Aerial parts of Angelica sinensis supplementation for improved broiler growth and intestinal health

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This research examined the impact of incorporating Angelica sinensis's aerial components (APA), commonly referred to as “female ginseng”, into broilers' diet. Two hundred eighty-eight 1-day-old Cobb 500 broilers were randomly assigned to the 4 experimental groups with 6 replications and 12 birds/replicate. The 4 groups were fed the diets included 4 concentrations of APA (0, 1, 2, and 3%, respectively). The study spanned 42 d, categorized as the starter phase (1–21 d) and the finisher phase (22–42 d). Notably, broilers fed with 3% APA demonstrated a pronounced surge in feed consumption and weight gain during the 22 to 42 d and over the full 42-d period (P < 0.05). Furthermore, when examining the broilers' intestinal structure, there was a notable increase in the villus height and villi ratio across the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, with a decrease in crypt depth upon 3% APA inclusion (P < 0.05). On a molecular note, certain genes connected to the intestinal mechanical barrier, such as Zona Occludens 1 and Claudin-2, saw significant elevation in the jejunum (P < 0.05). The jejunum also displayed heightened levels of antimicrobial peptides like lysozyme, mucin 2, sIgA, IgG, and IgM, showcasing an enhanced chemical and immune barrier (P < 0.05). Delving into the 16SrDNA sequencing of intestinal content, a higher microbial diversity was evident with a surge in beneficial bacteria, particularly Firmicutes, advocating a resilient and balanced microecosystem. The findings imply that a 3% APA dietary addition bolsters growth metrics and fortifies the intestinal barrier's structural and functional integrity in broilers.

Keywords

• aerial parts of Angelica sinensis
• broiler growth performance
• intestinal barrier
• intestinal homeostasis