Chinese herbal feed additive for improving immunity and production performance of chicks

Abstract

The present invention provides a Chinese herbal feed additive for improving the immunity and production performance of chicks, and relates to the technical field of Chinese herbal feed additives. The Chinese herbal feed additive is prepared from nine medicinal materials, including hawthorn kernels, sweet potato vines, durian peels, light fermented black beans, fig leaves, astragalus, pomegranate peels, pumpkin seeds, and herba euphorbiae. The Chinese herbal feed additive of the present invention can significantly improve the average daily weight gain and average daily feed intake of chicks, reduce the feed-to-meat ratio, and has a positive promoting effect on the production performance of chicks; it has a significant enhancing effect on the immune performance of chicks, and can significantly improve the immune organ index, immunoglobulin IgM content, and Newcastle disease antibody titer of chicks; it has a significant effect on the antioxidant indicators in the serum and liver of chicks, and can significantly improve the content of antioxidant enzymes and the ability to scavenge free radicals in chicks, thereby enhancing the antioxidant capacity of chicks.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of Chinese herbal medicine feed additives, and in particular to a Chinese herbal medicine feed additive for improving the immunity and production performance of chicks. Background Art

[0002] High-level breeding and intensive farming have significantly improved the production performance of livestock and poultry, but this is accompanied by problems such as reduced immunity and enhanced stress response in livestock and poultry. In order to alleviate these adverse phenomena, the use of antibiotics is relatively common, but the irrational use of antibiotics can lead to excessive drug residues in livestock and poultry products and increased drug resistance. From January 1, 2020, all growth-promoting drug feed additives except traditional Chinese medicine will be withdrawn, and enterprises will stop production and import veterinary drug agents will stop importing the corresponding veterinary products. At the same time, the corresponding veterinary product approval numbers and import veterinary drug registration certificates will be cancelled. Against the background of a comprehensive ban on the addition of antibiotics to feed, the development and utilization of traditional Chinese medicine and its extracts as livestock and poultry feed additives has attracted much attention.

[0003] my country is one of the earliest countries to use Chinese herbal medicine in feed, with records of this practice found in numerous ancient texts. For example, the "Hemp Salt to Fatten Pigs and Swine Method" described in the Huainanzi (Wanbi Shu) refers to adding sesame seeds to pig feed because they are high in oil, which helps pigs gain weight. This is the earliest record of a Chinese herbal feed additive. The Shennong's Herbal Classic also states that "feeding pigs with tung leaves will triple their size and make them easier to raise." With the continuous development of the feed industry, research on the application of Chinese herbal feed additives has flourished. Guided by traditional Chinese medicine theories and drawing on multidisciplinary insights from modern nutrition and feed processing, single or multiple Chinese herbs are processed and prepared into additives. Small amounts of these additives can be added to livestock and poultry feed to improve feed palatability, promote nutritional metabolism, enhance immunity, and improve production performance. Research has shown that compound Chinese herbal formulas are more effective than single herbs in meeting the needs of poultry farming. Optimizing the formulation, efficacy, and application scope of compound Chinese herbal feed additives are key research areas for green and healthy livestock and poultry farming. Summary of the Invention

[0004] (1) Technical problems solved

[0005] In view of the deficiencies of the existing technology, the present invention provides a Chinese herbal medicine feed additive that has the effect of improving the immunity and production performance of chicks.

[0006] (2) Technical solution

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solutions:

[0008] The present invention provides a Chinese herbal medicine feed additive for improving the immunity and production performance of chicks. The Chinese herbal medicine feed additive is prepared from the following raw materials in parts by weight: 5-15 parts of hawthorn kernels, 5-15 parts of sweet potato vines, 5-15 parts of durian peels, 5-15 parts of light fermented black beans, 5-15 parts of fig leaves, 5-15 parts of astragalus, 5-15 parts of pomegranate peels, 5-15 parts of pumpkin seeds, and 5-15 parts of euphorbia pulex.

[0009] Furthermore, the Chinese herbal feed additive is made from the following raw materials in parts by weight: 8-12 parts of hawthorn kernels, 8-12 parts of sweet potato vines, 8-12 parts of durian peels, 8-12 parts of light fermented black beans, 8-12 parts of fig leaves, 8-12 parts of astragalus, 8-12 parts of pomegranate peels, 8-12 parts of pumpkin seeds, and 8-12 parts of herba euphorbiae.

[0010] Furthermore, the Chinese herbal feed additive is made from the following raw materials in parts by weight: 10 parts of hawthorn kernels, 10 parts of sweet potato vines, 8 parts of durian peels, 8 parts of light fermented black beans, 8 parts of fig leaves, 10 parts of astragalus, 8 parts of pomegranate peels, 8 parts of pumpkin seeds, and 10 parts of herba euphorbiae.

[0011] The above-mentioned Chinese herbal feed additive is prepared according to the following steps: weighing the raw materials according to the above-mentioned weight parts, washing, drying, ultrafine grinding, passing through a 200-300 mesh sieve, and mixing evenly to obtain the Chinese herbal feed additive.

[0012] The above-mentioned Chinese herbal medicine feed additive is used for feeding chicks and mixed with feed, with the dosage being 1-5% of the weight of the chicks' daily diet.

[0013] Hawthorn kernel: bitter in taste, neutral in nature, enters the stomach and liver meridians; has the effects of digesting food, dispersing stagnation, and inducing labor; used for indigestion, hernia, testicular prolapse, dystocia and other symptoms; the chemical components of hawthorn kernel are mainly lignans, simple phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, volatile components and other types of components. Modern pharmacology shows that it has antioxidant, lipid-regulating, antibacterial, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.

[0014] Sweet potato vine: Bitter in taste and cold in nature, it enters the lung, liver, and spleen meridians; it clears heat and dampness, promotes blood circulation and dredges the meridians, and detoxifies and reduces swelling. It is commonly used for lung-heat cough, dysentery, edema, jaundice, indigestion in children, rheumatic pain, amenorrhea, leukorrhea, traumatic injuries, hemorrhoidal bleeding, and unexplained swelling.

[0015] Durian peel: a hot-natured Chinese medicinal material. The inner part of the durian peel is used in this invention, which has the effects of removing dampness, relieving pain, reducing swelling, regulating qi and strengthening the spleen. Durian peel contains phenols, triterpenes, glycosides, esters, polysaccharides, pectin, protein, fat, minerals and other nutrients. Modern pharmacological research shows that durian peel has multiple pharmacological effects such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, promoting wound healing, anti-diabetic, and relieving cough and pain.

[0016] Light fermented black beans: bitter and cold in nature, with the effects of dispelling exterior pathogens, relieving restlessness, relieving depression, and detoxifying; used for typhoid fever, cold and heat, headache, irritability, and chest tightness; the active ingredients of light fermented black beans are mainly isoflavones, polysaccharides and other active substances, which have pharmacological effects such as anti-osteoporosis, free radical scavenging, antipyretic, lowering blood sugar, antibacterial, anti-tumor, anti-radiation, lowering blood pressure and anti-atherosclerosis.

[0017] Fig leaves: sweet, slightly spicy, neutral in nature, enter the heart and large intestine meridians; have the effects of clearing damp-heat, relieving sores, reducing swelling and relieving pain; mainly treat damp-heat diarrhea, leukorrhea, hemorrhoids, carbuncle pain, scrofula; the main chemical components of fig leaves are coumarins, flavonoids, benzyl alcohol, tannins, vitamin C, various trace elements, enzymes, alkaloids, glycosides, amino acids, sugars, pectin, resin, protein and other ingredients; modern pharmacological research shows that it has antiviral, anti-tumor, antibacterial, antioxidant, lipid-lowering and blood sugar-lowering, sedative and hypnotic effects and other pharmacological effects.

[0018] Astragalus: sweet in taste, slightly warm in nature, enters the spleen and lung meridians; has the effects of replenishing qi and strengthening the exterior, expelling toxins and pus, promoting diuresis, and promoting tissue regeneration; is used for symptoms such as qi deficiency and fatigue, long-term diarrhea and prolapse of the anus, spontaneous sweating, edema, uterine prolapse, proteinuria of chronic nephritis, diabetes, and non-healing wounds; Astragalus contains effective ingredients such as carbohydrates, multiple amino acids, proteins, choline, betaine, folic acid, vitamin P, amylase, and multiple trace elements, which have the effects of enhancing immunity and antiviral.

[0019] Pomegranate peel: sour, astringent, warm in nature, enters the large intestine meridian; has the effects of astringing the intestine, stopping diarrhea, stopping bleeding, and expelling parasites; often used for long-term diarrhea, long-term dysentery, bloody stools, prolapse of the anus, metrorrhagia, leucorrhea, and abdominal pain caused by worms; pomegranate peel mainly contains chemical substances such as tannins, alkaloid compounds, flavonoids, amino acids and organic acids; has significant antibacterial, anti-cancer, antiviral and antioxidant effects.

[0020] Pumpkin seeds: sweet in taste, neutral in nature, enter the stomach and large intestine meridians; have anthelmintic effects; used for tapeworm disease and schistosomiasis; pumpkin seeds are rich in essential fatty acids, amino acids, phytosterols, minerals, vitamins and mucopolysaccharides and other chemical components, and have pharmacological effects such as expelling parasites, lowering LDL cholesterol, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant.

[0021] Herba Euphorbiae Iris: It is pungent and mild in nature, and has the effects of clearing away heat and detoxifying, cooling blood and stopping bleeding, promoting dampness and relieving jaundice; it is used for dysentery, diarrhea, hemoptysis, hematuria, hematochezia, metrorrhagia, sores, carbuncles, and damp-heat jaundice; Herba Euphorbiae Iris contains flavonoids and their glycosides, phenolic acids and tannins, terpenes, alkaloids, inorganic trace elements and other structural types of compounds. Modern pharmacological research shows that Herba Euphorbiae Iris has multiple pharmacological effects such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antitumor, analgesic, and immunity-enhancing.

[0022] (3) Beneficial effects

[0023] The Chinese herbal feed additive provided by the present invention is prepared from nine medicinal materials: hawthorn kernels, sweet potato vines, durian peels, light fermented black beans, fig leaves, astragalus, pomegranate peels, pumpkin seeds, and euphorbia pulex. Each component of the Chinese herbal feed additive complements each other and is indispensable. The rational combination of the components is a key technical means for improving the production performance of chicks. The Chinese herbal feed additive of the present invention has the following advantages:

[0024] 1. The Chinese herbal feed additive of the present invention can significantly increase the average daily weight gain and average daily feed intake of chicks, reduce the feed-to-meat ratio, and has a positive promoting effect on the production performance of chicks.

[0025] 2. The herbal feed additive of the present invention has a significant enhancing effect on the immune performance of chicks, and can significantly increase the immune organ index, immunoglobulin IgM content and Newcastle disease antibody titer of chicks.

[0026] 3. The Chinese herbal medicine feed additive of the present invention can reduce the LDH and AST activities in the serum of chicks, has no toxic side effects on the liver and kidneys of the body, and can achieve a repairing effect on the liver and kidneys of the body, and can well replace the role of antibiotics.

[0027] 4. The Chinese herbal feed additive of the present invention has a significant effect on the antioxidant indicators in the serum and liver of chicks, can significantly increase the content of antioxidant enzymes and the ability to scavenge free radicals in chicks, and enhance the antioxidant capacity of chicks. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 is the average daily weight gain of the experimental chicks in each group at 1-14 days, 15-28 days, and 29-42 days; compared with the blank group, * P <0.05,** P <0.01; compared with group Ⅰ, # P <0.05, ## P <0.01.

[0029] Figure 2 is the average daily feed intake of the experimental chicks in each group at 1-14 days, 15-28 days, and 29-42 days; compared with the blank group, * P <0.05,** P <0.01; compared with group Ⅰ, # P <0.05, ## P <0.01.

[0030] Figure 3 is the feed-to-weight ratio of each group of experimental chicks; compared with the blank group, *P <0.05,** P <0.01; compared with group Ⅰ, # P <0.05, ## P <0.01.

[0031] Figure 4 The average daily feed intake (A), average daily weight gain (B) and feed-to-meat ratio (C) of the experimental chicks in each group; compared with the blank group, * P <0.05,** P <0.01.

[0032] Figure 5 The bursa index (A), thymus index (B), and liver index (C) of the experimental chicks in each group are shown in Table 1. Compared with the blank group, * P <0.05,** P <0.01.

[0033] Figure 6 is the content of IgG (A) and IgM (B) in the serum of the experimental chickens in each group. Compared with the blank group, * P <0.05,** P <0.01.

[0034] Figure 7 The activity of LDH (A) and AST (B) in the serum of the experimental chickens in each group, among which, compared with the blank group, * P <0.05,** P <0.01.

[0035] Figure 8 are the MDA (A), SOD (B), and CAT (C) levels in the serum of the experimental chickens in each group. Compared with the blank group, * P <0.05,** P <0.01.

[0036] Figure 9 The contents of MDA (A), SOD (B), and CAT (C) in the liver of each group of experimental chickens are shown in Table 1. Compared with the blank group, * P <0.05,** P <0.01. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions in 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 part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments of the present invention without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Example 1

[0038] A Chinese herbal medicine feed additive for improving the immunity and production performance of chicks. The Chinese herbal medicine feed additive is prepared from the following raw materials in parts by weight: 5 parts of hawthorn kernels, 5 parts of sweet potato vines, 5 parts of durian peels, 5 parts of light fermented black beans, 5 parts of fig leaves, 5 parts of astragalus, 5 parts of pomegranate peels, 5 parts of pumpkin seeds, and 5 parts of euphorbia pulex.

[0039] The above-mentioned Chinese herbal feed additive is prepared according to the following steps: weighing the raw materials according to the above-mentioned weight parts, washing, drying, ultrafine grinding, passing through a 200-300 mesh sieve, and mixing evenly to obtain the Chinese herbal feed additive.

[0040] The above-mentioned Chinese herbal medicine feed additive is used for feeding chicks and mixed with feed, with the dosage being 1-5% of the weight of the chicks' daily diet. Example 2

[0041] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the Chinese herbal feed additive is made of the following raw materials in parts by weight: 15 parts of hawthorn kernels, 15 parts of sweet potato vines, 15 parts of durian peels, 15 parts of light fermented black beans, 15 parts of fig leaves, 15 parts of astragalus, 15 parts of pomegranate peels, 15 parts of pumpkin seeds, and 15 parts of euphorbia pulex. Example 3

[0042] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the Chinese herbal feed additive is made of the following raw materials in parts by weight: 12 parts of hawthorn kernels, 10 parts of sweet potato vines, 12 parts of durian peels, 14 parts of light fermented black beans, 10 parts of fig leaves, 12 parts of astragalus, 9 parts of pomegranate peels, 11 parts of pumpkin seeds, and 13 parts of herba euphorbiae. Example 4

[0043] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the Chinese herbal feed additive is made of the following raw materials in parts by weight: 8 parts of hawthorn kernels, 8 parts of sweet potato vines, 8 parts of durian peels, 8 parts of light fermented black beans, 8 parts of fig leaves, 8 parts of astragalus, 8 parts of pomegranate peels, 8 parts of pumpkin seeds, and 8 parts of euphorbia pulex. Example 5

[0044] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the Chinese herbal feed additive is made of the following raw materials in parts by weight: 12 parts of hawthorn kernels, 12 parts of sweet potato vines, 12 parts of durian peels, 12 parts of light fermented black beans, 12 parts of fig leaves, 12 parts of astragalus, 12 parts of pomegranate peels, 12 parts of pumpkin seeds, and 12 parts of euphorbia pulex. Example 6

[0045] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the Chinese herbal feed additive is made of the following raw materials in parts by weight: 10 parts of hawthorn kernels, 9 parts of sweet potato vines, 9 parts of durian peels, 10 parts of light fermented black beans, 8 parts of fig leaves, 12 parts of astragalus, 10 parts of pomegranate peels, 9 parts of pumpkin seeds, and 10 parts of euphorbia pulex. Example 7

[0046] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the Chinese herbal feed additive is made of the following raw materials in parts by weight: 10 parts of hawthorn kernels, 10 parts of sweet potato vines, 8 parts of durian peels, 8 parts of light fermented black beans, 8 parts of fig leaves, 10 parts of astragalus, 8 parts of pomegranate peels, 8 parts of pumpkin seeds, and 10 parts of herba euphorbiae.

[0047] Test Example 1

[0048] Effects of the herbal feed additive of the present invention on the production performance of chicks.

[0049] 1 Materials and Methods

[0050] 1.1 Preparation of Chinese herbal feed additives

[0051] Additive 1: 10 parts of hawthorn kernels, 10 parts of sweet potato vines, 8 parts of durian peels, 8 parts of light fermented black beans, 8 parts of fig leaves, 10 parts of astragalus, 8 parts of pomegranate peels, 8 parts of pumpkin seeds, and 10 parts of herba euphorbiae.

[0052] Additive 2: 10 parts of sweet potato vine, 8 parts of durian peel, 8 parts of light fermented black beans, 8 parts of fig leaves, 10 parts of astragalus, and 10 parts of herba euphorbiae.

[0053] Additive 3: 10 parts of hawthorn kernels, 8 parts of durian peels, 8 parts of fig leaves, 10 parts of astragalus, 8 parts of pomegranate peels, and 8 parts of pumpkin seeds.

[0054] Additive 4: 10 parts of hawthorn kernels, 10 parts of sweet potato vines, 8 parts of light fermented black beans, 8 parts of pomegranate peels, 8 parts of pumpkin seeds, and 10 parts of herba euphorbiae.

[0055] The above-mentioned Chinese herbal feed additive is prepared according to the following steps: weighing the raw materials according to the above-mentioned weight parts, washing, drying, ultrafine grinding, passing through a 300-mesh sieve, and mixing evenly to obtain the Chinese herbal feed additive.

[0056] 1.2 Experimental animals and grouping

[0057] One hundred healthy, one-day-old white-feathered broiler chicks, weighing approximately the same, were randomly divided into five groups, each containing four replicates of five chicks: a blank control group, experimental groups I, II, III, and IV. The blank control group was fed a basal diet, while chicks in experimental groups I-IV were fed a basal diet supplemented with 3% of additives 1-4, respectively. The experimental period lasted 42 days. The basal diet used during the trial consisted primarily of corn and soybean meal, formulated according to the different growth and development stages of the broilers, and divided into two phases: 1-21 days and 22-42 days. The basal diet formula and nutritional composition are shown in Table 1. The trial was conducted at a farm in Houhe Town, Weihui County, Xinxiang City, Henan Province.

[0058] Table 1 Basic diet formula and nutritional level of broiler chickens

[0059] Note: The premix provides per kilogram of feed: Vitamin A12000IU, Vitamin D2500IU, Vitamin E50mg, Vitamin K33mg, Vitamin B13mg, Vitamin B28mg, Vitamin B64mg, Vitamin B 12 5mg, biotin 0.2mg, niacin 30mg, pantothenic acid 15mg, folic acid 2mg, manganese 120mg, zinc 100mg, iron 40mg, copper 16mg, iodine 1.25mg, selenium 0.3mg.

[0060] 1.3 Measurement indicators and methods

[0061] The chickens in each group were weighed in the 2nd, 4th and 6th weeks of the formal experiment. After the last feeding of each day, the remaining feed in the feed trough was recorded, the daily feed intake of the chickens was calculated, and then the average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake and feed-to-meat ratio were calculated.

[0062] 1.4 Statistical analysis

[0063] At the end of the experiment, Prism 8.0.2 software was used to analyze the data using one-way ANOVA and Duncan's multiple comparison. The results were expressed as "mean ± standard error". P The difference was significant when the value was <0.05.

[0064] 2 Results

[0065] The average daily weight gain results of each group of experimental chicks are as follows Figure 1 As shown, during the experimental period of 1-14 days, the average daily weight gain of chicks in experimental groups I-IV was significantly higher than that in the blank control group, with significant differences ( P <0.05, P<0.01); among them, the average daily weight gain of chicks in experimental group I was significantly higher than that in experimental groups II-IV, and the difference was extremely significant ( P <0.01). During the 15th to 28th day of the experiment, the average daily weight gain of the chicks in the experimental groups I to III was significantly higher than that in the blank control group, with significant differences ( P <0.05, P <0.01); among them, the average daily weight gain of chicks in experimental group I was significantly higher than that in experimental groups II-IV, with significant differences ( P <0.05, P <0.01). During the 29th to 42nd day of the experiment, the average daily weight gain of the chicks in the experimental groups I to IV was significantly higher than that in the blank control group, with significant differences ( P <0.05, P <0.01); among them, the average daily weight gain of chicks in experimental group I was significantly higher than that in experimental groups II-IV, and the difference was extremely significant ( P <0.01).

[0066] The average daily feed intake of each group of experimental chicks is as follows Figure 2 As shown, there was no significant difference in the average daily feed intake of chicks in each group during the experimental period from 1 to 14 days ( P >0.05). During the 15th to 28th day of the experiment, the average daily feed intake of chicks in the experimental groups I to III was significantly higher than that in the blank control group, with significant differences ( P <0.05, P <0.01); the average daily feed intake of chicks in Experiment I group was significantly higher than that in Experiment II and Experiment IV groups, with significant differences ( P <0.05, P <0.01). During the 29th to 42nd day of the experiment, the average daily feed intake of chicks in the experimental groups I to III was significantly higher than that in the blank control group, and the difference was extremely significant ( P <0.01); among them, the average daily feed intake of chicks in experimental group I was significantly higher than that in experimental groups II-IV, and the difference was extremely significant ( P <0.01).

[0067] The results of feed-to-meat ratio of each group of experimental chicks are as follows Figure 3 As shown in the figure, compared with the blank control group, the feed-to-meat ratio of test groups Ⅰ-Ⅳ was significantly reduced, with significant differences (( P <0.05, P <0.01)); among them, the feed-to-meat ratio of test group I decreased the most, which was significantly lower than that of test groups II-IV.

[0068] 3 Conclusion

[0069] The above test results demonstrate that the herbal feed additive of the present invention can significantly increase the average daily weight gain and average daily feed intake of chicks, reduce the feed-to-meat ratio, and positively enhance the production performance of chicks. Furthermore, the various components of the herbal feed additive of the present invention complement each other and are indispensable. The rational combination of these components is a key technical means to achieve improved production performance of chicks.

[0070] Test Example 2

[0071] The effect of the herbal feed additive of the present invention on the immune performance of chicks.

[0072] 1 Materials and Methods

[0073] 1.1 Test materials

[0074] The experimental chicks were one-day-old healthy Hailan brown laying hens, provided by Zhengzhou Zhengde Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Technology Co., Ltd.

[0075] The Chinese herbal feed additive of the present invention comprises the following ingredients: 10 parts of hawthorn kernels, 10 parts of sweet potato vines, 8 parts of durian peels, 8 parts of light fermented black beans, 8 parts of fig leaves, 10 parts of astragalus, 8 parts of pomegranate peels, 8 parts of pumpkin seeds, and 10 parts of euphorbia pulverata. The raw materials are weighed according to the above parts by weight, washed, dried, ultrafinely ground, passed through a 300-mesh sieve, and evenly mixed to obtain the Chinese herbal feed additive.

[0076] Positive control substance 1: Yupingfeng Powder, 12 parts of Astragalus, 6 parts of Atractylodes, and 6 parts of Saposhnikovia. The raw materials were weighed according to the above parts by weight, washed, dried, ultrafinely ground, passed through a 300-mesh sieve, and mixed evenly to obtain the positive control substance 1.

[0077] Positive control 2: Amoxicillin (98%) was provided by Guangdong Hitaila Biotechnology Co., Ltd.

[0078] 1.2 Experimental design

[0079] One hundred and sixty one-day-old Hy-Line Brown laying hens were randomly divided into four groups, each containing four replicates and ten birds per replicate. A blank control group was fed a basal diet; positive control group 1 was fed a basal diet supplemented with 2.5% Yupingfeng Powder; positive control group 2 was fed a basal diet supplemented with 0.5% amoxicillin; and the inventive group was fed a basal diet supplemented with 2.5% of the inventive herbal feed additive. The chicks were routinely immunized and housed in three-tier cages with free access to water and food. The experimental period was 42 days. The basal diet formula and nutritional composition are shown in Table 2.

[0080] Table 2 Composition and nutritional content of the basal diet during the experimental period (air-dry basis) (%)

[0081]

[0082] Note: 1% laying hen premix: zeolite powder 37.8, rice bran (GB2) 30.00, methionine (DL-Met) 10.24, choline (VB4, 50%) 10.11, complex enzyme 3.00, ferrous sulfate monohydrate 1.58, zinc sulfate monohydrate 1.40, palm oil (NRC) 1.00, phytase 1.00, manganese sulfate monohydrate 0.94, ethoxyquinoline 0.50, mildew inhibitor 0.50, niacin (VB5 niacin, 98%) 0.41, vitamin E (50%) 0.40, potassium iodide (1%) 0.30, anhydrous copper sulfate 0.24, vitamin A (500,000) 0.20, pantothenic acid (VB3, 98%) 0.10, sodium selenite (1%) 0.10, riboflavin (VB2 , 96%) 0.06, Vitamin K (50%) 0.06, Pyridoxine (VB6, 98%) 0.04, Vitamin D (500,000) 0.04, Thiamine (VB1, 98%) 0.03, Biotin (VH, 2%) 0.03, Cyanocobalamin (VB12, 1%) 0.02, Folic Acid (VBc, 94%) 0.01; nutritional levels are calculated values.

[0083] 1.3 Measurement indicators and methods

[0084] 1.3.1 Growth performance

[0085] The chicks in each group were weighed at 1 day and 42 days of age, and the feed intake and feed residue were counted. The average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake and feed-to-weight ratio during the experimental period were calculated.

[0086] 1.3.2 Immune performance

[0087] On days 28 and 42 of the experiment, six chicks from each group were weighed on an empty stomach, and blood was collected from the heart for serum preparation. The chicks were sacrificed by exsanguination through the jugular vein, and the spleen, thymus, and bursa of Fabricius were removed. Impurities and fascia were removed, and the chicks were immediately weighed after blotting with filter paper. Immune organ indices were calculated. Newcastle disease antibody titers were determined according to the "Diagnostic Techniques for Newcastle Disease" (GB / T 16550-2008), and serum IgG and IgM levels were determined strictly according to the IgG and IgM kit instructions.

[0088] 1.4.4 Serum biochemical indicators

[0089] On the 42nd day of the experiment, serum was collected from 6 chickens in each group, and the activities of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were determined strictly according to the kit instructions.

[0090] 1.4.5 Antioxidant Index

[0091] On the 42nd day of the experiment, serum and liver were collected from 6 chickens in each group, and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) in the serum and liver were determined strictly according to the instructions of the kit.

[0092] 1.5 Statistical analysis

[0093] At the end of the experiment, Prism 8.0.2 software was used to organize and analyze the data. One-way ANOVA was used for analysis and Duncan's multiple comparison was performed. The results were expressed as "mean ± standard error". P The difference was significant when the value was <0.05.

[0094] 2 Results

[0095] 2.1 Effect of the addition of Chinese herbal medicine to feed on the growth performance of Hailan brown egg chicks

[0096] Depend on Figure 4 The results showed that there was no significant difference in the average daily feed intake of the chicks in each group ( P >0.05); the average daily weight gain of the chicks in the present invention group was significantly higher than that in the blank control group ( P <0.01, the feed-to-weight ratio was significantly lower than that of the blank control group ( P <0.01). The average daily weight gain of chicks in the positive control group 1 was significantly higher than that in the blank control group ( P <0.05), the feed-to-weight ratio was not significantly different from that of the blank control group ( P >0.05); all preparations of the chicks in the positive control group 1 were not significantly different from those in the blank control group ( P >0.05).

[0097] 2.2 Effects of the Herbal Feed Additive of the Present Invention on Immune Organ Indexes of Hy-Line Brown Egg Chickens

[0098] Depend on Figure 5 The results showed that the bursa index, thymus index and spleen index of the chicks in the present invention group and the positive control group 1 were significantly higher than those in the blank control group ( P <0.01); the bursa index and spleen index of chicks in the positive control group 2 were significantly higher than those in the blank control group ( P <0.05), the thymus index showed no significant difference compared with the blank control group ( P >0.05).

[0099] 2.3 Effect of the Chinese herbal feed additive of the present invention on Newcastle disease antibody titer of Hy-Line brown egg chickens

[0100] Depend on Figure 6 The results showed that the serum IgM and IgG levels of the chickens in the present invention group were significantly higher than those in the blank control group (P <0.01); the serum IgM and IgG levels of chicks in the positive control group 1 were significantly higher than those in the blank control group ( P <0.05); the serum IgM and IgG levels of chicks in the positive control group 2 were not significantly different from those in the blank control group ( P >0.05).

[0101] 2.4 Effects of the Herbal Feed Additive of the Present Invention on Serum Biochemical Parameters of Hy-Line Brown Egg Chickens

[0102] Depend on Figure 7 The results showed that the serum LDH and AST activities of the chickens in the present invention group were significantly lower than those in the blank control group and the positive control group (2 ( P <0.01); the serum LDH activity of chicks in the positive control group 1 was significantly lower than that in the blank control group and the positive control group 2 ( P <0.05), the serum AST activity of chickens in the positive control group 1 was not significantly different from that in the blank control group and the positive control group 2 ( P >0.05).

[0103] 2.5 Effects of the Chinese herbal feed additive of the present invention on serum and liver antioxidant indicators of Hailan brown egg chickens

[0104] Depend on Figure 8 The results showed that the MDA, SOD and CAT levels in the serum and liver of the chickens in the present invention group were significantly different from those in the blank control group ( P <0.01).

[0105] 3 Conclusion

[0106] According to the above test results, it can be proved that the Chinese herbal feed additive of the present invention has a positive promoting effect on the growth performance of Hailan brown-egg chickens, can significantly improve the average daily weight gain of chickens, and reduce the feed-to-meat ratio. In addition, the Chinese herbal feed additive of the present invention also has a significant enhancing effect on the immune performance of Hailan brown-egg chickens, can significantly improve the immune organ index, immunoglobulin IgM content and Newcastle disease antibody titer of chickens. Moreover, the Chinese herbal feed additive of the present invention can also reduce the LDH and AST activities in the serum of chickens, has no toxic side effects on the liver and kidneys of the body, and can achieve a repairing effect on the liver and kidneys of the body, and can well play the role of replacing antibiotics. At the same time, the Chinese herbal feed additive of the present invention has a significant effect on the antioxidant indicators in the serum and liver of chickens, can significantly improve the content of antioxidant enzymes and the ability to scavenge free radicals of Hailan brown-egg chickens, and enhance the antioxidant capacity of chickens.

[0107] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit the same. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A Chinese herbal medicine feed additive for improving the immunity and production performance of chicks, characterized in that: The Chinese herbal medicine feed additive is prepared from the following raw materials in parts by weight: 10 parts of hawthorn kernels, 10 parts of sweet potato vines, 8 parts of durian peels, 8 parts of light fermented black beans, 8 parts of fig leaves, 10 parts of astragalus, 8 parts of pomegranate peels, 8 parts of pumpkin seeds, and 10 parts of euphorbia pulex.

2. The method for preparing the Chinese herbal medicine feed additive according to claim 1, wherein: The Chinese herbal feed additive is prepared according to the following steps: weighing the raw materials according to the above weight parts, washing, drying, ultrafine grinding, passing through a 200-300 mesh sieve, and mixing evenly to obtain the Chinese herbal feed additive.

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