Natural plant feed additive for improving immunity and promoting growth as well as preparation method and application of natural plant feed additive

Abstract

The invention provides a natural plant feed additive for improving immunity and promoting growth as well as a preparation method and application thereof, and relates to the field of feed additives, the natural plant feed additive is prepared from fourteen plant raw materials including gynostemma pentaphyllum, scandent hop, gentiana macrophylla, glossy privet fruit, flatstem milkvetch seed, sargentgloryvine stem, sea-buckthorn, astragalus membranaceus, radish seed, Chinese violet, humifuse euphorbia herb, ampelopsis japonica, paulownia flower and platycodon grandiflorum. The additive has multi-dimensional biological activity of promoting growth, enhancing immunity, resisting oxidation and protecting organs, can improve the growth performance of livestock and poultry by improving the average daily gain and reducing the feed-gain ratio to optimize the feed conversion rate, and can construct a humoral immune barrier by reducing the secretion of proinflammatory factors and increasing the level of anti-inflammatory factors to improve the immunity of livestock and poultry. According to the present invention, with the application of the composition, the protein and lipid metabolism disorder can be improved, the activity of ALT, AST and ALP can be reduced so as to protect the liver and the kidney and maintain the steady state of the body, the overall health level of livestock and poultry can be improved without the dependence on chemical agents, and the reliable technical support can be provided for promoting the development of the green, safe and efficient livestock and poultry breeding mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of feed additives, specifically to a natural plant-based feed additive for improving immunity and promoting growth, as well as its preparation method and application. Background Technology

[0002] As livestock and poultry farming develops towards large-scale and intensive operations, problems such as environmental stress (e.g., high stocking density, temperature and humidity fluctuations), stress responses (e.g., weaning, regrouping, transportation), and feed nutritional imbalances are becoming increasingly prominent. Livestock and poultry often face multiple challenges, including high stocking density, significant environmental stress, and threats from pathogenic microorganisms, which can easily lead to decreased immunity, increased morbidity, and impaired production performance. To address these issues, current technologies mainly intervene by adding chemically synthesized feed additives. However, while widely used chemical growth promoters (such as quinacrine and flavomycin) can inhibit pathogens and promote growth in the short term, long-term use can easily lead to drug residues in livestock and poultry. This not only harms human health (e.g., inducing drug resistance in human pathogens) but also disrupts the intestinal microecological balance of livestock and poultry, exacerbating the decline in immune function later on. Furthermore, due to safety concerns, these additives have been restricted or banned in livestock and poultry feed by many countries and regions (e.g., China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Announcement No. 194 prohibits the use of quinacrine in poultry and pigs weighing over 35 kg), limiting their application scenarios.

[0003] Natural plants have garnered widespread attention due to their natural, safe, and multifunctional characteristics. Their multi-component, multi-target mechanisms of action align with the overall regulatory mechanisms of livestock and poultry, demonstrating unique advantages in enhancing their constitution, improving immunity, and boosting production performance. However, existing natural plant additives often employ single ingredients or simple mixtures, resulting in limited functional targeting: either focusing solely on "strengthening the body's resistance" (e.g., single Astragalus polysaccharide only enhances immunity but fails to improve digestion) or solely on "eliminating pathogens" (e.g., single Honeysuckle only clears heat and detoxifies, easily damaging spleen yang), failing to address the dual needs of "immunity enhancement" and "growth promotion." Furthermore, most products do not adhere to the principles of "principal, assistant, adjuvant, and guide" in traditional Chinese veterinary medicine, exhibiting excessive medicinal properties (e.g., long-term use of cold-natured plants leads to diarrhea in livestock and poultry, while warm-natured plants cause constipation), failing to meet the long-term feeding needs of livestock and poultry. Therefore, the current livestock and poultry feed additive field urgently needs a scientifically formulated, synergistically functional, safe, and natural plant feed additive to meet the high-quality development requirements of large-scale livestock and poultry farming. Summary of the Invention

[0004] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a natural plant-based feed additive for enhancing immunity and promoting growth, along with its preparation method and application.

[0006] (II) Technical Solution

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: On the one hand, the present invention provides a natural plant feed additive for improving immunity and promoting growth, the additive being made from the following raw materials in parts by weight: 22-42 parts of Gynostemma pentaphyllum, 20-40 parts of Humulus scandens, 20-40 parts of Gentiana macrophylla, 18-40 parts of Ligustrum lucidum, 18-40 parts of Astragalus complanatus, 15-35 parts of Sargentodoxa cuneata, 15-35 parts of Hippophae rhamnoides, 10-30 parts of Astragalus membranaceus, 5-23 parts of Viola yedoensis, 5-23 parts of Raphanus sativus, 5-23 parts of Euphorbia humifusa, 3-24 parts of Ampelopsis japonica, 5-23 parts of Paulownia tomentosa, and 12-30 parts of Platycodon grandiflorus.

[0008] Specifically, the additive is made from the following raw materials in parts by weight: 28-38 parts of Gynostemma pentaphyllum, 25-35 parts of Humulus scandens, 25-35 parts of Gentiana macrophylla, 22-32 parts of Ligustrum lucidum, 22-32 parts of Astragalus complanatus, 20-30 parts of Sargentodoxa cuneata, 20-30 parts of Hippophae rhamnoides, 15-25 parts of Astragalus membranaceus, 10-18 parts of Viola yedoensis, 10-18 parts of Raphanus sativus, 10-18 parts of Euphorbia humifusa, 7-19 parts of Ampelopsis japonica, 10-18 parts of Paulownia tomentosa, and 18-26 parts of Platycodon grandiflorus.

[0009] Specifically, the additive is made from the following raw materials in parts by weight: 32 parts of Gynostemma pentaphyllum, 30 parts of Humulus scandens, 30 parts of Gentiana macrophylla, 28 parts of Ligustrum lucidum, 28 parts of Astragalus complanatus, 25 parts of Sargentodoxa cuneata, 25 parts of Hippophae rhamnoides, 20 parts of Astragalus membranaceus, 16 parts of Viola yedoensis, 16 parts of Raphanus sativus, 16 parts of Euphorbia humifusa, 12 parts of Ampelopsis japonica, 16 parts of Paulownia tomentosa, and 22 parts of Platycodon grandiflorus.

[0010] On the other hand, the present invention provides a method for preparing a natural plant feed additive for improving immunity and promoting growth, comprising the following steps: (1) Weigh each raw material according to the above weight proportions, wash, dry, and crush them through an 80-mesh sieve; (2) Mix the pulverized raw materials, add water at 4-8 times the total weight of the raw materials, extract overnight at room temperature 2-3 times, and combine the extracts; (3) The extract is concentrated under reduced pressure at 45-65℃ to a paste with a relative density of 1.10-1.25, and then spray-dried into powder to obtain the natural plant feed additive of the present invention.

[0011] Thirdly, the present invention provides the application of the additive in the preparation of additives for improving the immunity and promoting the growth of livestock and poultry.

[0012] Specifically, the amount of the natural plant feed additive added is 0.2-2.0%.

[0013] The pharmacological effects of each drug in the natural plant feed additive of this invention are as follows: Gynostemma pentaphyllum: bitter in taste, cold in nature, and enters the lung, spleen, and kidney meridians; it has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, relieving cough and clearing the lungs and eliminating phlegm, nourishing the heart and calming the mind, and replenishing qi and generating essence; it is used for physical weakness and fatigue, deficiency and loss of essence, leukopenia, hyperlipidemia, viral hepatitis, chronic gastroenteritis, and chronic bronchitis.

[0014] Humulus scandens: It tastes sweet and bitter, is cold in nature, and enters the lung and kidney meridians; it has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, promoting diuresis and relieving strangury; it is used for gonorrhea, dysuria, malaria, diarrhea, dysentery, pulmonary tuberculosis, lung abscess, pneumonia, leprosy, hemorrhoids, carbuncles, and scrofula.

[0015] Gentiana macrophylla: It has a pungent and bitter taste, and is neutral in nature. It enters the stomach, liver, and gallbladder meridians. It has the effects of dispelling wind and dampness, clearing damp heat, relieving pain, and reducing deficiency heat. It is used for rheumatic pain, hemiplegia due to stroke, muscle spasms, joint pain, damp-heat jaundice, bone steaming fever, and infantile malnutrition with fever.

[0016] Privet fruit: It tastes sweet and bitter, is cool in nature, and enters the liver and kidney meridians; it has the effects of nourishing the liver and kidneys, improving eyesight and darkening hair; it is used for liver and kidney yin deficiency, dizziness and tinnitus, soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, premature graying of hair, blurred vision, internal heat and thirst, and bone steaming fever.

[0017] Astragalus complanatus: It is sweet and warm in nature, and enters the liver and kidney meridians. It has the effects of tonifying the kidney and strengthening yang, consolidating essence and reducing urination, nourishing the liver and improving eyesight. It is used for kidney deficiency and lower back pain, seminal emission and premature ejaculation, enuresis and frequent urination, leukorrhea, dizziness, and blurred vision.

[0018] Large Blood Vine: Bitter in taste, neutral in nature, enters the large intestine and liver meridians; has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, promoting blood circulation, dispelling wind and relieving pain; used for intestinal abscess and abdominal pain, heat toxin sores, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, traumatic swelling and pain, and rheumatic pain.

[0019] Sea buckthorn: It tastes sour and astringent, and is warm in nature. It enters the spleen, stomach, lung, and heart meridians. It has the effects of strengthening the spleen and promoting digestion, relieving cough and eliminating phlegm, and promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis. It is used for spleen deficiency with poor appetite, abdominal pain due to food stagnation, cough with excessive phlegm, chest pain, amenorrhea due to blood stasis, and swelling and bruising from falls.

[0020] Astragalus: It has a sweet taste and slightly warm nature, and enters the lung and spleen meridians. It has the functions of tonifying qi and raising yang, consolidating the exterior and stopping sweating, promoting diuresis and reducing swelling, generating fluids and nourishing blood, promoting circulation and relieving pain, promoting pus drainage and detoxification, and promoting tissue regeneration. It is used for qi deficiency and fatigue, poor appetite and loose stools, sinking of middle qi, chronic diarrhea and rectal prolapse, hematochezia and metrorrhagia, spontaneous sweating due to exterior deficiency, edema due to qi deficiency, internal heat and thirst, blood deficiency and chlorosis, hemiplegia, numbness and pain, carbuncles and boils that are difficult to ulcerate, and chronic ulcers that do not heal.

[0021] Viola yedoensis: bitter and pungent in taste, cold in nature, and enters the heart and liver meridians; it has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling blood and reducing swelling; it is used for boils, carbuncles, erysipelas, and snake bites.

[0022] Radish seed: It has a pungent and sweet taste, and is neutral in nature. It enters the lung, spleen, and stomach meridians. It has the effects of relieving indigestion and bloating, and reducing phlegm. It is used for food stagnation, abdominal distension and pain, constipation, diarrhea due to food stagnation, and cough with phlegm accumulation.

[0023] Euphorbia humifusa: It has a pungent taste and neutral properties, and enters the liver and large intestine meridians; it has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling blood and stopping bleeding, and promoting diuresis and relieving jaundice; it is used for dysentery, diarrhea, hemoptysis, hematuria, hematochezia, metrorrhagia, boils and carbuncles, and damp-heat jaundice.

[0024] Bai Lian: bitter in taste, slightly cold in nature, enters the heart and stomach meridians; has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, eliminating carbuncles and dissipating nodules, and promoting tissue regeneration; used for carbuncles, boils, scrofula, burns and scalds.

[0025] Paulownia flowers: bitter in taste, cold in nature, and enter the liver and spleen meridians; they have the effects of clearing the lungs and relieving sore throat, detoxifying and reducing swelling; they are used for lung heat cough, acute tonsillitis, bacillary dysentery, acute enteritis, acute conjunctivitis, mumps, boils, and sores.

[0026] Platycodon grandiflorus: bitter and pungent in taste, neutral in nature, and enters the lung meridian; it has the effects of clearing the lungs, relieving sore throat, eliminating phlegm, and draining pus; it is used for cough with excessive phlegm, chest tightness, sore throat and hoarseness, and lung abscess with purulent sputum.

[0027] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0028] This invention provides a natural plant feed additive for improving immunity and promoting growth, its preparation method, and its application. The additive is made from fourteen plant materials: Gynostemma pentaphyllum, Humulus scandens, Gentiana macrophylla, Ligustrum lucidum, Astragalus complanatus, Sargentodoxa cuneata, Hippophae rhamnoides, Astragalus membranaceus, Viola yedoensis, Raphanus sativus, Euphorbia humifusa, Ampelopsis japonica, Paulownia tomentosa, and Platycodon grandiflorus. The formula uses Gynostemma pentaphyllum, Humulus scandens, and Gentiana macrophylla as the principal herbs. Gynostemma pentaphyllum invigorates qi and strengthens the spleen, resolves phlegm and relieves cough, and clears heat and detoxifies. Humulus scandens clears heat and detoxifies, and promotes urination. Gentiana macrophylla dispels wind and dampness, clears damp heat, and relieves pain. These three herbs work together to eliminate damp heat from the upper, middle, and lower jiao (upper, middle, and lower burners), dredge the meridians, and jointly construct a core system of invigorating qi, clearing pathogens, and regulating the meridians. The formula uses Ligustrum lucidum, Astragalus complanatus, Sargentodoxa cuneata, and Hippophae rhamnoides as assistant herbs. Among them, Ligustrum lucidum and Astragalus complanatus have a balance of cold and warm properties, nourishing the liver and kidneys, and replenishing yin and essence. This can prevent the principal herbs from drying out and damaging yin, and also protect the innate foundation. Sargentodoxa cuneata clears heat and detoxifies, invigorates blood and relieves pain. It can assist Gentiana macrophylla in regulating menstruation and also work with Humulus scandens to clear away pathogens. Hippophae rhamnoides strengthens the spleen, promotes digestion, invigorates blood and removes blood stasis, providing a material basis for the transformation and transportation of the middle jiao. The formula uses Astragalus membranaceus, Viola yedoensis, Raphanus sativus, Euphorbia humifusa, Ampelopsis japonica, and Paulownia tomentosa as adjuvant herbs. Astragalus membranaceus tonifies Qi and raises Yang, strengthens the exterior and stops sweating; Raphanus sativus promotes digestion, relieves bloating, lowers Qi, and resolves phlegm. These two herbs assist in supporting the body's vital energy, regulating Qi, and strengthening the body's defensive functions. The heat-clearing and detoxifying herbs Viola yedoensis, Euphorbia humifusa, Ampelopsis japonica, and Paulownia tomentosa serve as adjuvant herbs, both counteracting the warming nature of the principal and assistant herbs to prevent them from generating heat and causing inflammation, and enhancing the overall formula's ability to clear damp-heat and heat toxins from the three Jiaos. Platycodon grandiflorus is used as the guiding herb. Its dispersing nature promotes lung function, soothes the throat, eliminates phlegm, and drains pus. It guides the effects of the other herbs upwards, directly reaching the lungs and upper Jiao, while simultaneously harmonizing the properties of the herbs, preventing coldness from damaging spleen Yang and warmth from damaging lung Yin. This ensures the overall formula is balanced, maximizing its effects of enhancing immunity and promoting growth.

[0029] This invention's natural plant-based feed additive exhibits multiple beneficial effects in both weaned piglets and chicks: In weaned piglets, it improves growth performance by increasing average daily weight gain and optimizing feed conversion ratio by reducing feed conversion ratio; it builds a humoral immune barrier by reducing the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β and increasing IL-10, IgA, IgG, and IgM levels; and it enhances antioxidant capacity by increasing GSH-Px, SOD activity, and T-AOC function. In chicks, it specifically alleviates growth inhibition caused by Newcastle disease virus, increases average daily weight gain, reduces feed conversion ratio and mortality rate without changing feed intake; it repairs immune function by reversing the decline in spleen, thymus, and bursa of Fabricius indices and regulating IFN-γ and IL-6 levels; and it improves protein (TP, ALB) and lipid (TC) metabolism disorders, reduces ALT, AST, and ALP activities to protect the liver and kidneys and maintain homeostasis. In summary, this additive possesses multidimensional biological activities that promote growth, enhance immunity, provide antioxidant protection, and protect organs. It can improve the overall health of livestock and poultry without relying on chemical agents, providing technical support for building a breeding model that achieves both growth and immunity. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 Comparison of serum immune indicators among piglets in each group; Note: Different letters indicate significant differences ( P <0.05, the same letter indicates no significant difference ( P >0.05).

[0031] Figure 2 Comparison of serum inflammatory factor levels in chicks from different groups; Note: Compared with the blank control group, ## P <0.01; compared with the model control group P <0.05 P <0.01.

[0032] Figure 3 Comparison of immune organ indices among chicks in each group; Note: Compared with the blank control group, ## P <0.01; compared with the model control group P <0.05 P <0.01. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] Example 1

[0035] A natural plant feed additive for improving immunity and promoting growth, the additive is composed of the following raw materials in parts by weight: 32 parts of Gynostemma pentaphyllum, 30 parts of Humulus scandens, 30 parts of Gentiana macrophylla, 28 parts of Ligustrum lucidum, 28 parts of Astragalus complanatus, 25 parts of Sargentodoxa cuneata, 25 parts of Hippophae rhamnoides, 20 parts of Astragalus membranaceus, 16 parts of Viola yedoensis, 16 parts of Raphanus sativus, 16 parts of Euphorbia humifusa, 12 parts of Ampelopsis japonica, 16 parts of Paulownia tomentosa, and 22 parts of Platycodon grandiflorus.

[0036] Example 2

[0037] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the additive is composed of the following raw materials in parts by weight: 25 parts of Gynostemma pentaphyllum, 22 parts of Humulus scandens, 22 parts of Gentiana macrophylla, 20 parts of Ligustrum lucidum, 20 parts of Astragalus complanatus, 18 parts of Sargentodoxa cuneata, 18 parts of Hippophae rhamnoides, 12 parts of Astragalus membranaceus, 7 parts of Viola yedoensis, 7 parts of Raphanus sativus, 7 parts of Euphorbia humifusa, 5 parts of Ampelopsis japonica, 7 parts of Paulownia tomentosa, and 15 parts of Platycodon grandiflorus.

[0038] Example 3

[0039] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the additive is composed of the following raw materials in parts by weight: 42 parts of Gynostemma pentaphyllum, 40 parts of Humulus scandens, 40 parts of Gentiana macrophylla, 40 parts of Ligustrum lucidum, 40 parts of Astragalus complanatus, 35 parts of Sargentodoxa cuneata, 35 parts of Hippophae rhamnoides, 30 parts of Astragalus membranaceus, 23 parts of Viola yedoensis, 23 parts of Raphanus sativus, 23 parts of Euphorbia humifusa, 24 parts of Ampelopsis japonica, 23 parts of Paulownia tomentosa, and 30 parts of Platycodon grandiflorus.

[0040] Example 4

[0041] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the additive is composed of the following raw materials in parts by weight: 35 parts of Gynostemma pentaphyllum, 32 parts of Humulus scandens, 34 parts of Gentiana macrophylla, 30 parts of Ligustrum lucidum, 30 parts of Astragalus complanatus, 28 parts of Sargentodoxa cuneata, 28 parts of Hippophae rhamnoides, 22 parts of Astragalus membranaceus, 18 parts of Viola yedoensis, 18 parts of Raphanus sativus, 18 parts of Euphorbia humifusa, 15 parts of Ampelopsis japonica, 19 parts of Paulownia tomentosa, and 25 parts of Platycodon grandiflorus.

[0042] Example 5

[0043] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the additive is composed of the following raw materials in parts by weight: 22 parts of Gynostemma pentaphyllum, 20 parts of Humulus scandens, 20 parts of Gentiana macrophylla, 18 parts of Ligustrum lucidum, 18 parts of Astragalus complanatus, 15 parts of Sargentodoxa cuneata, 15 parts of Hippophae rhamnoides, 10 parts of Astragalus membranaceus, 5 parts of Viola yedoensis, 5 parts of Raphanus sativus, 5 parts of Euphorbia humifusa, 3 parts of Ampelopsis japonica, 5 parts of Paulownia tomentosa, and 12 parts of Platycodon grandiflorus.

[0044] Example 6

[0045] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the additive is composed of the following raw materials in parts by weight: 30 parts of Gynostemma pentaphyllum, 28 parts of Humulus scandens, 28 parts of Gentiana macrophylla, 25 parts of Ligustrum lucidum, 25 parts of Astragalus complanatus, 22 parts of Sargentodoxa cuneata, 24 parts of Hippophae rhamnoides, 18 parts of Astragalus membranaceus, 14 parts of Viola yedoensis, 16 parts of Raphanus sativus, 14 parts of Euphorbia humifusa, 12 parts of Ampelopsis japonica, 13 parts of Paulownia tomentosa, and 20 parts of Platycodon grandiflorus.

[0046] Example 7

[0047] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the additive is composed of the following raw materials in parts by weight: 28 parts of Gynostemma pentaphyllum, 25 parts of Humulus scandens, 25 parts of Gentiana macrophylla, 22 parts of Ligustrum lucidum, 23 parts of Astragalus complanatus, 20 parts of Sargentodoxa cuneata, 18 parts of Hippophae rhamnoides, 15 parts of Astragalus membranaceus, 10 parts of Viola yedoensis, 8 parts of Raphanus sativus, 9 parts of Euphorbia humifusa, 7 parts of Ampelopsis japonica, 9 parts of Paulownia tomentosa, and 18 parts of Platycodon grandiflorus.

[0048] Example 8

[0049] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the additive is composed of the following raw materials in parts by weight: 38 parts of Gynostemma pentaphyllum, 36 parts of Humulus scandens, 35 parts of Gentiana macrophylla, 35 parts of Ligustrum lucidum, 32 parts of Astragalus complanatus, 32 parts of Sargentodoxa cuneata, 32 parts of Hippophae rhamnoides, 25 parts of Astragalus membranaceus, 20 parts of Viola yedoensis, 22 parts of Raphanus sativus, 21 parts of Euphorbia humifusa, 18 parts of Ampelopsis japonica, 21 parts of Paulownia tomentosa, and 28 parts of Platycodon grandiflorus.

[0050] Experimental Example 1

[0051] The effects of the natural plant-based feed additive of this invention on the growth performance and immune indicators of weaned piglets

[0052] 1. Materials and Methods

[0053] 1.1 Test Drug

[0054] Test substance 1: Gynostemma pentaphyllum 32 g, Humulus scandens 30 g, Gentiana macrophylla 30 g, Ligustrum lucidum 28 g, Astragalus complanatus 28 g, Sargentodoxa cuneata 25 g, Hippophae rhamnoides 25 g, Astragalus membranaceus 20 g, Viola yedoensis 16 g, Raphanus sativus 16 g, Euphorbia humifusa 16 g, Ampelopsis japonica 12 g, Paulownia tomentosa 16 g, Platycodon grandiflorus 22 g.

[0055] Test substance 2: 30 g of Humulus scandens, 30 g of Gentiana macrophylla, 28 g of Ligustrum lucidum, 28 g of Astragalus complanatus, 25 g of Sargentodoxa cuneata, 25 g of Hippophae rhamnoides, 20 g of Astragalus membranaceus, 16 g of Euphorbia humifusa, 12 g of Ampelopsis japonica, 16 g of Paulownia tomentosa, and 22 g of Platycodon grandiflorus.

[0056] Test substance 3: Gynostemma pentaphyllum 32 g, Gentiana macrophylla 30 g, Ligustrum lucidum 28 g, Astragalus complanatus 28 g, Sargentodoxa cuneata 25 g, Hippophae rhamnoides 25 g, Astragalus membranaceus 20 g, Viola yedoensis 16 g, Raphanus sativus 16 g, Platycodon grandiflorus 22 g.

[0057] Test substance 4: Gynostemma pentaphyllum 32 g, Humulus scandens 30 g, Ligustrum lucidum 28 g, Astragalus complanatus 28 g, Hippophae rhamnoides 25 g, Astragalus membranaceus 20 g, Viola yedoensis 16 g, Raphanus sativus 16 g, Euphorbia humifusa 16 g, Ampelopsis japonica 12 g, Paulownia tomentosa 16 g.

[0058] Test substance 5: Gynostemma pentaphyllum 32 g, Humulus scandens 30 g, Gentiana macrophylla 30 g, Sargentodoxa cuneata 25 g, Viola yedoensis 16 g, Raphanus sativus 16 g, Euphorbia humifusa 16 g, Ampelopsis japonica 12 g, Paulownia tomentosa 16 g, Platycodon grandiflorus 22 g.

[0059] Weigh each test material according to the above weight ratio, wash, dry, pulverize and mix them, add water equal to 8 times the total weight of the raw materials, extract three times at room temperature, and combine the extracts; concentrate the extract under reduced pressure at 48℃ to an extract with a relative density of 1.10, and spray dry it into powder to obtain test materials 1-5 natural plant feed additives.

[0060] 1.2 Experimental Design

[0061] One hundred and eighty 21-day-old weaned piglets were randomly divided into six groups: a control group and experimental groups 1-5, with five replicates per group and six piglets per replicate. The control group was fed a basal diet, while experimental groups 1-5 were fed a basal diet supplemented with 2 g / kg of the test substance 1-5. The experimental period was 21 days, and the basal diet was formulated according to the NCR (2012) nutritional standards for weaned piglets.

[0062] 1.3 Detection Indicators

[0063] 1.3.1 Growth performance

[0064] During the experiment, the amount of feed fed and the amount of feed remaining were recorded daily. On day 0 and day 42 of the experiment, the weight of the piglets was measured to calculate the average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed conversion ratio (F / G).

[0065]

[0066] 1.3.2 Serum immune markers

[0067] On the last day of the experiment, two piglets were randomly selected from each replicate group, and blood was collected by vena cava puncture. After the blood samples were allowed to stand at room temperature for 1 hour, they were centrifuged at 3500 rpm for 10 minutes at 4°C to separate the serum. Subsequently, the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-10, as well as the contents of IgA, IgG, and IgM in the serum were measured according to the kit instructions.

[0068] 1.3.3 Serum antioxidant markers

[0069] On the last day of the experiment, two piglets were randomly selected from each replicate group, and blood was collected by vena cava puncture. After the blood samples were allowed to stand at room temperature for 1 hour, they were centrifuged at 3500 rpm for 10 minutes at 4°C to separate the serum. Subsequently, the levels of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in the serum were measured according to the kit instructions.

[0070] 1.4 Statistical Methods

[0071] Data were analyzed using Graphpad Prism 8 statistical software. Experimental data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. x±s) indicates that the comparisons between groups were performed using one-way ANOVA. P A value <0.05 is considered statistically significant.

[0072] 2 Results

[0073] 2.1 Effects of various additives on the growth performance of piglets

[0074] As shown in Table 1, compared with the control group, the average daily weight gain of weaned piglets in experimental groups 1-5 was significantly higher. P <0.05, with no significant difference in average daily feed intake ( P >0.05), and the feed conversion ratio showed a decreasing trend. Among them, Group 1 had the largest increase in average daily weight gain and the most significant decrease in feed conversion ratio, indicating that the natural plant feed additive of this invention can effectively improve feed conversion rate and promote the growth and development of weaned piglets.

[0075]

[0076] Note: Different letters in the superscript of data in the same column indicate significant differences. P <0.05, identical letters or no subscript indicates no significant difference ( P >0.05).

[0077] 2.2 Effects of various additives on serum immune indicators in piglets

[0078] Depend on Figure 1 It can be seen that, compared with the control group, the serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β in weaned piglets in experimental groups 1-5 were significantly decreased. P <0.05), while the level of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was significantly increased ( P <0.05), while the levels of immunoglobulins IgA, IgG, and IgM were all significantly increased. Among them, experimental group 1 showed the best immunomodulatory effect, indicating that the natural plant feed of the present invention can effectively improve the inflammatory response status of weaned piglets and enhance humoral immune function through a multi-target regulatory mechanism.

[0079] 2.3 Effects of various additives on serum antioxidant indices in piglets

[0080] As shown in Table 2, compared with the control group, the activities of antioxidant enzymes in the serum of weaned piglets in experimental groups 1-5 were significantly increased: GSH-Px and SOD activities increased by 16.9%-64.4% and 17.6%-72.0%, respectively. P <0.05), while the content of lipid peroxidation product MDA decreased by 19.5%-47.3% ( P <0.05), while the T-AOC index was significantly enhanced. Among them, the experimental group 1 showed the most significant effect on improving the antioxidant capacity of weaned piglets, indicating that the natural plant feed additive of the present invention can significantly enhance the antioxidant defense capacity of weaned piglets by improving the function of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems.

[0081]

[0082] Note: Different letters in the superscript of data in the same column indicate significant differences. P <0.05, the same letter indicates no significant difference ( P >0.05).

[0083] 3. Conclusion

[0084] In summary, the results indicate that the natural plant-based feed additive of this invention can significantly improve feed conversion rate and enhance the growth performance of weaned piglets by increasing average daily weight gain and reducing feed conversion ratio. Simultaneously, this additive can enhance the immune function of weaned piglets by reducing the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β, increasing IL-10 levels, and enhancing IgA, IgG, and IgM levels to build a humoral immune barrier. Furthermore, this additive can activate the Nrf2 / ARE signaling pathway and simultaneously enhance the activity of the GSH-Px / SOD enzymatic system and the function of the T-AOC non-enzymatic system, thereby significantly enhancing the antioxidant defense capacity of weaned piglets. It is noteworthy that the effect of group 1 was the most significant. In contrast, the effects of groups 2-5 were weakened to varying degrees due to the lack of certain natural plant materials, indicating that there is a synergistic effect among the various plant materials in the natural plant-based feed additive of this invention. This synergistic effect is necessary to effectively promote the growth and development of livestock and poultry and enhance immunity.

[0085] Experimental Example 2

[0086] 1. Experimental Materials and Methods

[0087] 1.1 Test Materials

[0088] The following ingredients were used: 32 g of Gynostemma pentaphyllum, 30 g of Humulus scandens, 30 g of Gentiana macrophylla, 28 g of Ligustrum lucidum, 28 g of Astragalus complanatus, 25 g of Sargentodoxa cuneata, 25 g of Hippophae rhamnoides, 20 g of Astragalus membranaceus, 16 g of Viola yedoensis, 16 g of Raphanus sativus, 16 g of Euphorbia humifusa, 12 g of Ampelopsis japonica, 16 g of Paulownia tomentosa, and 22 g of Platycodon grandiflorus. Each ingredient was weighed according to the above weight ratio, washed, dried, pulverized, and mixed. Water, eight times the total weight of the ingredients, was added, and the mixture was extracted three times at room temperature. The extracts were combined. The extract was concentrated under reduced pressure at 48°C to a relative density of 1.10, and then spray-dried into powder to obtain the natural plant feed additive of this invention.

[0089] 1.2 Experimental grouping and drug administration

[0090] One hundred and fifty healthy one-day-old SPF chicks were acclimatized for seven days with free access to feed and water. At eight days old, the chicks were randomly divided into four groups: a blank control group, a model control group, a low-dose group, a medium-dose group, and a high-dose group (referred to as low, medium, and high-dose groups), with 30 chicks in each group. Except for the blank control group, the chicks in the other groups were inoculated with Newcastle disease virus via nasal and ocular drops. After successful infection, the low, medium, and high-dose groups were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% of natural plant feed additive, respectively, while the blank control group and the model control group were fed the same amount of basal diet. This feeding was continued for 14 days. The basal diet was formulated according to the "Chicken Feeding Standard" (NY / T33-2004) and its nutritional level met the daily needs of the chicks.

[0091] 1.3 Observation Indicators

[0092] 1.3.1 Growth performance

[0093] At the start of the experiment, the initial weight of each group of chicks was recorded. During the experiment, the daily feed consumption and the number of dead chicks in each group were recorded. After the experiment, based on the above monitoring data, the average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed conversion ratio (F / G), and mortality rate of each group of chicks were calculated.

[0094]

[0095] 1.3.2 Serum biochemical indicators

[0096] After the experiment, five chickens were randomly selected from each group to collect blood from the right jugular vein. The blood was left to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes, then centrifuged at 3500 rpm for 15 minutes at 4°C to separate the serum. The levels of IFN-γ and IL-6 in the serum were detected according to the ELISA kit instructions. The levels of total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total cholesterol (TC), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the serum were measured using a biochemical analyzer.

[0097] 1.3.3 Immune organ index

[0098] After the experiment, five chickens were randomly selected from each group, weighed while still alive, and then slaughtered. The spleen, thymus, and bursa of Fabricius were processed and weighed separately, and the immune organ index was calculated.

[0099] 1.4 Statistical Methods

[0100] Data were analyzed using Graphpad Prism 8 statistical software. Experimental data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. x±s) represents the mean, and one-way ANOVA was used for comparisons between groups. P A value <0.05 is considered statistically significant.

[0101] 2 Results

[0102] 2.1 Effects on chick growth performance

[0103] As shown in Table 3, compared with the blank control group, the average daily weight gain of chicks in the model control group was significantly reduced, while the feed conversion ratio and mortality rate were significantly increased. P <0.01), while the average daily feed intake did not change significantly ( P>0.05%, indicating that chick growth was restricted by Newcastle disease virus; compared with the model control group, the average daily weight gain of chicks in each dosage group increased to varying degrees, while the average daily feed intake remained significantly different, and the feed conversion ratio and mortality rate decreased significantly. Among them, the high-dose group showed the most significant improvement in the above indicators: the average daily weight gain was significantly increased by 68.49% compared with the model group ( P <0.05), the feed conversion ratio was reduced to near the level of the blank control group, and the mortality rate was reduced by 33.33% compared with the model group. The above results show that the natural plant feed additive of the present invention can effectively alleviate the growth inhibition state and reduce mortality losses in the breeding process by improving the nutrient conversion efficiency of chicks, and has the characteristics of dose dependence.

[0104]

[0105] Note: Compared with the blank control group ## P <0.01; compared with the model control group P <0.05 P <0.01.

[0106] 2.2 Effects on serum biochemical parameters

[0107] Depend on Figure 2 A comprehensive analysis of Tables 4 and 5 shows that, compared with the blank control group, the chicks in the model control group exhibited typical triple disorders of "immunity-metabolism-organism": serum IFN-γ levels were significantly decreased, and IL-6 levels were significantly increased. P <0.01 indicates an imbalance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory levels; serum TP and ALB levels were significantly decreased, while BUN and TC levels were significantly increased ( P<0.01), reflecting impaired protein synthesis and abnormal lipid metabolism; liver and kidney indicators ALT, AST, and ALP activities were all significantly enhanced (P<0.01), indicating liver and kidney dysfunction. This invention's natural plant-based feed additive achieves significant improvement through multi-dimensional synergistic regulation: IFN-γ levels show varying degrees of increase, while IL-6 levels are significantly reduced, reshaping the Th1 / Th2 immune balance; TP and ALB contents show varying degrees of increase, while BUN and TC contents are reduced, optimizing nitrogen and lipid metabolism efficiency; ALT, AST, and ALP activities all show varying degrees of decrease, achieving protective repair of the liver and kidneys. In particular, the high-dose group exhibited optimal dose-response effects in immune regulation (IFN-γ level increased by 23.67%, IL-6 level decreased by 27.05%), metabolic correction (TP and ALB levels increased by 23.57% and 24.95%, respectively, BUN and TC levels decreased by 28.19% and 26.25%, respectively), and organ protection (ALT, AST, and ALP activities decreased by 29.48%, 32.96%, and 41.58%, respectively). These experimental results demonstrate that the natural plant-based feed additive of this invention achieves a comprehensive improvement in the health status of livestock and poultry through a triple mechanism of "immune enhancement - metabolic remodeling - organ repair".

[0108]

[0109] Note: Compared with the blank control group ## P <0.01; compared with the model control group P <0.05 P <0.01.

[0110]

[0111] Note: Compared with the blank control group ## P <0.01; compared with the model control group P <0.05 P <0.01.

[0112] 2.3 Effects on immune organ indices

[0113] Depend on Figure 3 It can be seen that, compared with the blank control group, the spleen index, thymus index, and bursa of Fabricius index of chicks in the model control group were significantly decreased. P<0.01, indicating that Newcastle disease virus in chickens induced the inhibition of immune organ development and functional decline; compared with the model control group, the immune organ indices of chicks in each dosage group showed varying degrees of increase, with the high-dose group showing the most significant effect on the improvement of immune organ indices: the spleen index increased by 34.78% compared with the model group ( P <0.01), the thymus index increased by 16.45% compared with the model group ( P <0.01, the bursa of Fabricius index increased by 27.10% compared to the model group ( P <0.01), indicating that the natural plant feed additive of the present invention can promote the development and maturation of the immune organs (spleen, thymus, and bursa of Fabricius) of chicks, enhance the immune organs' ability to generate, differentiate and store immune cells, thereby repairing damaged immune function and enhancing the body's ability to resist pathogen invasion.

[0114] 3. Conclusion

[0115] This study systematically evaluated the application effects of the natural plant-based feed additive of this invention by measuring the growth performance, immune organ indices, and serum-related indicators of chicks. The results showed that the additive can improve the health of chicks from multiple dimensions, including growth performance, immune function, and homeostasis. Specifically, the additive effectively alleviated the decline in growth performance of chicks caused by Newcastle disease virus, significantly increased average daily weight gain, and reduced feed conversion ratio and mortality rate. Simultaneously, it enhanced the body's immune function, reversed the decline in immune organ indices, and significantly regulated serum inflammatory factor levels, promoting IFN-γ production and inhibiting IL-6 expression. Furthermore, it improved protein and lipid metabolism and reduced liver and kidney damage indicators. In summary, this additive has a synergistic effect of promoting growth, strengthening immunity, and protecting organs, exhibiting a dose-dependent synergistic effect. It can improve the overall health of chicks without relying on chemical agents, providing reliable technical support for promoting the development of green, safe, and efficient livestock and poultry farming models.

[0116] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A natural plant feed additive for improving immunity and promoting growth, characterized in that, The additive is made of the following raw materials by weight fraction: Gynostemma pentaphyllum 22-42 parts, Humulus scandens 20-40 parts, Gentiana macrophylla 20-40 parts, Ligustrum lucidum 18-40 parts, Hedysarum polybotrys 18-40 parts, Sargentodoxa 15-35 parts, Hippophae rhamnoides 15-35 parts, Astragalus membranaceus 10-30 parts, Saxifraga stolonifera 5-23 parts, Raphanus sativus 5-23 parts, Euphorbia humifusa 5-23 parts, Sinoren 3-24 parts, Paulownia tomentosa 5-23 parts, Platycodon grandiflorum 12-30 parts.

2. The natural plant feed additive for improving immunity and promoting growth according to claim 1, characterized in that, The additive is made of the following raw materials by weight fraction: Gynostemma pentaphyllum 22-42 parts, Humulus scandens 20-40 parts, Gentiana macrophylla 20-40 parts, Ligustrum lucidum 18-40 parts, Hedysarum polybotrys 18-40 parts, Sargentodoxa 15-35 parts, Hippophae rhamnoides 15-35 parts, Astragalus membranaceus 10-30 parts, Saxifraga stolonifera 5-23 parts, Raphanus sativus 5-23 parts, Euphorbia humifusa 5-23 parts, Sinoren 3-24 parts, Paulownia tomentosa 5-23 parts, Platycodon grandiflorum 12-30 parts.

3. The natural plant feed additive for improving immunity and promoting growth according to claim 1, characterized in that, The additive is made of the following raw materials by weight fraction: Gynostemma pentaphyllum 22-42 parts, Humulus scandens 20-40 parts, Gentiana macrophylla 20-40 parts, Ligustrum lucidum 18-40 parts, Hedysarum polybotrys 18-40 parts, Sargentodoxa 15-35 parts, Hippophae rhamnoides 15-35 parts, Astragalus membranaceus 10-30 parts, Saxifraga stolonifera 5-23 parts, Raphanus sativus 5-23 parts, Euphorbia humifusa 5-23 parts, Sinoren 3-24 parts, Paulownia tomentosa 5-23 parts, Platycodon grandiflorum 12-30 parts.

4. The method for preparing a natural plant feed additive for improving immunity and promoting growth according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method comprises the following steps: (1) The raw materials are weighed according to the above weight fraction, washed, dried, and crushed to pass through an 80-mesh sieve; (2) The crushed raw materials are mixed, 4-8 times the total weight of the raw materials of water is added, and the mixture is extracted at room temperature for 2-3 times overnight, and the extraction liquid is combined; (3) The extraction liquid is concentrated to a relative density of 1.10-1.25 at 45-65°C under reduced pressure, and then spray-dried into powder to obtain the natural plant feed additive.

5. Use of the natural plant feed additive according to any one of claims 1-3 in the preparation of an additive for improving the immunity and growth of livestock and poultry.

6. The use of natural plant feed additive according to claim 5, characterized in that, The addition amount of the natural plant feed additive is 0.2-2.0%.

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