Dietary <i>Eucommia ulmoides</i> Extract Alleviates the Effect of Cold Stress on Chick Growth Performance, Antioxidant and Immune Ability

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the protective value of Eucommia ulmoides extract (EUE) on chicks under cold stress. A total of 21 compounds were identified in EUE using mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Ninety chicks were divided into a control group (CS) fed a basal diet and an experimental group supplemented with EUE, exposed to 10 ± 1 °C for 8 h per day. Results showed, compared with the CS group, the body weights (BW) (p p p p p p p p p p < 0. 001) were higher in the EUE group. Dietary EUE could also reduce chick organ damage. Overall, EUE as a natural feed additive can improve the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and immune level, and reduce the organ damage of cold-stressed chicks.

Keywords

• <i>Eucommia ulmoides</i> extract
• chick
• cold stress
• growth performance
• antioxidant
• immune