Feed for improving meat quality and growth and reproduction performance of Guizhou Yaoshan chickens and preparation method thereof

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of poultry breeding. The invention provides a feed for improving meat quality and growth and reproduction performance of Guizhou Yaoshan chickens. The feed comprises a basal feed and a feed additive, the feed additive comprises the following components in parts by weight: 10-14 parts of an arthraxon hispidus aqueous extract, 5-7 parts of a houttuynia cordata steam explosion enzyme treatment substance, and 1-3 parts of mixed crushed dry powder of geranium wilfordii and shrimp shells. According to the feed, the growth performance of the Yaoshan chickens can be remarkably improved, the average daily gain of the 127-day-old Yaoshan chickens can reach 29 g or above, and the feed-weight ratio can be as low as 3.5; meanwhile, the laying rate, the fertilization rate and the fertilized egg hatching rate of the Yaoshan laying chickens can be remarkably increased; in addition, the meat quality of the Yaoshan chicken can be effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of poultry farming technology, specifically relating to feed and its preparation method for improving the meat quality and growth and reproductive performance of Guizhou Yaoshan chickens. Background Technology

[0002] Yaoshan chicken is a unique local breed native to Guizhou Province. Developed through long-term natural selection and closed breeding in the specific natural environment of the Yao Mountains, and nurtured by the unique breeding customs and management methods of the Yao people, it is renowned for its vibrant plumage, strong adaptability, tolerance to roughage, and high disease resistance. Yaoshan chicken is also highly sought after for its tender, crisp meat, delicious and sweet flavor, and low subcutaneous fat content.

[0003] Currently, research on Yaoshan chicken breeding techniques is still in its early stages. Most studies focus on the effects of different free-range methods or different conventional feeds on the growth of Yaoshan chickens. Examples include the research findings published by Duan Peiqiang et al. in "The Influence of Free-Range Methods in Tea Gardens on the Growth and Slaughter Performance of Yaoshan Chickens" and Tang Jigao in "The Influence of Different Feeding Levels on the Production Performance and Carcass Quality of Yaoshan Chickens." Only a few studies have explored methods for raising Yaoshan chickens in different environments. For instance, Chinese patent CN106135731B studied a feed suitable for raising Yaoshan chickens in the Yunnan plateau region.

[0004] It is not difficult to find that existing research reports have not yet covered how to further improve the economics of Yaoshan chicken farming (including growth performance and reproductive performance) in order to promote the further large-scale and efficient farming of Yaoshan chicken. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the present invention aims to provide a feed and its preparation method for improving the meat quality and growth performance of Guizhou Yaoshan chickens. The resulting feed is used to solve the problem of low reproductive performance in Yaoshan chickens, and to improve their growth performance and meat quality.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0007] A feed to improve the meat quality and growth and reproductive performance of Guizhou Yao Mountain chickens, the feed comprising a basic feed and feed additives; the feed additives, by weight, comprise the following components:

[0008] 10-14 parts of water extract of *Scutellaria baicalensis*, 5-7 parts of steam-exploding enzyme-treated product of *Houttuynia cordata*, and 1-3 parts of mixed powder of *Geranium wilfordii* and shrimp shells;

[0009] The water extract of *Scutellaria baicalensis* is the residue obtained after extraction and centrifugation using water as the extraction solvent.

[0010] The Houttuynia cordata vapor explosion enzyme-treated product is obtained by vapor explosion treatment of the whole Houttuynia cordata herb followed by enzymatic hydrolysis with pectinase.

[0011] The geranium and shrimp shell mixed powder is obtained by drying the whole geranium and then pulverizing it, and then mixing it with pulverized shrimp shells.

[0012] The feed additive is added to the feed at a ratio of 2-4 wt%.

[0013] Preferably, the feed additive comprises, by weight, the following components:

[0014] 12 parts of water extract of *Scutellaria baicalensis*, 6 parts of steam-explosive enzyme-treated *Houttuynia cordata*, and 2 parts of a mixed powder of *Geranium wilfordii* and shrimp shells.

[0015] Preferably, the feed additive is added to the feed at a ratio of 3 wt%.

[0016] Preferably, the preparation method of the water extract of *Scutellaria baicalensis* includes: taking the whole herb of *Scutellaria baicalensis*, washing it, drying it in the shade, and cutting it into small pieces as the substrate for water extraction. Adding the substrate to water at a liquid-to-solid weight ratio of 10:1, and extracting at 90°C for 2 hours; centrifuging to collect the residue, and then extracting again using the aforementioned method, collecting the residue; drying the residue in a 60°C oven, and grinding it into powder to obtain the water extract of *Scutellaria baicalensis*.

[0017] Preferably, the preparation method of the Houttuynia cordata steam explosion enzyme treatment product includes: taking the whole Houttuynia cordata herb, washing it, controlling the moisture content to 10%, then placing it in a steam boiler, and treating it under pressure at 1 MPa for 3 minutes, then removing it to remove the moisture, and then cutting it into pieces; after cutting, placing it in water at a liquid-to-solid weight ratio of 5:1, adding pectinase to make the enzyme activity 1000 U / ml, and treating it at 25°C for 2 hours; then raising the temperature to 60°C and keeping it warm for 15 minutes, centrifuging to collect the filter residue, placing the filter residue in a 60°C oven to dry, and grinding it into powder to obtain the Houttuynia cordata enzyme treatment product.

[0018] Preferably, the preparation method of the mixed pulverized and dried geranium and shrimp shell powder includes: drying the whole geranium at 60°C, then pulverizing it, and mixing it with pulverized shrimp shells to obtain the powder.

[0019] Preferably, the basic feed comprises, by weight percentage, 61% corn, 25% soybean meal, 2.5% wheat bran, 8.5% limestone powder, 1.4% dicalcium phosphate, 0.2% lysine, 0.1% methionine, 0.3% salt and 1% premix.

[0020] Preferably, the premixed feed per kilogram of basal feed comprises: CuSO4·5H2O 8mg, FeSO4·H2O 60mg, MnSO4·H2O 50mg, Na2SeO3 0.15mg, KI 0.15mg, ZnSO4·7H2O 50mg, VA 12000IU, VD3 3300 IU, VE 18mg, VK 2mg, VB1 3mg, VB2 5mg, biotin 0.15mg, folic acid 0.3mg, calcium pantothenate 25mg, niacin 30mg, and choline chloride 1000mg.

[0021] A method for preparing feed that improves the meat quality and growth and reproductive performance of Guizhou Yaoshan chickens, the method comprising mixing the above-mentioned feed additives and basic feed.

[0022] The above-mentioned feed was used to improve the meat quality and growth and reproductive performance of Guizhou Yaoshan chickens.

[0023] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0024] This invention significantly improves the growth performance of Yaoshan chickens, with an average daily weight gain of over 29g for 127-day-old Yaoshan chickens and a feed conversion ratio as low as 3.5. Simultaneously, this invention also significantly improves the egg production rate, fertilization rate, and hatchability of fertilized eggs in Yaoshan egg-laying chickens. Furthermore, this invention effectively enhances the meat quality of Yaoshan chickens. Therefore, this invention has a positive effect on increasing the economic value of Yaoshan chicken farming. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present invention will be specifically described below through embodiments. It should be noted that the following embodiments are only used to further illustrate the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. Some non-essential improvements and adjustments made by those skilled in the art based on the above-described invention are still within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] Example 1

[0027] 1. Preparation of feed ingredients

[0028] 1.1 Aqueous extract of *Scutellaria baicalensis*:

[0029] Collect the whole plant of *Scutellaria barbata* from the local area, wash it, air-dry it, and cut it into small pieces to serve as the substrate for water extraction. Add the substrate to water at a liquid-to-solid weight ratio of 10:1 and extract at 90°C for 2 hours. After centrifugation and collection of the residue, extract again using the aforementioned method and collect the residue. Dry the residue in a 60°C oven, grind it into powder, and obtain the *Scutellaria barbata* water extract.

[0030] 1.2 Houttuynia cordata vapor explosion enzyme treatment product

[0031] The whole herb of Houttuynia cordata was collected locally, washed, and the moisture content was controlled to 10%. It was then placed in a steam boiler and subjected to pressure treatment at 1 MPa for 3 minutes. After that, it was removed to remove the water and then chopped. After chopping, it was placed in water at a liquid-to-solid weight ratio of 5:1, and pectinase was added to make the enzyme activity 1000 U / ml. It was then treated at 25℃ for 2 hours. After that, the temperature was raised to 60℃ and kept at that temperature for 15 minutes. The residue was centrifuged and then placed in a 60℃ oven to dry. The residue was then ground into powder to obtain the Houttuynia cordata steam explosion enzyme-treated product.

[0032] 1.3 Geranium and shrimp shell mixture, pulverized and dried

[0033] The whole plant of Geranium wilfordii is collected from the local area, dried at 60℃, then crushed and mixed with crushed shrimp shells (commercially available shrimp shell powder) to obtain the final product.

[0034] 2. Feed preparation

[0035] 2.1 Basic feed: Mix 61% corn, 25% soybean meal, 2.5% wheat bran, 8.5% limestone powder, 1.4% dicalcium phosphate, 0.2% lysine, 0.1% methionine, 0.3% salt and 1% premix according to weight percentage to obtain the basic feed. The premixed feed consists of the following components per kilogram of basic feed: 8 mg copper (CuSO4·5H2O), 60 mg iron (FeSO4·H2O), 50 mg manganese (MnSO4·H2O), 0.15 mg selenium (Na2SeO3), 0.15 mg iodine (KI), 50 mg zinc (ZnSO4·7H2O), 12000 IU vitamin A, 3300 IU vitamin D, 18 mg vitamin E, 2 mg vitamin K, 3 mg vitamin B1, 5 mg vitamin B2, 0.15 mg biotin, 0.3 mg folic acid, 25 mg calcium pantothenate, 30 mg niacin, and 1000 mg choline chloride.

[0036] 2.2 By weight, 10 parts of *Scutellaria baicalensis* water extract, 5 parts of *Houttuynia cordata* vapor-explosive enzyme-treated extract, and 1 part of a mixed powder of *Geranium wilfordii* and shrimp shells were mixed and dried to obtain a feed additive. The feed additive was then added to the basal feed, resulting in a 2% by weight percentage of the feed additive in the final feed.

[0037] Example 2

[0038] 1. Preparation of feed ingredients

[0039] 1.1 Aqueous extract of *Scutellaria baicalensis*:

[0040] Collect the whole plant of *Scutellaria barbata* from the local area, wash it, air-dry it, and cut it into small pieces to serve as the substrate for water extraction. Add the substrate to water at a liquid-to-solid weight ratio of 10:1 and extract at 90°C for 2 hours. After centrifugation and collection of the residue, extract again using the aforementioned method and collect the residue. Dry the residue in a 60°C oven, grind it into powder, and obtain the *Scutellaria barbata* water extract.

[0041] 1.2 Houttuynia cordata vapor explosion enzyme treatment product

[0042] The whole herb of Houttuynia cordata was collected locally, washed, and the moisture content was controlled to 10%. It was then placed in a steam boiler and subjected to pressure treatment at 1 MPa for 3 minutes. After that, it was removed to remove the water and then chopped. After chopping, it was placed in water at a liquid-to-solid weight ratio of 5:1, and pectinase was added to make the enzyme activity 1000 U / ml. It was then treated at 25℃ for 2 hours. After that, the temperature was raised to 60℃ and kept at that temperature for 15 minutes. The residue was centrifuged and then placed in a 60℃ oven to dry. The residue was then ground into powder to obtain the Houttuynia cordata steam explosion enzyme-treated product.

[0043] 1.3 Geranium and shrimp shell mixture, pulverized and dried

[0044] The whole plant of Geranium wilfordii is collected from the local area, dried at 60℃, then crushed and mixed with crushed shrimp shells (commercially available shrimp shell powder) to obtain the final product.

[0045] 2. Feed preparation

[0046] 2.1 Basic feed: Mix 61% corn, 25% soybean meal, 2.5% wheat bran, 8.5% limestone powder, 1.4% dicalcium phosphate, 0.2% lysine, 0.1% methionine, 0.3% salt and 1% premix according to weight percentage to obtain the basic feed. The premixed feed consists of the following components per kilogram of basic feed: 8 mg copper (CuSO4·5H2O), 60 mg iron (FeSO4·H2O), 50 mg manganese (MnSO4·H2O), 0.15 mg selenium (Na2SeO3), 0.15 mg iodine (KI), 50 mg zinc (ZnSO4·7H2O), 12000 IU vitamin A, 3300 IU vitamin D, 18 mg vitamin E, 2 mg vitamin K, 3 mg vitamin B1, 5 mg vitamin B2, 0.15 mg biotin, 0.3 mg folic acid, 25 mg calcium pantothenate, 30 mg niacin, and 1000 mg choline chloride.

[0047] 2.2 By weight, 12 parts of *Scutellaria baicalensis* water extract, 6 parts of *Houttuynia cordata* vapor-explosive enzyme-treated extract, and 2 parts of a mixed powder of *Geranium wilfordii* and shrimp shells were mixed and dried to obtain a feed additive. The feed additive was then added to the basal feed, resulting in a feed additive weight percentage of 3% in the final feed.

[0048] Example 3

[0049] 1. Preparation of feed ingredients

[0050] 1.1 Aqueous extract of *Scutellaria baicalensis*:

[0051] Collect the whole plant of *Scutellaria barbata* from the local area, wash it, air-dry it, and cut it into small pieces to serve as the substrate for water extraction. Add the substrate to water at a liquid-to-solid weight ratio of 10:1 and extract at 90°C for 2 hours. After centrifugation and collection of the residue, extract again using the aforementioned method and collect the residue. Dry the residue in a 60°C oven, grind it into powder, and obtain the *Scutellaria barbata* water extract.

[0052] 1.2 Houttuynia cordata vapor explosion enzyme treatment product

[0053] The whole herb of Houttuynia cordata was collected locally, washed, and the moisture content was controlled to 10%. It was then placed in a steam boiler and subjected to pressure treatment at 1 MPa for 3 minutes. After that, it was removed to remove the water and then chopped. After chopping, it was placed in water at a liquid-to-solid weight ratio of 5:1, and pectinase was added to make the enzyme activity 1000 U / ml. It was then treated at 25℃ for 2 hours. After that, the temperature was raised to 60℃ and kept at that temperature for 15 minutes. The residue was centrifuged and then placed in a 60℃ oven to dry. The residue was then ground into powder to obtain the Houttuynia cordata steam explosion enzyme-treated product.

[0054] 1.3 Geranium and shrimp shell mixture, pulverized and dried

[0055] The whole plant of Geranium wilfordii is collected from the local area, dried at 60℃, then crushed and mixed with crushed shrimp shells (commercially available shrimp shell powder) to obtain the final product.

[0056] 2. Feed preparation

[0057] 2.1 Basic feed: Mix 61% corn, 25% soybean meal, 2.5% wheat bran, 8.5% limestone powder, 1.4% dicalcium phosphate, 0.2% lysine, 0.1% methionine, 0.3% salt and 1% premix according to weight percentage to obtain the basic feed. The premixed feed consists of the following components per kilogram of basic feed: 8 mg copper (CuSO4·5H2O), 60 mg iron (FeSO4·H2O), 50 mg manganese (MnSO4·H2O), 0.15 mg selenium (Na2SeO3), 0.15 mg iodine (KI), 50 mg zinc (ZnSO4·7H2O), 12000 IU vitamin A, 3300 IU vitamin D, 18 mg vitamin E, 2 mg vitamin K, 3 mg vitamin B1, 5 mg vitamin B2, 0.15 mg biotin, 0.3 mg folic acid, 25 mg calcium pantothenate, 30 mg niacin, and 1000 mg choline chloride.

[0058] 2.2 By weight, 14 parts of *Scutellaria baicalensis* water extract, 7 parts of *Houttuynia cordata* vapor-explosive enzyme-treated extract, and 3 parts of a mixed powder of *Geranium wilfordii* and shrimp shells were mixed and dried to obtain a feed additive. The feed additive was then added to the basal feed, resulting in a feed additive weight percentage of 4% in the final feed.

[0059] Comparative Example 1

[0060] Compared with Example 1, this comparative example 1 does not include the mixed pulverized and dried powder of geranium and shrimp shells in the feed additive, but is otherwise the same as Example 1.

[0061] The specific plan is as follows:

[0062] 1. Preparation of feed ingredients

[0063] 1.1 Aqueous extract of *Scutellaria baicalensis*:

[0064] Collect the whole plant of *Scutellaria barbata* from the local area, wash it, air-dry it, and cut it into small pieces to serve as the substrate for water extraction. Add the substrate to water at a liquid-to-solid weight ratio of 10:1 and extract at 90°C for 2 hours. After centrifugation and collection of the residue, extract again using the aforementioned method and collect the residue. Dry the residue in a 60°C oven, grind it into powder, and obtain the *Scutellaria barbata* water extract.

[0065] 1.2 Houttuynia cordata vapor explosion enzyme treatment product

[0066] The whole herb of Houttuynia cordata was collected locally, washed, and the moisture content was controlled to 10%. It was then placed in a steam boiler and subjected to pressure treatment at 1 MPa for 3 minutes. After that, it was removed to remove the water and then chopped. After chopping, it was placed in water at a liquid-to-solid weight ratio of 5:1, and pectinase was added to make the enzyme activity 1000 U / ml. It was then treated at 25℃ for 2 hours. After that, the temperature was raised to 60℃ and kept at that temperature for 15 minutes. The residue was centrifuged and then placed in a 60℃ oven to dry. The residue was then ground into powder to obtain the Houttuynia cordata steam explosion enzyme-treated product.

[0067] 2. Feed preparation

[0068] 2.1 Basic feed: Mix 61% corn, 25% soybean meal, 2.5% wheat bran, 8.5% limestone powder, 1.4% dicalcium phosphate, 0.2% lysine, 0.1% methionine, 0.3% salt and 1% premix according to weight percentage to obtain the basic feed. The premixed feed consists of the following components per kilogram of basic feed: 8 mg copper (CuSO4·5H2O), 60 mg iron (FeSO4·H2O), 50 mg manganese (MnSO4·H2O), 0.15 mg selenium (Na2SeO3), 0.15 mg iodine (KI), 50 mg zinc (ZnSO4·7H2O), 12000 IU vitamin A, 3300 IU vitamin D, 18 mg vitamin E, 2 mg vitamin K, 3 mg vitamin B1, 5 mg vitamin B2, 0.15 mg biotin, 0.3 mg folic acid, 25 mg calcium pantothenate, 30 mg niacin, and 1000 mg choline chloride.

[0069] 2.2 By weight, 10 parts of *Scutellaria baicalensis* water extract and 5 parts of *Houttuynia cordata* vapor-explosive enzyme-treated extract were mixed to obtain a feed additive. The feed additive was then added to the basal feed, resulting in a feed additive weight percentage of 2%.

[0070] Comparative Example 2

[0071] Compared with Example 1, in the preparation of Houttuynia cordata vapor explosion enzyme treated product, no vapor explosion treatment was performed, only enzyme treatment was performed to obtain Houttuynia cordata enzyme treated product.

[0072] The specific plan is as follows:

[0073] 1. Preparation of feed ingredients

[0074] 1.1 Aqueous extract of *Scutellaria baicalensis*:

[0075] Collect the whole plant of *Scutellaria barbata* from the local area, wash it, air-dry it, and cut it into small pieces to serve as the substrate for water extraction. Add the substrate to water at a liquid-to-solid weight ratio of 10:1 and extract at 90°C for 2 hours. After centrifugation and collection of the residue, extract again using the aforementioned method and collect the residue. Dry the residue in a 60°C oven, grind it into powder, and obtain the *Scutellaria barbata* water extract.

[0076] 1.2 Houttuynia cordata enzyme-treated products

[0077] Collect the whole herb of Houttuynia cordata from the local area, wash it, air dry it, and then cut it into pieces. After cutting, place it in water at a liquid-to-solid weight ratio of 5:1, add pectinase to make the enzyme activity 1000U / ml, and treat it at 25℃ for 2 hours. Then raise the temperature to 60℃ and keep it at that temperature for 15 minutes. Centrifuge and collect the filter residue. Place the filter residue in a 60℃ oven to dry it and grind it into powder to obtain the Houttuynia cordata enzyme-treated product.

[0078] 1.3 Geranium and shrimp shell mixture, pulverized and dried

[0079] The whole plant of Geranium wilfordii is collected from the local area, dried at 60℃, then crushed and mixed with crushed shrimp shells (commercially available shrimp shell powder) to obtain the final product.

[0080] 2. Feed preparation

[0081] 2.1 Basic feed: Mix 61% corn, 25% soybean meal, 2.5% wheat bran, 8.5% limestone powder, 1.4% dicalcium phosphate, 0.2% lysine, 0.1% methionine, 0.3% salt and 1% premix according to weight percentage to obtain the basic feed. The premixed feed consists of the following components per kilogram of basic feed: 8 mg copper (CuSO4·5H2O), 60 mg iron (FeSO4·H2O), 50 mg manganese (MnSO4·H2O), 0.15 mg selenium (Na2SeO3), 0.15 mg iodine (KI), 50 mg zinc (ZnSO4·7H2O), 12000 IU vitamin A, 3300 IU vitamin D, 18 mg vitamin E, 2 mg vitamin K, 3 mg vitamin B1, 5 mg vitamin B2, 0.15 mg biotin, 0.3 mg folic acid, 25 mg calcium pantothenate, 30 mg niacin, and 1000 mg choline chloride.

[0082] 2.2 By weight, 10 parts of *Scutellaria baicalensis* water extract, 5 parts of *Houttuynia cordata* enzyme-treated extract, and 1 part of a mixed powder of *Geranium wilfordii* and shrimp shells were mixed and dried to obtain a feed additive. The feed additive was then added to the basal feed, resulting in a feed additive weight percentage of 2% in the final feed.

[0083] Comparative Example 3

[0084] Compared with Example 1, this comparative example 1 replaces pectinase with cellulase, and is otherwise the same as Example 1.

[0085] The specific plan is as follows:

[0086] 1. Preparation of feed ingredients

[0087] 1.1 Aqueous extract of *Scutellaria baicalensis*:

[0088] Collect the whole plant of *Scutellaria barbata* from the local area, wash it, air-dry it, and cut it into small pieces to serve as the substrate for water extraction. Add the substrate to water at a liquid-to-solid weight ratio of 10:1 and extract at 90°C for 2 hours. After centrifugation and collection of the residue, extract again using the aforementioned method and collect the residue. Dry the residue in a 60°C oven, grind it into powder, and obtain the *Scutellaria barbata* water extract.

[0089] 1.2 Houttuynia cordata vapor explosion enzyme treatment product

[0090] The whole herb of Houttuynia cordata was collected locally, washed, and the moisture content was controlled to 10%. It was then placed in a steam boiler and subjected to pressure treatment at 1 MPa for 3 minutes. After that, it was removed to remove the water and then chopped. After chopping, it was placed in water at a liquid-to-solid weight ratio of 5:1, and cellulase was added to make the enzyme activity 1000 U / ml. It was then treated at 25℃ for 2 hours. After that, the temperature was raised to 60℃ and kept at that temperature for 15 minutes. The residue was centrifuged and the filter residue was placed in a 60℃ oven to dry and then ground into powder to obtain the Houttuynia cordata steam explosion enzyme-treated product.

[0091] 1.3 Geranium and shrimp shell mixture, pulverized and dried

[0092] The whole plant of Geranium wilfordii is collected from the local area, dried at 60℃, then crushed and mixed with crushed shrimp shells (commercially available shrimp shell powder) to obtain the final product.

[0093] 2. Feed preparation

[0094] 2.1 Basic feed: Mix 61% corn, 25% soybean meal, 2.5% wheat bran, 8.5% limestone powder, 1.4% dicalcium phosphate, 0.2% lysine, 0.1% methionine, 0.3% salt and 1% premix according to weight percentage to obtain the basic feed. The premixed feed consists of the following components per kilogram of basic feed: 8 mg copper (CuSO4·5H2O), 60 mg iron (FeSO4·H2O), 50 mg manganese (MnSO4·H2O), 0.15 mg selenium (Na2SeO3), 0.15 mg iodine (KI), 50 mg zinc (ZnSO4·7H2O), 12000 IU vitamin A, 3300 IU vitamin D, 18 mg vitamin E, 2 mg vitamin K, 3 mg vitamin B1, 5 mg vitamin B2, 0.15 mg biotin, 0.3 mg folic acid, 25 mg calcium pantothenate, 30 mg niacin, and 1000 mg choline chloride.

[0095] 2.2 By weight, 10 parts of *Scutellaria baicalensis* water extract, 5 parts of *Houttuynia cordata* vapor-explosive enzyme-treated extract, and 1 part of a mixed powder of *Geranium wilfordii* and shrimp shells were mixed and dried to obtain a feed additive. The feed additive was then added to the basal feed, resulting in a 2% by weight percentage of the feed additive in the final feed.

[0096] Comparative Example 4

[0097] Compared with Example 1, this comparative example 1 did not add the water extract of *Scutellaria baicalensis*, and was otherwise the same as Example 1.

[0098] The specific plan is as follows:

[0099] 1.1 Houttuynia cordata vapor explosion enzyme treatment product

[0100] The whole herb of Houttuynia cordata was collected locally, washed, and the moisture content was controlled to 10%. It was then placed in a steam boiler and subjected to pressure treatment at 1 MPa for 3 minutes. After that, it was removed to remove the water and then chopped. After chopping, it was placed in water at a liquid-to-solid weight ratio of 5:1, and pectinase was added to make the enzyme activity 1000 U / ml. It was then treated at 25℃ for 2 hours. After that, the temperature was raised to 60℃ and kept at that temperature for 15 minutes. The residue was centrifuged and then placed in a 60℃ oven to dry. The residue was then ground into powder to obtain the Houttuynia cordata enzyme-treated product.

[0101] 1.2 Mixed, pulverized, and dried geranium and shrimp shell powder

[0102] The whole plant of Geranium wilfordii is collected from the local area, dried at 60℃, then crushed and mixed with crushed shrimp shells (commercially available shrimp shell powder) to obtain the final product.

[0103] 2. Feed preparation

[0104] 2.1 Basic feed: Mix 61% corn, 25% soybean meal, 2.5% wheat bran, 8.5% limestone powder, 1.4% dicalcium phosphate, 0.2% lysine, 0.1% methionine, 0.3% salt and 1% premix according to weight percentage to obtain the basic feed. The premixed feed consists of the following components per kilogram of basic feed: 8 mg copper (CuSO4·5H2O), 60 mg iron (FeSO4·H2O), 50 mg manganese (MnSO4·H2O), 0.15 mg selenium (Na2SeO3), 0.15 mg iodine (KI), 50 mg zinc (ZnSO4·7H2O), 12000 IU vitamin A, 3300 IU vitamin D, 18 mg vitamin E, 2 mg vitamin K, 3 mg vitamin B1, 5 mg vitamin B2, 0.15 mg biotin, 0.3 mg folic acid, 25 mg calcium pantothenate, 30 mg niacin, and 1000 mg choline chloride.

[0105] 2.2 By weight, 5 parts of Houttuynia cordata vapor-exploding enzyme-treated material and 1 part of Geranium wilfordii and shrimp shell mixed powder (crushed and dried) were mixed to obtain a feed additive. The feed additive was then added to the basal feed, resulting in a feed additive weight percentage of 2% in the final feed.

[0106] Comparative Example 5

[0107] Compared with Example 1, the water extract of *Scutellaria baicalensis* was replaced with water extract of *Plantago asiatica*, and the rest was the same as in Example 1.

[0108] The specific plan is as follows:

[0109] 1. Preparation of feed ingredients

[0110] 1.1 Plantain water extract:

[0111] Collect the whole plant of local plantain, wash it, air-dry it, and cut it into small pieces to serve as the substrate for water extraction. Add the substrate to water at a liquid-to-solid weight ratio of 10:1 and extract at 90°C for 2 hours. After centrifugation and collection of the residue, extract again using the same method and collect the residue. Dry the residue in a 60°C oven, grind it into powder, and obtain the plantain water extract.

[0112] 1.2 Houttuynia cordata vapor explosion enzyme treatment product

[0113] The whole herb of Houttuynia cordata was collected locally, washed, and the moisture content was controlled to 10%. It was then placed in a steam boiler and subjected to pressure treatment at 1 MPa for 3 minutes. After that, it was removed to remove the water and then chopped. After chopping, it was placed in water at a liquid-to-solid weight ratio of 5:1, and pectinase was added to make the enzyme activity 1000 U / ml. It was then treated at 25℃ for 2 hours. After that, the temperature was raised to 60℃ and kept at that temperature for 15 minutes. The residue was centrifuged and then placed in a 60℃ oven to dry. The residue was then ground into powder to obtain the Houttuynia cordata steam explosion enzyme-treated product.

[0114] 1.3 Geranium and shrimp shell mixture, pulverized and dried

[0115] The whole plant of Geranium wilfordii is collected from the local area, dried at 60℃, then crushed and mixed with crushed shrimp shells (commercially available shrimp shell powder) to obtain the final product.

[0116] 2. Feed preparation

[0117] 2.1 Basic feed: Mix 61% corn, 25% soybean meal, 2.5% wheat bran, 8.5% limestone powder, 1.4% dicalcium phosphate, 0.2% lysine, 0.1% methionine, 0.3% salt and 1% premix according to weight percentage to obtain the basic feed. The premixed feed consists of the following components per kilogram of basic feed: 8 mg copper (CuSO4·5H2O), 60 mg iron (FeSO4·H2O), 50 mg manganese (MnSO4·H2O), 0.15 mg selenium (Na2SeO3), 0.15 mg iodine (KI), 50 mg zinc (ZnSO4·7H2O), 12000 IU vitamin A, 3300 IU vitamin D, 18 mg vitamin E, 2 mg vitamin K, 3 mg vitamin B1, 5 mg vitamin B2, 0.15 mg biotin, 0.3 mg folic acid, 25 mg calcium pantothenate, 30 mg niacin, and 1000 mg choline chloride.

[0118] 2.2 By weight, 10 parts of plantain water extract, 5 parts of houttuynia cordata vapor-explosive enzyme-treated extract, and 1 part of geranium and shrimp shell mixed powder (crushed and dried) were mixed to obtain a feed additive. The feed additive was then added to the basal feed, resulting in a feed additive weight percentage of 2% in the final feed.

[0119] Experimental Example 1

[0120] This experiment focuses on the reproductive performance of Yaoshan chickens.

[0121] The experimental animals were healthy 26-week-old Yaoshan chickens of the same age, in good condition, and with no significant difference in weight, raised in a local farm in Libo County. They were randomly divided into 9 groups of 50 chickens each. One group was fed the feeds obtained in Examples 1-3 and Comparative Examples 1-5, while the control group was fed a basal diet. The experimental period was 100 days, divided into a 10-day pre-feeding period and a 90-day formal experimental period. During the pre-feeding period, the chickens were fed only the basal diet, as before the experiment. During the formal experimental period, they were fed the feeds provided to each group. All groups were kept in the same chicken house with the same ventilation and lighting conditions, and had free access to water. Eggs were collected and the number of eggs laid was recorded daily. Artificial insemination was performed once daily on the experimental chickens, using 0.05 ml of semen collected from local Yaoshan roosters each time. Each week, qualified eggs were incubated, and the number of fertilized eggs, hatched chicks, and healthy chicks were recorded. The fertilization rate, hatchability of fertilized eggs, and healthy chick rate were calculated. The experimental results are shown in Table 1.

[0122] As shown in Table 1, the control group fed only the basal feed had a low fertilization rate, below 90%, and a low egg production rate. This is consistent with the research conclusions of Liao Zhenglu et al. in "Investigation Report on Yaoshan Chicken Breed Resources" and Tang Jigao et al. in "Research on Production Performance of Guizhou Yaoshan Chicken". However, the groups fed the feed obtained in Examples 1-3 of this invention achieved a fertilization rate as high as 97-98%, an egg production rate of over 75%, and a chick survival rate of over 96%. It is worth noting that, compared to Examples 1-5, the improvements in fertilization rate, egg production rate, and chick survival rate were either not significant or even had adverse effects.

[0123] Table 1

[0124]

[0125] Experiment Example 2

[0126] This experiment focuses on the growth performance of Yaoshan chickens.

[0127] The experimental animals were healthy one-day-old Yaoshan chicken chicks from a local farm in Libo County. They were divided into nine groups of 50 chickens each. One group was fed the feeds obtained in Examples 1-3 and Comparative Examples 1-5, while the control group was fed a basal feed. The experimental period was 127 days, divided into a 7-day pre-feeding period and a 120-day formal experimental period. All groups were kept in the same chicken coop, with identical ventilation and lighting conditions, and had free access to water. During the feeding period, the immunization program was implemented according to management requirements (see Table 2).

[0128] Table 2

[0129]

[0130] During the experiment, the amount of feed fed and the amount of feed remaining were recorded daily. Every 5 days, the weight of the chickens on an empty stomach was recorded in the early morning to calculate the average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0131] As shown in Table 3, the feeds obtained in Examples 1-3 of this invention have a significant growth-promoting effect, greatly reducing the feed conversion ratio while significantly increasing daily weight gain. In contrast, Examples 1-5 show no significant changes compared to the control group in terms of either average daily weight gain or feed conversion ratio.

[0132] Table 3

[0133]

[0134] Experimental Example 3

[0135] Building upon Experiment 2, this experiment further investigated the effects of Examples 1-3 and Comparative Examples 1-5 on the meat quality of 127-day-old Yaoshan chickens. Pectoral muscle samples from Yaoshan chickens were collected for testing, and the testing methods are as follows:

[0136] pH value testing: One piece of breast muscle was taken and crushed. The pH value of the meat sample was then measured using a pH meter 45 minutes post-slaughter. After the pH value of the meat sample was measured, it was stored at 4℃ for 24 hours, and then the pH value of pH24 was measured. During the measurement, the probe of the pH meter was ensured to be embedded deep into the meat. Each measurement required a stable state of at least 15 seconds. Each sample was measured 5 times, and the average value was taken.

[0137] Shear force testing: Take one piece of pectoral muscle (without tendons, fat, or fascia), heat it in a water bath until the core temperature reaches 70℃, maintain this temperature for 5 minutes, then remove it (i.e., cook the meat). Cool it to room temperature, and use a hollow sampler to drill five 1cm diameter meat cylinders, avoiding the tendons. Then, measure each cylinder once using a C-LM3 digital display muscle tenderness meter, for a total of five measurements. Record the shear force value for each meat piece, in Newtons (N) or kilograms per square centimeter (kg / cm²). 2 ).

[0138] Flesh color determination: The L*, a*, and b* values ​​are measured on the surface of the pectoral muscle in cross-section. Each point is measured three times and the average value is taken to reflect the flesh color characteristics.

[0139] Water-holding capacity: The water loss rate of muscle is measured using the pressurized weight method to estimate the water-holding capacity of the muscle; that is, the higher the water loss rate, the lower the water-holding capacity. Water-holding capacity (%) = (Pre-pressed meat sample weight - Post-pressed meat sample weight) / Pre-pressed meat sample weight x 100%

[0140] The water-holding capacity of the pectoral or leg muscles was measured after direct calibration using a water-holding capacity meter with a length of 2 cm, a width of 1 cm, and a thickness of 1 cm. Three values ​​were measured for each sample, and the average value was taken as the water-holding capacity of the muscle.

[0141] Table 4

[0142]

[0143] Water-holding capacity is an important characteristic of meat quality, directly affecting meat processing yield and muscle tenderness. The water-holding capacity of muscle depends on the post-slaughter pH value. Experimental results are shown in Table 4. This invention can significantly improve water absorption rate and has an effect on improving meat quality.

Claims

1. A feed for improving the meat quality and growth and reproductive performance of Guizhou Yao Mountain chickens, characterized in that, The feed includes a base feed and feed additives; the feed additives, by weight, include the following components: 10-14 parts of water extract of *Scutellaria baicalensis*, 5-7 parts of steam-exploding enzyme-treated product of *Houttuynia cordata*, and 1-3 parts of mixed powder of *Geranium wilfordii* and shrimp shells; The water extract of *Scutellaria baicalensis* is the residue obtained after extraction and centrifugation using water as the extraction solvent. The Houttuynia cordata vapor explosion enzyme-treated product is obtained by vapor explosion treatment of the whole Houttuynia cordata herb followed by enzymatic hydrolysis with pectinase. The geranium and shrimp shell mixed powder is obtained by drying the whole geranium and then pulverizing it, and then mixing it with pulverized shrimp shells. The feed additive is added to the feed at a ratio of 2-4 wt%.

2. The feed for improving the meat quality and growth and reproductive performance of Guizhou Yaoshan chickens according to claim 1 is characterized in that, The feed additive, by weight, comprises the following components: 12 parts of water extract of *Scutellaria baicalensis*, 6 parts of steam-explosive enzyme-treated *Houttuynia cordata*, and 2 parts of a mixed powder of *Geranium wilfordii* and shrimp shells.

3. The feed for improving the meat quality and growth and reproductive performance of Guizhou Yao Mountain chickens according to claim 2, characterized in that, The feed additive is added to the feed at a ratio of 3 wt%.

4. The feed for improving the meat quality and growth and reproductive performance of Guizhou Yao Mountain chickens according to claim 3, characterized in that, The preparation method of the aqueous extract of *Scutellaria baicalensis* includes: taking the whole herb of *Scutellaria baicalensis*, washing it, drying it in the shade, and cutting it into small pieces as the substrate for aqueous extraction. Adding the substrate to water at a liquid-to-solid weight ratio of 10:1, and extracting at 90°C for 2 hours; centrifuging to collect the residue, and then extracting again using the aforementioned method, collecting the residue; drying the residue in a 60°C oven, and grinding it into powder to obtain the aqueous extract of *Scutellaria baicalensis*.

5. A feed for improving the meat quality and growth and reproductive performance of Guizhou Yaoshan chickens according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The preparation method of the Houttuynia cordata steam explosion enzyme product includes: taking the whole Houttuynia cordata herb, washing it, controlling the moisture content to 10%, then placing it in a steam boiler, and treating it under pressure at 1 MPa for 3 minutes. After that, taking it out to remove the water, and then cutting it into pieces; after cutting, placing it in water at a liquid-to-solid weight ratio of 5:1, adding pectinase to make the enzyme activity 1000 U / ml, and treating it at 25℃ for 2 hours; then raising the temperature to 60℃ and keeping it at that temperature for 15 minutes, centrifuging to collect the filter residue, placing the filter residue in a 60℃ oven to dry, and grinding it into powder to obtain the Houttuynia cordata enzyme product.

6. The feed for improving the meat quality and growth and reproductive performance of Guizhou Yaoshan chickens according to claim 5, characterized in that, The method for preparing the mixed powder of geranium and shrimp shell includes: drying the whole geranium at 60°C, then pulverizing it, and mixing it with pulverized shrimp shells.

7. A feed for improving the meat quality and growth and reproductive performance of Guizhou Yao Mountain chickens according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that, The basic feed, by weight percentage, comprises 61% corn, 25% soybean meal, 2.5% wheat bran, 8.5% limestone, 1.4% dicalcium phosphate, 0.2% lysine, 0.1% methionine, 0.3% salt, and 1% premix.

8. The feed for improving the meat quality and growth and reproductive performance of Guizhou Yaoshan chickens according to claim 7, characterized in that, The premixed feed per kilogram of basal feed consists of: CuSO4·5H2O 8mg, FeSO4·H2O 60mg, MnSO4·H2O 50mg, Na2SeO3 0.15mg, KI 0.15mg, ZnSO4·7H2O 50mg, VA 12000IU, VD3 3300 IU, VE 18mg, VK 2mg, VB1 3mg, VB2 5mg, biotin 0.15mg, folic acid 0.3mg, calcium pantothenate 25mg, niacin 30mg, and choline chloride 1000mg.

9. A method for preparing feed that improves the meat quality and growth and reproductive performance of Guizhou Yao Mountain chickens, characterized in that, The preparation method includes mixing the feed additives described in any one of claims 1 to 8 with the basic feed.

10. The use of the feed described in any one of claims 1 to 8 in improving the meat quality and growth and reproductive performance of Guizhou Yaoshan chickens.

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