Laying hen feed additive, preparation method and application thereof

Abstract

The application discloses an egg-laying hen feed additive as well as a preparation method and application thereof, and belongs to the technical field of feed additives. The egg-laying hen feed additive provided by the application has high safety, has the effects of invigorating the spleen and stomach and tonifying qi and blood, small-molecule nutritional components in the additive can be rapidly absorbed and utilized by the intestinal tract, effective raw material substance bases are provided, and soluble dietary fibers generated simultaneously synergistically promote intestinal health, and the digestion and absorption capacity of old egg-laying hens to nutritional substances is improved; the oxidation stress level is effectively reduced, and damage of oxidation stress to the organism is resisted, and minerals, amino acids and small peptides in the additive provide substance bases, enzymes required for synthesis and enzyme activity maintenance for cell damage repair; each link forms a benign cycle, the health level of the old egg-laying hen organism is improved, the immunity of the organism is improved, and then the egg-laying capacity and egg quality of the old egg-laying hen are effectively improved, the feed-egg ratio is reduced, and the income of breeders is increased.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Layer hens are not a specific breed of chicken, but rather a functional concept referring to chickens raised primarily for the purpose of producing eggs. Eggs are the sole or primary economic source for layer hens. Although culled layer hens can be sold as broilers, their value is far less than that of specially bred broilers. Therefore, layer hen farming is essentially a production system dedicated to efficiently converting feed into high-quality eggs. The core farming objectives are to improve egg quality, yield, and feed conversion ratio, and to extend the laying cycle as much as possible.

[0003] Unlike broiler chickens, which are raised to maturity and then sold, laying hens have a longer breeding cycle, typically lasting 70-80 weeks. The challenges in daily raising them are more complex, mainly focusing on the following aspects: 1) Disease / epidemic threat. In addition to common major diseases such as avian influenza and Newcastle disease, some diseases that specifically affect the reproductive system also pose a great threat. For example, Riemerella anatipestifer can cause the oviduct to accumulate caseous material and become blocked, and infected flocks often do not have a peak egg production period after they start laying eggs.

[0004] Bacterial infections, stress caused by improper environment or feeding management, and other factors that induce enteritis and oviduct inflammation can also have a serious impact on the egg production / rate of laying hens.

[0005] 2) Environmental impact. The optimal temperature for laying hens is 18~24℃. High temperatures can easily cause heat stress, leading to intestinal damage, increased cardiac burden, electrolyte imbalance, and suppressed immune function, which seriously affects the feed intake, egg production performance, and overall health of laying hens. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a feed additive for laying hens, its preparation method and application, so as to provide a safe, non-toxic, and effective feed additive that is especially suitable for laying hens in the middle and late stages of egg production.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a layer hen feed additive, which is obtained by fermentation of Codonopsis pilosula, Poria cocos, jujube, licorice, Amomum villosum and shrimp shell powder with probiotics.

[0008] Preferably, the mass ratio of Codonopsis pilosula, Poria cocos, jujube, licorice, Amomum villosum and shrimp shell powder is 1~1.5:2~3:1.5~2.5:1:1:2~3.

[0009] Preferably, the probiotic is Bacillus subtilis YB1.

[0010] The preparation method of the layer hen feed additive described above includes the following steps: S1. Grind licorice, codonopsis, poria cocos, and amomum villosum into powder, sieve, and obtain licorice powder, codonopsis powder, poria cocos powder, and amomum villosum powder respectively. S2. Separate the jujube pulp from the pit. Cut the pulp into small pieces to obtain jujube pulp pieces. Dry the pits, crush them, grind them into powder, and sieve them. The sieved powder is the pit powder. S3. Place the jujube pulp and pit powder obtained in S2 into a fermentation container, then add shrimp shell powder and sterile drinking water, stir and mix well, adjust the pH, and then add probiotics for fermentation. S4. Add Codonopsis pilosula powder, Glycyrrhiza uralensis powder, Amomum villosum powder and sterile drinking water to the fermentation mixture obtained in S3, mix well and adjust the pH to continue fermentation; S5. Add Poria cocos powder to the fermentation mixture obtained in S4, mix well, adjust the pH and continue fermentation. After fermentation, dry by rotary evaporation to obtain the laying hen feed additive.

[0011] Preferably, the sieving in S1 is through a 60-80 mesh sieve.

[0012] Preferably, the maximum diameter of the pulp fragments in S2 is no more than 0.5 cm; the kernels are dried in an oven at 55~65℃ and sieved through a 60~80 mesh sieve.

[0013] Preferably, in steps S3 to S5, pH adjustment is performed using edible white vinegar and a saturated baking soda solution to adjust the pH to 7 to 8; fermentation is carried out at 30 to 35°C and 180 to 200 rpm for 24 to 48 hours.

[0014] Preferably, the mass of the sterile drinking water added in S3 to S5 is 4 to 5 times the sum of the mass of the added shrimp shell powder, jujube pulp pieces, and fruit pit powder, or 4.5 to 5.5 times the sum of the mass of the added Codonopsis powder, licorice powder, and Amomum powder, or 4 to 5 times the mass of the added Poria powder.

[0015] Preferably, in steps S3 to S5, the fermentation container is sealed with a sterile, breathable sealing film before fermentation.

[0016] The application of a layer hen feed additive as described above.

[0017] Codonopsis pilosula is neutral in nature and sweet in taste, and enters the spleen and lung meridians. Its medicinal properties are mild, gently tonifying the qi of the spleen and lungs. It can also replenish blood by tonifying the spleen and stomach and promoting the generation of qi and blood. It is a commonly used choice for symptoms such as sallow complexion, dizziness, and palpitations caused by deficiency of both qi and blood, or thirst caused by heat-related illnesses.

[0018] Poria cocos is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine. It has a sweet and bland taste, and a mild medicinal property. It enters the heart, lung, spleen, and kidney meridians. Its main functions are to promote diuresis and eliminate dampness, regulate water metabolism; strengthen the spleen and replenish qi and stomach; calm the mind and soothe the nerves. It ensures the body's ability to process fluids smoothly, helps eliminate excess water, and can also regulate phlegm and fluid retention, thereby improving symptoms such as dizziness and palpitations caused by phlegm and fluid retention.

[0019] The spleen governs transformation and transportation. If the spleen's function is weak, dampness easily accumulates in the body, leading to loss of appetite and loose stools. Poria not only directly removes dampness but also fundamentally strengthens the spleen's function, addressing both the symptoms and the root cause. By nourishing the heart and spleen, it ensures a source for the production of qi and blood, thereby calming the mind. It has a very good effect on improving symptoms such as restlessness, palpitations, forgetfulness, insomnia, and excessive dreaming caused by deficiency of both the heart and spleen and insufficient qi and blood.

[0020] Red dates are a valuable food and medicine with the same origin. Their core effects are: gently nourishing the spleen and stomach, and replenishing qi and blood. They have a good effect on improving symptoms such as loss of appetite, abdominal distension after meals, fatigue, and loose stools caused by spleen and stomach weakness. They can replenish qi to generate blood and directly nourish blood and calm the mind, and have a good conditioning effect on symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, and vertigo.

[0021] Red dates are rich in vitamin C, earning them the reputation of "natural vitamin pills." They also contain abundant B vitamins, minerals (potassium, iron, etc.), various amino acids, proteins, and dietary fiber. However, red dates can easily promote dampness in the body, so they are not suitable for people with high blood sugar, weak spleen and stomach function, or symptoms of excessive heat or internal heat.

[0022] Jujube pits are neither hot nor cold in nature, but rather neutral. Their total nutritional content is much lower than that of the fruit pulp, but they contain unique fat-soluble components and dietary fiber, as well as trace elements such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, and selenium, and antioxidant active ingredients (such as betulinic acid, ursolic acid, and flavonoids).

[0023] Licorice, also known as "Guolao," has a mild medicinal nature. Its main functions include tonifying the spleen and replenishing qi, clearing heat and detoxifying, resolving phlegm and relieving cough, alleviating spasms and pain, and harmonizing other medicines. Modern research mainly focuses on two core active ingredients: glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid, which endow licorice with a variety of pharmacological effects: anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic, protecting the gastric mucosa, relieving cough and expectoration, antiviral, and liver protection.

[0024] Amomum villosum is a Chinese medicinal herb that is also used in food. It is also a commonly used spice in the kitchen with a strong and pungent aroma. It is pungent and warm in nature. Its main functions are to dispel dampness and stimulate appetite, warm the spleen and stop diarrhea, regulate qi and calm the fetus.

[0025] Shrimp shell powder is rich in protein, phospholipids, minerals (including calcium, phosphorus, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, etc., with calcium content as high as 10-18%), chitin, astaxanthin, and other beneficial components. However, many of its nutrients have limited direct digestibility and absorption by animals, so the proportion added must be strictly controlled when used as a feed additive.

[0026] Using the preparation method provided by this invention, Bacillus subtilis YB1 can effectively degrade crude fiber, protein, and fat components in various parts, producing small molecule components that are more easily absorbed and utilized by late-laying hens. This is suitable for the severely impaired digestive function of older laying hens, improving their absorption and utilization of nutrients. Simultaneously, it reduces the warming and drying properties of various herbal components, neutralizing their cooling properties, resulting in a milder overall feed additive that is less irritating to older laying hens and more digestive-friendly.

[0027] The preparation method is carried out under mild conditions throughout, which can well preserve the active ingredients and nutrients in each component, thereby promoting the health of the spleen and stomach of laying hens, promoting the production of qi and blood, calming the mind and soothing the nerves, removing the accumulated damp heat in the body, and improving the survival condition of laying hens by utilizing the effective components of traditional Chinese medicine.

[0028] By adding Bacillus subtilis YB1, the degradation of nutrients in various materials is promoted. On the other hand, because the preparation process is mild and involves no high temperature, high pressure, or sterilization, the surviving strains and their metabolites during growth and reproduction can play a role in the laying hens, improving intestinal health and killing harmful bacteria and fungi. Furthermore, due to the characteristics of this strain, its metabolites contain plant hormones that promote plant growth and active ingredients that enhance plant resistance. When chicken manure is applied to farmland, it also has a positive effect on crop growth.

[0029] In addition, the feed additives for laying hens contain a large number of antioxidants, which can effectively improve the oxidative stress level of older laying hens and repair damaged cells, while the small molecule nutrients produced by fermentation can quickly provide raw material replenishment.

[0030] Therefore, the present invention provides a layer hen feed additive, its preparation method, and its application, the specific technical effects of which are as follows: (1) The components used in the egg-laying hen feed additive provided by the present invention are all commonly used Chinese medicines or food-medicine homology components. By using specific probiotics to ferment under specific conditions, the nutrients can be made into small molecules without destroying the active ingredients. The effective components of Chinese medicine strengthen the spleen and stomach, replenish qi and blood, while the small molecule nutrients can be quickly absorbed and utilized by the intestines, providing an effective raw material basis. At the same time, the soluble dietary fiber produced promotes intestinal health and improves the digestion and absorption capacity of older egg-laying hens. (2) The antioxidant components in the feed additives for laying hens effectively reduce the level of oxidative stress and resist the damage of oxidative stress to the body. The minerals, amino acids and small peptides in them provide the material basis for cell damage repair, synthesize the enzymes required and maintain enzyme activity. (3) Strong gastrointestinal function, sufficient qi and blood, suitable internal environment, stable condition, low energy consumption for nutrient absorption and utilization, and a virtuous cycle in each link, which improves the health level of the elderly laying hens, enhances the body's immunity, and thus effectively improves the egg production capacity and egg quality of the elderly laying hens, reduces the feed-to-egg ratio, and increases the income of farmers. (4) The raw materials of the egg-laying hen feed additive provided by the present invention are all common and frequently used Chinese medicines or food and medicine materials. The preparation process does not use toxic and harmful reagents, the preparation conditions are mild and the safety is very high. It is suitable as an egg-laying hen feed additive, especially suitable for egg-laying hens in the middle and late stages of egg production or egg-laying hens under unfavorable conditions such as hot and humid summer.

[0031] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0032] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0033] Figure 1 This is the statistical result of the broken egg ratio in the effectiveness test section; Figure 2 These are photos of raw eggs from Example 2 and the control group in the efficacy test section; where A is the control group and B is Example 2. Figure 3 These are photos of steamed eggs from Example 2 group and the control group in the effect test section; where A~B are the control group; C~D are Example 2 group; Figure 4 These are photos of eggs cooked in peanut oil after being beaten in Example 2 and the control group, respectively, as part of the efficacy test. A represents the control group, and B represents Example 2. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0035] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, more thorough, and more complete, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. The following detailed descriptions are all illustrations of embodiments, intended to provide further detailed explanation of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical terms used in this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains.

[0036] The instruments, equipment, reagents and materials used in the examples were all obtained through commercial channels; the traditional Chinese medicines used in the examples were all purchased from pharmacies; and the methods and steps not described in detail in the examples are all conventional techniques in the field.

[0037] Example 1 The specific steps for preparing a feed additive for laying hens are as follows: (1) Grind licorice, codonopsis, poria and amomum into powder, and pass them through a 60-mesh sieve to obtain licorice powder, codonopsis powder, poria powder and amomum powder respectively.

[0038] (2) Separate the flesh and pits of 10 red dates (about 100g). Cut the flesh into small pieces with a maximum diameter of no more than 0.5cm. Dry the pits at 60℃, then crush and grind them into powder and pass them through a 60-mesh sieve.

[0039] Place the sieved jujube pit powder and chopped jujube pulp in a container, add 150g of shrimp shell powder, then add 1200g of sterile drinking water at 30±2℃. Stir until well mixed and no visible dry powder remains. Adjust the pH to 7.5 with edible white vinegar and saturated baking soda solution, then add approximately 10... 6 CFU of Bacillus subtilis YB1 was stirred and mixed well, sealed with sterile breathable sealing film, and then incubated at 30±2℃ and 200rpm for 24h.

[0040] (3) Add 50g of Codonopsis powder prepared in step (1), 50g of Glycyrrhiza powder prepared in step (1), and 50g of Amomum villosum powder prepared in step (1) to the mixture after the culture in step (2). Then add 600g of sterile drinking water at 30±2℃. After stirring and mixing, adjust the pH to 7.5 with edible white vinegar and saturated sodium bicarbonate solution. Then continue to culture at 30±2℃ and 200rpm for 48h.

[0041] (4) Add 120g of the Poria cocos powder prepared in step (1) to the mixture after the culture in step (3), then add 500g of sterile drinking water at 30±2℃, stir and mix well, then adjust the pH to 7.5 with edible white vinegar and saturated sodium bicarbonate solution, and then continue to culture at 30±2℃ and 200rpm for 24h.

[0042] (5) The culture obtained after the end of step (4) is evaporated to dryness to obtain the laying hen feed additive. After crushing, it is passed through a 40-mesh sieve, sealed and stored in a cool place at 18±2℃.

[0043] Example 2 The specific steps for preparing a feed additive for laying hens are as follows: (1) Grind licorice, codonopsis, poria and amomum into powder, and pass them through an 80-mesh sieve to obtain licorice powder, codonopsis powder, poria powder and amomum powder respectively.

[0044] (2) Separate the flesh and pits of 10 red dates (about 100g), cut the flesh into small pieces with a maximum diameter of no more than 0.5cm, dry the pits at 60℃, crush and grind them into powder, and pass them through an 80-mesh sieve.

[0045] Place the sieved jujube pit powder and chopped jujube pulp in a container, add 150g of shrimp shell powder, then add 1200g of sterile drinking water at 30±2℃. Stir until well mixed and no visible dry powder remains. Adjust the pH to 7.5 with edible white vinegar and saturated baking soda solution, then add approximately 10... 6 CFU of Bacillus subtilis YB1 was stirred and mixed well, sealed with sterile breathable sealing film, and then incubated at 30±2℃ and 200rpm for 24h.

[0046] (3) Add 50g of Codonopsis powder prepared in step (1), 50g of Glycyrrhiza powder prepared in step (1), and 50g of Amomum villosum powder prepared in step (1) to the mixture after the culture in step (2). Then add 600g of sterile drinking water at 30±2℃. After stirring and mixing, adjust the pH to 7.5 with edible white vinegar and saturated sodium bicarbonate solution. Then continue to culture at 30±2℃ and 200rpm for 48h.

[0047] (4) Add 120g of the Poria cocos powder prepared in step (1) to the mixture after the culture in step (3), then add 500g of sterile drinking water at 30±2℃, stir and mix well, then adjust the pH to 7.5 with edible white vinegar and saturated sodium bicarbonate solution, and then continue to culture at 30±2℃ and 200rpm for 24h.

[0048] (5) The culture obtained after the end of step (4) is evaporated to dryness to obtain the laying hen feed additive. After crushing, it is passed through a 40-mesh sieve, sealed and stored in a cool place at 18±2℃.

[0049] Example 3 The specific steps for preparing a feed additive for laying hens are as follows: (1) Grind licorice, codonopsis, poria and amomum into powder, and pass them through a 60-mesh sieve to obtain licorice powder, codonopsis powder, poria powder and amomum powder respectively.

[0050] (2) Separate the flesh and pits of 10 red dates (about 100g). Cut the flesh into small pieces with a maximum diameter of no more than 0.5cm. Dry the pits at 60℃, then crush and grind them into powder and pass them through a 60-mesh sieve.

[0051] Place the sieved jujube pit powder and chopped jujube pulp in a container, add 150g of shrimp shell powder, then add 1200g of sterile drinking water at 30±2℃. Stir until well mixed and no visible dry powder remains. Adjust the pH to 7.5 with edible white vinegar and saturated baking soda solution, then add approximately 10... 6 CFU of Bacillus subtilis YB1 was stirred and mixed well, sealed with sterile breathable sealing film, and then incubated at 30±2℃ and 200rpm for 24h.

[0052] (3) Add 50g of Codonopsis powder prepared in step (1), 50g of Glycyrrhiza powder prepared in step (1), and 50g of Amomum villosum powder prepared in step (1) to the mixture after the culture in step (2). Then add 600g of sterile drinking water at 30±2℃. After stirring and mixing, adjust the pH to 7.5 with edible white vinegar and saturated sodium bicarbonate solution. Then continue to culture at 30±2℃ and 200rpm for 72h.

[0053] (4) Add 120g of the Poria cocos powder prepared in step (1) to the mixture after the culture in step (3), then add 500g of sterile drinking water at 30±2℃, stir and mix well, then adjust the pH to 7.5 with edible white vinegar and saturated sodium bicarbonate solution, and then continue to culture at 30±2℃ and 200rpm for 24h.

[0054] (5) The culture obtained after the end of step (4) is evaporated to dryness to obtain the laying hen feed additive. After crushing, it is passed through a 40-mesh sieve, sealed and stored in a cool place at 18±2℃.

[0055] Comparative Example 1 The specific steps for preparing a feed additive for laying hens are as follows: (1) Grind licorice, codonopsis, poria and amomum into powder, and pass them through a 60-mesh sieve to obtain licorice powder, codonopsis powder, poria powder and amomum powder respectively.

[0056] (2) Place 150g of shrimp shell powder and 720g of sterile drinking water at 30±2℃ in a container, stir and mix until no visible dry powder remains, then adjust the pH to 7.5 with edible white vinegar and saturated baking soda solution, and then add approximately 6×10 5 CFU of Bacillus subtilis YB1 was stirred and mixed well, sealed with sterile breathable sealing film, and then incubated at 30±2℃ and 200rpm for 24h.

[0057] (3) Add 50g of Codonopsis powder prepared in step (1), 50g of Glycyrrhiza powder prepared in step (1), and 50g of Amomum villosum powder prepared in step (1) to the mixture after the culture in step (2). Then add 600g of sterile drinking water at 30±2℃. After stirring and mixing, adjust the pH to 7.5 with edible white vinegar and saturated sodium bicarbonate solution. Then continue to culture at 30±2℃ and 200rpm for 48h.

[0058] (4) Add 120g of the Poria cocos powder prepared in step (1) to the mixture after the culture in step (3), then add 500g of sterile drinking water at 30±2℃, stir and mix well, then adjust the pH to 7.5 with edible white vinegar and saturated sodium bicarbonate solution, and then continue to culture at 30±2℃ and 200rpm for 24h.

[0059] (5) The culture obtained after the end of step (4) is evaporated to dryness to obtain the laying hen feed additive. After crushing, it is passed through a 40-mesh sieve, sealed and stored in a cool place at 18±2℃.

[0060] Comparative Example 2 The specific steps for preparing a feed additive for laying hens are as follows: (1) Grind licorice, codonopsis, poria and amomum into powder, and pass them through a 60-mesh sieve to obtain licorice powder, codonopsis powder, poria powder and amomum powder respectively.

[0061] (2) Separate the flesh and pits of 10 red dates (about 100g). Cut the flesh into small pieces with a maximum diameter of no more than 0.5cm. Dry the pits at 60℃, then crush and grind them into powder and pass them through a 60-mesh sieve.

[0062] Place the sieved jujube pit powder and chopped jujube pulp in a container, add 480g of sterile drinking water at 30±2℃, stir until well mixed and no visible dry powder remains, then adjust the pH to 7.5 with edible white vinegar and saturated baking soda solution, and then add approximately 4×10 5 CFU of Bacillus subtilis YB1 was stirred and mixed well, sealed with sterile breathable sealing film, and then incubated at 30±2℃ and 200rpm for 24h.

[0063] (3) Add 50g of Codonopsis powder prepared in step (1), 50g of Glycyrrhiza powder prepared in step (1), and 50g of Amomum villosum powder prepared in step (1) to the mixture after the culture in step (2). Then add 600g of sterile drinking water at 30±2℃. After stirring and mixing, adjust the pH to 7.5 with edible white vinegar and saturated sodium bicarbonate solution. Then continue to culture at 30±2℃ and 200rpm for 48h.

[0064] (4) Add 120g of the Poria cocos powder prepared in step (1) to the mixture after the culture in step (3), then add 500g of sterile drinking water at 30±2℃, stir and mix well, then adjust the pH to 7.5 with edible white vinegar and saturated sodium bicarbonate solution, and then continue to culture at 30±2℃ and 200rpm for 24h.

[0065] (5) The culture obtained after the end of step (4) is evaporated to dryness to obtain the laying hen feed additive. After crushing, it is passed through a 40-mesh sieve, sealed and stored in a cool place at 18±2℃.

[0066] Effect test In mid-June 2025, 500 healthy 65-week-old Hy-Line Brown laying hens were randomly divided into 5 groups of 100 each. One group was randomly selected and fed the laying hen feed additive prepared in Example 1 at a rate of 20g / 1kg of basal diet, mixed thoroughly, and fed as usual. This group was designated as Example 1. Another group was randomly selected and fed the laying hen feed additive prepared in Example 2, with the same feeding method and dosage as Example 1. This group was designated as Example 2. A third group was randomly selected and fed the laying hen feed additive prepared in Comparative Example 1, with the same feeding method and dosage as Example 1. This group was designated as Comparative Example 1. A fourth group was randomly selected and fed the laying hen feed additive prepared in Comparative Example 2, with the same feeding method and dosage as Example 1. This group was designated as Comparative Example 2. The remaining group was fed only the basal diet and was designated as the control group.

[0067] (1) Examine egg production performance.

[0068] During the experiment, laying hens in each group were housed separately and had free access to water and feed. Lighting and other management practices were standard. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks. The following methods were used to record and statistically analyze the egg production rate, average egg weight, average daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio for each treatment group: ① Egg production rate.

[0069] Eggs were manually collected at 10:00 AM every day, and the number of eggs produced in each treatment group was recorded. The egg production rate was calculated in two phases, with each phase lasting four weeks (w).

[0070] ② Average egg weight.

[0071] The eggs collected from each treatment group were weighed and recorded using an electronic scale. The average egg weight was calculated as: average egg weight = total egg weight / total number of eggs.

[0072] ③ Average daily food intake.

[0073] The total amount of feed fed to each treatment group and the total amount of feed remaining at 5 PM on the last day of each week were tallied and recorded weekly. The average daily feed intake was calculated as follows: Average daily feed intake = (Total feed fed - Total remaining feed) / 7. Feed refers to the basal diet or the diet supplemented with laying hen feed additives fed to each treatment group.

[0074] ④ Feed-to-egg ratio.

[0075] The feed conversion ratio is calculated in four-week increments. The feed conversion ratio is calculated as: daily feed consumption / daily egg production. The calculation is accumulated over four weeks.

[0076] The results are shown in Table 1. It can be seen that compared to feeding only the basal diet, adding the feed additives prepared in Examples 1, 2, Comparative Example 1, and Comparative Example 2 can significantly improve the egg production rate and reduce the feed conversion ratio in terminally laying hens. However, the feed additives prepared in Examples 1 and 2 are more effective. The difference in effect between the feed additives prepared in Examples 1 and 2 is not significant, indicating that increasing the fineness of the powdered components does not significantly improve the effect. To save costs, a 60-mesh sieve is sufficient.

[0077] Table 1 Results of Egg Production Performance Study

[0078] Note: Lowercase letters on the shoulder indicate significant differences compared to the control group; different letters indicate significant differences between treatment groups. (2) Examine the percentage of broken eggs.

[0079] The total number of eggs with damaged shells and / or thin shells that could be broken by handling during the entire experiment was recorded (referred to as broken eggs). The percentage of broken eggs was calculated as follows: Percentage of broken eggs (%) = Total number of broken eggs / Total number of eggs harvested × 100%. Results are as follows... Figure 1 As shown, adding the feed additives prepared in Examples 1, 2, 1, and 2 can significantly reduce the rate of broken eggs. Among them, the feed additives prepared in Examples 1 and 2 have the best effect, and no broken eggs were found in the 8th week of the experiment.

[0080] (3) From the eggs harvested in the 8th week of the experiment, three undamaged eggs of representative size were randomly selected from the eggs in Example 2 group and the control group. The yolk color was observed, and the results were as follows: Figures 2-4 As shown, the egg yolks in Example 2 group were more orange-red compared to the control group, which may indicate that the shrimp shell powder fermentation products have a positive effect on the color of the egg yolks.

[0081] Therefore, the laying hen feed additive provided by this invention is highly safe and has the effects of strengthening the spleen and stomach, replenishing qi and blood. The small molecule nutrients can be quickly absorbed and utilized by the intestines, providing an effective raw material basis. At the same time, the soluble dietary fiber produced synergistically promotes intestinal health and improves the digestive and absorption capacity of older laying hens. It effectively reduces oxidative stress levels and resists the damage of oxidative stress to the body. The minerals, amino acids, and small peptides in it provide a material basis for cell damage repair, synthesize the necessary enzymes, and maintain enzyme activity. All links form a virtuous cycle, improve the health level of older laying hens, enhance the body's immunity, and thus effectively improve the egg production capacity and egg quality of older laying hens, reduce the feed conversion ratio, and increase the income of farmers.

[0082] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can still be made to the technical solutions of the present invention, and these modifications or equivalent substitutions cannot cause the modified technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention.

Claims

1. A feed additive for laying hens, characterized in that: The egg-laying hen feed additive is obtained by fermenting Codonopsis pilosula, Poria cocos, red dates, licorice, Amomum villosum and shrimp shell powder with probiotics.

2. The layer hen feed additive according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mass ratio of Codonopsis pilosula, Poria cocos, jujube, licorice, Amomum villosum and shrimp shell powder is 1~1.5:2~3:1.5~2.5:1:1:2~3.

3. The layer hen feed additive according to claim 1, characterized in that: The probiotic is Bacillus subtilis YB1.

4. A method for preparing a layer hen feed additive as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The steps are as follows: S1. Grind licorice, codonopsis, poria cocos, and amomum villosum into powder, sieve, and obtain licorice powder, codonopsis powder, poria cocos powder, and amomum villosum powder respectively. S2. Separate the jujube pulp from the pit. Cut the pulp into small pieces to obtain jujube pulp pieces. Dry the pits, crush them, grind them into powder, and sieve them. The sieved powder is the pit powder. S3. Place the jujube pulp and pit powder obtained in S2 into a fermentation container, then add shrimp shell powder and sterile drinking water, stir and mix well, adjust the pH, and then add probiotics for fermentation. S4. Add Codonopsis pilosula powder, Glycyrrhiza uralensis powder, Amomum villosum powder and sterile drinking water to the fermentation mixture obtained in S3, mix well and adjust the pH to continue fermentation; S5. Add Poria cocos powder to the fermentation mixture obtained in S4, mix well, adjust the pH and continue fermentation. After fermentation, dry by rotary evaporation to obtain the laying hen feed additive.

5. The method for preparing a layer hen feed additive according to claim 4, characterized in that: The sieving in S1 is through a 60-80 mesh sieve.

6. The method for preparing a layer hen feed additive according to claim 4, characterized in that: The maximum diameter of the pulp fragments in S2 is no more than 0.5cm; the pits are dried in an oven at 55~65℃ and sieved through a 60~80 mesh sieve.

7. The method for preparing a layer hen feed additive according to claim 4, characterized in that: In S3~S5, pH is adjusted using edible white vinegar and saturated baking soda solution to a pH of 7~8; fermentation is carried out at 30~35℃ and 180~200rpm for 24~48h.

8. The method for preparing a layer hen feed additive according to claim 4, characterized in that: The mass of the sterile drinking water added in S3 to S5 is 4 to 5 times the sum of the mass of the added shrimp shell powder, jujube pulp pieces, and fruit pit powder, or 4.5 to 5.5 times the sum of the mass of the added Codonopsis powder, licorice powder, and Amomum powder, or 4 to 5 times the mass of the added Poria powder.

9. The method for preparing a layer hen feed additive according to claim 4, characterized in that: In S3~S5, the fermentation containers are sealed with sterile, breathable sealing film before fermentation.

10. The application of the layer hen feed additive as described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

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