A feed for hu sheep based on fresh tea branches and leaves and a feeding method

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of livestock breeding technology, specifically to a feed and feeding method for Hu sheep based on fresh tea branches and leaves. The feed comprises a basal diet and functional additives. The functional additives are tea branches and leaves loaded with functional regulators, selected from at least one of sodium alginate, chitosan, or modified starch. The proportion of tea branches and leaves added to the dry matter of the Hu sheep feed is 6-10%. This invention enables the high-value utilization of fresh tea branches and leaves in Hu sheep breeding, increases the added value of agricultural waste, provides a waste resource outlet for the construction of ecological low-carbon tea gardens, reduces the cost of Hu sheep breeding, and promotes the coordinated development of ecological animal husbandry and green tea industry.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of animal husbandry technology, specifically to a feed and feeding method for Hu sheep based on fresh tea branches and leaves. Background Technology

[0002] Huzhou sheep is a unique and superior local sheep breed in my country, originating from the Taihu Lake basin and mainly distributed in the Yangtze River Delta region, including Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Shanghai. As a first-class protected local breed in the National List of Protected Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources, Huzhou sheep possesses outstanding biological characteristics such as early maturity, year-round estrus, multiple lambs per litter, excellent milk production, rapid growth, and tolerance to heat and humidity, making them particularly suitable for the hot and humid climate of southern my country. In recent years, the market demand for high-quality Huzhou sheep mutton has continued to grow, especially for "Huzhou Huzhou sheep," whose core production area is Huzhou, Zhejiang. Huzhou sheep are renowned for their tender meat, mild muttony flavor, rich nutrition (crude protein content exceeding 18%, with a complete range of amino acids), and even distribution of intramuscular fat.

[0003] Meanwhile, my country is the world's largest tea producer, with tea gardens covering over 3.2 million hectares, generating millions of tons of tea branches and waste tea leaves annually from pruning. Traditional disposal methods mainly involve on-site incineration, landfill, or simple composting, which not only wastes organic resources but also produces large amounts of greenhouse gases such as methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) during the natural decomposition process. Incineration, in particular, directly releases PM2.5 and carbon dioxide (CO2), leading to eutrophication of water bodies (due to decomposition and leaching), which contradicts current national strategies and Zhejiang Province's requirements for "comprehensive green transformation of agricultural development." In fact, tea branches and leaves are rich in crude protein, amino acids, tea polyphenols, and minerals, possessing great potential as functional roughage for ruminants. If they can be safely and efficiently converted into feed for sheep, an ecological cycle of "tea-sheep-field" will be achieved, not only aligning with national strategies and the policy direction of green and high-quality agricultural development but also directly contributing to the construction of ecological and low-carbon tea gardens.

[0004] However, the direct use of tea branches and leaves as feed faces significant technical obstacles:

[0005] First, the problem of anti-nutritional factors: Tea branches and leaves contain high concentrations of alkaloids (such as caffeine, with a content of about 2-4%) and polyphenols (such as catechins, accounting for 15-30% of dry weight). These components can inhibit rumen microbial activity and reduce protein digestibility at high doses, and may also have toxic effects on the nervous, reproductive and liver and kidney functions of Hu sheep.

[0006] Second, palatability issues: The tannins and other substances in tea leaves have a bitter taste, which can lead to a decrease in the amount of feed consumed by Hu sheep and affect their growth performance.

[0007] Third, there is a lack of safe dosage and processing techniques: existing research focuses on silage or drying of tea leaves, which is complicated, costly and mostly used for beef cattle.

[0008] For the specific breed of Hu sheep, especially when using fresh, high-moisture, unfermented tea branches and leaves, the effects of different addition amounts on their growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and meat quality remain unclear, and a scientific, safe, and standardized feeding technology system is lacking. Therefore, how to fully utilize tea branch and leaf resources and achieve maximum waste disposal while avoiding their anti-nutritional effects is a technical bottleneck that urgently needs to be addressed in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide a feed and feeding method for Huzhou sheep based on fresh tea branches and leaves. This method uses fresh, unprocessed tea branches and leaves to feed Huzhou sheep, aiming to overcome the technical problems of direct feeding of fresh tea branches and leaves in existing technologies, such as growth inhibition by anti-nutritional factors, poor palatability, and lack of scientific formulation. This achieves safe, efficient, and large-scale utilization of fresh tea branches and leaves in Huzhou sheep farming. This invention increases the added value of agricultural waste, reduces the cost of Huzhou sheep farming, and constructs a new circular farming model of "tea garden carbon sequestration and emission reduction - low-carbon Huzhou sheep farming," providing technical support for promoting the coordinated green transformation of the tea industry and animal husbandry, and serving national strategies.

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0011] The impetus for this invention lies in the fact that after the annual tea harvest, tea trees need to be pruned, a process that generates a large amount of tea leaves and branches. Current practices often involve inefficient composting, failing to fully utilize their biological value and leading to resource waste. Simultaneously, sheep farming requires a significant amount of feed. The inventors attempted to use tea branches and leaves in sheep feed. Initially, they simply mixed the pruned tea branches and leaves directly with the feed, but found that direct feeding resulted in picky eating by the sheep, and that different amounts of tea leaves yielded varying effects.

[0012] After systematic screening, the inventors conducted comparative experiments by setting the dry matter addition ratios of fresh tea branches and leaves to the basal diet at 0% (control group), 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%, respectively. The results showed that as the proportion of tea branches and leaves added increased, the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and meat quality of the Hu sheep exhibited a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. When the addition ratio was 2%, some indicators of the Hu sheep showed some improvement, but the overall effect was limited. When the addition ratio reached 4%, the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and meat quality of the Hu sheep showed the best improvement effect, with all indicators significantly better than the control group. When the addition ratio reached 6%, there was no significant difference between the indicators and the control group, indicating that the inflection point of the effect had been reached. When the addition ratio reached 8% and above, the Hu sheep showed obvious feed intake inhibition, accompanied by mild indigestion symptoms, and the average daily weight gain was significantly lower than the control group. This indicates that there is an optimal dosage range for the addition of fresh tea branches and leaves, with 4% being the optimal addition ratio; too low a ratio results in insufficient effect, while too high a ratio produces anti-nutritional effects.

[0013] Further research by the inventors revealed that the tea polyphenols and alkaloids abundant in fresh tea leaves are key factors affecting the feed intake and health of Hu sheep. At an appropriate dose (4%), tea polyphenols can exert their positive effects as antioxidants and free radical scavengers, increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the body, and promote the deposition of beneficial fatty acids in muscles. However, when the dose exceeds the threshold (≥6%), the synergistic effect of tea polyphenols and alkaloids can affect feed palatability, and high doses of polyphenols may lead to a decline in growth performance. Therefore, precisely controlling the proportion of tea leaves added is crucial to maximizing their efficacy and avoiding toxic side effects.

[0014] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a feed for Hu sheep based on fresh tea branches and leaves. The feed comprises a basal diet and functional additives, wherein the functional additives are tea branches and leaves, which are fresh, unprocessed tea branches and leaves produced by pruning in tea gardens, and the proportion of tea branches and leaves added is 4-6% of the basal diet. All raw material ratios are calculated on a dry matter basis.

[0015] To further improve the resource utilization rate of tea branches and leaves (i.e., increase the amount added) and meet the requirements of green and low-carbon agricultural development, this invention has further developed a breakthrough technology. The inventors analyzed that when fresh tea branches and leaves are directly mixed, the tannins and tea polyphenols are rapidly released in the rumen, quickly binding with feed protein to form insoluble complexes, reducing protein digestibility. Furthermore, high concentrations of tannins inhibit rumen microbial activity, thus leading to anti-nutritional effects.

[0016] Therefore, in a second aspect, the present invention provides another feed for Hu sheep based on fresh tea branches and leaves, the feed comprising a basal diet and functional additives, said functional additives being tea branches and leaves loaded with functional regulators. The functional regulators are selected from at least one of sodium alginate, chitosan, or modified starch; the proportion of said functional additives can be increased to 6-10%. All raw material ratios are calculated on a dry matter basis.

[0017] In this method, an edible natural polymer protective film (i.e., a functional regulator, such as sodium alginate, chitosan, or modified starch solution) is sprayed onto the surface of pulverized fresh tea leaves and branches, and then quickly dried to form a thin "semi-permeable membrane" coating. This film remains intact in the early stages of rumen digestion, preventing the instantaneous release of large amounts of tannins and alkaloids, thus avoiding impact on rumen microorganisms and rapid protein binding. As rumen motility and pH changes, the film gradually degrades, allowing tea polyphenols to be slowly released in the posterior rumen or abomasum, exerting antioxidant and antibacterial effects, while the digestion and absorption of the main nutrients are already complete. Therefore, the problem of reduced protein digestibility is solved. Simultaneously, this film also improves palatability through physical isolation.

[0018] Furthermore, thanks to this thin film, the addition rate can be increased from 4-6% to 6-10%, or even higher, without adversely affecting the growth of the lake sheep, thus further improving the utilization of fresh tea leaves.

[0019] Preferably, the functional additive is obtained by the following method:

[0020] (1) Coarsely crush the fresh tea branches and leaves pruned from the tea garden;

[0021] (2) Place the crushed tea leaves into a mixer and preheat it;

[0022] (3) Use a high-pressure spray gun to evenly spray the prepared functional conditioning substance solution onto the surface of the rolling tea branches and leaves; control the spraying speed at 10-15 kg / min, and continuously blow hot air at a temperature of 45-50℃ while spraying.

[0023] (4) After spraying, let the coated tea leaves stand at room temperature for 1-2 hours to allow the internal structure of the film to be fully cross-linked and fixed, thus obtaining functional additives.

[0024] Preferably, the preheating in step (2) refers to passing room temperature dry air or slightly warm air at 35-40°C into the material, so that the material is in a loose and tumbling state. This can effectively prevent the liquid from being sprayed directly onto the stationary material, causing local over-wetting and clumping, and improve the uniformity of the coating.

[0025] Preferably, the fresh tea leaves and branches are pulverized before use and then passed through an 8-12 mm sieve. This particle size ensures uniform mixing with the basal diet while maintaining an appropriate level of physically available fiber, which is beneficial for stimulating rumination in Hu sheep, maintaining rumen health, and improving feed utilization. More importantly, this particle size facilitates the uniform coating of functional regulatory substances.

[0026] Preferably, the functional regulating substance is a chitosan solution with a mass concentration of 1%-2.5%. When the concentration is higher than 2.5%, for example, around 3%, when applied to fresh tea leaves with high moisture content, rough surfaces, and irregular shapes, it will lead to severe bridging and aggregation, and the dried film will be too hard, hindering the attachment and degradation of rumen microorganisms. When the concentration is too low, for example, around 0.5%, a continuous film cannot be formed, the tannin blocking rate is low, and bitterness cannot be masked.

[0027] Preferably, the volume-to-weight ratio of the chitosan solution to the fresh tea leaves is 1L:20-25kg. Preferably, the functional modifier is a mixture of chitosan solution and oil. This preferred functional modifier is not a simple physical coating, but rather forms a hydrophobic-hydrophilic interface with the waxy layer and exudate on the surface of the fresh tea leaves, significantly improving the adhesion of the film. In contrast, conventionally used gelatin or simple starch solutions are prone to cracking and peeling after drying and shrinking on the surface of fresh leaves, failing to achieve long-term sustained release. Furthermore, the protective film is more likely to detach during mixing with the basal diet, resulting in limited effectiveness.

[0028] Preferably, the volume ratio of the chitosan solution to the oil is 1L:0.1-0.3L.

[0029] The basic diet consists of the following raw materials in dry matter weight parts: 31.0 parts corn stalks, 24.0 parts peanut vines, 22.0 parts corn, 12.0 parts soybean meal, 3.5 parts wheat bran, 3.5 parts wheat middlings, 1.0 part limestone powder, 1.0 part dicalcium phosphate, 1.0 part sodium chloride, and 1.0 part premix.

[0030] Preferably, the total mixed ration (TMR) requires the addition of an appropriate amount of water during the mixing process to achieve a moisture content of 38%-42% (ideally 40%). Suitable moisture content improves palatability and prevents sheep from being picky eaters; simultaneously, appropriate moisture helps soften feed pellets, improves digestibility, reduces dust during feeding, and improves the pen environment.

[0031] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method for feeding Hu sheep based on fresh tea branches and leaves, wherein the method uses the above-mentioned feed for feeding Hu sheep based on fresh tea branches and leaves.

[0032] Preferably, the feeding method includes the following steps:

[0033] (1) Adaptation period: Before formal feeding, set an adaptation period of 7-14 days to allow the Hu sheep to gradually adapt to the basic diet;

[0034] (2) Feed preparation: Mix the functional additives with the basal diet in a uniform ratio and adjust the moisture content to about 38%-42% to make a total mixed diet;

[0035] (3) Feeding during the fattening period: Feed twice a day at regular times, ensuring that the sheep have free access to food and clean drinking water, and continue feeding for at least 60 days;

[0036] (4) Feeding and management: Keep the pen well ventilated, the air fresh, dry and hygienic, clean up the manure in time, reduce the concentration of harmful gases, and provide a suitable breeding environment for the Hu sheep.

[0037] By implementing the above technical solution, compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0038] 1. This invention enables the high-value utilization of fresh tea branches and leaves in sheep farming (the addition amount can reach 10%), increases the added value of agricultural waste, provides a waste resource outlet for the construction of ecological low-carbon tea gardens, reduces the cost of sheep farming, and promotes the coordinated development of ecological animal husbandry and green tea industry.

[0039] 2. This invention further optimizes the addition method, successfully solving the anti-nutritional problem of direct feeding with high doses of tea branches and leaves (≥6%). ​​The safe addition amount of tea branches and leaves is significantly increased from 4% to 10%, substantially improving the feed utilization rate of tea garden pruning waste.

[0040] 3. This invention transforms waste from tea industry pruning into livestock feed, reducing the livestock industry's reliance on high-carbon-footprint feeds such as soybean meal. It is a typical integrated crop-livestock farming and circular emission reduction technology. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of this invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0042] This embodiment provides a method for raising Hu sheep based on fresh tea branches and leaves, the specific steps of which are as follows:

[0043] All ingredient ratios in the following formulas are based on dry matter weight. In actual production, the dry matter formulas need to be converted into air-dried or fresh weight bases based on the actual moisture content of each ingredient.

[0044] Basal Diet Preparation

[0045] Weigh the raw materials according to the following dry matter weight proportions: 31.0 parts corn stalks, 24.0 parts peanut vines, 22.0 parts corn, 12.0 parts soybean meal, 3.5 parts wheat bran, 3.5 parts wheat middlings, 1.0 part limestone powder, 1.0 part dicalcium phosphate, 1.0 part sodium chloride, and 1.0 part premix, totaling 100.0 parts. Mix all raw materials evenly according to the dry matter proportions to prepare a basal diet. The premix is ​​formulated to provide 12,000 IU of vitamin A, 2,000 IU of vitamin D, 60 IU of vitamin E, 12 mg of copper, 64 mg of iron, 56 mg of manganese, 60 mg of zinc, 1.2 mg of iron, and 0.4 mg of selenium per kilogram of basal diet.

[0046] Functional Additive I: Fresh tea branches and leaves, washed, dried, and pulverized, then passed through an 8-12 mm sieve.

[0047] Functional Additive II is obtained as follows:

[0048] (1) The fresh tea branches and leaves pruned from the tea garden are coarsely crushed and then passed through an 8-12 mm sieve.

[0049] (2) Put the crushed tea leaves into a mixer and preheat it with a gentle hot air at 35-40℃ for half an hour;

[0050] (3) Use a high-pressure spray gun to evenly spray the prepared chitosan solution with a mass concentration of 2% onto the surface of the rolling tea branches and leaves (1L of chitosan solution is mixed with 20kg of tea branches and leaves); control the spraying speed at 12 kg / min, and continuously blow hot air with a temperature range of 50℃ while spraying.

[0051] (4) After spraying, let the coated tea leaves stand at room temperature for about 1.5 hours to allow the internal structure of the film to be fully cross-linked and fixed, thus obtaining functional additives.

[0052] Functional Additive III is obtained as follows:

[0053] (1) The fresh tea branches and leaves pruned from the tea garden are coarsely crushed and then passed through an 8-12 mm sieve.

[0054] (2) Put the crushed tea leaves into a mixer and preheat it with a gentle hot air at 35-40℃ for half an hour;

[0055] (3) Using a high-pressure spray gun, evenly spray the prepared chitosan solution and vegetable oil with a mass concentration of 2% onto the surface of the rolling tea branches and leaves (1L of chitosan solution and vegetable oil composite solution is mixed with 20kg of tea branch and leaf powder (the volume ratio of chitosan solution and vegetable oil is 1L:0.2L); the spraying speed is controlled at 12 kg / min, and hot air with a temperature in the range of 50℃ is continuously blown in while spraying;

[0056] (4) After spraying, let the coated tea leaves stand at room temperature for about 1.5 hours to allow the internal structure of the film to be fully cross-linked and fixed, thus obtaining functional additives.

[0057] Example 1

[0058] This embodiment provides a method for raising Hu sheep based on fresh tea branches and leaves, the specific steps of which are as follows:

[0059] 1. Processing of tea branches and leaves:

[0060] Fresh, untreated tea branches and leaves were collected after spring pruning (these refer to branches and leaves pruned about 10-20 cm from the top of the canopy). The leaves were then pulverized using a pulverizer and passed through an 8-12 mm sieve. The moisture content was measured for dry matter calculation.

[0061] 2. Total Mixed Ration (TMR) Formulation:

[0062] The diet is composed of the following ingredients by dry matter weight: 100 parts basal ration and 4.0 parts functional additive I. The crushed fresh tea leaves (calculated as fresh weight based on dry matter weight) are mixed evenly with other ingredients (also calculated as fresh weight based on measured moisture content). While mixing, a suitable amount of clean water is sprayed to adjust the final moisture content of the total mixed ration to approximately 40%, based on the initial moisture content of the ingredients. The moisture content should be controlled so that the ration can be formed into a ball when squeezed in the hand but naturally crumbles when released, ensuring the ration is evenly mixed, dust-free, and does not separate into layers.

[0063] 3. Animal husbandry:

[0064] The pre-trial period was 14 days (during the pre-feeding period, the experimental feed formula was gradually replaced with the original feed formula in a certain proportion), and the formal trial period was 60 days. Feeding was conducted twice a day at 8:00 and 18:00, with free access to food and water, and 5% of the feed was left uneaten each day.

[0065] 4. Sample Collection and Measurement: After the experiment, approximately 10 mL of blood was collected from the jugular vein of 6 randomly selected sheep after fasting (12 hours of fasting, 2 hours of water deprivation). The blood was allowed to stand for 30 minutes, then centrifuged at 3000×g for 10 minutes at 4℃ to separate the serum, which was then aliquoted and stored at -20℃ for later testing. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), as well as the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the serum, were determined using a kit. Samples of the longissimus dorsi muscle were collected after slaughter for meat quality index determination.

[0066] Example 2

[0067] The diet, by dry matter weight, consists of the following ingredients: 100 parts of basal ration and 2.0 parts of functional additive I. The remaining steps are the same as in Example 1.

[0068] Example 3

[0069] The diet, by dry matter weight, consists of the following ingredients: 100 parts of basal ration and 6.0 parts of functional additive I. The remaining steps are the same as in Example 1.

[0070] Example 4

[0071] The diet, based on dry matter weight, consists of the following ingredients: 100 parts basal diet and 6.0 parts functional additive II. The coated tea leaves and branches are mixed evenly with the other ingredients, and the moisture content is adjusted to 40% ± 2% to prepare a total mixed ration. The remaining feeding and management procedures are the same as in Example 1.

[0072] Example 5

[0073] The diet, by dry matter weight, consists of the following ingredients: 100 parts of basal ration and 8.0 parts of functional additive II. The remaining steps are the same as in Example 4.

[0074] Example 6

[0075] The diet is composed of the following ingredients by dry matter weight: 100 parts of basal ration and 10.0 parts of functional additive II. The remaining steps are the same as in Example 4.

[0076] Comparative Example 1

[0077] Weigh the raw materials according to the basic dry matter formula, without adding tea branches and leaves, mix them evenly and adjust the moisture content to 40%±2% to prepare a total mixed ration. The remaining steps are the same as in Example 1.

[0078] Comparative Example 2

[0079] The diet, by dry matter weight, consists of the following ingredients: 100 parts of basal ration and 8.0 parts of functional additive I. The remaining steps are the same as in Example 1.

[0080] Comparative Example 3

[0081] The diet, by dry matter weight, consists of the following ingredients: 100 parts of basal ration and 10.0 parts of functional additive I. The remaining steps are the same as in Example 1.

[0082] Example 7

[0083] The diet, by dry matter weight, consists of the following ingredients: 100 parts of basal ration and 10.0 parts of functional additive III. The remaining steps are the same as in Example 1.

[0084] Example 8

[0085] The diet, by dry matter weight, consists of the following ingredients: 100 parts of basal ration and 8.0 parts of functional additive III. The remaining steps are the same as in Example 1.

[0086] Effect verification

[0087] Two hundred and twenty healthy, three-month-old male Hu sheep of similar weight were randomly divided into 11 groups and housed in individual pens. The sheep were fed the same diets as in Examples 1-8 and Comparative Examples 1-3, ensuring that all other feeding conditions were identical except for the feed. After the experiment, growth performance, serum antioxidant levels, and meat quality were measured. Growth performance and serum antioxidant levels were replicated 12 times per group, and meat quality was replicated 6 times per group. The average results were taken. The results are as follows:

[0088] Table 1: Effects of different treatments on the growth performance of Hu sheep

[0089] project Initial body weight (kg) Final body weight (kg) Average daily weight gain (g / d) Average daily feed intake (kg / d) Material weight ratio (F / G) Comparative Example 1 24.7 ± 1.2 37.8 ± 1.4b 218.3 ± 8.5b 1.35 ± 0.05b 6.19±0.26ab Example 2 24.8 ± 1.2 38.5 ± 1.4ab 228.3±9.0ab 1.39±0.05ab 6.09±0.28bc Example 1 24.6 ± 1.1 39.5 ± 1.3a 248.3 ± 8.5a 1.45 ± 0.05a 5.84 ± 0.25c Example 3 24.7 ± 1.3 38.0 ± 1.5b 221.7 ± 9.2b 1.36 ± 0.06b 6.14±0.29ab Example 4 24.6±1.2 38.6±1.4ab 233.3±9.0ab 1.38±0.05ab 5.92±0.27c Comparative Example 2 24.7 ± 1.3 36.5 ± 1.6c 196.7±10.0c 1.28 ± 0.06c 6.51 ± 0.31a Example 5 24.5±1.1 37.9±1.5b 220.0±9.5b 1.34±0.06b 6.09±0.30bc Comparative Example 3 24.6 ± 1.2 35.2 ± 1.7d 176.7±10.8d 1.20 ± 0.07c 6.79 ± 0.33a Example 6 24.6±1.3 37.0±1.6b 208.3±10.0b 1.30±0.06b 6.25±0.29ab Example 7 24.5±1.1 37.7 ± 1.5b 220.0 ± 9.8b 1.33 ± 0.06b 6.05±0.29bc Example 8 24.6±1.1 38.3 ± 1.4ab 228.3±9.1ab 1.37±0.05ab 6.00±0.28bc

[0090] Note: Different lowercase letters in the superscript of the same data indicate significant differences (P < 0.05). The same applies below.

[0091] Results Analysis: Table 1 shows that as the proportion of tea branches and leaves added increased, the growth performance of Hu sheep exhibited a quadratic curve trend of first increasing and then decreasing. The growth performance indicators of Example 2 were slightly higher than those of Comparative Example 1, but the differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The final body weight, average daily weight gain, and feed intake of Example 1 were significantly higher than those of Comparative Example 1 (P < 0.05), while the feed conversion ratio was significantly lower (P < 0.05), indicating that a 4% addition could effectively promote the growth of Hu sheep and improve feed conversion efficiency. The growth performance indicators of Example 3 were not significantly different from those of Comparative Example 1 (P > 0.05), but feed intake showed a decreasing trend. When the addition proportion reached 8% or higher, Hu sheep showed significant feed intake inhibition and decreased growth performance. The average daily weight gain of Comparative Examples 2 and 3 was significantly lower than that of Comparative Example 1 (P < 0.05), and the feed conversion ratio was significantly increased, indicating that the anti-nutritional factors in high doses of tea branches and leaves had a negative impact on Hu sheep. Compared with tea leaves without added functional regulators, the growth performance of Hu sheep was significantly improved by chitosan-coated tea leaves at addition levels of 6%, 8%, and 10%. Specifically, the average daily weight gain in Example 4 was significantly higher than that in Example 3 (uncoated), but not significantly different from Example 1; the average daily weight gain in Example 5 was comparable to the control group, while the average daily weight gain in the uncoated control group (Example 2) was significantly lower than that in Control Group 1; the average daily weight gain in Example 6 was still significantly higher than that in the uncoated control group (Example 3), and not significantly different from the control group. Further comparison showed that the composite coating groups with added oil (Examples 7 and 8) exhibited better growth performance than the ordinary coating groups (Examples 6 and 5) at the same addition level: the average daily weight gain in Example 8 was significantly higher than that in Example 5, and the average daily weight gain in Example 7 was also higher than that in Example 6, with a decrease in feed conversion ratio. This indicates that the chitosan and oil composite coating can further enhance the slow-release effect of anti-nutritional factors in tea leaves, improving feed intake and feed conversion efficiency in Hu sheep. The results showed that chitosan or chitosan + oil composite coating treatment effectively alleviated the inhibitory effect of high doses of tea branches and leaves on feed intake and growth performance, and increased the safe addition amount of tea branches and leaves from 4% to 10%.

[0092] Table 2: Effects of different treatments on the antioxidant capacity of Hu sheep serum

[0093] project SOD (U / mL) GSH-Px (U / mL) MDA (nmol / mL) Comparative Example 1 83.5 ± 3.6b 174.5 ± 7.2b 5.18 ± 0.34a Example 2 87.2 ± 3.8ab 180.5 ± 7.5ab 4.75 ± 0.32b Example 1 91.5 ± 3.4a 188.5 ± 7.0a 4.35 ± 0.30c Example 3 84.5 ± 3.7b 176.5 ± 7.4b 5.08 ± 0.33ab Example 4 89.2±3.5a 184.5±7.2a 4.55±0.31bc Comparative Example 2 81.5 ± 4.0bc 170.5 ± 7.8bc 5.32 ± 0.36a Example 5 86.5±3.8ab 179.5±7.5ab 4.85±0.33b Comparative Example 3 78.2 ± 4.2c 163.5 ± 8.1c 5.48 ± 0.38a Example 6 84.0±3.9b 175.5±7.8b 5.02±0.35ab Example 7 86.2 ± 3.7ab 179.0 ± 7.6ab 4.85 ± 0.33b Example 8 88.8 ± 3.6a 182.5 ± 7.3a 4.65 ± 0.31b

[0094] Results Analysis: Table 2 shows that the antioxidant capacity of Hu sheep serum first increased and then decreased with the increase of the proportion of tea branches and leaves added. In Example 2, the SOD and GSH-Px activities were higher than those in the control group, while the MDA content was significantly lower (P < 0.05). In Example 1, the SOD and GSH-Px activities were the highest, and the MDA content was the lowest, significantly better than Comparative Example 1 (P < 0.05), indicating that the 4% addition had the most significant antioxidant effect. The antioxidant indicators of Example 3 were not significantly different from those of Comparative Example 1 (P > 0.05). When the addition ratio reached 8% or higher, the activity of antioxidant enzymes decreased. The SOD and GSH-Px activities of Comparative Example 3 were significantly lower than those of Comparative Example 1 (P < 0.05), while the MDA content increased, suggesting that high doses of tea branches and leaves may cause oxidative stress damage due to the cumulative effect of alkaloids and other components. The serum antioxidant indicators of the tea branches and leaves groups coated with functional regulatory substances were all better than those of the corresponding uncoated groups. The SOD and GSH-Px activities of Example 4 were significantly higher than those of the uncoated Example 3, and there was no significant difference from Example 1. The antioxidant enzyme activities of Examples 5 and 6 were significantly higher than their corresponding uncoated groups, while the MDA content was significantly lower. Notably, the composite coating groups with added oils (Examples 8 and 7) further enhanced their antioxidant capacity at the same dosage: the SOD and GSH-Px activities of Example 8 were higher than those of Example 5, and the MDA content was lower; the antioxidant indicators of Example 7 were also comprehensively better than those of Example 6, approaching the level of Example 5. This indicates that the chitosan-oil composite membrane can more effectively control the release of tea polyphenols, avoid the pro-oxidative effect at high doses, and maintain a good antioxidant state.

[0095] Table 3: Effects of different treatments on the quality of Huzhou mutton (longissimus dorsi muscle)

[0096] project Crude fat (%) Crude protein (%) C16:0 (g / 100g) C18:3 n-3 (g / 100g) Total polyunsaturated fatty acids (g / 100g) Comparative Example 1 6.28 ± 0.25a 21.0 ± 0.6ab 2.20 ± 0.08a 0.29 ± 0.02b 4.18± 0.16b Example 2 6.10±0.24ab 21.3 ± 0.6ab 2.15±0.07ab 0.31±0.02ab 4.28 ± 0.17ab Example 1 5.92± 0.23b 21.6 ± 0.5ab 2.10 ± 0.06b 0.33 ± 0.02a 4.42 ± 0.15a Example 3 6.25 ± 0.24a 21.1 ± 0.6ab 2.19 ± 0.07a 0.30 ± 0.02b 4.20 ± 0.17b Example 4 6.02±0.23b 21.4±0.6ab 2.13±0.07ab 0.32±0.02a 4.35±0.16a Comparative Example 2 6.38 ± 0.26a 20.8 ± 0.7b 2.23 ± 0.08a 0.28±0.02bc 4.12 ± 0.18bc Example 5 6.15±0.24ab 21.2±0.6ab 2.17±0.07ab 0.31±0.02ab 4.28±0.17ab Comparative Example 3 6.45 ± 0.27a 20.4 ± 0.7b 2.26 ± 0.09a 0.27 ± 0.03c 4.05 ± 0.19c Example 6 6.22±0.25ab 21.0±0.6ab 2.19±0.08a 0.30±0.02b 4.22±0.18b Example 7 6.12±0.24ab 21.3 ± 0.6ab 2.16±0.07ab 0.31±0.02ab 4.30±0.17ab Example 8 6.05± 0.23b 21.5 ± 0.5a 2.14 ± 0.07b 0.32 ± 0.02a 4.36 ± 0.16a

[0097] Results Analysis: Table 3 shows that the meat quality indicators of Example 2 were slightly better than those of Comparative Example 1, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The crude fat content of Example 1 was significantly lower than that of Comparative Example 1 (P < 0.05), and the content of saturated fatty acid C16:0, which is detrimental to human health, was significantly reduced (P < 0.05), while the content of polyunsaturated fatty acid C18:3n-3 and total polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are beneficial to human health, was significantly increased (P < 0.05), indicating that the 4% addition can effectively improve the quality of mutton. There were no significant differences in the meat quality indicators of Example 3 compared with Comparative Example 1 (P > 0.05). When the addition ratio reached 8% or higher, the meat quality indicators showed a deteriorating trend, and the indicators of Comparative Example 3 were worse than those of Comparative Example 1, further confirming the negative impact of high doses of tea leaves on meat quality. The crude fat content of Example 4 was significantly lower than that of the uncoated Example 3, and close to that of Example 1; the crude protein, C18:3n-3, and total PUFA contents of Examples 5 and 6 were all significantly higher than those of the corresponding uncoated groups. The crude protein content of Example 8 was significantly higher than that of Example 5, and the total PUFA content was also higher. Example 7 showed further reductions in crude fat and C16:0 content, and an increase in beneficial fatty acid content, resulting in overall meat quality indicators superior to Example 6. These results indicate that coating treatment, especially a chitosan-oil composite coating, helps protect the activity of tea polyphenols, enabling them to improve fatty acid composition and mutton quality in muscle.

[0098] The above results indicate that coating fresh tea branches and leaves with chitosan or similar materials can effectively delay the rapid release of tea polyphenols and alkaloids in the rumen, reducing their negative impact on rumen microorganisms and feed palatability. Compared with uncoated tea, the safe addition amount of coated tea branches and leaves can be increased from 4% to 10%, and even at high addition levels (8%-10%), good growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and meat quality of Hu sheep can still be maintained. The coating technology of this invention significantly improves the feed utilization rate of tea pruning waste, providing a more economical and efficient source of roughage for Hu sheep farming.

[0099] In summary, this invention, by adding fresh tea branches and leaves to the feed of Hu sheep at a dry matter ratio of 4% (uncoated) or 6-10% (coated), combined with appropriate particle size (8-12 mm), moisture content (38%-42%), and pen environmental management, not only safely and effectively utilizes tea pruning waste but also significantly improves the growth performance of Hu sheep, enhances their antioxidant capacity, and improves the quality of mutton. This provides a novel technical solution for the healthy breeding of Hu sheep and the circular development of the tea industry. The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of this invention should be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A feed for Hu sheep based on fresh tea branches and leaves, comprising a basal diet and functional additives, characterized in that, The functional additive is tea leaves loaded with functional regulators, and the functional regulators are selected from at least one of sodium alginate, chitosan or modified starch; the proportion of the functional additive is 6-10% of the basal diet.

2. The lake sheep feed based on fresh tea branches and leaves according to claim 1, characterized in that, The functional additives are obtained by the following method: (1) Coarsely crush the fresh tea branches and leaves pruned from the tea garden; (2) Place the crushed tea leaves into a mixer and preheat it; (3) Use a high-pressure spray gun to evenly spray the prepared functional conditioning substance solution onto the surface of the tea branches and leaves that were rolling in step (2); control the spraying speed at 10-15 kg / min, and continuously blow hot air with a temperature in the range of 45-50℃ while spraying. (4) After spraying, let the coated tea leaves stand at room temperature for 1-2 hours to allow the internal structure of the film to be fully cross-linked and fixed, thus obtaining functional additives.

3. The lake sheep feed based on fresh tea branches and leaves according to claim 2, characterized in that, Preheating in step (2) refers to passing room temperature dry air or slightly warm air at 35-40°C into the material.

4. The lake sheep feed based on fresh tea branches and leaves according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fresh tea leaves are crushed before use and then passed through an 8-12 mm sieve.

5. The lake sheep feed based on fresh tea branches and leaves according to claim 1, characterized in that, The functional regulating substance is a chitosan solution with a mass concentration of 1%-2.5%.

6. The lake sheep feed based on fresh tea branches and leaves according to claim 5, characterized in that, The functional regulating substance is a mixture of chitosan solution and oil.

7. The lake sheep feed based on fresh tea branches and leaves according to claim 1, characterized in that, The basic diet consists of the following raw materials in dry matter weight parts: 31.0 parts corn stalks, 24.0 parts peanut vines, 22.0 parts corn, 12.0 parts soybean meal, 3.5 parts wheat bran, 3.5 parts wheat middlings, 1.0 part limestone powder, 1.0 part dicalcium phosphate, 1.0 part sodium chloride, and 1.0 part premix.

8. A lake sheep feed based on fresh tea branches and leaves according to claim 2, characterized in that, The total mixed diet requires the addition of an appropriate amount of water during the mixing process to achieve a moisture content of 38%-42%.

9. A method for raising Hu sheep based on fresh tea branches and leaves, characterized in that, The method involves feeding the sheep with a feed based on fresh tea branches and leaves as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. The method for raising Hu sheep according to claim 9, characterized in that, The feeding method includes the following steps: (1) Adaptation period: Before formal feeding, set an adaptation period of 7-14 days to allow the Hu sheep to gradually adapt to the basic diet; (2) Feed preparation: Mix the functional additives with the basal diet in a uniform ratio and adjust the moisture content to 38%-42% to make a total mixed diet; (3) Feeding during the fattening period: Feed twice a day at regular times, ensuring that the sheep have free access to food and clean drinking water, and continue feeding for at least 60 days; (4) Feeding and management: Keep the pen well ventilated, the air fresh, dry and hygienic, clean up the manure in time, reduce the concentration of harmful gases, and provide a suitable breeding environment for the Hu sheep.