A feed additive of herbal extract for litopenaeus vannamei and application thereof

Abstract

The application relates to a feed additive of herbal extracts for Litopenaeus vannamei and application thereof. The feed additive of herbal extracts is composed of dandelion extracts and houttuynia cordata extracts. The dandelion extracts and the houttuynia cordata extracts are mixed in a proportion of 1:1 and then added into the basic feed of Litopenaeus vannamei, so that the growth performance of the Litopenaeus vannamei is remarkably improved, the intestinal and hepatopancreas tissue structures are improved, and the immunity is enhanced. Meanwhile, the extracts effectively regulate the intestinal flora structure, increase the abundance and diversity of the intestinal flora, and promote the nutrient absorption and digestion functions. The extracts have a synergistic effect, are low in price, green in environmental protection, safe and free of residues.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of feed additive technology, and in particular to a herbal extract additive for Litopenaeus vannamei feed and its application. Background Technology

[0002] Litopenaeus vannamei, one of the world's most important farmed shrimp species, is not only the highest-yielding shrimp species in my country but also dominates the global shrimp farming market. With the rapid development of the aquaculture industry, Litopenaeus vannamei production faces increasing challenges, most notably the frequent outbreaks of bacterial and viral diseases, which lead to significant economic losses. While antibiotic treatment can effectively control the spread of bacteria and fungi, the consequences of inappropriate antibiotic use cannot be ignored. For example, long-term excessive use of antibiotics may induce the emergence of superbugs. The spread of drug-resistant bacteria not only harms the aquaculture environment but may also pose a hidden threat to human health through residues in aquatic products. Furthermore, the overuse of antibiotics can lead to an imbalance in the aquatic microecology, suppress the immune system function of aquatic animals, and even affect the export trade and market access of aquatic products.

[0003] On the other hand, with the development of high-density and large-scale shrimp farming, the deterioration of the farming environment and the shortage of feed resources have led to problems for Litopenaeus vannamei, such as small marketable size, low survival rate, and poor flavor. Furthermore, the demand for fishmeal continues to rise, while price volatility intensifies, forcing the aquaculture industry to seek alternative protein sources. While non-fishmeal protein sources can alleviate the fishmeal shortage, their use may have negative effects, such as affecting the growth rate and immunity of aquatic animals. Therefore, developing functional additives that can replace antibiotics and promote the growth and improve the immunity of Litopenaeus vannamei has become a hot research topic and has significant practical implications.

[0004] Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), as a natural resource with diverse biological activities, has received widespread attention in recent years for its application in aquatic animal feed. TCM contains abundant bioactive components and boasts significant advantages such as being green, environmentally friendly, residue-free, and non-polluting. Different TCM components can work synergistically, both promoting nutrition and enhancing the immune function of aquatic animals while inhibiting the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, the development of TCM additives is considered a promising technology for replacing antibiotics. However, in practical applications, some TCM resources are limited or expensive, such as Eucommia ulmoides, Sophora flavescens, and Astragalus membranaceus. The demand for these herbs conflicts with human medication needs, potentially leading to resource shortages and thus affecting the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry.

[0005] Dandelion (Taraxacum mongolicum) and houttuynia cordata, two common traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, are not only abundant and widely distributed, but also highly adaptable and relatively inexpensive. Both dandelion and houttuynia cordata contain various bioactive components with excellent antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-enhancing properties. This makes them ideal raw materials for functional additives for aquatic animals. Studies have shown that extracts from dandelion and houttuynia cordata promote the growth, immunity, and disease resistance of aquatic animals, especially demonstrating significant advantages in replacing antibiotics. Therefore, utilizing these inexpensive and abundant traditional Chinese medicinal herb extracts as functional additives can not only improve the immunity and disease resistance of Litopenaeus vannamei, but also effectively replace antibiotics, reduce environmental pollution and the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria, and promote the sustainable development of aquaculture.

[0006] Dandelion and houttuynia cordata, as promising sources of traditional Chinese medicine, have broad application prospects in aquaculture. By rationally utilizing the extracts from these herbs, it is possible to reduce antibiotic dependence, decrease drug residues, and improve aquaculture efficiency while ensuring shrimp health. With further research into these herbs, their antibiotic alternatives will be more widely applied, thereby promoting the aquaculture industry towards a greener and more sustainable development. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In order to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide a herbal extract additive for Litopenaeus vannamei feed and its application.

[0008] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve its technical problem is: a herbal extract additive for Litopenaeus vannamei feed, wherein the components of the herbal extract feed additive are composed of dandelion extract and houttuynia cordata extract.

[0009] As a further improvement of the present invention, the mass ratio of the dandelion extract to the houttuynia cordata extract is 1:1.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, the amount of the herbal extract feed additive for Litopenaeus vannamei is 1-3%.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, the amount of the herbal extract feed additive for Litopenaeus vannamei is 1.5-2.5%.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, the amount of the herbal extract feed additive for Litopenaeus vannamei is 2%.

[0013] This invention also includes the application of a herbal extract additive in Litopenaeus vannamei feed, wherein the herbal extract additive in Litopenaeus vannamei feed and the Litopenaeus vannamei basic feed constitute Litopenaeus vannamei herbal extract feed.

[0014] As a further improvement of the present invention: Preparation of compound feed: Dandelion extract and houttuynia cordata extract are added to the raw materials, stirred evenly, granulated, matured, and air-dried.

[0015] As a further improvement of the present invention: the application of Litopenaeus vannamei herbal extract feed prepared using herbal extract additives in Litopenaeus vannamei feed to enhance the growth performance of Litopenaeus vannamei.

[0016] As a further improvement of the present invention: the application of Litopenaeus vannamei herbal extract feed, prepared using herbal extract additives in Litopenaeus vannamei feed, in improving the morphology of the intestinal and hepatopancreatic tissues of Litopenaeus vannamei.

[0017] As a further improvement of the present invention: the application of Litopenaeus vannamei herbal extract feed prepared using herbal extract additives in Litopenaeus vannamei feed to improve the intestinal flora structure of Litopenaeus vannamei.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0019] The present invention mixes dandelion extract and houttuynia cordata extract in a 1:1 ratio and adds them to the basic feed of Litopenaeus vannamei. This can improve the survival rate of Litopenaeus vannamei, promote growth, improve the structure of intestinal and hepatopancreatic tissues, increase the abundance and diversity of intestinal flora, and regulate the structure of intestinal flora.

[0020] The dandelion of this invention contains a variety of bioactive substances such as oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, polypeptides, phenolic acids, alkaloids, and flavonoids. It has properties such as promoting growth, anti-rheumatism, anti-cancer, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects. It is a common dietary supplement and pharmaceutical preparation, and is safe and residue-free.

[0021] Houttuynia cordata has heat-clearing and detoxifying properties, and possesses certain biological activity and edible value. Existing research shows that the chemical components of Houttuynia cordata include volatile oils, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenes, sterols, and organic acids, with its main medicinal components being volatile oils and flavonoids.

[0022] In this invention, dandelion extract and houttuynia cordata extract can produce a significant synergistic effect.

[0023] The dandelion extract and houttuynia cordata extract in this invention are inexpensive, readily available, and produced using simple, green, and environmentally friendly methods. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 Electron micrographs of intestinal tissue of Litopenaeus vannamei from different experimental groups in this invention.

[0026] Figure 2 Electron micrographs of hepatopancreatic tissue from different experimental groups of Litopenaeus vannamei in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0028] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0029] Litopenaeus vannamei, one of the most important farmed shrimp species globally and the highest-yielding shrimp species in my country, faces increasing challenges in its production. Among the most prominent are the frequent outbreaks of bacterial and viral diseases. The long-term overuse of antibiotics may lead to the emergence of superbugs, and the spread of drug-resistant bacteria not only harms the farming environment but may also affect human health through residues in aquatic products. The overuse of antibiotics disrupts the aquatic microecology and affects the ecological balance of aquaculture water bodies. The irrational use of antibiotics may suppress the digestive immune function of aquatic animals, reducing their disease resistance. Antibiotic residues may also affect market access for aquatic products, thereby impacting exports. Litopenaeus vannamei farming also faces the problems of high-density farming and environmental degradation. High-density farming results in smaller shrimp sizes, affecting the quality of marketable shrimp; dense farming environments lead to lower survival rates and increased farming risks; deteriorating farming environments may reduce shrimp flavor; and the continuously increasing demand and fluctuating price of fishmeal force the aquaculture industry to find alternative protein sources, which may affect the growth and immunity of aquatic animals. The high price of some traditional Chinese medicines can significantly increase the cost of aquatic feed; furthermore, the limited resources of some herbs (such as Eucommia ulmoides, Sophora flavescens, and Astragalus membranaceus) may conflict with human pharmaceutical needs, impacting the sustainable development of aquaculture. Although traditional Chinese medicines have the potential to replace antibiotics, their practical application still faces challenges related to resources and cost, and further research is needed on the synergistic effects between herbal components and the optimization of extraction methods.

[0030] This invention provides a herbal extract additive for Litopenaeus vannamei feed and its application. The herbal extract feed additive for Litopenaeus vannamei consists of dandelion extract and houttuynia cordata extract.

[0031] The application of dandelion extract and houttuynia cordata extract in Litopenaeus vannamei feed has shown significant effects, improving shrimp survival rates, promoting growth, and playing an important role in regulating intestinal flora and improving tissue structure. The combined addition of dandelion and houttuynia cordata extracts to feed significantly enhances the immunity and disease resistance of Litopenaeus vannamei, thereby reducing disease incidence and improving survival rates. These plant extracts enhance the shrimp's immune response by regulating the immune system, reducing the risk of bacterial and viral infections. The active ingredients in dandelion and houttuynia cordata (such as polysaccharides, flavonoids, and volatile oils) can stimulate the appetite of Litopenaeus vannamei, promote nutrient absorption, and thus accelerate growth. Studies have shown that these components not only have nutritional promoting effects but also improve the digestibility and absorption of feed, allowing shrimp to better utilize nutrients and further promote growth. These two herbal extracts can also improve the intestinal and hepatopancreatic tissue structure of Litopenaeus vannamei, enhancing its digestive function. The bioactive components in dandelion and houttuynia cordata help repair the intestinal mucosa, promote the regeneration of intestinal epithelial cells, and enhance intestinal barrier function, thereby improving the digestive and absorptive capacity of shrimp. Regarding the hepatopancreas, the active components of dandelion and houttuynia cordata can promote the metabolic activity of liver cells, increase the detoxification function of the hepatopancreas, and help shrimp better process harmful substances and metabolites in feed, maintaining healthy internal organ function. Extracts of dandelion and houttuynia cordata have a regulatory effect on intestinal flora, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting the reproduction of harmful bacteria, thus increasing the abundance and diversity of intestinal flora. A rich intestinal flora helps improve the immunity of shrimp, improve intestinal health, and enhance their tolerance to environmental stress. The health of the intestinal flora is closely related to the growth, digestion, and immune function of shrimp; optimizing the intestinal microecology helps improve breeding efficiency. The compound extract of dandelion and houttuynia cordata can adjust the structure of the intestinal flora, increasing the proportion of beneficial bacteria such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, while inhibiting the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella. This regulatory effect not only improves the gut microecological environment but also reduces the risk of infection by pathogenic microorganisms, thereby enhancing the disease resistance of shrimp and increasing the success rate of aquaculture.

[0032] The raw materials, reagents, or instruments used in the feed additive for Litopenaeus vannamei using herbal extracts and its application can all be purchased from the market.

[0033] Example 1

[0034] The feed additive for Litopenaeus vannamei consists of dandelion extract and houttuynia cordata extract, with a mass ratio of 1:1.

[0035] The above-mentioned herbal extract feed additives are added at 2% of the basic feed. Dandelion extract and houttuynia cordata extract are weighed according to the proportion and added to the raw materials, stirred evenly, granulated, matured, and air-dried at room temperature.

[0036] Comparative Example 1

[0037] Shrimp formulated feed without the addition of Chinese herbal extracts or feed additives.

[0038] In Comparative Example 1, 2% flour was added to replace the 2% herbal extract feed additive added in Example 1.

[0039] Weigh the raw materials according to the feed formula, mix them evenly, granulate, mature, and air dry at room temperature.

[0040] Comparative Example 2

[0041] Add 1% dandelion extract to the shrimp base feed, but do not add houttuynia cordata extract.

[0042] In Comparative Example 2, 1% flour was added to replace the 1% houttuynia cordata extract added in Example 1.

[0043] Weigh 1% dandelion extract and add it to the raw materials, stir well, granulate, mature, and air dry at room temperature.

[0044] Comparative Example 3

[0045] Add 1% houttuynia cordata extract to the shrimp base feed, but do not add dandelion extract.

[0046] In Comparative Example 3, 1% flour was added to replace the 1% dandelion extract added in Example 1.

[0047] Weigh 1% houttuynia cordata extract and add it to the raw materials, stir well, granulate, mature, and air dry at room temperature.

[0048] After the feeds from Examples 1 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3 were air-dried in a cool, shaded place indoors, they were stored in a -20°C refrigerator.

[0049] The formulations for Examples 1 and 3 are as follows:

[0050]

[0051]

[0052] The nutritional components of the four feed groups are as follows:

[0053] Nutritional composition analysis Example Comparative Example 1 Comparative Example 2 Comparative Example 3 crude protein 40.45 40.74 40.59 40.59 Crude fat 8.2 8.18 8.19 8.19

[0054] Dandelion extract: Dandelion extract is rich in various bioactive components, such as polysaccharides, flavonoids, and volatile oils, which can enhance the immune system of aquatic animals. These components can stimulate the activity of immune cells, activate the immune response in aquatic animals, and increase disease resistance. Dandelion extract can enhance the phagocytic activity of macrophages in fish and shrimp, increase the content of immunoglobulins (IgM), thereby improving the disease resistance of fish and shrimp, especially in the face of bacterial and viral diseases. Dandelion extract promotes digestion, regulates the acid-base balance of the gastrointestinal tract, improves the secretion of digestive juices, enhances intestinal absorption, and thus improves feed utilization. Its rich plant fiber can stimulate intestinal peristalsis, promote food digestion and excretion, and help improve the efficiency of nutrient digestion and absorption in fish and shrimp. The flavonoids and polyphenols in dandelion have strong antioxidant effects, which can scavenge free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and protect the cells of fish and shrimp from oxidative damage. Its anti-inflammatory effect can inhibit inflammatory responses in the intestines and other organs, maintaining the health of the intestinal and immune systems. Dandelion extract can regulate the gut microbiota of fish and shrimp, enhance the growth of beneficial bacteria, and inhibit the reproduction of harmful bacteria, thereby improving gut health and enhancing the growth performance and health of aquatic animals.

[0055] Houttuynia cordata extract: Rich in volatile oils, flavonoids, tannins, and other components, Houttuynia cordata extract possesses potent antibacterial and antiviral effects, effectively inhibiting the growth of pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses, thus reducing the risk of infection in aquatic animals. Houttuynia cordata exhibits good disease prevention effects in aquaculture, especially against common aquatic pathogens such as Vibrio, Escherichia coli, and various viruses, showing significant inhibitory effects. Houttuynia cordata enhances immune function, stimulating the immune system, activating immune cells, increasing immunoglobulin synthesis, promoting antibody production, and improving the disease resistance of fish and shrimp. It can promote the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the body, enhancing the self-defense capabilities of aquatic animals and helping them better cope with environmental stress and pathogen invasion. Houttuynia cordata extract can effectively alleviate the stress response of fish and shrimp under high-density farming and environmental pressure. By regulating the endocrine system and reducing the secretion of stress hormones, it helps improve the growth performance of fish and shrimp and reduces the negative impact of stress on growth and immune function. Houttuynia cordata has a regulatory effect on intestinal flora, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria (such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria) and inhibiting the proliferation of harmful bacteria (such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella), thereby improving the intestinal health of fish and shrimp. Through this regulatory effect, Houttuynia cordata can improve the intestinal microecological balance, reduce the occurrence of intestinal diseases, and enhance the digestive capacity and nutrient absorption rate of aquatic animals. The polyphenols and flavonoids in Houttuynia cordata extract have antioxidant effects, which can reduce oxidative stress and improve the disease resistance of fish and shrimp. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help reduce the inflammatory response of the intestinal and immune systems in aquatic animals, promoting health.

[0056] This invention relates to a herbal extract additive for Litopenaeus vannamei feed, which mixes dandelion extract and houttuynia cordata extract in a 1:1 ratio. The combined application of dandelion and houttuynia cordata allows them to complement each other, enhancing the immune system of aquatic animals. The combined effect of these two plant extracts improves the growth environment of aquatic animals, promotes appetite, and increases digestive and absorptive efficiency, thereby accelerating growth and improving feed utilization. Their function in improving intestinal health and regulating intestinal flora structure helps to increase growth rate and survival rate. The combined application of dandelion and houttuynia cordata can significantly improve intestinal function, regulate the intestinal microbiota, promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, and inhibit the reproduction of pathogens, thereby improving the digestive and absorptive capacity of aquatic animals and reducing the occurrence of intestinal diseases. The combined use of dandelion and houttuynia cordata extracts can more effectively reduce stress responses and enhance the ability of fish and shrimp to cope with environmental stress and pathogen invasion during aquaculture. Their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects help maintain the health of aquatic animals, ensuring their normal growth and immune function in complex environments.

[0057] Aquaculture trials were conducted on Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3:

[0058] From August 2nd to September 30th, 2024, aquaculture experiments were conducted at the Sanya Research Center for Tropical Fisheries, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Lingshui County, Hainan Province. Before the experiment, shrimp larvae were temporarily held using commercial feed. Then, experimental shrimp of uniform size (approximately 1.45g) were selected, and their total weight and number of shrimp were recorded to calculate the initial average weight. These shrimp were then randomly assigned to 12 cement ponds. Each pond (500L) contained 30 shrimp, with three replicates for each treatment. Within seven days of the experiment's start, if any shrimp died or exhibited abnormal behavior, healthy shrimp of similar size were added from the holding ponds, and the results were recorded. If any shrimp died after seven days of the experiment, only their weight was recorded; no replacement shrimp were added. During the formal experiment, shrimp were fed three times a day at fixed times: morning (8:00), noon (15:00), and evening (22:00). Initially, the feeding amount was set at 2% of the shrimp's body weight. Feed was checked one and a half hours after feeding; if there was no leftover feed, the feeding amount was increased by 10% the following day; if there was leftover feed, the feeding amount was reduced by 5%. During the 8-week breeding experiment, all cement ponds were continuously aerated, and the water was changed 1-2 times per week, with each water change involving 1 / 3 of the volume. Water quality was tested regularly to ensure a good growth environment for the shrimp.

[0059] After the aquaculture trial, the growth performance of Litopenaeus vannamei was measured and shown in Table 1. Intestinal and hepatopancreatic samples were taken for slide preparation, and midgut samples were taken to detect intestinal flora.

[0060] Table 1. Effects of herbal extract feed additives on the growth performance of Litopenaeus vannamei.

[0061] Group Initial average weight Final average weight Weight gain rate (%) Specific growth rate (%) Survival rate (%) Example 1 1.44±0.02 <![CDATA[27.81±1.45 a ]]> <![CDATA[1830.81±103.19 a ]]> <![CDATA[5.10±0.09 a ]]> 92.22±10.72 Comparative Example 1 1.42±0.03 <![CDATA[26.15±2.32 ab ]]> <![CDATA[1743.44±128.87 ab ]]> <![CDATA[5.02±0.12 ab ]]> 80.00±26.46 Comparative Example 2 1.44±0.03 <![CDATA[26.46±1.03 ab ]]> <![CDATA[1738.49±107.65 ab ]]> <![CDATA[5.02±0.10 ab ]]> 90.00±6.67 Comparative Example 3 1.46±0.02 <![CDATA[25.17±0.98 b ]]> <![CDATA[1622.58±82.91 b ]]> <![CDATA[4.91±0.08 b ]]> 95.56±3.85

[0062] Table 2. Effects of feed additives containing traditional Chinese medicine extracts on the intestinal flora of Litopenaeus vannamei.

[0063] Group Ace Index Chao1 Index Coverage (%) Shannon Diversity Index Simpson Diversity Index Example 1 342.43±38.25 334.62±40.10 99.87±0.03 4.76±0.18 0.93±0.02 Comparative Example 1 287.07±37.76 292.27±40.29 99.89±0.02 4.46±0.33 0.91±0.03 Comparative Example 2 294.68±54.11 281.84±36.74 99.88±0.03 4.27±0.36 0.91±0.03 Comparative Example 3 300.69±46.33 300.88±53.43 99.88±0.03 4.77±0.33 0.94±0.01

[0064] As can be seen from Table 1, in terms of growth performance, the final average weight, weight gain (%), and specific growth rate (%) of Example 1 were higher than those of the comparative group. In particular, Comparative Example 3, which only added 1% dandelion extract, showed a certain growth inhibition effect compared to Comparative Example 1, which did not add any herbal extracts. However, Example 1, which added a combination of dandelion extract and houttuynia cordata extract, showed a significant improvement in growth performance, indicating that there is a certain synergistic enhancing effect between houttuynia cordata extract and dandelion extract.

[0065] As shown in Table 2, the gut microbiota abundance index (Ace, Chao1) of the examples was significantly higher than that of the comparative examples, and the gut microbiota diversity index (Shannon diversity index, Simpson diversity index) was significantly higher than that of comparative examples 1 and 2, but there was no difference from comparative example 3. Furthermore, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria in Example 1 decreased, while the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes increased. This indicates that adding a combination of dandelion extract and houttuynia cordata extract to shrimp feed can synergistically improve the gut microbiota structure.

[0066] from Figure 1 It can be seen that in Example 1, the intestinal structure was intact, the villi were neatly distributed and arranged, and the tissue morphology was optimal. In contrast, in Comparative Example 1, the intestinal villi were partially broken, in Example 2, the intestinal villi were disordered, and in Comparative Example 3, the intestinal villi were detached and broken. This indicates that dandelion extract and houttuynia cordata extract can synergistically improve the intestinal morphology of shrimp.

[0067] from Figure 2 It can be seen that Example 1 showed the highest density of hepatic corpuscles, integrity of the basement membrane, and regularity of the stellate cavity, indicating the best hepatopancreatic structure and morphology. In contrast, Comparative Example 3 showed atrophied and deformed hepatic corpuscles, irregular stellate cavities, and damaged hepatopancreatic structure and morphology. This suggests that dandelion extract and houttuynia cordata extract can synergistically improve the morphology of hepatopancreatic tissue in shrimp.

[0068] Experimental conclusion:

[0069] 1. The combined use of Houttuynia cordata extract and dandelion extract enhances the growth performance of Litopenaeus vannamei.

[0070] 2. The combined use of Houttuynia cordata extract and Taraxacum mongolicum extract improves the intestinal flora structure of Litopenaeus vannamei.

[0071] 3. The combined use of Houttuynia cordata extract and Taraxacum mongolicum extract improved the morphology of intestinal and hepatopancreatic tissues in Litopenaeus vannamei.

[0072] The results showed that the present invention can promote the growth of Litopenaeus vannamei and improve the morphology of intestinal flora, intestine and hepatopancreas tissues.

[0073] The dandelion and houttuynia cordata used in this invention are pure natural raw materials, with no chemical toxic residues, and are widely distributed, highly adaptable, low in cost, and simple to process.

[0074] The main functions of this invention are:

[0075] (1) In this invention, dandelion extract and houttuynia cordata extract are mixed in a 1:1 ratio and added to the basic feed of Litopenaeus vannamei, which can effectively promote the growth of shrimp. The polysaccharides, oligosaccharides and rich flavonoids in dandelion can promote appetite and enhance digestion and absorption. The volatile oils and flavonoids in houttuynia cordata can improve the immunity and disease resistance of shrimp, thereby reducing the occurrence of diseases and ensuring that they are not harmed by external pathogens during growth. The combined use of dandelion and houttuynia cordata extracts can enhance the metabolism and nutrient absorption of shrimp, significantly improving their growth rate and weight gain. In addition, by regulating the intestinal flora of aquatic animals, the digestibility and absorption rate of nutrients can be improved, further promoting their growth and development.

[0076] (2) The dandelion extract and houttuynia cordata extract in this invention can effectively improve the intestinal flora structure of Litopenaeus vannamei. Dandelion is rich in bioactive substances (such as polysaccharides and flavonoids), which can provide a favorable growth environment for beneficial bacteria and promote their proliferation. Meanwhile, the volatile oils and flavonoids in houttuynia cordata have antibacterial effects, inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria in the intestine and reducing the invasion of pathogens. Studies have shown that the addition of dandelion and houttuynia cordata extracts significantly improves the abundance and diversity of the shrimp's intestinal flora, manifested as an increase in the proportion of beneficial bacteria, a decrease in the number of pathogens, and an optimization of the intestinal microecological environment. This improvement helps enhance the shrimp's immunity, strengthens its tolerance to environmental stress, and further promotes healthy growth.

[0077] (3) The effects of dandelion extract and houttuynia cordata extract on shrimp are not limited to improving the intestinal flora, but also significantly improve the tissue morphology of the intestine and hepatopancreas. The polysaccharides, polypeptides and other components in dandelion have strong anti-inflammatory effects, which can alleviate the inflammatory response of the intestine and internal organs caused by pathogenic microorganisms or environmental stress, and help repair and protect the tissue structure of the intestine and hepatopancreas.

[0078] The active ingredients (such as volatile oils and flavonoids) in Houttuynia cordata extract can enhance the liver's detoxification function, improve the metabolic activity of liver cells, and help improve the health of the hepatopancreas, thereby enhancing the overall health of shrimp. Histological analysis shows that feed supplemented with the extract of this invention can make the shrimp's intestines and hepatopancreas tissues healthier, with more intact cell structure and more vigorous function.

[0079] (4) Dandelion extract and houttuynia cordata extract produce a significant synergistic effect when used together. The polysaccharides in dandelion promote growth and enhance immunity, while houttuynia cordata provides antibacterial and antiviral support. The synergistic effect of the two results in greater improvements in shrimp growth, immunity, and disease resistance. Through reasonable formulation and combined use, their respective advantages can be maximized, significantly improving the efficiency of aquaculture.

[0080] (5) The dandelion and houttuynia cordata extracts of this invention are inexpensive and readily available, resulting in lower usage costs compared to other natural additives or chemical drugs. Furthermore, these plant extracts are natural, green, non-toxic, and residue-free, causing no environmental pollution and aligning with the concept of sustainable development. Dandelion and houttuynia cordata are abundant and relatively inexpensive, providing farmers with an economical and effective alternative to antibiotics, reducing aquaculture costs. As natural plant extracts, they contain no harmful substances and will not pollute the environment or water quality, meeting the environmental and sustainable development needs of modern aquaculture.

[0081] (6) Both dandelion extract and houttuynia cordata extract are derived from natural plants. After proper extraction and processing, they contain no harmful residues. Therefore, their use in aquaculture will not negatively affect the quality of aquatic products. Their natural components are highly safe, not only not harming the health of aquatic animals, but also effectively avoiding antibiotic residue problems and improving the market acceptance of aquatic products. This is especially true given the increasingly strict regulations on antibiotic use.

[0082] In summary, after reading this invention document, those skilled in the art can make various other corresponding modifications to the technical solutions and concepts based on this invention without creative mental effort, and all of these modifications fall within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. The use of herbal extract additives in feed for Litopenaeus vannamei, characterized by, The application relates to the application of a feed of Litopenaeus vannamei containing herbal extract additives in improving the intestinal and hepatopancreas tissue morphology of Litopenaeus vannamei, wherein the feed of Litopenaeus vannamei containing herbal extract additives is composed of a basic feed of Litopenaeus vannamei and the herbal extract additives; the herbal extract additives are composed of dandelion extract and houttuynia cordata extract; the mass ratio of the dandelion extract to the houttuynia cordata extract is 1:1; and the addition amount of the herbal extract additives is 1.5-2.5%.

2. The use of a herbal extract additive in the feed of white shrimp according to claim 1, characterized in that, The addition amount of the herbal extract additives is 2%.

3. The use of herbal extract additive in feed of Litopenaeus vannamei, characterized in that, The application relates to the application of a feed of Litopenaeus vannamei containing herbal extract additives in improving the intestinal and hepatopancreas tissue morphology of Litopenaeus vannamei, wherein the feed of Litopenaeus vannamei containing herbal extract additives is composed of a basic feed of Litopenaeus vannamei and the herbal extract additives; the herbal extract additives are composed of dandelion extract and houttuynia cordata extract; the mass ratio of the dandelion extract to the houttuynia cordata extract is 1:1; and the addition amount of the herbal extract additives is 1.5-2.5%.

4. The use of a herbal extract additive in the feed of white shrimp according to claim 3, characterized in that, The addition amount of the herbal extract additives is 2%. The application relates to the application of a feed of Litopenaeus vannamei containing herbal extract additives in improving the intestinal and hepatopancreas tissue morphology of Litopenaeus vannamei, wherein the feed of Litopenaeus vannamei containing herbal extract additives is composed of a basic feed of Litopenaeus vannamei and the herbal extract additives; the herbal extract additives are composed of dandelion extract and houttuynia cordata extract; the mass ratio of the dandelion extract to the houttuynia cordata extract is 1:1; and the addition amount of the herbal extract additives is 1.5-2.5%. The addition amount of the herbal extract additives is 2%.

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