Effects of Nano Chinese Herbal Medicine Feed Additive on Growth Performance, Meat Quality and Disease Resistance of Chickens

Abstract

[Objectives] To explore the effects of nano compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive on growth performance, meat quality and disease resistance of chickens. [Methods] Chickens were fed with nano compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive developed by Hunan Polytechnic of Environment and Biology, including 120 chickens in the treatment group and 120 chickens in the control group (CK). The growth performance indices (body weight gain, feed to gain ratio and slaughter index), meat quality indices (pH value, color, drip loss, shear force) and disease resistance indices (morbidity and mortality) of the chickens in the treatment and CK groups were recorded and determined, respectively. [Results] The inclusion of 2% nano compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive in the diet significantly increased the growth rate, reduced the feed-to-gain ratio and improved the meat quality of the chickens. Supplementing Chinese herbal medicine could increase the pH value and reduce the drip loss and shear force of chicken meat. At the same time, the body’s immune function, antioxidant level and resistance against diseases of the chickens fed with nano compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive were improved. [Conclusions] The inclusion of nano compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive in the diet can improve the growth performance, meat quality and disease resistance of chickens.