Plant extracts to enhancing intestinal barrier function in fattening lambs: review

The intestine is not only the primary site for nutrient digestion and absorption but also a key defensive organ in animals. An intact intestinal barrier prevents the translocation of antigens, toxins, and pathogens, ensuring animal health. High-concentrate fattening is a common strategy in lamb farming to achieve maximum production performance and economic benefits. However, consuming high-concentrate diets for an extended period of time can damage the intestines of lambs. Plant extracts, characterized by their immunoregulatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties, have emerged as potential agents for improving intestinal health. This review comprehensively analyzes the impacts of high-concentrate diets on lamb gut health and systematically summarizes the roles of plant extracts in enhancing intestinal barrier function, and briefly discusses their possible mechanisms of action, aiming to offer scientific support for the rational utilization of plant extracts in the lambs industry.