The effects of fermented feedstuff derived from Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus by-products on growth performance, intestinal digestive enzyme activity, nutrient utilization, meat quality, gut microbiota, and metabolites of broiler chicken

Abstract

This research aimed to assess the impact of fermented Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus by-products (FCSF) on the growth performance, gut digestive enzyme activity, nutrient utilization efficiency, gut microbiota, and their metabolites in broiler chickens. A total of 1,080 male broiler chickens were allocated into four groups (T1–T4) consisting of 6 replicates per group, each containing 45 chickens. The basal diet was provided to group T1, while groups T2, T3, and T4 were supplemented with 1%, 3%, and 5% FCSF in the basal diet, respectively. The experimental period was 42 days. The findings revealed that supplementing FCSF improved the FW and ADG of broiler chickens, and led to a reduction in the F/G, ADFI, and mortality rate of broiler chickens (p < 0.05). Furthermore, supplementation with 3% and 5% FCSF improved the thigh yield, semi-eviscerated carcass yield, slaughter yield, and lipase activity in the duodenum and ileum of birds (p < 0.05). Additionally, supplementing 3% FCSF enhanced the activity of protease in the duodenum of broilers (p < 0.05). Moreover, supplementing 3% FCSF enhanced the utilization of total phosphorus, dry matter, crude protein, and crude ash in the feed by broilers (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, supplementation of 3% and 5% FCSF reduced the serine content in broiler chicken breast meat (p < 0.05). Supplementing 1% FCSF significantly increased the C14:0, C14:1, and C20:1 content in the breast meat compared to the other experimental groups (p < 0.05). The levels of C20:4n6 and C23:0 in the breast meat of birds of FCSF supplemented groups were lower than in T1 (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the content of ∑ω-3PUFA decreased after supplementing with 3% and 5% FCSF (p < 0.05). 16SrDNA showed that supplementing 3% FCSF reduced the ACE, Chao1, and Shannon indices in the cecum of birds (p < 0.05). Supplementing 3% FCSF also decreased the abundance of the phylum Desulfobacterota and improved genera Coprobacter and Prevotella in the cecum of broiler chickens (p < 0.05). Metabolomic analysis of the gut microbiota revealed that supplementing 3% FCSF upregulated 6 metabolites and downregulated 16 metabolites (p < 0.05). Moreover, supplementing 3% FCSF downregulated 12 metabolic pathways and upregulated 3 metabolic pathways (p < 0.05). In summary our findings indicate that supplementing FCSF can improve the growth performance of broiler chickens by enhancing intestinal digestive enzyme activity, nutrient utilization, improving gut microbial diversity, and influencing the metabolism of gut microbiota.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Enteric Avian-Origin Lactobacillus casei-Fermented Soybean Meal on the Growth Performance and Intestinal Health of Broiler Chickens

“…Slaughter performance indicates the animal's ability to convert feed into muscle and fat, with muscle and abdominal fat being the main indicators. Both fermented ginkgo biloba and fermented citrus by-products significantly increased thigh muscle percentage in broilers [32,33]. In this study, adding 0.2 kg/t and 5 kg/t of FSBM to the diet resulted in a significant increase in the percentage of thigh muscle in the broilers.…”

High Dietary Folic Acid Supplementation Reduced the Composition of Fatty Acids and Amino Acids in Fortified Eggs

“…The increase in MUFA in egg yolk is mainly attributed to the significant increase in C14:1 and C18:1n9t. Zhou's research suggests that incorporating fermented feedstuff derived from citri sarcodactylis fructus can enhance intestinal digestive enzyme activity, improve nutrient utilization, promote intestinal microbial diversity, and impact intestinal flora metabolism, thereby influencing C14:1 levels in broiler muscle [45]. The yolk of eggs contains a concentrated number of vitamins and trace elements [46].…”

Progress in Fermented Unconventional Feed Application in Monogastric Animal Production in China

“…Growing pigs, 55 days FCR significantly decreased from 3.06 to 2.89 compared to the control group [41] Ginkgo biloba leaves (4.5 g/kg) Broiler Chickens, 1-42 days FCR significantly decreased from 1.44 to 1.38 compared to the control group [42] Pomace-mixed silage Finishing pigs, eight weeks Feed efficiency (G/F) significantly increased from 0.29 g/g to 0.42 g/g compared to the control group [24] Herbal residues (5%) Broilers, 1-42 days FCR significantly decreased from 4.60 to 3.80 compared to the control group [43] Malic acid (8 g/kg) Broilers, 1-21 days FCR significantly decreased from 1.64 to 1.38 compared to the control group [44] Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus by-products (3%) Broilers, 1-42 days FCR significantly decreased from 4.60 to 3.37 compared to the control group [45] The microorganisms in the fermentation process broke down complex carbohydrates and organic compounds in the feed that are otherwise difficult to digest. The metabolites produced, and the enzymes secreted during fermentation, enhance nutrient utilization in the feed.…”