Effects Of Compound Chinese Herbal Extracts On Laying Performance,Serum Biochemical Indexes And Gut Microbiota Of Chongren Hens

The purpose of this experiment is to study the effects of CCHE on the laying performance,serum biochemical indexes and gut microbiota of Chongren hens.In the experiment,120(240-d-old)Chongren hens were randomly allocated into 4 treatments with six replicates and fed with a basal diet(CON)and the basal diet supplemented with different levels of CCHE(100,200,400 mg/kg).The test period was 56 days.The results showed that: the CCHE increased the egg production rate of Chongren hens(quadratic,P <0.05),and improved egg yolk color,eggshell thickness,eggshell redness and eggshell strength(Linear,P <0.05),reducing the egg yolk cholesterol content by regulating the expression levels of HMGR and VLDLR genes(P <0.05).Appropriate levels of CCHE also improve the antioxidant capacity and immune function of Chongren hens,promoting disease resistance of Chongren hens.200 mg / kg CCHE supplementation significantly increased the height of the duodenum,jejunum and ileum of Chongren hens(quadratic,P <0.05).The villus heights of duodenum,jejunum and ileum were increased(quadratic,P<0.05)and the crypt depth and V/C in the jejunum were increased(quadratic,P < 0.05).16 S RNA sequencing of the caecum flora of Chongren hens showed that,200 mg / kg CCHE supplementation increased the level of Phylum Firmicutes in the cacum flora of Chongren hens and the Lactobacteriaceae on the family level(P <0.05).In summary,Addition of CCHE improved the production performance,egg quality,antioxidant function,and intestinal morphology in hens,which might be associated with the gut microbiota.Dietary CCHE improved the antioxidant function and the intestinal health,thereby improving the production performance and egg quality of hens.