control group,the diet supplemented with fermented Radix bupleuri stem leaves had a tendency to increase eggshell thickness and average egg weight of laying hens aged 45 to 48 weeks(P = 0.067),but yolk color and Haber unit of laying hens aged 40 weeks were significantly decreased in 15% fermentation group(P < 0.05).The eggshell thickness of laying hens of 48 weeks of age in 10% fermentation group was significantly increased(P < 0.05).The laying rate,average daily feed intake and feed to egg ratio of laying hens aged 40 to 48 weeks were not significantly affected by the diet supplemented with fermented Radix bupleuri stem and leaves(P > 0.05).(2)Compared with the control group,diets supplemented with fermented Radix bupleuri stems and leaves significantly increased the contents of serum albumin(ALB)and immunoglobulin M(Ig M)of laying hens(P < 0.05).Meanwhile,the content of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in serum of laying hens in 10% fermentation group was significantly decreased(P < 0.05).(3)The activity of liver glutathione peroxidase(GSH-PX)in 10% fermentation group was significantly higher than that in other experimental groups(P < 0.05).There were no significant differences in malondialdehyde(MDA)content,superoxide dismutase(SOD)and peroxidase(CAT)activities and total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC)in liver,jejunum and ileum among treatment groups(P > 0.05).(4)Compared with the control group,diets supplemented with 5% and 10% fermented Radix bupleuri stems and leaves had no significant effects on intestinal villus height,crypt depth and the ratio of villus to crypt(VH/CD)(P > 0.05).Ileum VH/CD in 15%fermentation group was significantly lower than that in control group(P < 0.05).Meanwhile,Chao1 and observed＿species indices of cecum in experimental group were significantly increased(P < 0.05).At phylum level,Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were the dominant flora.Diets supplemented with 5% and 10% fermented bupleurum stems and leaves increased the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes in cecum(P < 0.05).At the genus level,the dominant bacterial group was Bacteroides and RC9 intestinal group of Riyanaceae.The diet supplemented with fermented Radix bupleuri stems and leaves increased the relative abundance of Bacteroides(P < 0.05).In conclusion,the diet supplemented with 10% fermented Radix bupleuri stems and leaves can improve intestinal microbial composition,regulate immune function and antioxidant performance of liver,and increase egg weight and eggshell thickness of laying hens.The diets supplemented with 15% fermented Radix bupleuri stem and leaves decreased ileal VH/CD,yolk color and HU.