A traditional Chinese medicine composition for improving sow fertility and application thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a traditional Chinese medicine composition for improving sow reproductive capacity and application thereof. The traditional Chinese medicine composition is prepared by accurate proportioning and comprises the following raw materials in parts by weight: Herba Epimedii: 1-10 parts; Semen Euryae: 1-10 parts; Spatholobus suberectus Dunn: 1-10 parts; Camellia oleifera Abel: 1-10 parts; Curcuma longa L: 1-7 parts; Radix Codonopsis: 1-6 parts. The traditional Chinese medicine composition can comprehensively regulate sow reproductive system and effectively solve problems such as estrus delay, high estrus return rate and litter reduction. In the application verification in multiple pig farms, the traditional Chinese medicine composition can significantly shorten the weaning-estrus interval of sows, promote the secretion of reproductive hormones, improve the conception rate, greatly increase the average total number of litters and improve the survival rate of piglets. The characteristics of no hormone and no chemical additive guarantee food safety, reduce breeding cost and promote the green and sustainable development of the animal husbandry. The application is suitable for various pig breeds and scale farms and has wide practical value and popularization potential.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of veterinary drugs, specifically providing a traditional Chinese medicine composition for improving the fertility of sows and its application. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional Chinese veterinary medicine believes that the abundance or deficiency of Qi and blood in the Ren and Chong meridians and the abundance or deficiency of kidney essence are key factors affecting reproductive capacity. If kidney essence is deficient, or the Qi and blood in the Ren and Chong meridians are insufficient or obstructed, the ovaries will not be nourished by sperm and blood, resulting in slow follicle development, reduced ovulation, and delayed or absent estrus. In the existing technology, there are some traditional Chinese medicine compositions developed to improve the reproductive performance of sows, which can improve the reproductive function of sows to a certain extent, but they generally have the following problems: (1) The pathogenesis of the decline in postpartum fertility of sows in current industrialized pig farms has not been systematically and comprehensively analyzed, the prescription is not comprehensive, and the clinical application effect is unstable. (2) Too many drug components, resulting in high cost. (3) The dosage form is unreasonable, and it cannot be mixed evenly in sow pellet feed, resulting in a large waste of drugs. 。 (4) Lack of rigorous experimental data support, unreasonable drug combinations, failure to fully utilize the synergistic effect between medicinal materials, and failure to achieve the best efficacy of the drugs. (5) Lack of clinical validation with sufficient sample size, resulting in inaccurate assessment of the actual production effect of improving sow fertility.

[0003] Therefore, developing a novel traditional Chinese medicine composition to enhance sow fertility is particularly important and urgent for the development of the pig farming industry. The traditional Chinese medicine composition of this invention can effectively improve sow fertility, featuring a scientifically sound selection and proportioning of components. It comprehensively regulates sow health, fundamentally improves sow reproductive health, increases sow utilization efficiency, ensures the economic benefits of pig farms, and provides a safe, efficient, and sustainable solution for enhancing reproductive performance in modern pig farming. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is to analyze the pathogenesis of postpartum fertility decline in sows in modern pig farms, use traditional Chinese veterinary medicine techniques to comprehensively regulate the sow's physical functions, solve the problems of delayed or absent estrus, high return to estrus rate, and reduced litter size, maintain the health of the sow's reproductive system, extend the sow's service life, and improve the sow's utilization efficiency and the economic benefits of the pig farm.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a traditional Chinese medicine composition for improving sow fertility, comprising the following raw materials in parts by weight: Epimedium: 1-10 parts; Cuscuta: 1-10 parts; Spatholobus suberectus: 1-10 parts; Camellia oleifera oil cake: 1-10 parts; Curcuma longa: 1-7 parts; Codonopsis pilosula: 1-6 parts. The theoretical basis of this traditional Chinese medicine composition is as follows: Epimedium and Cuscuta pilosula tonify the kidneys and warm the yang, strengthen the tendons and consolidate the foundation; Spatholobus suberectus and Camellia oleifera oil cake nourish blood and replenish deficiency, nourish yin and replenish essence; Curcuma longa soothes the liver and relieves depression, invigorates blood and regulates menstruation; Codonopsis pilosula tonifies the middle and benefits qi, and enhances the body's constitution.

[0006] For the technical solution described above, in a further preferred embodiment, the amount of Epimedium is 2-8 parts; more preferably, it is 3-7 parts.

[0007] For the technical solution described above; in a further preferred embodiment, the dodder seed is 2-8 parts; more preferably 3-7 parts;

[0008] For the technical solution described above, in a further preferred embodiment, the amount of *Spatholobus suberectus* is 2-8 parts; more preferably 3-7 parts.

[0009] For the technical solution described above, in a further preferred embodiment, the tea oil cake comprises 2-8 parts; more preferably, 3-7 parts.

[0010] For the technical solution described above, in a further preferred embodiment, the turmeric is 1-5 parts; more preferably 2-4 parts.

[0011] For the technical solution described above; in a further preferred embodiment, the Codonopsis pilosula is 1-5 parts; more preferably 2-4 parts.

[0012] Another aspect of the present invention also protects the application of the above-described traditional Chinese medicine composition in livestock production, animal health management, and sustainable agricultural development.

[0013] In the case of the technical solution described above, the application demonstrates its important role in the current and future transformation and upgrading of the breeding industry in optimizing breeding technology, strengthening genetic selection and breeding, promoting the efficiency and sustainable development of pig farms, solving sow reproductive problems, irregular estrus, low conception rate, regulating sow reproductive system function, preventing and treating certain reproductive diseases, and reducing the use of hormones and antibiotics. It has good prospects for industrial application.

[0014] Technical effects of the present invention:

[0015] First, the formula of this invention is a pure combination of traditional Chinese medicines, which does not contain any hormones or chemical additives and will not disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal endocrine system of sows.

[0016] Second, the traditional Chinese medicine formula of this invention has the effects of tonifying the kidney and strengthening the body, replenishing blood and essence, soothing the liver and regulating menstruation, and strengthening the spleen and replenishing deficiency. It contains a variety of active ingredients, which can regulate the sow's body and reproductive system as a whole, increase the number of piglets born, and improve the utilization efficiency of sows in pig farms.

[0017] Third, the Chinese medicinal materials used in this invention have stable sources and are inexpensive.

[0018] Fourth, the weaning-estrus interval was shortened: the average interval in the experimental group was 94.63-98.38 hours (about 3.94-4.10 days), which was more than 48 hours shorter than that in the blank control group (P<0.01).

[0019] Fifth, regulation of reproductive hormones: The levels of E2 and LH in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the blank control group, indicating that they have the effect of promoting follicle development and ovulation in sows.

[0020] Sixth, improved conception rate: The conception rate in the experimental group was generally close to or reached 100%, which was significantly higher than the 62.5% in the blank control group, indicating that the combination of traditional Chinese medicine can effectively improve the conception rate of sows.

[0021] 7. Increased average litter size: The experimental group had an average of 12.85-13.42 piglets, which was significantly higher than the blank control group's 9.64 piglets (P<0.05), indicating that the combination of traditional Chinese medicine can increase the number of piglets born to sows.

[0022] 8. Increased average litter size: The experimental group had an average of 12.62-13.10 piglets, which was significantly higher than the blank control group of 9.16 piglets (P<0.05), indicating that the combination of traditional Chinese medicine can improve the survival rate of piglets.

[0023] 9. Synergistic effect of ingredients: The comparative group analysis showed that the lack of certain ingredients (such as chicken blood vine, turmeric, and tea oil residue) affected the overall efficacy, proving that the synergistic effect of each ingredient in the formula is crucial for improving reproductive capacity.

[0024] 10. Practical application verification: Application examples 1-5 showed that the traditional Chinese medicine group had a significant advantage over the control group in different pig farms and pig breeds, which proved the practicality and effectiveness of the traditional Chinese medicine composition across varieties and scales. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below. 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.

[0026] Example 1

[0027] This embodiment of the traditional Chinese medicine composition for improving sow fertility includes the following raw materials in parts by weight:

[0028] Epimedium 5 parts, Cuscuta chinensis 5 parts, Spatholobus suberectus 7 parts, Camellia oleifera 7 parts, Curcuma longa 4 parts, Codonopsis pilosula 4 parts.

[0029] The preparation method of the traditional Chinese medicine combination for promoting estrus in sows involves weighing, mixing, and pulverizing the raw materials according to a specified ratio, passing them through a 60-mesh sieve, spraying water into the mixture while stirring continuously until the water content reaches approximately 15% of the weight of the medicine. The mixture should be clump-like when squeezed but crumble easily when released. It should then be processed into 3.5mm diameter pellets using a feed pellet mill. The pellets should be dried in an electric heating oven at 50℃ and packaged in 60g bags for later use.

[0030] Example 2

[0031] This embodiment of the traditional Chinese medicine composition for improving sow fertility includes the following raw materials in parts by weight:

[0032] Epimedium 7 parts, Cuscuta chinensis 7 parts, Spatholobus suberectus 5 parts, Camellia oleifera oil 5 parts, Curcuma longa 4 parts, Codonopsis pilosula 4 parts.

[0033] The preparation method of the traditional Chinese medicine combination for promoting estrus in sows involves weighing, mixing, and pulverizing the raw materials according to a specified ratio, passing them through a 60-mesh sieve, spraying water into the mixture while stirring continuously until the water content reaches approximately 15% of the weight of the medicine. The mixture should be clump-like when squeezed but crumble easily when released. It should then be processed into 3.5mm diameter pellets using a feed pellet mill. The pellets should be dried in an electric heating oven at 50℃ and packaged in 60g bags for later use.

[0034] Example 3

[0035] This embodiment of the traditional Chinese medicine composition for improving sow fertility includes the following raw materials in parts by weight:

[0036] Epimedium 3 parts, Cuscuta chinensis 3 parts, Spatholobus suberectus 3 parts, Camellia oleifera 3 parts, Curcuma longa 2 parts, Codonopsis pilosula 2 parts.

[0037] The preparation method of the traditional Chinese medicine combination for promoting estrus in sows involves weighing, mixing, and pulverizing the raw materials according to a specified ratio, passing them through a 60-mesh sieve, spraying water into the mixture while stirring continuously until the water content reaches approximately 15% of the weight of the medicine. The mixture should be clump-like when squeezed but crumble easily when released. It should then be processed into 3.5mm diameter pellets using a feed pellet mill. The pellets should be dried in an electric heating oven at 50℃ and packaged in 60g bags for later use.

[0038] Comparative Example 1

[0039] The aphrodisiac powder (Veterinary Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, 2020 edition) consists of 6g of Epimedium, 6g of Yangqishi (quenched in wine), 4g of Angelica sinensis, 5g of Cyperus rotundus, 6g of Leonurus japonicus, and 5g of Cuscuta chinensis; the preparation method is the same as in Example 1.

[0040] Comparative Example 2

[0041] Epimedium 5 parts, Cuscuta chinensis 5 parts, Codonopsis pilosula 4 parts.

[0042] The difference between this comparative example and Example 1 is that the formula does not use chicken blood vine, turmeric, and tea oil cake.

[0043] Comparative Example 3

[0044] Epimedium 5 parts, Cuscuta chinensis 5 parts, Spatholobus suberectus 7 parts, Camellia oleifera 7 parts, Codonopsis pilosula 4 parts.

[0045] The difference between this comparative example and Example 1 is that turmeric is not used in the formulation.

[0046] Comparative Example 4

[0047] Epimedium 5 parts, Cuscuta chinensis 5 parts, Spatholobus suberectus 7 parts, Curcuma longa 4 parts, Codonopsis pilosula 4 parts.

[0048] The difference between this comparative example and Example 1 is that tea oil cake is not used in the formulation.

[0049] Comparative Example 5

[0050] Epimedium 5 parts, Cuscuta chinensis 5 parts, Camellia oleifera oil 7 parts, Curcuma longa 4 parts, Codonopsis pilosula 4 parts.

[0051] The difference between this comparative example and Example 1 is that chicken blood vine is not used in the formulation.

[0052] Comparative Example 6

[0053] Epimedium 5 parts, Cuscuta chinensis 5 parts, Spatholobus suberectus 35 parts, Camellia oleifera 35 parts, Curcuma longa 20 parts, Codonopsis pilosula 4 parts.

[0054] The difference between this comparative example and Example 1 is that the formulation uses 5 times the dosage of chicken blood vine, turmeric, and tea oil cake.

[0055] Comparative Example 7

[0056] Epimedium 5 parts, Cuscuta chinensis 5 parts, Angelica sinensis 7 parts, Salvia miltiorrhiza 4 parts, Camellia oleifera oil 7 parts, Codonopsis pilosula 4 parts.

[0057] The difference between this comparative example and Example 1 is that equal doses of Angelica sinensis and Salvia miltiorrhiza were used to replace Spatholobus suberectus and Curcuma longa.

[0058] Example of effect

[0059] The effects of the herbal combinations in Examples 1-3 and Comparative Examples 1-7 on sow fertility were investigated. The specific methods are as follows.

[0060] experimental animals

[0061] 88 crossbred sows (Landrace × Large White), 5-7 parities, provided by Fuxin Agricultural Development Co., Ltd., Zhenyuan County, Guizhou Province.

[0062] Drug preparation

[0063] Traditional Chinese medicine preparations: Accurately weigh the traditional Chinese medicines according to the drug ratios of Examples 1-3 and Comparative Examples 2-7, and then prepare them by crushing, granulating, and dispensing according to the methods in the examples for later use.

[0064] The aphrodisiac powder used in Comparative Example 1 was prepared by weighing the Chinese medicinal materials according to the proportions of the aphrodisiac powder formula in the "Veterinary Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China" (2020 edition) and referring to the drug preparation method in the example.

[0065] Main reagents and instruments

[0066] The ELISA kits for detecting porcine follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and estradiol were purchased from Shanghai Enzyme-Link Biotechnology Co., Ltd. The microplate reader (Thermo Fisher, Multiskan FC), centrifuge (Lu Xiangyi, TD4), and veterinary ultrasound machine (Boxianglai, BXL-M2) were also provided.

[0067] I. Experimental Methods

[0068] (1) Grouping and administration

[0069] Eighty-eight Landrace × Large White crossbred sows were randomly divided into 11 groups: experimental group 1, experimental group 2, experimental group 3, control group 1, control group 2, control group 3, control group 4, control group 5, control group 6, control group 7, and a blank control group, with eight sows in each group. Sows in experimental groups 1-3 received 60g of the traditional Chinese medicine preparation from Examples 1-3 in their daily diet; sows in control groups 1-7 received 60g of the traditional Chinese medicine preparation from Examples 1-7 in their daily diet; the blank control group was fed a basal diet. Medication was added from day 15 of lactation until 3 days after weaning (21 days after weaning), twice daily (morning and evening), with free access to water. The basal diets for the sows are shown in Tables 1-1 and 1-2.

[0070] Table 1-1 Component proportions of the Examples and Comparative Examples

[0071]

[0072]

[0073] Table 1-2 Composition and Nutritional Levels of Basal Diets for Sows

[0074] raw material Proportion (%) Nutritional level content(%) corn 60.00 <![CDATA[Metabolizable energy (MJ·kg -1 )]]> 11.91 wheat bran 15.00 crude protein 17.35 soybean meal 15.00 Crude fat 4.73 rapeseed meal 4.00 crude fiber 4.12 fish meal 2.00 calcium 0.83 premix 4.00 Total phosphorus 0.65 total 100.00 Lysine 0.94 Methionine + Cysteine 0.72 threonine 0.53

[0075] Note: Each kilogram of premix contains: iron 120mg, copper 15mg, zinc 120mg, manganese 50mg, cobalt 0.75mg, selenium 0.35mg, vitamin A 53500 IU, vitamin D 43500 IU, vitamin E 125mg, vitamin K 35mg, vitamin B1 3mg, vitamin B2 10mg, vitamin B6 7.5mg, VB 120.075mg, niacin 45mg, folic acid 5mg, D-calcium pantothenate 35mg, biotin 1.25mg, β-carotene 150mg.

[0076] (2) Result determination

[0077] Estrus detection: After weaning, check for estrus once at 9:00 am and once at 4:00 pm every day. Estrus is determined by redness and swelling of the vulva, increased and viscous secretions, and obvious "standing reflex". Artificial insemination should be performed in time, and repeat insemination once 8-12 hours later.

[0078] Hormone assay: On the 3rd day after weaning, 5ml of blood was collected, plasma was separated, and the levels of FSH, LH, and E2 in the plasma were measured according to the kit instructions.

[0079] Pregnancy determination: Observe the sow's behavior daily for 21 days post-mating and examine her using a veterinary ultrasound. A sow is considered pregnant if she is quiet, shows no signs of estrus, and has a clearly visible gestational sac on ultrasound; otherwise, she is considered to have returned to estrus. Calculate the conception rate and return-to-estrus rate using the following formulas: Conception rate = (Number of pregnant sows / Number of mated sows) * 100%; Return-to-estrus rate = (Number of non-pregnant sows / Number of mated sows) * 100%.

[0080] Farrowing Statistics: Record the farrowing data for each group of sows and calculate the average total litter size and average number of healthy piglets per litter using the following formulas: Average total litter size = Sum of total litters per sow in each group / Number of sows; Average number of healthy piglets per litter = Sum of healthy piglets per sow in each group / Number of sows.

[0081] Data analysis: SPSS 26.0 statistical software was used for data statistical analysis. Data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. t-tests were used to analyze differences between groups. Results are expressed as mean ± standard error. P < 0.01 indicates extremely significant difference, P < 0.05 indicates significant difference, and P > 0.05 indicates no significant difference.

[0082] II. Results

[0083] (I) Effects on the weaning-estrus interval in sows

[0084] The effects of each group of traditional Chinese medicines on the weaning-estrus interval of sows are shown in Table 2. In experimental groups 1-3, the average weaning-estrus interval for sows was less than 100 hours, significantly shorter than that of the control group and the blank control group. In the control group, the weaning-estrus interval in control group 6 was significantly shorter than that in the blank control group (P<0.01), and similar to that in experimental groups 1-3. This indicates that experimental groups 1-3 can effectively shorten the weaning-estrus interval and reduce the number of non-productive days in sows, while exceeding the dosage of *Spatholobus suberectus*, *Camellia oleifera* oil, and turmeric did not further enhance the effect.

[0085] Table 2. Effects on the weaning-estrus interval in sows (unit: hours)

[0086]

[0087]

[0088] Note: "*" indicates a significant difference compared to the blank control group (P<0.05), "**" indicates an extremely significant difference compared to the blank control group (P<0.01), and "#" indicates a significant difference compared to control group 1 (P<0.05).

[0089] (II) Effects on major reproductive hormones in sows

[0090] The changes in major reproductive hormones in the plasma of sows in each group are shown in Table 3. The plasma FSH levels in experimental groups 1-3 were slightly higher than those in the blank control group, but the difference was not significant (P>0.05). The plasma FSH levels in control groups 1, 3, 4, 5, and 7 were significantly higher than those in the blank control group. The plasma LH levels in experimental groups 1-3 and control groups 6 and 7 were significantly higher than those in the blank control group (P<0.01) and control group 1 (P<0.05). The plasma E2 levels in experimental groups 1-3 were significantly higher than those in the blank control group and control group 1 (P>0.05). This indicates that the traditional Chinese medicine combination can regulate the reproductive endocrine system of sows.

[0091] Table 3. Effects on major reproductive hormones in sows

[0092] Group Number of sows (heads) FSH(U / L) LH (pg / mL) <![CDATA[E2(pmol / mL)]]> Experimental Group 1 / Example 1 8 <![CDATA[7.45±1.56 # ]]> <![CDATA[585.23±56.42 **# ]]> <![CDATA[942.75±189.65 *# ]]> Experimental Group 2 / Example 2 8 <![CDATA[8.12±2.03 # ]]> <![CDATA[618.47±50.45 **# ]]> <![CDATA[894.83±137.34 *# ]]> Experimental Group 3 / Example 3 8 <![CDATA[7.67±1.88 # ]]> <![CDATA[593.06±103.24 **# ]]> <![CDATA[937.36±135.68 *# ]]> Control Group 1 / Comparative Example 1 8 <![CDATA[11.25±1.85 ** ]]> 398.20±66.40 <![CDATA[728.34±156.34 * ]]> Control Group 2 / Comparative Example 2 8 <![CDATA[8.85±1.67 # ]]> 327.55±48.35 645.23±125.43 Control Group 3 / Comparative Example 3 8 <![CDATA[10.15±2.12 * ]]> 366.84±34.25 629.56±126.78 Control group 4 / Comparative example 4 8 <![CDATA[9.57±1.65 * ]]> 375.28±76.35 <![CDATA[723.66±189.34 * ]]> Control group 5 / Comparative example 5 8 <![CDATA[12.67±1.78 ** ]]> 365.76±57.44 665.78±163.25 Control group 6 / Comparative example 6 8 <![CDATA[8.86±2.08 # ]]> <![CDATA[576.23±64.33 **# ]]> <![CDATA[865.68±134.58 * ]]> Control group 7 / Comparative example 7 8 <![CDATA[11.56±2.28 ** ]]> <![CDATA[545.22±78.23 **# ]]> <![CDATA[795.35±166.33 * ]]> Blank control group 8 <![CDATA[6.28±1.57 # ]]> 267.86±51.92 <![CDATA[584.96±112.32 # ]]>

[0093] Note: "*" indicates a significant difference compared to the blank control group (P<0.05), "**" indicates an extremely significant difference compared to the blank control group (P<0.01), and "#" indicates a significant difference compared to control group 1 (P<0.05).

[0094] (III) Impact on sow conception rate and estrus rate

[0095] Twenty-one days after mating, the sows' pregnancy status was assessed through behavioral changes and ultrasound examination, as shown in Table 4. In the experimental groups, only one sow in experimental group 2 returned to estrus, while sows in control groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 all returned to estrus. Specifically, two sows in control group 2 returned to estrus, and the others returned to estrus once each. The blank control group had three sows returning to estrus. Therefore, the pregnancy rate in the experimental groups was higher than that in the control groups and the blank control group.

[0096] Table 4. Statistics on sow pregnancy rate (unit: head)

[0097] Group Number of sows Number of pregnant sows Number of sows returning to estrus Conception rate / % Return rate / % Experimental Group 1 / Example 1 8 8 0 100 0 Experimental Group 2 / Example 2 8 7 1 87.5 12.5 Experimental Group 3 / Example 3 8 8 0 100 0 Control Group 1 / Comparative Example 1 8 8 0 100 0 Control Group 2 / Comparative Example 2 8 6 2 75 25 Control Group 3 / Comparative Example 3 8 7 1 87.5 12.5 Control group 4 / Comparative example 4 8 7 1 87.5 12.5 Control group 5 / Comparative example 5 8 7 1 87.5 12.5 Control group 6 / Comparative example 6 8 8 0 100 0 Control group 7 / Comparative example 7 8 8 0 100 0 Blank control group 8 5 3 62.5 37.5

[0098] (iv) Impact on sow litter size

[0099] The sow farrowing situation is shown in Table 5. The average total number of piglets and the average number of healthy piglets per litter in experimental groups 1-3 were significantly higher than those in the blank control group and control group 1 (P<0.05).

[0100] Table 5. Statistics on the number of piglets born to sows (unit: heads)

[0101]

[0102]

[0103] Note: "*" indicates a significant difference compared to the blank control group (P<0.05), "**" indicates an extremely significant difference compared to the blank control group (P<0.01), and "#" indicates a significant difference compared to control group 1 (P<0.05).

[0104] The results above show that

[0105] (1) The weaning-estrus interval of sows in the experimental group was only 94.63-98.38 hours (approximately 3.94-4.10 days), mainly concentrated in the 72-113 hours range, which was significantly shorter than that of the blank control group (P<0.01), and the estrus rate within 7 days was 100%. This indicates that the combination of Chinese herbal medicines in the examples can effectively promote postpartum estrus in sows and shorten the non-productive days.

[0106] (2) The plasma FSH level of sows in the experimental group was not significantly different from that in the blank control group, while the LH and E2 levels were significantly increased. This indicates that the combination of Chinese medicine in the example did not drastically increase the reproductive hormone level of sows, but rather promoted the regular periodic secretion of reproductive hormones in the sows.

[0107] (3) The number of pregnant sows in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the blank control group. The average total number of piglets born in the litter and the average number of healthy piglets born in the litter were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). This was close to the litter size of the 3rd to 4th parity pigs in this batch, indicating that the combination of traditional Chinese medicine in the experiment can promote the healthy development of sow follicles, reduce atresia, increase ovulation, and improve the number and quality of piglets born to sows.

[0108] (4) The weaning-estrus interval and litter size of the control group were significantly lower than those of the experimental group, indicating that the Chinese herbal combination of chicken blood vine, turmeric, and tea oil has a significant impact on the efficacy of the Chinese herbal combination.

[0109] (5) The reproductive capacity of the six groups of sows was comparable to that of the experimental groups 1, 2 and 3, with no significant difference (P>0.05), indicating that the use of excessively high doses of chicken blood vine, turmeric and tea oil in the Chinese medicine combination will not further significantly improve the reproductive capacity of sows.

[0110] (6) The reproductive capacity of the seven groups of sows was significantly lower than that of the experimental groups 1, 2 and 3, indicating that the combination of chicken blood vine and turmeric was more effective than angelica and salvia miltiorrhiza.

[0111] (7) The reproductive capacity of sows in control groups 3, 4 and 5 was better than that of the blank control group, but lower than that of experimental groups 1, 2 and 3. This indicates that there is a synergistic effect among the drugs in the Chinese medicine combination, and the absence of a certain drug will affect the overall effect.

[0112] In summary, the traditional Chinese medicine combination of the present invention can significantly shorten the non-productive days of multiparous sows, increase the conception rate and litter size, and improve sow fertility.

[0113] Clinical application effects of the present invention

[0114] To verify the application effect of the traditional Chinese medicine composition in actual production, the raw materials were weighed, mixed, and pulverized according to the proportions in Example 1. The mixture was then passed through a 60-mesh sieve. Water was sprayed into the mixture using a spray bottle while stirring constantly until the water reached approximately 15% of the weight of the medicine. The mixture was shaped into clumps that crumbled easily when released. It was then processed into 3.5mm diameter pellets using a feed pellet mill. The pellets were dried and packaged in 60g bags. The results of the application in five disease-free pig farms are as follows:

[0115] Application Example 1

[0116] Yi'an Agricultural Ecological Development Co., Ltd. of Tianzhu County, Guizhou Province, selected 60 multiparous sows (5-7 parities) of the Landrace × Large White crossbred breed. These sows were randomly divided into a herbal medicine group and a control group, with 30 sows in each group. The herbal medicine group received 60g of this invention in their daily diet, twice a day, from 7 days before weaning to 3 days after weaning. The control group received no additional medication in their diet. Feeding, weaning, regrouping, estrus monitoring, and mating were all carried out by the farm technicians according to farm management and technical requirements. The results are as follows.

[0117] Table 6 Comparison of experimental results on the effects of traditional Chinese medicine combinations on sow reproductive performance

[0118]

[0119] Note: "*" indicates a significant difference compared to the blank control group (P<0.05), and "**" indicates an extremely significant difference compared to the blank control group (P<0.01).

[0120] The application results above show that, after adding this invention to the sow diet, compared with the control group, the weaning-estrus interval of sows in the traditional Chinese medicine group was shortened by 40.08 hours, which was extremely significant (P<0.01), and the return-estrus rate was reduced by 6.66%; the average total number of piglets per litter and the average number of healthy piglets per litter were 2.14 and 1.85 more, respectively, which were significant (P<0.05).

[0121] Application Example 2

[0122] Guizhou Province Tianzhu County Hongyuan Agricultural Development Co., Ltd. selected 90 multiparous sows (5-7 parities) of the Landrace × Large White crossbred species. These sows were randomly divided into a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) group and a control group, with 45 sows in each group. The TCM group sows received 60g of this invention in their diet twice daily from 7 days before weaning to 3 days after weaning. The control group sows received no additional medication in their diet. Feeding, weaning, regrouping, estrus monitoring, and mating were all performed by the farm technicians according to farm management and technical requirements. The results are as follows.

[0123] Table 7 shows the effect of traditional Chinese medicine combinations on improving the reproductive performance of sows in a large sample size.

[0124]

[0125] Note: "*" indicates a significant difference compared to the blank control group (P<0.05), and "**" indicates an extremely significant difference compared to the blank control group (P<0.01).

[0126] The above application results show that, after adding this invention to the sow diet, compared with the control group, the average weaning-estrus interval of sows in the traditional Chinese medicine group was significantly shortened by 33.28 hours (P<0.01), the return-estrus rate decreased by 4.44%, and the average total number of piglets per litter and the average number of healthy piglets per litter were 1.98 and 2.34 higher than those in the control group, respectively, with significant differences (P<0.05).

[0127] Application Example 3

[0128] Guizhou Taijiang County Shenglong Agricultural and Livestock Development Co., Ltd., using a Landrace × Large White crossbred, randomly divided 100 multiparous sows (5-7 parities) into a traditional Chinese medicine group and a control group, with 50 sows in each group. The sows in the traditional Chinese medicine group received 60g of this invention in their daily diet, twice a day, from 7 days before weaning to 3 days after weaning. The control group received no additional medication in their diet. Feeding, weaning, regrouping, estrus monitoring, and mating were all carried out by the farm technicians according to farm management and technical requirements. The results are as follows.

[0129] Table 8 Evaluation of the impact of traditional Chinese medicine combinations on sow reproductive performance under large sample sizes.

[0130]

[0131] Note: "*" indicates a significant difference compared to the blank control group (P<0.05), and "**" indicates an extremely significant difference compared to the blank control group (P<0.01).

[0132] The above application results show that, compared with the control group, the average weaning-estrus interval of sows in the traditional Chinese medicine group was significantly shortened by 41.11 hours after adding this invention to their diet (P<0.01), the return-to-estrus rate decreased by 6.00%, and the average total litter size and average number of healthy piglets per litter were 1.13 and 1.64 higher, respectively, with significant differences (P<0.05). This demonstrates its scientific basis and promotional value in practical production applications.

[0133] Application Example 4

[0134] Yongze Agricultural and Livestock Development Co., Ltd. in Shibing County, Guizhou Province, randomly divided 50 multiparous sows (5-7 parities) into a traditional Chinese medicine group and a control group, with 25 sows in each group. The sows in the traditional Chinese medicine group received 60g of this invention in their daily diet, twice a day, from 7 days before weaning to 3 days after weaning. The control group received no additional medication in their diet. Feeding, weaning, regrouping, estrus monitoring, and mating were all carried out by the farm technicians according to farm management and technical requirements. The results are as follows.

[0135] Table 9. Effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine Combinations on Sow Reproductive Performance under Small-Scale Pig Farm Conditions

[0136]

[0137]

[0138] Note: "*" indicates a significant difference compared to the blank control group (P<0.05), and "**" indicates an extremely significant difference compared to the blank control group (P<0.01).

[0139] The above application results show that, after adding this invention to the sow diet, compared with the control group, the average weaning-estrus interval of sows in the Chinese medicine group was significantly shortened by 40.86 hours (P<0.01). All sows in the Chinese medicine group became pregnant, while 2 sows in the control group returned to estrus. The average total number of piglets per litter and the average number of healthy piglets per litter were 1.64 and 1.45 higher than those in the control group, respectively, with significant differences (P<0.05).

[0140] Application Example 5

[0141] Kaili Changyuan Agricultural Development Co., Ltd., Guizhou Province, selected 60 multiparous sows (5-7 parities) of the local black pig breed. They were randomly divided into a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) group and a control group, with 30 sows in each group. The TCM group sows received 60g of this invention in their daily diet, twice a day, from 7 days before weaning to 3 days after weaning. The control group sows received no additional medication in their diet. Feeding, weaning, regrouping, estrus monitoring, and mating were all conducted according to pig farm management and technical operation requirements. The results are as follows.

[0142] Table 10 Empirical Analysis of Improved Reproductive Performance in Local Black Pigs

[0143]

[0144] Note: "*" indicates a significant difference compared to the blank control group (P<0.05), and "**" indicates an extremely significant difference compared to the blank control group (P<0.01).

[0145] The above application results show that, after adding this invention to the sow diet, compared with the control group, the average weaning-estrus interval of sows in the Chinese medicine group was significantly shortened by 41.19 hours (P<0.01). All sows in the Chinese medicine group became pregnant, while 2 sows in the control group returned to estrus. The average total number of piglets per litter and the average number of healthy piglets per litter were 2.07 and 1.96 higher than those in the control group, respectively, with significant differences (P<0.05).

[0146] Through the analysis of the above embodiments and comparative examples, the innovative value of the traditional Chinese medicine compound of the present invention lies in the screening and optimization of its key components, which is superior to the scope that can be foreseen by the current level of technology:

[0147] (1) Analysis of the indispensability of key components:

[0148] Through a carefully designed comparative experiment, we systematically examined the subtle changes in the effects on sow reproductive performance after removing or replacing specific components (chicken blood vine, turmeric, and camellia oil cake) in Example 1. The experimental data from control groups 2 to 5 clearly indicate that the absence of certain key components significantly reduced the improvement in sow fertility, even failing to show a statistically significant difference compared to the blank control group without any intervention. This phenomenon strongly suggests that chicken blood vine, turmeric, and camellia oil cake play crucial roles in the compound formula; they influence sow reproductive endocrine function, reproductive system function, and overall physiological state, either through independent biological activity mechanisms or through complex interaction pathways, collectively promoting a significant improvement in fertility.

[0149] (2) Scientific justification for formulation optimization:

[0150] Comparative Example 6 attempted to explore the upper limit of its effect by increasing the dosage of *Spatholobus suberectus*, turmeric, and tea oil cake. The results confirmed that the dosage of the components in the original formula had reached a balance threshold for maximizing efficacy; exceeding this threshold did not yield any additional beneficial effects, revealing the necessity of precise dosage control. Comparative Example 7, which replaced *Spatholobus suberectus* and turmeric with *Angelica sinensis* and *Salvia miltiorrhiza*, aimed to explore the possibility of substitution with functionally similar herbs. However, the results showed a decrease in fertility, clearly indicating that the unique role of *Spatholobus suberectus* and turmeric in this compound is irreplaceable, emphasizing that the ingenuity of the formula design lies in the precise balance of synergistic effects between components.

[0151] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A traditional Chinese medicine composition for improving sow fertility, characterized in that: It is composed of the following ingredients in parts by weight: Epimedium: 1-10 parts; Cuscuta: 1-10 parts; Spatholobus suberectus: 1-10 parts; Camellia oleifera oil cake: 1-10 parts; Curcuma longa: 1-7 parts; Codonopsis pilosula: 1-6 parts.

2. The traditional Chinese medicine composition according to claim 1, characterized in that: The amount of Epimedium is 2-8 parts by weight.

3. The traditional Chinese medicine composition according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dodder seed content is 2-8 parts by weight.

4. The traditional Chinese medicine composition according to claim 1, characterized in that: The amount of chicken blood vine is 2-8 parts by weight.

5. The traditional Chinese medicine composition according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tea oil cake is 2-8 parts by weight.

6. The traditional Chinese medicine composition according to claim 1, characterized in that: The amount of turmeric is 1-5 parts by weight.

7. The traditional Chinese medicine composition according to claim 1, characterized in that: The amount of Codonopsis pilosula mentioned is 1-5 parts by weight.

8. The use of the traditional Chinese medicine composition as described in claim 1 in the preparation of a drug to improve the fertility of sows.

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