Flaxseed promotes productive performance through regulating gut microbiome in ducks.

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Poultry Nutrition
• Gut Microbiome Research

Background:

• Flaxseed is used in animal diets to increase omega-3 fatty acids and improve health.
• Limited research exists on flaxseed's impact on laying duck productivity and gut microbiota.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of dietary flaxseed on the productive performance and gut microbiota of Jinding laying ducks.
• To determine optimal flaxseed inclusion levels for laying ducks.

Main Methods:

• Jinding ducks were fed diets with 0%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% flaxseed for 53 days.
• Productive performance, egg quality, intestinal morphology, and gut microbial composition (16S rDNA sequencing) were analyzed.
• Immune parameters (IgG, IgM, IgA) were measured.

Main Results:

• Flaxseed increased egg production, egg mass, ovary weight, and preovulatory follicles.
• Docosahexaenoic Acid content, albumen height, and Haugh unit were significantly elevated.
• Intestinal villus height and crypt depth increased, and gut microbiota composition was altered.
• Flaxseed boosted IgG and IgM levels, with IgA increasing in most groups.

Conclusions:

• Flaxseed positively influences the productive performance of laying ducks.
• Dietary flaxseed enhances intestinal health and immune function in ducks.
• Flaxseed supplementation is beneficial for laying duck health and productivity.