Compound traditional Chinese medicinal material feed additive for stress conditioning of calves as well as preparation and application of compound traditional Chinese medicinal material feed additive

Abstract

The invention discloses a compound traditional Chinese medicinal material feed additive for stress conditioning of calves as well as preparation and application of the compound traditional Chinese medicinal material feed additive. Comprising the following raw materials: 1-3 parts of schizonepeta, 1-3 parts of cassia twig, 3-9 parts of ephedra, 2-6 parts of coptis chinensis, 1-3 parts of scutellaria baicalensis, 3-9 parts of cape jasmine, 1-3 parts of poria cocos, 5-15 parts of astragalus membranaceus, 1-3 parts of bighead atractylodes rhizome, 5-15 parts of platycodon grandiflorum, 5-15 parts of radix stemonae, 3-9 parts of white mulberry root-bark, 3-9 parts of hawthorn, 3-9 parts of massa medicata fermentata fujianensis, 5-15 parts of malt, 4-12 parts of radix bupleuri, 3-9 parts of mangnolia officinalis, 2-6 parts of semen lepidii, 1-3 parts of fructus forsythiae, 3-9 parts of ligusticum wallichii, 1-3 parts of houttuynia cordata Through the synergistic effect of multiple traditional Chinese medicines, the stress of the calves can be relieved from multiple dimensions of resisting viruses, regulating intestinal flora, enhancing immunity and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of traditional Chinese veterinary medicine technology. Specifically, this invention relates to a compound Chinese medicinal herb feed additive for stress management in calves, as well as its preparation and application. Background Technology

[0002] In the process of large-scale development of animal husbandry in my country, the "northern cattle, southern calf" industrial model has become an important path for optimizing resource allocation. Under this model, calves need to be transported long distances from northern production areas such as Inner Mongolia and Ningxia to southern breeding areas such as Guangdong and Yunnan, with transportation distances generally exceeding 1,500 kilometers and transportation times mostly ranging from 24 to 48 hours. During this process, calves face severe environmental stress, including temperature fluctuations (the difference between the dry and cold environment of the north and the hot and humid environment of the south can reach more than 20°C), space constraints (density is usually 0.8 to 1.2 m² / head), and interruptions in feed and water supply. These challenges can lead to decreased resistance in calves, resulting in illnesses such as colds, flu, respiratory diseases (coughing, wheezing, pneumonia), and intestinal digestive diseases (indigestion, bloating, diarrhea, etc.). If treatment is not timely or appropriate, a large number of deaths occur, increasing breeding costs and making it difficult for farmers to make a profit.

[0003] Currently, the industry commonly uses antibiotics to manage transport stress, but this approach has significant drawbacks. Industry survey data shows that under traditional antibiotic regimens, the morbidity rate of calves within 7 days of transport is as high as 35%–50%, with a mortality rate of 5%–8%, and the cost of treatment per calf exceeds 200 yuan. More seriously, long-term use of broad-spectrum antibiotics can lead to damage to vital organs such as the liver and kidneys in calves, and drug residue risks also threaten food safety. In contrast, some pilot farms using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment programs have achieved a calf survival rate of over 98% after transport, with no cases of significant organ damage. Currently, the industry lacks highly effective and safe compound TCM feed additives specifically designed for calf transport stress. Existing TCM applications are mostly single-ingredient or simply compounded, resulting in unstable efficacy, poor compatibility, and inconvenience of use, failing to meet actual needs. Therefore, developing a targeted, effective, and easy-to-use compound Chinese herbal feed additive to replace antibiotics for calf transport stress management effectively solves the triangular dilemma of "high cost-high risk-low efficiency" in traditional solutions, fills a technological gap in the industry, and has important practical significance and broad application prospects.

[0004] At the policy level, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has implemented the "Action Plan for Reducing the Use of Veterinary Antibiotics" since 2020, which clearly requires that the use of antibiotics in animal husbandry be reduced by 20% by 2025 compared to 2020. Against this backdrop, developing safe, efficient, and directly additive-compatible compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additives has become an inevitable choice to address the pain points of the "northern cattle farming in the south" industry. This approach aligns with the national policy direction of reducing and eliminating antibiotics in animal husbandry and can effectively reduce economic losses for livestock enterprises, thus possessing significant industrial value and application prospects. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One object of the present invention is to solve at least the above-mentioned problems and / or defects, and to provide at least the advantages described below.

[0006] To achieve these objectives and other advantages of the present invention, a compound traditional Chinese medicine feed additive for stress management in calves is provided, comprising, by weight, the following ingredients: 1-3 parts Schizonepeta tenuifolia, 1-3 parts Cinnamomum cassia, 3-9 parts Ephedra sinica, 2-6 parts Coptis chinensis, 1-3 parts Scutellaria baicalensis, 3-9 parts Gardenia jasminoides, 1-3 parts Poria cocos, 5-15 parts Astragalus membranaceus, 1-3 parts Atractylodes macrocephala, 5-15 parts Platycodon grandiflorus, 5-6 parts Stemona japonica. 15 parts, mulberry bark 3-9 parts, hawthorn 3-9 parts, fermented wheat bran 3-9 parts, malt 5-15 parts, bupleurum 4-12 parts, magnolia bark 3-9 parts, lepidium 2-6 parts, forsythia 1-3 parts, chuanxiong 3-9 parts, houttuynia cordata 1-3 parts, isatis root 3-9 parts, indigo leaf 2-6 parts, dandelion 2-6 parts, plantain 2-6 parts, artemisia capillaris 2-6 parts, immature bitter orange peel 3-9 parts, licorice 1-3 parts.

[0007] A method for preparing a compound traditional Chinese medicine feed additive for stress management in calves includes the following steps: Step 1: Weigh the raw materials according to the proportions and soak them in warm water; Step 2: Add purified water to the soaked raw materials and boil them three times: first boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat, and filter to obtain the decoction. Step 3: Combine the three decoctions and concentrate them to the concentration endpoint using vacuum concentration technology to obtain the compound Chinese herbal feed additive.

[0008] Preferably, in step one, the temperature of the warm water is 25-45°C, and the soaking time is 30-45 minutes.

[0009] Preferably, in step two, the amount of purified water used is 8 to 12 times the weight of the raw material, the temperature of boiling over high heat is 95 to 105°C and the time is 50 to 70 minutes, the temperature of boiling over low heat is 75 to 98°C and the time is 25 to 35 minutes, and the mixture is stirred once every 15 minutes during the decoction.

[0010] Preferably, in step three, the vacuum degree of the reduced pressure concentration technology is 0.05 to 0.08 MPa, the vacuum degree fluctuation should be ≤0.01 MPa, and the temperature is 40 to 60°C; the concentration endpoint is controlled so that the relative density is 1.18 to 1.35 when measured at 50°C.

[0011] The present invention also provides the application of a compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive for calf stress conditioning prepared according to the above preparation method in the feed for calf stress conditioning and long-distance transport of calves, wherein the addition ratio is 1 to 5% of the total feed by weight.

[0012] The present invention also provides the application of a compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive for calf stress management prepared according to the above preparation method in calf stress management and long-distance transport of calves.

[0013] This compound herbal feed additive is scientifically formulated with 28 kinds of traditional Chinese medicine. Based on the theory of "syndrome differentiation and treatment" in traditional Chinese veterinary medicine, it targets the four core pathogenesis of calf stress caused by long-distance transportation: external wind-cold, internal heat-toxin accumulation, spleen and stomach weakness, and respiratory obstruction. It constructs a prevention and treatment system of "dual treatment of exterior and interior, supporting the body's resistance and eliminating pathogens". The components can be divided into five categories according to their efficacy: exterior-releasing drugs, heat-clearing drugs, tonifying drugs, antitussive and antiasthmatic drugs, and digestive drugs. The specific composition and mechanism of action are as follows: Exterior-releasing herbs: dispel wind and cold, open the pores. With Schizonepeta, Cinnamon Twig, and Ephedra as its core ingredients, Ephedra, being pungent and warm, promotes sweating, clears the lungs, and relieves asthma, thus alleviating chills and fever caused by wind-cold invasion during transportation. Cinnamon Twig warms and unblocks the meridians, enhancing Ephedra's ability to relieve exterior symptoms. Schizonepeta dispels wind, relieves exterior symptoms, and promotes rash eruption, alleviating skin heat caused by stress in calves. The three herbs combined work together to "open the gates of hell," conforming to the classic formula of the *Shanghan Lun* (Treatise on Cold Damage): "In Taiyang disease, with headache, fever, body aches, back pain, joint pain, aversion to wind, no sweating, and wheezing, Ephedra Decoction is the main treatment."

[0014] Heat-clearing herbs: Clears heat and detoxifies, cools the blood and purges fire. To address the internal generation of heat toxins after stress, three bitter and cold herbs—Coptis chinensis, Scutellaria baicalensis, and Gardenia jasminoides—were selected. Coptis chinensis effectively clears heat toxins from the middle burner, Scutellaria baicalensis clears lung heat and stops bleeding, and Gardenia jasminoides drains heat from all three burners and guides it downwards. This combination originates from "Huanglian Jiedu Tang" (Coptis Detoxification Decoction), and modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that it can inhibit the excessive proliferation of opportunistic pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella, reducing the risk of intestinal infection after transportation.

[0015] Tonifying herbs: tonify Qi and strengthen the spleen, consolidate the foundation and nourish the source. The modified "Yu Ping Feng San" formula, with Astragalus membranaceus, Poria cocos, and Atractylodes macrocephala as its core ingredients, uses Astragalus membranaceus to tonify Qi, raise Yang, strengthen the exterior, and stop sweating, thus enhancing the stress resistance of calves. Poria cocos invigorates the spleen and eliminates dampness, while Atractylodes macrocephala tonifies Qi, strengthens the spleen, and dries dampness. The combination of these two ingredients can improve gastrointestinal dysfunction caused by stress. Experimental data show that Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharides can significantly increase serum IgG levels in calves, enhance immune response efficiency, and when combined with licorice, it has a significant alleviating effect on weight loss in calves after transportation.

[0016] Cough and asthma relief medication group: Promotes lung function, relieves cough, and eliminates phlegm. To address common respiratory symptoms caused by transport stress, a high-proportion combination of Platycodon grandiflorus, Stemona japonica, and Morus alba root bark is used. Platycodon grandiflorus clears the lungs, soothes the throat, and eliminates phlegm and pus; its effective component, platycodon saponin, can promote the secretion and expulsion of respiratory mucus. Stemona japonica moistens the lungs and relieves cough, and has a specific inhibitory effect on cough caused by pathogens such as mycoplasma. Morus alba root bark clears the lungs, relieves asthma, promotes diuresis, and reduces swelling, alleviating cough and asthma caused by lung heat. The three herbs work synergistically to fulfill the physiological function of "the lungs governing qi and respiration," which is consistent with the "combination of dispersing and descending" formulation principle in "Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang" (Ephedra, Apricot Kernel, Gypsum, and Licorice Decoction).

[0017] Digestive aid group: aids digestion, relieves food stagnation, harmonizes the stomach and strengthens the spleen. The basic formula for "Baohe Wan" is composed of hawthorn, styrax fermented wheat, and malt. Hawthorn is good at eliminating food stagnation caused by meat, styrax fermented wheat (made from styrax fermented wheat with magnolia bark, costus root, etc.) enhances the effects of resolving dampness and harmonizing the stomach, and malt promotes the digestion of starchy foods. Studies have shown that this combination can increase the frequency of rumen peristalsis in calves by 20% and reduce the incidence of rumen atony after transportation.

[0018] This invention offers at least the following beneficial effects: The compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive of this invention breaks through the limitations of traditional single-treatment principles. It achieves a dual approach of relieving both exterior and interior symptoms through "exterior-releasing herbs + heat-clearing herbs," and "tonifying herbs + digestive herbs" to strengthen the body's resistance and eliminate pathogens. The high proportion of Platycodon grandiflorus and Stemona japonica in the additive has a targeted repair effect on respiratory mucosal damage caused by transportation stress. Through the synergistic effect of multiple Chinese herbs, it alleviates transportation stress from multiple dimensions, including antiviral activity, regulation of intestinal flora, and enhanced immunity, increasing the respiratory symptom relief rate by more than 35% compared to traditional formulas. Compared to intramuscular injection of antibiotics, the compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive for calf conditioning allows every cow in the herd to receive the medication through drinking water and feed. For ruminants suffering from influenza pneumonia caused by colds, administration for 3-5 days can expel phlegm and dampness from the lungs, regulate body fluid secretion and circulation to avoid peritonitis caused by pleural and abdominal effusions, effectively control and treat cattle diseases, reduce drug, labor, and cattle mortality costs, and better improve the profitability of livestock farming.

[0019] This invention constructs an innovative solution for the prevention and control of stress during calf transportation through the three-dimensional synergy of policy compliance, economic feasibility, and physiological regulation effectiveness. Its promotion and application can not only reduce the use of antibiotics in the livestock industry and reduce food safety risks, but also reshape the value chain of beef cattle farming by reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and improving performance, thus helping the industry to transform towards a green, efficient, and sustainable direction.

[0020] Other advantages, objectives and features of the present invention will become apparent in part from the following description, and in part from those skilled in the art through study and practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a comparison chart of the clinical symptom improvement effects between the experimental group and the control group using the compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive prepared in Example 1 of this invention; Figure 2 This is a comparison chart of physiological indicators between the experimental group and the control group using the compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive prepared in Example 1 of the present invention; Figure 3 A comparison chart of the transportation and conditioning costs per calf between traditional antibiotic regimens and the compound Chinese herbal feed additive regimen of this invention; Figure 4 This is a comparison chart of the clinical symptom improvement effects between the embodiment group and the comparative group of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a comparison chart of physiological indicators between the embodiment group and the comparative group of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can implement it based on the description.

[0023] Example 1 A method for preparing a compound traditional Chinese medicine feed additive for stress management in calves includes the following steps: Step 1: Weigh the raw materials according to the following proportions: 1 part Schizonepeta tenuifolia, 1 part Cinnamomum cassia, 3 parts Ephedra sinica, 2 parts Coptis chinensis, 1 part Scutellaria baicalensis, 3 parts Gardenia jasminoides, 1 part Poria cocos, 5 parts Astragalus membranaceus, 1 part Atractylodes macrocephala, 5 parts Platycodon grandiflorus, 5 parts Stemona japonica, 3 parts Morus alba root bark, 3 parts Crataegus pinnatifida, 3 parts Medicated leaven (containing malt), 5 parts malt, 4 parts Bupleurum chinense, 3 parts Magnolia officinalis, 2 parts Lepidium apetalum, 1 part Forsythia suspensa, 3 parts Ligusticum chuanxiong, 1 part Houttuynia cordata, 3 parts Isatis indigotica, 2 parts Isatis tinctoria leaf, 2 parts Taraxacum mongolicum, 2 parts Plantago asiatica, 2 parts Artemisia capillaris, 3 parts Citrus aurantium, 1 part Glycyrrhiza uralensis. Soak the raw materials in 42℃ warm water for 30 minutes. Step 2: Add 10 times the weight of the soaked raw materials to purified water and decoct three times. Each time, first boil at 100°C for 60 minutes, then simmer at 78°C for 30 minutes. Stir every 15 minutes during decoction and filter to obtain the decoction. Step 3: Combine the three decoctions and concentrate them using vacuum concentration technology at a vacuum degree of 0.06 MPa, a vacuum degree fluctuation of ≤0.01 MPa, and a temperature of 50℃, until the relative density is 1.20 at 50℃, thus obtaining the compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive.

[0024] Comparative Example 1 A method for preparing a compound traditional Chinese medicine feed additive includes the following steps: Step 1: Weigh the raw materials according to the following proportions: 1 part Schizonepeta tenuifolia, 1 part Cinnamomum cassia, 3 parts Ephedra sinica, 2 parts Coptis chinensis, 1 part Scutellaria baicalensis, 3 parts Gardenia jasminoides, 1 part Poria cocos, 5 parts Astragalus membranaceus, 1 part Atractylodes macrocephala, 5 parts Platycodon grandiflorus, 5 parts Stemona japonica, 3 parts Morus alba root bark, 3 parts Crataegus pinnatifida, 3 parts Medicated leaven (containing malt), 5 parts malt, 4 parts Bupleurum chinense, 3 parts Magnolia officinalis, 2 parts Lepidium apetalum, 1 part Forsythia suspensa, 3 parts Ligusticum chuanxiong, 1 part Houttuynia cordata, 3 parts Isatis indigotica, 2 parts Isatis tinctoria leaf, 2 parts Taraxacum mongolicum, 2 parts Plantago asiatica, 2 parts Artemisia capillaris, 3 parts Citrus aurantium, 1 part Glycyrrhiza uralensis. Soak the raw materials in 42℃ warm water for 30 minutes. Step 2: Add 10 times the weight of the soaked raw materials to purified water and decoct twice. Each time, first boil at 100°C for 60 minutes, then simmer at 78°C for 30 minutes. Stir every 15 minutes during decoction and filter to obtain the decoction. Step 3: Combine the two decoctions and concentrate them using vacuum concentration technology at a vacuum degree of 0.06 MPa, a vacuum degree fluctuation of ≤0.01 MPa, and a temperature of 50℃, until the relative density at 50℃ is 1.42, thus obtaining the compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive.

[0025] Comparative Example 2 A method for preparing a compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive differs from Example 1 only in that the raw materials in step one are missing Schizonepeta tenuifolia, Cinnamomum cassia, and Ephedra sinica; the methods and process parameters for the remaining steps are the same as in Example 1.

[0026] Comparative Example 3 A method for preparing a compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive differs from Example 1 only in that the raw materials in step one are missing Coptis chinensis, Scutellaria baicalensis, and Gardenia jasminoides; the methods and process parameters for the remaining steps are the same as in Example 1.

[0027] Comparative Example 4 A method for preparing a compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive differs from Example 1 only in that the raw materials in step one are missing Astragalus membranaceus, Poria cocos, and Atractylodes macrocephala. The methods and process parameters of the remaining steps are the same as those in Example 1.

[0028] Comparative Example 5 A method for preparing a compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive differs from Example 1 only in that the raw materials in step one are missing Platycodon grandiflorus, Stemona japonica, and Morus alba root bark; the methods and process parameters for the remaining steps are the same as in Example 1.

[0029] Comparative Example 6 A method for preparing a compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive differs from Example 1 only in that the raw materials in step one are missing hawthorn, fermented wheat bran, and malt; the methods and process parameters for the remaining steps are the same as in Example 1.

[0030] To ensure process stability and product uniformity, a multi-dimensional quality control indicator system was established: High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the content of marker components, with baicalin content ≥3.5 mg / g and astragaloside A content ≥0.8 mg / g. This standard was based on the lowest effective dose determined by pharmacodynamic experiments. Fingerprint chromatogram control was achieved by comparing the HPLC chromatograms of more than 10 batches of pilot-scale samples to establish 12 common characteristic peaks, with a similarity ≥0.95. Routine tests included pH value (5.0–7.0), relative density (1.18–1.35), and microbial limits (bacterial count ≤1000 CFU / g, molds and yeasts ≤100 CFU / g).

[0031] The content of marker components, pH value, relative density, microbial limit and dissolution rate of main active ingredients in the compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additives prepared in Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1-6 were determined. The content of marker components was determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the results are shown in Table 1.

[0032] Table 1 As shown in Table 1, the compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive prepared in Example 1, using a three-stage decoction process, outperformed the two-stage decoction process in Comparative Example 1 in terms of marker component content, relative density, and microbial limits. The relative density of the compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive prepared in Comparative Example 1 was 1.42, slightly higher than the upper limit of the standard range, possibly due to the higher concentration of the decoction resulting from the two-stage decoction. The cumulative dissolution rate of the main active ingredients in Example 1 reached over 90%, a 14% increase compared to the traditional two-stage decoction process in Comparative Example 1, significantly improving the dissolution rate of effective components and demonstrating the significant effect of process optimization. Compared to Example 1, Comparative Examples 2-6 lacked diaphoretics, heat-clearing herbs, tonifying herbs, antitussive and asthma-relieving herbs, and digestive herbs, respectively. Regarding the content of marker components, except for a significant decrease in baicalin in Comparative Example 3 and a significant decrease in astragaloside A in Comparative Example 4, the other components met the quality control indicators, and the dissolution rate of the main active ingredients in the raw materials all reached ≥90%. Furthermore, through the optimization of the above-mentioned process parameters and the establishment of a quality control system, the batch-to-batch variation of this compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive can be ≤5%, and the effective component transfer rate can be ≥85%, providing a stable and controllable material basis for clinical application.

[0033] Application Example 1 A comparison of the conditioning effects of the compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive prepared in Example 1 of this invention and traditional antibiotics on calves stressed during long-distance transportation; Using a comparative framework of "control group (intramuscular antibiotic injection) - experimental group (compound traditional Chinese medicine feed additive)," 400 healthy calves aged 60 days (weighing 85±5 kg) were randomly divided into two groups of 200 each. The experimental group was fed a basal feed supplemented with the compound traditional Chinese medicine feed additive prepared in Example 1 (addition ratio of 3%) 2 hours before transport, and the transport lasted 12 hours. The control group received a traditional antibiotic regimen, receiving an intramuscular injection of ceftiofur sodium (dose 5 mg / kg body weight) 2 hours before transport, and the transport lasted 12 hours. Clinical indicators and physiological parameters were monitored continuously for 72 hours after transport.

[0034] Clinical symptom improvement effect, for example Figure 1As shown, in the experimental group of 200 calves, the rate of abnormal body temperature (body temperature >39.5℃ or <38.0℃) 24 hours after transportation was only 3.5% (7 calves out of 200 had abnormal body temperature), significantly lower than the 22.5% in the control group (45 calves out of 200 had abnormal body temperature); the improvement rate of respiratory symptoms (coughing, wheezing) within 48 hours reached 92.3% (24 out of 26 calves with respiratory symptoms improved), while the improvement rate in the control group was 58.1% (25 out of 43 calves with respiratory symptoms improved); the recovery rate of intestinal function (indigestion, diarrhea) within 72 hours reached 96.7% (29 out of 30 calves with intestinal dysfunction symptoms recovered), while the rate in the control group was 56.8% (21 out of 37 calves with intestinal dysfunction symptoms recovered). The survival rate of the experimental group was 98.5% (197 out of 200 calves survived), while the survival rate of the control group was 90.0% (180 out of 200 calves survived). The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05).

[0035] Physiological indicators, for example Figure 2 As shown, the serum cortisol level in the experimental group 24 hours after transport was 45.2 ± 6.8 ng / mL, significantly lower than that in the control group (68.5 ± 8.2 ng / mL, P < 0.01); the white blood cell count was 8.2 ± 1.1 × 10⁹ / L, compared to 12.5 ± 1.5 × 10⁹ / L in the control group. 9 / L (P<0.01); the immunoglobulin IgG content was 28.5±3.2 g / L, while that in the control group was 22.3±2.8 g / L (P<0.05). These data indicate that the traditional Chinese medicine prescription can effectively inhibit excessive cortisol secretion caused by stress, reduce inflammatory responses, and enhance the body's immune function.

[0036] Through dual verification using clinical symptoms and physiological indicators, it was confirmed that the compound Chinese herbal feed additive, when applied to the basal feed of calves, is significantly superior to traditional antibiotic regimens in alleviating stress during long-distance transportation. Furthermore, it only needs to be added to the feed and fed to the calves, eliminating the need for individual injections, making it simple to use. Its mechanism of action may involve regulating the activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis), inhibiting the release of inflammatory factors, and enhancing intestinal barrier function, providing a feasible solution for reducing antibiotic use in green farming.

[0037] From an economic benefit perspective, for example Figure 3As shown, the traditional antibiotic regimen costs approximately 50 yuan per calf for transportation and conditioning, while the compound traditional Chinese medicine feed additive regimen costs only 30 yuan per calf, a 40% reduction in unit cost. Based on a transport batch of 1,000 calves, this translates to a cost saving of 20,000 yuan per trip. Assuming 10 transport batches per year, the annual cost savings would reach 200,000 yuan. Furthermore, by reducing calf mortality (assuming a 3% mortality rate with the traditional regimen and 1% with the traditional Chinese medicine regimen), a transport batch of 1,000 calves can reduce the loss of 20 calves (based on a market average price of 5,000 yuan per calf), resulting in an additional economic loss of 100,000 yuan, demonstrating significant overall economic benefits.

[0038] Application Example 2 A comparison of the conditioning effects of the compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive prepared in Example 1 of this invention with the compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additives prepared in Comparative Examples 1 to 6 when added to feed; Using a comparative framework of "Example Group - Comparative Group", 1400 healthy calves aged 60 days (weighing 85±5kg) were randomly divided into 7 groups of 200 each. The Example Group was fed a basal diet supplemented with the compound traditional Chinese medicine feed additive prepared in Example 1 (at a rate of 3%) 2 hours before transport, and the transport lasted 12 hours. Comparative Groups 1 through 6 were each fed an equal amount of basal diet supplemented with the compound traditional Chinese medicine feed additive prepared in Comparative Groups 1 through 6 (at a rate of 3%) 2 hours before transport, and the transport lasted 12 hours. Clinical indicators and physiological parameters were monitored continuously for 72 hours after transport.

[0039] Comparison of clinical symptom improvement effects is shown in Table 2 and Figure 4 As shown.

[0040] Table 2 From Table 2 and Figure 4 As can be seen, in the 200 calves of the example group, the abnormal body temperature rate (body temperature >39.5℃ or <38.0℃) 24 hours after transportation was only 3% (6 / 200); the improvement rate of respiratory symptoms (coughing and wheezing) within 48 hours reached 90.0% (27 / 30); the recovery rate of intestinal function (indigestion and diarrhea) within 72 hours reached 96.8% (30 / 31); and the overall survival rate of the example group reached 98% (196 / 200).

[0041] In the comparative groups, Comparative Example 1, due to only two decoctions, had a lower dissolution rate of effective components than Example 1. The abnormal body temperature rate, respiratory symptom improvement rate, and intestinal function recovery rate of 200 calves were 5% (10 / 200), 85.7% (24 / 28), and 87.5% (28 / 32), respectively. Compared with the Example group, the efficacy of the compound Chinese herbal feed additive was significantly improved after three decoctions. Comparative Example 2, lacking diaphoretic drugs, struggled to alleviate fever caused by stress during transportation. The abnormal body temperature rate 24 hours after transportation was 24.5% (49 / 200), a significant increase compared to the Example group. Comparative Example 3, lacking heat-clearing drugs, had an abnormal body temperature rate of 6.5% (13 / 200), a respiratory symptom improvement rate, and intestinal function recovery rate of 200 calves, respectively, an increase compared to the Example group. The improvement rate of respiratory symptoms and the recovery rate of intestinal function were reduced, and the number of calves with intestinal dysfunction symptoms increased by 6 compared with the example group. This may be because Coptis chinensis, Scutellaria baicalensis, and Gardenia jasminoides can inhibit the excessive proliferation of opportunistic pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella, and can reduce the risk of intestinal infection after transportation. In the comparative group 4, due to the lack of tonifying drugs, the recovery rate of intestinal function was 65.6% (21 / 32), and the effect of improving stress-induced gastrointestinal dysfunction was significantly reduced. In the comparative group 5, due to the lack of antitussive and antiasthmatic drugs, the improvement rate of respiratory symptoms was only 39.3% (11 / 28), and the respiratory symptoms such as coughing and wheezing in calves during transportation were difficult to improve. In the comparative group 6, due to the lack of digestive aids, the recovery rate of intestinal function was 86.7% (26 / 30), which was lower than that of the example group. This may be because hawthorn is good at eliminating meat stagnation, glutinous rice has the effect of enhancing the elimination of dampness and stomach, and malt can promote the digestion of starchy foods in calves, which has a certain effect on the recovery of intestinal function. In terms of overall survival rate, the survival rate of the Example Group was slightly higher than that of Comparative Example 1, and significantly higher than that of Comparative Examples 2 to 6. This indicates that the compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive prepared by this invention is indispensable for relieving exterior syndromes, clearing heat, tonifying, antitussive and antiasthmatic drugs, and digestive aids.

[0042] Physiological indicators, for example Figure 5 As shown in the figure, the serum cortisol level in the Example group 24 hours after transportation was 44.6 ± 5.3 ng / mL, which was lower than that in Comparative Examples 1 to 6. This indicates that the three-stage decoction process and the 28 herbs in the compound herbal feed additive prepared in this invention can effectively inhibit stress-induced excessive cortisol secretion. The white blood cell count in the Example group was also lower than that in Comparative Examples 1 to 6, at 8.0 ± 0.9 × 10⁻⁶. 9 / L indicates that the inflammatory response has been further reduced; while the immunoglobulin IgG content in the example group was 28.9±2.8 g / L, which was higher than that in comparative groups 1 to 6, while the immunoglobulin IgG content in comparative group 4 was the lowest, possibly due to the lack of astragalus polysaccharide in the tonic, which failed to increase the serum IgG level of calves.

[0043] In terms of animal welfare and growth performance improvement, the advantages of compound traditional Chinese medicine feed additives are reflected in the systematic improvement of calf physiological functions. Clinical data show that after using this compound traditional Chinese medicine feed additive, the uniformity of the calf herd increased by 15%, the fattening period was shortened by 10 days, and the feed conversion rate increased by 8%. This effect stems from the synergistic regulation of the neuro-endocrine-immune network by the traditional Chinese medicine components in the compound traditional Chinese medicine feed additive. It can alleviate immunosuppression caused by transportation stress and promote the rapid recovery of digestive system function, and has a more comprehensive physiological regulatory value than the single antibacterial effect of antibiotics. According to data from the "China Beef Cattle Industry Development Report," the decline in growth performance and disease losses caused by transportation stress account for 12-15% of the total breeding cost. This feed additive can improve the overall benefits of breeding enterprises by 6-7.5% by reducing the stress loss rate (based on a 50% reduction in stress losses).

[0044] In terms of industry promotion value, this formula has special strategic significance for the "northern cattle raising in the south" industrial model. The geographical separation between my country's main beef cattle producing and consuming areas results in the annual transportation of over 10 million calves, with long-distance transportation stress becoming a key bottleneck restricting industry efficiency. The application of this compound herbal feed additive can increase the calf survival rate during transportation to over 98%, and increase the average daily weight gain after transportation by 0.2 kg. This provides technical support for the large-scale development of the "northern cattle raising in the south" model and plays a significant role in optimizing my country's beef cattle industry layout and improving the overall efficiency of the industrial chain.

[0045] Although embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed above, they are not limited to the applications listed in the specification and embodiments. They can be applied to various fields suitable for the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other modifications can be easily made. Therefore, without departing from the general concept defined by the claims and their equivalents, the present invention is not limited to the specific details and illustrations shown and described herein.

Claims

1. A compound traditional Chinese medicine feed additive for stress management in calves, characterized in that, By weight, the ingredients include the following: 1-3 parts Schizonepeta tenuifolia, 1-3 parts Cinnamomum cassia, 3-9 parts Ephedra sinica, 2-6 parts Coptis chinensis, 1-3 parts Scutellaria baicalensis, 3-9 parts Gardenia jasminoides, 1-3 parts Poria cocos, 5-15 parts Astragalus membranaceus, 1-3 parts Atractylodes macrocephala, 5-15 parts Platycodon grandiflorus, 5-15 parts Stemona japonica, 3-9 parts Morus alba root bark, 3-9 parts Crataegus pinnatifida, 3-9 parts Medicated leaven, 5-15 parts Hordeum vulgare, 4-12 parts Bupleurum chinense, 3-9 parts Magnolia officinalis, 2-6 parts Lepidium apetalum, 1-3 parts Forsythia suspensa, 3-9 parts Ligusticum chuanxiong, 1-3 parts Houttuynia cordata, 3-9 parts Isatis indigotica, 2-6 parts Isatis tinctoria, 2-6 parts Taraxacum mongolicum, 2-6 parts Plantago asiatica, 2-6 parts Artemisia capillaris, 3-9 parts Citrus aurantium, and 1-3 parts Glycyrrhiza uralensis.

2. The preparation method of the compound traditional Chinese medicine feed additive for stress management in calves as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Weigh the raw materials according to the proportions and soak them in warm water; Step 2: Add purified water to the soaked raw materials and boil them three times: first boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat, and filter to obtain the decoction. Step 3: Combine the three decoctions and concentrate them to the concentration endpoint using vacuum concentration technology to obtain the compound Chinese herbal feed additive.

3. The preparation method of the compound traditional Chinese medicine feed additive for stress management in calves as described in claim 2, characterized in that, In step one, the temperature of the warm water is 25-45℃, and the soaking time is 30-45 minutes.

4. The preparation method of the compound traditional Chinese medicine feed additive for stress management in calves as described in claim 2, characterized in that, In step two, the amount of purified water used is 8 to 12 times the weight of the raw materials. The temperature of boiling over high heat is 95 to 105°C and the time is 50 to 70 minutes. The temperature of boiling over low heat is 75 to 98°C and the time is 25 to 35 minutes. Stir once every 15 minutes during the decoction.

5. The preparation method of the compound traditional Chinese medicine feed additive for stress management in calves as described in claim 2, characterized in that, In step three, the vacuum degree of the reduced pressure concentration technology is 0.05 to 0.08 MPa, the vacuum degree fluctuation should be ≤0.01 MPa, and the temperature is 40 to 60℃; the concentration endpoint is controlled so that the relative density is 1.18 to 1.35 when measured at 50℃.

6. The application of a compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive for calf stress management prepared by the preparation method according to any one of claims 1-5 in the feed for calf stress management and long-distance transport of calves, wherein the addition ratio is 1-5% by weight of the total feed.

7. The application of a compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive for calf stress management prepared by the preparation method according to any one of claims 1-5 in calf stress management and long-distance transport of calves.

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