Dietary silaged Broussonetia papyrifera improves laying performance and intestinal health
Broussonetia papyrifera (BP) is known to contain a diverse array of bioactive compounds with potential benefits for animals when subjected to silage fermentation. Intestinal issues, including inflammation, impaired barrier function, and microbial imbalance, in aged laying hens induce a decrease in egg production. This study evaluated the dietary effects of silaged Broussonetia papyrifera (SBP) on egg production and intestinal health. A total of 240 Hyland-Brown laying hens (65 weeks old, with similar laying rates and body weights) were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group fed a basal diet and a treatment group fed a basal diet supplemented with 4 percent SBP. Each group included eight replicate groups, with fifteen hens per replicate. Intestinal morphology, barrier related gene expression, serum metabolomics, and gut microbiota composition were analyzed.