Dietary addition of Artemisia argyi reduces diarrhea and modulates the gut immune function without affecting growth performances of rabbits after weaning1

Abstract

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of Artemisia argyi on the production performance and intestinal barrier of rabbits. Weaned Hyla rabbits (30 d, n = 160) of similar body weight were divided into 4 groups (40 rabbits per treatment), and they were fed a control diet or fed an experimental diet supplemented with 3%, 6%, or 9% A. argyi. The results showed that the dietary supplementation with A. argyi did not affect the rabbits' food intake and body weight gain regardless of the inclusion level but decreased the diarrhea rate and diarrhea index (P < 0.05). Dietary addition of A. argyi increased the small intestine length and villus height/crypt depth, regardless of the inclusion level (P < 0.05). Compared with the control, the A. argyi supplementation increased the gene expression of zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1) and claudin 1 in all segments of the small intestine and regardless of the level of A. argyi (P < 0.05). In the duodenum, a dietary supplementation with 6% and 9% A. argyi increased the immunoglobulins A (IgA) content (P < 0.05). In the jejunum, the A. argyi supplementation decreased interleukin 2 (IL2) and IL6 content regardless of the inclusion level (P < 0.05). In the ileum, a 3% A. argyi addition decreased IL2 content, whereas a 6% A. argyi addition decreased IL6 content (P < 0.05). Furthermore, 6%-9% A. argyi supplementation increased the IgA content in the ileum (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary addition of A. argyi reduces diarrhea and modulates the gut immune function without affecting growth performances of rabbits.

Effect of Artemisia Splendens Powder and Extract on Broiler Chicken’s Performance, Lymphoid Organ Weight, Gut Morphology and Serum Biochemicals During Coccidiosis Challenge.

“…The increase of serum globulin concentration in this study probably may be due to immunostimulants effect of Artemisia splendens. It has been reported that dietary supplementation of Artemisia in rabbits increased (P<0.05) duodenum and ileum IgA, and significantly decreased IL2 and IL6 content in jejunum and ileum (15). This study was successful in representing the coccidiosis challenge model.…”

Dietary Supplementary of Modified Si-jun-zi&nbsp;Granule&nbsp;Promotes Intestinal Development and Enhances Mucosal Immunity of Weaned Rex Rabbits

“…The length and relative weight of the intestine was found increased compared to control group after M-SJZG treatment. The ratio of villus height and crypt depth also as an important index, which in direct proportion to intestinal digestion and absorption capacity (Liu et al, 2019). The results shown that M-SJZG treatment has the dosage-dependence for the ratio increasing, and only high dose (2.0%) M-SJZG administrated has the similar effect to positive control (0.8% Gln).…”

Effects of early weaning on intestinal morphology, digestive enzyme activity, antioxidant status, and cytokine status in domestic pigeon squabs (Columba livia)

“…We found that early weaning would decrease the length index of the small intestine, especially the segment of the ileum. Other studies reported that dietary addition relieved the stress of weaning rabbits, in terms of increasing the length of the small intestine ( Liu et al., 2019b ). Furthermore, King et al (2008) stated that early weaning could lead to a decrease in the weight index of the small intestine, which was similar to our results.…”