Junjuan Zhou

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Mosla chinensis extract (MCE) on broiler intestinal health. A total of 240 1-day-old Arbor Acres (AA) broilers (balanced for sex) were randomly allocated into four treatment groups, each with six replicates of 10 chickens. The study comprised a starter phase (days 1–21) and a grower phase (days 22–42). The control group (C) received a basal diet, while the experimental groups were supplemented with low (S1, 500 mg/kg), medium (S2, 1000 mg/kg), and high doses (S3, 2000 mg/kg) of MCE. The results showed that MCE supplementation significantly improved average daily gain in broilers (p < 0.05) and reduced the feed-to-gain ratio in broilers. Additionally, MCE enhanced the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity of broilers. In the duodenum and cecum, MCE significantly upregulated the expression of tight junction proteins Claudin-1, and Occludin, with the high-dose group showing the strongest effect on intestinal barrier protection (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in ZO-1 in dudenum (p > 0.05). Microbial analysis indicated that MCE supplementation significantly reduced the Chao and Sobs indices in both the small and large intestines (p < 0.05). At the same time, the Coverage index of the small intestine increased, with the high-dose group demonstrating the most pronounced effect. Beta diversity analysis revealed that MCE had a significant modulatory effect on the microbial composition in the large intestine (p < 0.05), with a comparatively smaller impact on the small intestine. Furthermore, MCE supplementation significantly increased the relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae and Alistipes in the large intestine, along with beneficial genera that promote short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, thus optimizing the gut microecological environment. Correlation analysis of SCFAs further confirmed a significant association between the enriched microbiota and the production of acetate, propionate, and butyrate (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with MCE promotes healthy growth and feed intake in broilers and exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. By optimizing gut microbiota composition, enhancing intestinal barrier function, and promoting SCFA production, MCE effectively maintains gut microecological balance, supporting broiler intestinal health.

Acute colitis is a complex disease that can lead to dysregulation of the gut flora, inducing more complex parenteral diseases. Dandelion polysaccharides (DPSs) may have potential preventive and therapeutic effects on enteritis. In this study, LPS was used to induce enteritis and VC was used as a positive drug control to explore the preventive and therapeutic effects of DPS on enteritis. The results showed that DPS could repair the intestinal barrier, down-regulate the expression of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and other pro-inflammatory factors, up-regulate the expression of IL-22 anti-inflammatory factor, improve the antioxidant capacity of the body, and improve the structure of intestinal flora. It is proved that DPS can effectively prevent and treat LPS-induced acute enteritis and play a positive role in promoting intestinal health.