Feed additive, preparation method thereof and chicken feed

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of feed preparation, and provides a feed additive. The feed additive comprises the following components in percentage by mass: 17-27% of prepared rehmannia roots, 14-21% of caulis spatholobi, 15-22% of rhizoma drynariae, 10-15% of herba cistanche, 9-16% of herba pyrolae, 11-16% of herba epimedii, 3-8% of semen raphani, 10-15% of glucosamine, 10-20% of folium cortex eucommiae and 0.01-0.2% of a functional compound plant polysaccharide additive. The feed additive is suitable for being added into chicken feed and is used for improving the quality of chicken bones.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of feed preparation technology, and in particular to a feed additive, its preparation method, and chicken feed. Background Technology

[0002] Cage layer osteoporosis (CLO) is a common skeletal metabolic disease in high-producing laying hens. Affected hens are prone to fractures and paralysis, leading to decreased production performance and egg quality. Data shows that the incidence of fractures in caged laying hens during the laying period can be as high as 30%, and the situation is even more severe under commercial farming conditions. Because CLO often presents with no obvious characteristic changes before onset and is difficult to reverse after onset, early prevention and the development of feed additives that can improve bone quality, alleviate osteoporosis, and increase egg production are crucial. This has significant implications for improving the economic efficiency and animal welfare of the laying hen industry. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, this application aims to provide a feed additive that can improve chicken bone quality, alleviate osteoporosis in chickens, and increase egg production.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this application is implemented as follows:

[0005] A feed additive suitable for addition to chicken feed and for improving chicken bone quality, the feed additive comprising, by weight percentage: 17-27% Rehmannia glutinosa, 14-21% Spatholobus suberectus, 15-22% Drynaria fortunei, 10-15% Cistanche deserticola, 9-16% Pyrola rotundifolia, 11-16% Epimedium brevicornu, 3-8% Raphanus sativus, 10-15% glucosamine, 10-20% Eucommia ulmoides leaf, and 0.01-0.2% functional compound plant polysaccharide additive.

[0006] Furthermore, the components of the functional compound plant polysaccharide additive include: astragalus polysaccharide, codonopsis polysaccharide, capsicum polysaccharide and vitamin C.

[0007] Furthermore, the functional compound plant polysaccharide added components, by mass percentage, include: Astragalus polysaccharide 3.3-33%, Codonopsis polysaccharide 1.5-15%, Capsicum polysaccharide 3.0-30%, and Vitamin C 3.5-35%.

[0008] Compared with related technologies, this application has the following advantages:

[0009] The feed additive of this application, through the synergistic effect of the components of Rehmannia glutinosa, Spatholobus suberectus, Drynaria fortunei, Cistanche deserticola, Pyrola rotundifolia, Epimedium brevicornu, Raphanus sativus, glucosamine, Eucommia ulmoides leaf and functional compound plant polysaccharide additive, can be applied to chickens during the egg-laying period to improve chicken bone quality, alleviate osteoporosis in chickens, and increase egg production rate.

[0010] This application also discloses a method for preparing a feed additive, the method comprising:

[0011] After pulverizing Astragalus polysaccharide, Codonopsis polysaccharide, Capsicum polysaccharide and Vitamin C separately, they were mixed evenly and sieved to obtain functional compound plant polysaccharides.

[0012] Prepared Rehmannia glutinosa, Spatholobus suberectus, Drynaria fortunei, Cistanche deserticola, Pyrola rotundifolia, Epimedium brevicornu, Raphanus sativus, glucosamine, and Eucommia ulmoides leaves were pulverized and sieved separately.

[0013] The functional compound plant polysaccharide is mixed evenly with the sieved Rehmannia glutinosa, Spatholobus suberectus, Ostreae Concha, Cistanche deserticola, Pyrola rotundifolia, Epimedium brevicornu, Raphanus sativus, glucosamine, and Eucommia ulmoides leaves to prepare the feed additive.

[0014] Furthermore, the Astragalus polysaccharide, the Codonopsis polysaccharide, the Capsicum polysaccharide, the Vitamin C, the Rehmannia glutinosa, the Spatholobus suberectus, the Dryopteris crassirhizoma, the Cistanche deserticola, the Pyrola rotundifolia, the Epimedium brevicornu, the Radish seed, the glucosamine, and the Eucommia ulmoides leaf are all sieved through a 40-mesh sieve.

[0015] Furthermore, the preparation method of the Astragalus polysaccharide includes:

[0016] After pulverizing and sieving the astragalus root, soak it in water of the first preset mass.

[0017] After soaking, extraction is performed at a first preset temperature to obtain an extract;

[0018] The extract was concentrated, precipitated with ethanol, allowed to stand, filtered, and dried to obtain the Astragalus polysaccharide.

[0019] Furthermore, the preparation method of the Codonopsis pilosula polysaccharide includes:

[0020] After crushing and sieving the Codonopsis pilosula, add it to a second preset amount of water for soaking.

[0021] After soaking, extraction is performed at a second preset temperature to obtain an extract;

[0022] The extract was concentrated, precipitated with ethanol solution, allowed to stand, filtered, and dried to obtain the Codonopsis pilosula polysaccharide.

[0023] Furthermore, the method for preparing the capsicum polysaccharide includes:

[0024] After crushing and sifting the chili peppers, add them to a third preset amount of water to soak.

[0025] After soaking, extraction is carried out at the third preset temperature to obtain the extract;

[0026] The extract was concentrated, ethanol solution was added for alcohol precipitation, allowed to stand, filtered, and dried to obtain the capsicum polysaccharide.

[0027] Furthermore, the first preset mass is between 15 and 25 times the mass of the Astragalus membranaceus;

[0028] The second preset mass is between 28 and 32 times the mass of the Codonopsis pilosula.

[0029] The third preset mass is between 18 and 22 times the mass of the chili peppers;

[0030] The first preset temperature, the second preset temperature, and the third preset temperature are all between 75°C and 85°C.

[0031] This application also proposes a chicken feed containing the aforementioned feed additives. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this application are used to explain this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the preparation method of the feed additive described in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the technical solution and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0035] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other.

[0036] For items where specific conditions are not specified in this application, conventional conditions or conditions recommended by the manufacturer of the equipment used shall apply. For items where the manufacturer of the reagents or instruments used is not specified, conventional products that can be purchased commercially shall be used. As for the technical means or processes involved, if specific conditions are not specified, they shall be carried out in accordance with the existing methods in the relevant field.

[0037] The present application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0038] An embodiment of the first aspect of this application provides a feed additive that can improve chicken bone quality, alleviate osteoporosis in chickens, and increase egg production rate.

[0039] In related technologies, chicken feed additives are mostly aimed at improving other aspects of broilers or laying hens, but there are no additives specifically for improving bone quality in laying hens. Jin Feng laying hens are highly competitive in the market due to their excellent production performance, such as low feed consumption during the growth and laying periods, high survival rates, reaching 50% egg production rate in a short period, and a high and long peak egg production period. They are highly adaptable, have stable production performance, and can bring considerable profits to farmers. However, they also suffer from osteoporosis in adult chickens, especially in the later stages of laying, where paralysis and fractures are common, directly impacting the economic benefits of farming and hindering the healthy development of the Jin Feng laying hen industry. Therefore, alleviating osteoporosis in caged laying hens and reducing the negative impacts of bone diseases is an urgent task.

[0040] In view of this, in order to overcome the shortcomings of the related technology, the feed additive in this embodiment is designed to be added to chicken feed and used to improve the quality of chicken bones. Its components, by mass percentage, include: 17-27% Rehmannia glutinosa, 14-21% Spatholobus suberectus, 15-22% Drynaria fortunei, 10-15% Cistanche deserticola, 9-16% Pyrola rotundifolia, 11-16% Epimedium brevicornu, 3-8% Raphanus sativus, 10-15% glucosamine, 10-20% Eucommia ulmoides leaf, and 0.01-0.2% functional compound plant polysaccharide additive.

[0041] It is worth noting that the prepared Rehmannia root, also known as Shu Di, is the tuberous root of Rehmannia glutinosa or Rehmannia glutinosa var. huaiqingense, both belonging to the Scrophulariaceae family. It is processed and has the effects of nourishing blood and yin, replenishing essence and marrow. Among its components, Rehmannia glutinosa polysaccharides are the main bioactive components of prepared Rehmannia glutinosa, possessing functions such as regulating immunity, promoting hematopoiesis, anti-fatigue, delaying aging, improving reproductive function, and anti-stress. It is a typical food-medicine homology nutrient and is widely used in animal husbandry.

[0042] Chicken blood vine, also known as blood wind vine, is the vine of the climbing shrub *Millettia speciosa*, belonging to the legume family. It has effects such as promoting blood circulation, nourishing blood, regulating menstruation, relieving pain, and relaxing muscles and tendons. Numerous studies have shown that chicken blood vine flavonoids are its main bioactive components, possessing effects such as improving blood circulation, regulating immune function, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, anti-fatigue effects, promoting tissue repair, and anti-stress effects. It belongs to a plant-derived active substance with both medicinal and nutritional value.

[0043] Drynaria fortunei is the rhizome of the epiphytic fern *Dryopteris crassirhizoma*, belonging to the Drynariaceae family. It possesses properties such as tonifying the kidneys and strengthening bones, promoting wound healing and relieving pain, and invigorating blood circulation. Its main bioactive component is total flavonoids, which promote osteoblast proliferation, increase bone density, have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, improve microcirculation, combat osteoporosis, and resist stress.

[0044] Cistanche deserticola, also known as Cistanche tubulosa, is the fleshy stem of the perennial parasitic herb Cistanche deserticola or Cistanche tubulosa, belonging to the Orobanchaceae family. It has the effects of tonifying kidney yang, nourishing essence and blood, and moistening the intestines to relieve constipation. Long-term application and practice have proven that total glycosides of Cistanche deserticola are its main bioactive components, which have the effects of enhancing reproductive function, improving immunity, anti-fatigue, delaying aging, improving intestinal function, and anti-stress. It belongs to the typical tonic plant-derived active substances.

[0045] Pyrola rotundifolia, also known as deer hoof grass, is the whole herb of Pyrola rotundifolia or Pyrola commonis, a perennial evergreen herbaceous plant belonging to the Pyrolaceae family. It has effects such as dispelling wind and dampness, strengthening muscles and bones, stopping bleeding and relieving cough, and tonifying deficiency and benefiting the kidneys. Among its components, Pyrola rotundifolia flavonoids are its main bioactive components, possessing anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, improving blood circulation, enhancing immunity, anti-oxidation, regulating immune function, and anti-stress properties. It belongs to plant-derived active substances with both medicinal and health-promoting value.

[0046] Epimedium, also known as Xianlingpi, is the leaf of the herbaceous plant Epimedium, Epimedium sagittatum, or Epimedium pubescens, belonging to the Berberidaceae family. It has the effects of tonifying kidney yang, strengthening muscles and bones, and dispelling wind and dampness. Experiments have shown that Epimedium can enhance reproductive function, improve immunity, combat fatigue, improve bone metabolism, and has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-stress effects. It is a typical tonic plant-derived active substance and is widely used in animal husbandry.

[0047] Radish seeds are the mature seeds of the radish plant, a member of the Brassicaceae family. They have the effects of relieving indigestion and bloating, reducing bloating, and resolving phlegm. Raphanusin is its main bioactive component, which has the effects of promoting digestion, regulating intestinal flora, relieving cough and asthma, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, improving digestive function, and anti-stress. It belongs to plant-derived functional substances with both medicinal and edible value.

[0048] Glucosamine, a natural amino monosaccharide, is widely found in animal cartilage and crustaceans' shells. It is widely used to treat arthritis, regulate the body's immune function, and has antioxidant, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties.

[0049] The active ingredients and pharmacological effects of Eucommia ulmoides leaves are similar to those of Eucommia ulmoides bark. Eucommia ulmoides leaves are slightly pungent and warm in nature, and enter the liver and kidney meridians. They have the effects of tonifying the liver and kidneys, strengthening muscles and bones, and lowering blood pressure. In addition, Eucommia ulmoides leaves are rich in nutrients, including VB1, VE, β-carotene, 17 kinds of free amino acids, and 15 kinds of trace elements such as germanium and selenium.

[0050] Preferred functional compound plant polysaccharide additives may include, for example, astragalus polysaccharide, codonopsis polysaccharide, capsicum polysaccharide, and vitamin C.

[0051] Specifically, Astragalus polysaccharide is a water-soluble heteropolysaccharide extracted, concentrated, and purified from the dried roots of Astragalus membranaceus or Astragalus mongholicus, both belonging to the legume family. It is pale yellow, with a fine, uniform powder free of impurities, and is hygroscopic. Astragalus polysaccharide is composed of hexuronic acid, glucose, fructose, rhamnose, arabinose, galacturonic acid, and glucuronic acid, among other components. It can be used as an immune stimulant or regulator, and also possesses antiviral, antitumor, anti-aging, anti-radiation, anti-stress, and antioxidant effects. It is widely used in health products, adjuvant drug therapy, and animal husbandry.

[0052] Codonopsis polysaccharides are active ingredients extracted from the roots of Codonopsis pilosula (the root of Platycodon grandiflorus in the Codonopsis family). They are traditional Chinese medicine and food products in China, Japan, and Korea, and have multiple biological activities such as regulating immunity, anti-fatigue, and improving metabolism.

[0053] Capsicum polysaccharides are extracted and isolated from waste materials such as capsicum residue and straw. Clinical trials have proven that they have a wide range of effects, including antibacterial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties.

[0054] It is worth noting that the components added to the above-mentioned functional compound plant polysaccharides, by mass percentage, preferably include, for example: Astragalus polysaccharide 3.3-33%, Codonopsis polysaccharide 1.5-15%, Capsicum polysaccharide 3.0-30%, and Vitamin C 3.5-35%.

[0055] As can be seen from the above description of each component, the feed additive in this embodiment selects Chinese medicinal and edible herbs such as Rehmannia glutinosa, Spatholobus suberectus, Drynaria fortunei, Cistanche deserticola, Pyrola rotundifolia, Epimedium brevicornu, and Raphanus sativus, combined with glucosamine and functional compound plant polysaccharide additives. Through scientific formulation, the advantages of each component are complemented and synergistic effects are achieved, making it specifically suitable for nutritional regulation and physiological function improvement during the critical period of chicken egg production.

[0056] Among them, Rehmannia glutinosa, Spatholobus suberectus, and Cistanche deserticola have the effects of nourishing the liver and kidneys, nourishing blood and moisturizing dryness. They can specifically improve the liver and kidney function depletion and qi and blood deficiency caused by long-term egg production in laying hens, laying a physiological foundation for bone health. Drynaria fortunei, Pyrola rotundifolia, Epimedium, and Eucommia ulmoides leaves focus on strengthening muscles and bones, promoting blood circulation and unblocking collaterals. They can enhance the bone metabolism function of laying hens, promote the absorption and deposition of minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, and enhance bone toughness and strength from the root. Radish seeds can not only strengthen the spleen and promote digestion, regulate qi and relieve chest tightness, effectively improve the utilization rate of feed nutrients, but also alleviate the greasy characteristics of other components, ensuring intestinal health and stable digestive function.

[0057] Glucosamine, as a core nutrient for bone and joint health, can promote the repair and regeneration of cartilage tissue in laying hens, reduce bone wear, and lower the risk of joint damage. Functional compound plant polysaccharide additives can regulate the body's immune function, enhance the stress resistance of laying hens, and reduce bone metabolic disorders caused by stress responses during the laying cycle.

[0058] Through the synergistic effects of multiple targets and pathways, the components can significantly improve the bone quality of chickens during the egg-laying period, effectively alleviate problems such as osteoporosis and fragile bones caused by calcium and phosphorus metabolism imbalance and excessive nutrient loss, and reduce the risk of fractures and prolapse in laying hens. On the other hand, they can comprehensively regulate the body's physiological functions, improve the health and reproductive performance of laying hens, thereby stabilizing and increasing the egg production rate, extending the peak egg-laying period, and bringing significant economic and social benefits to the breeding industry.

[0059] An embodiment of the second aspect of this application provides a method for preparing a feed additive. The preparation method includes:

[0060] Step S1: After pulverizing Astragalus polysaccharide, Codonopsis polysaccharide, Capsicum polysaccharide and Vitamin C respectively, mix them evenly and sieve to obtain functional compound plant polysaccharides.

[0061] After the astragalus polysaccharide, codonopsis polysaccharide, capsicum polysaccharide and vitamin C in step S1 above are pulverized, they are mixed evenly and sieved. Preferably, a 40-mesh sieve can be used for sieving.

[0062] One example of the preparation method of Astragalus polysaccharide is as follows: the method may include pulverizing and sieving Astragalus, then soaking it in water of a first preset mass; after soaking, extracting it at a first preset temperature to obtain an extract; concentrating the extract, adding an ethanol solution for alcohol precipitation, allowing it to stand, filtering, and drying to obtain Astragalus polysaccharide.

[0063] It is worth noting that the first preset mass mentioned above is preferably, for example, between 15 and 25 times the mass of Astragalus membranaceus. The first preset temperature mentioned above is preferably, for example, between 75°C and 85°C.

[0064] The preparation method of Codonopsis pilosula polysaccharide, as an exemplary embodiment, may include, for example, pulverizing and sieving Codonopsis pilosula, soaking it in a second preset mass of water; after soaking, extracting it at a second preset temperature to obtain an extract; concentrating the extract, adding an ethanol solution for alcohol precipitation, allowing it to stand, filtering, and drying to obtain Codonopsis pilosula polysaccharide.

[0065] It is worth noting that the aforementioned second preset mass is preferably, for example, between 28 and 32 times the mass of Codonopsis pilosula. The aforementioned second preset temperature is preferably, for example, between 75°C and 85°C.

[0066] As an exemplary embodiment, the preparation method of chili polysaccharide may include, for example, pulverizing and sieving chili peppers, soaking them in a third preset mass of water; after soaking, extracting them at a third preset temperature to obtain an extract; concentrating the extract, adding an ethanol solution for alcohol precipitation, allowing it to stand, filtering, and drying to obtain chili polysaccharide.

[0067] It is worth noting that the aforementioned third preset mass is preferably, for example, between 18 and 22 times the mass of the chili peppers. The aforementioned third preset temperature is preferably, for example, between 75°C and 85°C.

[0068] Step S2: Grind the prepared Rehmannia root, Spatholobus suberectus, Bone-strengthening powder, Cistanche deserticola, Pyrola rotundifolia, Epimedium, Radish seed, Glucosamine, and Eucommia ulmoides leaf into powder and then sieve them.

[0069] In step S2 above, the prepared Rehmannia glutinosa, Spatholobus suberectus, Ostreae Concha, Cistanche deserticola, Pyrola rotundifolia, Epimedium, Raphanus sativus, glucosamine, and Eucommia ulmoides leaves are pulverized and sieved. As a preferred embodiment, sieving can be done using a 40-mesh sieve.

[0070] Step S3: Mix the functional compound plant polysaccharide with the sieved Rehmannia glutinosa, Spatholobus suberectus, Ostreae Concha, Cistanche deserticola, Pyrola rotundifolia, Epimedium brevicornu, Raphanus sativus, glucosamine and Eucommia ulmoides leaves evenly to obtain a feed additive.

[0071] An embodiment of the third aspect of this application provides a chicken feed containing the aforementioned feed additives.

[0072] It is worth noting that, regarding the feed additive and its preparation method in this embodiment, based on the above exemplary embodiments, the following implementation examples can be referred to in specific implementations.

[0073] Example 1

[0074] Example 1 illustrates a method for preparing functional compound plant polysaccharides as feed additives, specifically including the following steps:

[0075] Take Astragalus root slices, pulverize them and pass them through a 60-mesh sieve. Soak them in water with 20 times the weight of the Astragalus root slices for 24 hours. Extract them twice at 80℃, 4 hours each time. Combine the filtered solutions, concentrate them, and then add 80% ethanol solution for alcohol precipitation. Let them stand for 12 hours, filter them, and then spray dry them to obtain Astragalus polysaccharide powder.

[0076] Codonopsis pilosula was pulverized and passed through a 60-mesh sieve. It was then soaked in water at 30 times its weight for 24 hours and extracted twice at 80°C for 4 hours each time. The filtered solutions were combined, concentrated, and then precipitated with 80% ethanol solution. After standing for 12 hours, the solution was filtered and spray-dried to obtain Codonopsis pilosula polysaccharide powder.

[0077] Take dried chili peppers, crush them and pass them through a 60-mesh sieve. Soak them in water with 20 times the weight of the chili peppers for 24 hours. Extract them twice at 80℃, 4 hours each time. Combine the filtered solutions, concentrate them, and then add an 80% ethanol solution for alcohol precipitation. Let them stand for 12 hours, filter them, and then spray dry them to obtain chili polysaccharide powder.

[0078] 18g of Astragalus polysaccharide powder, 8g of Codonopsis polysaccharide powder, 17g of Capsicum polysaccharide powder and 19g of Vitamin C were pulverized separately, mixed evenly, and sieved to obtain functional compound plant polysaccharides.

[0079] Example 2

[0080] Example 2 illustrates a method for preparing feed additives, specifically including the following steps:

[0081] Prepared Rehmannia glutinosa, Spatholobus suberectus, Drynaria fortunei, Cistanche deserticola, Pyrola rotundifolia, Epimedium brevicornu, Raphanus sativus, glucosamine, and Eucommia ulmoides leaves were pulverized and sieved separately.

[0082] 0.1g of functional compound plant polysaccharide was mixed evenly with 17.9g of sieved Rehmannia glutinosa, 14g of Spatholobus suberectus, 15g of Ostreae Concha, 10g of Cistanche deserticola, 9g of Pyrola rotundifolia, 11g of Epimedium brevicornu, 3g of Raphanus sativus, 10g of glucosamine and 10g of Eucommia ulmoides leaves to prepare a feed additive.

[0083] Example 3

[0084] Example 3 illustrates a method for preparing feed additives, which specifically includes the following steps:

[0085] Prepared Rehmannia glutinosa, Spatholobus suberectus, Drynaria fortunei, Cistanche deserticola, Pyrola rotundifolia, Epimedium brevicornu, Raphanus sativus, glucosamine, and Eucommia ulmoides leaves were pulverized and sieved separately.

[0086] 0.2g of functional compound plant polysaccharide was mixed evenly with 17.8g of sieved Rehmannia glutinosa, 14g of Spatholobus suberectus, 15g of Ostreae Concha, 10g of Cistanche deserticola, 9g of Pyrola rotundifolia, 11g of Epimedium brevicornu, 3g of Raphanus sativus, 10g of glucosamine and 10g of Eucommia ulmoides leaves to prepare a feed additive.

[0087] Example 4

[0088] Example 4 illustrates a method for preparing feed additives, which specifically includes the following steps:

[0089] Prepared Rehmannia glutinosa, Spatholobus suberectus, Drynaria fortunei, Cistanche deserticola, Pyrola rotundifolia, Epimedium brevicornu, Raphanus sativus, glucosamine, and Eucommia ulmoides leaves were pulverized and sieved separately.

[0090] 0.05g of functional compound plant polysaccharide was mixed evenly with 17.95g of sieved Rehmannia glutinosa, 14g of Spatholobus suberectus, 15g of Ostreae Concha, 10g of Cistanche deserticola, 9g of Pyrola rotundifolia, 11g of Epimedium brevicornu, 3g of Raphanus sativus, 10g of glucosamine and 10g of Eucommia ulmoides leaves to prepare a feed additive.

[0091] Verification Example

[0092] This verification example uses the feed additive prepared in Example 2 above, and adds it to chicken feed at a ratio of 0.5% as the verification group. A blank control group (without feed additive) and a control group (with feed additive without functional compound plant polysaccharides) are also set up. The bone parameters and egg production rate of the experimental chickens fed in different groups are measured to demonstrate that the feed additive of this application can improve chicken bone quality, alleviate osteoporosis, and increase egg production rate. The specific implementation method is as follows:

[0093] Validation group: The feed additive was added to the feed of 54 14-week-old Golden Phoenix chickens at a ratio of 0.5% and mixed evenly (divided into 6 replicates, 9 chickens per replicate).

[0094] Blank control group: 54 14-week-old Jinfeng chickens were fed with basal feed (divided into 6 replicates, 9 chickens per replicate).

[0095] Control group: Chickens were fed a basic diet supplemented with a mixture of functional compound plant polysaccharides (17-27% Rehmannia glutinosa, 14-21% Spatholobus suberectus, 15-22% Drynaria fortunei, 10-15% Cistanche deserticola, 9-16% Pyrola rotundifolia, 11-16% Epimedium brevicornu, 3-8% Raphanus sativus, 10-15% glucosamine, and 10-20% Eucommia ulmoides leaves).

[0096] In the above-mentioned groups of experiments, the additives were used until 20 weeks of age, and skeletal indicators and egg production rates were measured at 50 weeks of age. Chickens had free access to feed and water throughout the entire period, and were immunized and managed using routine methods. The experimental chickens were housed in a three-tiered, fully stepped cage system, with each group evenly distributed across all tiers. They drank from nipple drinkers, and the coop was cleaned and maintained daily, with disinfection every two days. Regular water spraying was used to maintain humidity and meet the chickens' temperature and humidity requirements.

[0097] The results of the comparison of bone development between Example 2 and the chickens fed with basic feed are shown in Table 1 below.

[0098] Table 1. Comparison of skeletal development between Example 2 and Golden Phoenix chickens fed with basal feed.

[0099] Measurement items Blank control group control group Verification group Egg production rate (%) 85.21 86.35 90.42 Tibia weight (g) 9.82 9.83 9.82 Tibial length (mm) 114.00 114.57 115.67 Tibial fullness 0.11 0.10 0.09 Keel length (cm) 13.13 13.38 13.43 Keel calcification rate 0.61 0.63 0.55 <![CDATA[Trabecular bone area (mm 2 )]]> 0.09 0.09 0.10 Trabecular circumference (mm) 16.58 16.61 16.76 Number of trabeculae 36.92 36.98 37.32

[0100] A comprehensive analysis of the experimental verification examples and the detailed data results presented in Table 1 clearly shows that after adding the compound functional feed additive prepared in Example 2 to the diet of Jinfeng chickens in the later stage of egg production, all key production performance indicators and bone health indicators were significantly improved, and the improvement effect was better than that of the blank control group and the conventional control group.

[0101] Specifically, compared to the blank control group without any additives, the addition of the compound feed additive in Example 2 significantly increased the egg production rate of Jin Feng chickens in the late laying stage by 6.11%. This increase is of significant practical importance during the physiological stage when the egg production rate naturally declines in the late laying stage, effectively extending the effective laying cycle of the flock and improving the economic benefits of breeding. In terms of skeletal development and health indicators, the tibia length increased by 1.47% and the keel length increased by 2.28%. As the core supporting parts of the Jin Feng chicken skeletal system, the increase in the length of the tibia and keel directly reflects the optimization of the flock's skeletal growth and development, which can effectively enhance the load-bearing capacity and body stability of the flock's bones. At the same time, the improvement in trabecular bone-related indicators is even more prominent, with the trabecular bone area increasing by 11.11%, the trabecular bone perimeter increasing by 1.09%, and the number of trabeculae increasing by 1.08%. As an important component of bone tissue, the increase in the area, perimeter, and number of trabeculae can significantly improve bone density, enhance bone toughness and strength, and reduce the risk of bone damage.

[0102] Compared with the conventional control group, the addition of the compound feed additive in Example 2 also showed excellent improvement effects: the egg production rate increased by 4.71%, further confirming the advantages of the additive in improving egg production performance; in terms of bone health indicators, the tibia length increased by 0.96%, the keel length increased by 0.37%, the trabecular bone area also achieved a significant increase of 11.11%, the trabecular bone perimeter increased by 0.9%, and the number of trabecular bones increased by 0.92%. The steady improvement of various indicators shows that the compound additive has a stable and efficient effect in optimizing bone health.

[0103] The experimental data above fully demonstrate that the compound functional feed additive used in Example 2, which combines Rehmannia glutinosa, Spatholobus suberectus, Drynaria fortunei, glucosamine, Eucommia ulmoides leaves, and compound plant polysaccharides, is not a simple superposition of single components. Rather, it achieves a dual improvement in the production performance and bone health of Jinfeng chickens in the later stages of egg production through the synergistic effect of each component. Among them, traditional medicinal and edible ingredients such as Rehmannia glutinosa, Spatholobus suberectus, Drynaria fortunei, and Eucommia ulmoides leaves have the effects of tonifying the liver and kidneys and strengthening muscles and bones. They can regulate the metabolism of chickens and promote the absorption and deposition of nutrients in bones. Glucosamine, as an important nutrient for bones and joints, can repair articular cartilage and enhance bone and joint function. Compound plant polysaccharides can improve the constitution of chickens and enhance their immunity, providing a good physical foundation for improving bone health and egg production performance.

[0104] In summary, this compound functional feed additive can more effectively improve the area, perimeter, and number of trabeculae in the bones of Golden Phoenix chickens, as well as the length of the tibia and keel, significantly optimizing bone health. It fundamentally solves the osteoporosis problem caused by high nutritional consumption and physiological changes in high-producing laying hens such as Golden Phoenix chickens during the egg-laying period, while also improving egg production performance. It provides an efficient and feasible solution for bone health maintenance and production efficiency improvement in the breeding of high-producing laying hens, and has important value for promotion and application.

[0105] The above descriptions are merely some embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. The technical features or structures in the foregoing different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined to form other specific technical solutions as needed. For those skilled in the art, this application can have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A feed additive suitable for addition to chicken feed and used to improve chicken bone quality, characterized in that: The feed additive comprises, by weight percentage: 17-27% Rehmannia glutinosa, 14-21% Spatholobus suberectus, 15-22% Drynaria fortunei, 10-15% Cistanche deserticola, 9-16% Pyrola rotundifolia, 11-16% Epimedium brevicornu, 3-8% Raphanus sativus, 10-15% glucosamine, 10-20% Eucommia ulmoides leaf, and 0.01-0.2% functional compound plant polysaccharide additive.

2. The feed additive according to claim 1, characterized in that: The components of the functional compound plant polysaccharide additive include: astragalus polysaccharide, codonopsis polysaccharide, capsicum polysaccharide and vitamin C.

3. The feed additive according to claim 2, characterized in that: The functional compound plant polysaccharide added components, by mass percentage, include: Astragalus polysaccharide 3.3-33%, Codonopsis polysaccharide 1.5-15%, Capsicum polysaccharide 3.0-30%, and Vitamin C 3.5-35%.

4. A method for preparing a feed additive, characterized in that, The preparation method includes: After pulverizing Astragalus polysaccharide, Codonopsis polysaccharide, Capsicum polysaccharide and Vitamin C separately, they were mixed evenly and sieved to obtain functional compound plant polysaccharides. Prepared Rehmannia glutinosa, Spatholobus suberectus, Drynaria fortunei, Cistanche deserticola, Pyrola rotundifolia, Epimedium brevicornu, Raphanus sativus, glucosamine, and Eucommia ulmoides leaves were pulverized and sieved separately. The functional compound plant polysaccharide is mixed evenly with the sieved Rehmannia glutinosa, Spatholobus suberectus, Ostreae Concha, Cistanche deserticola, Pyrola rotundifolia, Epimedium brevicornu, Raphanus sativus, glucosamine, and Eucommia ulmoides leaves to prepare the feed additive.

5. The method for preparing the feed additive according to claim 4, characterized in that: The Astragalus polysaccharide, Codonopsis polysaccharide, Capsicum polysaccharide, Vitamin C, Rehmannia glutinosa, Spatholobus suberectus, Drynaria fortunei, Cistanche deserticola, Pyrola rotundifolia, Epimedium, Raphanus sativus, Glucosamine, and Eucommia ulmoides leaves were all sieved through a 40-mesh sieve.

6. The method for preparing the feed additive according to claim 5, characterized in that, The preparation method of the Astragalus polysaccharide includes: After pulverizing and sieving the astragalus root, soak it in water of the first preset mass. After soaking, extraction is performed at a first preset temperature to obtain an extract; The extract was concentrated, precipitated with ethanol, allowed to stand, filtered, and dried to obtain the Astragalus polysaccharide.

7. The method for preparing the feed additive according to claim 6, characterized in that, The preparation method of the Codonopsis pilosula polysaccharide includes: After crushing and sieving the Codonopsis pilosula, add it to a second preset amount of water for soaking. After soaking, extraction is performed at a second preset temperature to obtain an extract; The extract was concentrated, precipitated with ethanol solution, allowed to stand, filtered, and dried to obtain the Codonopsis pilosula polysaccharide.

8. The method for preparing the feed additive according to claim 7, characterized in that, The preparation method of the capsicum polysaccharide includes: After crushing and sifting the chili peppers, add them to a third preset amount of water to soak. After soaking, extraction is carried out at the third preset temperature to obtain the extract; The extract was concentrated, ethanol solution was added for alcohol precipitation, allowed to stand, filtered, and dried to obtain the capsicum polysaccharide.

9. The method for preparing the feed additive according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first preset mass is between 15 and 25 times the mass of Astragalus membranaceus; The second preset mass is between 28 and 32 times the mass of the Codonopsis pilosula. The third preset mass is between 18 and 22 times the mass of the chili peppers; The first preset temperature, the second preset temperature, and the third preset temperature are all between 75°C and 85°C.

10. A type of chicken feed, characterized in that: The chicken feed contains any one of the feed additives described in claims 1 to 3.

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