Echinacea purpurea polysaccharides regulate the intestinal microbiota and enhance immune function in broilers

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Nutritional Science
• Microbiology

Background:

• Echinacea purpurea polysaccharide (EP) is known for its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and gut-protective properties.
• Understanding EP's impact on broiler production is crucial for optimizing animal health and meat quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of dietary EP supplementation on broiler growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune function, nutrient metabolism, and intestinal microbiota.
• To elucidate the mechanisms by which EP influences broiler health and productivity.

Main Methods:

• 288 Arbor Acres broilers were fed diets with 0%, 0.3%, 0.6%, or 0.9% EP for 42 days.
• Evaluated growth performance, mortality, meat quality (drip loss, shear force), serum antioxidant and lipid profiles, caecal microbiota composition, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and nutrient metabolism rates.

Main Results:

• EP supplementation did not significantly affect growth metrics (ADG, ADFI, F/G) but reduced mortality, muscle drip loss, and shear force.
• Increased serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) at higher EP levels.
• Modulated caecal microbiota, increasing beneficial bacteria (Alistipes, Ruminococcus, Bacteroides) and decreasing detrimental bacteria (Streptococcus).
• Enhanced SCFA production and improved nutrient metabolism rates (ether extract, crude ash, crude fibre, calcium).

Conclusions:

• Dietary EP supplementation positively impacts broiler health and meat quality, independent of direct growth performance enhancement.
• EP's benefits are mediated through improved antioxidant and immune functions, gut microbiota modulation, and enhanced nutrient metabolism.
• EP shows potential as a feed additive for improving broiler production efficiency and meat quality.