Effects of Different Proportions of Amaranthus hypochondriacus Stem and Leaf Powder Inclusions on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, and Blood Biochemical Parameters of Broilers

Abstract

This experiment aimed to study the effects of different proportions of Amaranthus hypochondriacus stem and leaf powder (AHSL) on the growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, carcass traits, meat quality, and blood biochemical parameters of broilers from day 1 to day 42. The experiment utilized a single-factor experimental design, with a total of 216 one-day-old male broilers (Ross 308) randomly assigned to three dietary treatment groups (eight replicate cages of nine birds per cage). The dietary treatments included a control diet, a 3% AHSL diet and a 6% AHSL diet for days 0–21. Then, the 3% and 6% AHSL diets were changed to 5% and 10% AHSL for days 22–42. The results showed that the inclusion levels of AHSL did not affect growth performance, carcass traits, or meat quality on days 21 and 42 (p > 0.05). However, the inclusion levels of AHSL decreased the apparent nutrient digestibility (AND) of dry matter (DM) (p ˂ 0.001) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (p ˂ 0.001) and increased the serum concentration of phosphorus (p ˂ 0.001) on day 21. On day 42, the inclusion levels of AHSL decreased the AND of DM (p = 0.025) and NDF content (p ˂ 0.001), but increased the AND of crude protein (CP) (p = 0.004). In particular, the diet containing 10% AHSL significantly increased the serum enzyme activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (p = 0.046) and the serum concentration of total protein (TP) (p ˂ 0.001) on day 42. Overall, AHSL can be used as a new and effective feed ingredient in broiler diets. It can replace part of the corn–soybean meal diet without any adverse effects, which is beneficial for conserving feed resources. Additionally, AHSL can be included at a level of up to 10% during the broiler growth period.

The Effects of Unconventional Feed Fermentation on Intestinal Oxidative Stress in Animals

“…Unconventional feed refers to feed that is different in terms of the raw material source or preparation process compared to conventional feed. This kind of feed is usually obtained from diversified raw materials such as agricultural and sideline products, aquatic product by-products, and industrial by-products, which are obtained through special processing or treatment; China possesses rich resources of such materials [ 1 , 2 ]. However, the nutrient composition of unconventional feed is complex, and it has shortcomings such as a high content of anti-nutritional factors and poisons, poor palatability, unstable nutrient composition, and significant quality variations [ 3 ].…”

“…Arrow 1⃝ indicates that feeding animals with unconventional fermented feed can affect the development of ROS, inhibiting the impact of ROS on the oxidative-antioxidative balance system. Arrow2 ⃝ indicates that animals not fed with unconventional fermented feed are unable to inhibit ROS, thus disrupting the oxidative-antioxidative balance. When the oxidative-antioxidative balance is disrupted, animals experience oxidative stress, which adversely affects digestive tissues, intestinal microbiota, and intestinal barrier function.…”

“…Lactic acid bacteria promote digestion, inhibit microorganisms, and activate the body's immune response mechanism. Arrow 1⃝ indicates that lactic acid bacteria secrete lactobacillus proteases to break down proteins into peptides; arrow2 ⃝ indicates that lactic acid bacteria secrete bacteriocin, inhibiting the growth of pathogenic microorganisms, reducing the expression of inflammatory factors, and activating the phagocytic function of macrophages; arrow3 ⃝ indicates that lactic acid bacteria secrete macrophage activators, activating the phagocytic function of macrophages and generating immune responses.…”