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Preliminary Multi-Omics Insights into Green Alternatives to Antibiotics: Effects of Pulsatilla chinensis, Acer truncatum, and Clostridium butyricum on Gut Health and Metabolic Regulation in Chickens
1
Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 311300, China
2
Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Animal Health Inspection & Internet Technology, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Hangzhou 311300, China
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
†
These authors contributed equally to this work.
Animals 2025, 15(9), 1262; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15091262
Submission received: 23 February 2025
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Revised: 21 April 2025
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Accepted: 23 April 2025
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Published: 29 April 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies to Improve Gut Health and Immunity in Monogastric Animals)
Simple Summary
This study examines how Pulsatilla chinensis, Acer truncatum, and Clostridium butyricum work as natural feed additives for Jianmen-guan chickens. Chickens were randomly divided into four groups: control group, 1% Pulsatilla powder, 3% fresh Acer truncatum, and 1% Clostridium butyricum. Pulsatilla chinensis boosted antioxidant capacity by upregulating glutathione metabolism genes. Acer truncatum changed tyrosine and lipid metabolism, while Clostridium butyricum enhanced immunity and altered gut microbiota. All additives improved gut bacteria and growth performance, suggesting their potential for improving poultry health.
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance has become a global health concern, driving the need for sustainable alternatives in animal husbandry. This study explores the potential of natural feed additives as a viable solution to enhance poultry growth and health while reducing reliance on antibiotics. Chinese herbal medicines and probiotics have been widely studied as green, healthy, and safe antibiotic alternatives in livestock and poultry production. A total of 120 chickens were randomly divided into four groups: a control group and three treatment groups supplemented with 1% Pulsatilla chinensis powder, 3% fresh Acer truncatum, or 1% Clostridium butyricum. The results showed that Pulsatilla chinensis powder significantly increased gamma-glutamylcysteine (p < 0.05), UDP-N-acetylglucosamine (p < 0.05), tyramine (p < 0.01), and leucine (p < 0.05). Acer truncatum notably altered cecal metabolites, including L-tyrosine (p < 0.05), α-ketoisovaleric acid (p < 0.01), myristoleic acid (p < 0.01), glutathione (p < 0.05), and PGA1 (p < 0.05). Clostridium butyricum modified cecal metabolites such as L-glutamine (p < 0.05), riboflavin (p < 0.05), L-Carnitine (p < 0.05), ergocalciferol (p < 0.01), and α-tocotrienol (p < 0.05).
