The Effects of Fermented Chinese Herbal Medicine on Growth Performance, Immunity, Intestinal Microbiota, and Intestinal Metabolite Profile of Broiler Chicks

This study investigates the effects of fermented Banqi( Radix Isatidis and Astragalus membranaceus ) extract (FBQ) on the growth performance, immunity, intestinal microbiota, and metabolite profile of broiler chicks. A total of 160 one-day-old yellow-feathered broilers were assigned to four treatment groups: control (PBS), Bacillus subtilis (BS), unfermented Banqi extract (UFBQ), and fermented Banqi extract (FBQ). The experiment lasted for 42 days. Results showed that FBQ significantly enhanced growth performance, with higher body weight and average daily gain ( P <  0.05) compared to other groups. Blood biochemical parameters indicated improved protein, calcium, and fat metabolism in FBQ-fed chicks. Immune function was also enhanced, with significant increases in anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10) and immunoglobulins (IgG, sIgA) ( P <  0.01). Intestinal microbiota analysis revealed that FBQ increased microbial diversity and enriched beneficial genera such as Bifidobacterium . The metabolomics analysis identified 73 differential metabolites in the FBQ group. Notably, the differential metabolites detected in the BS or UFBQ groups were also identified in the FBQ group. This finding confirms that fermented traditional Chinese medicine integrates the combined advantages of both probiotics and traditional Chinese medicine. Overall, this study provides robust evidence that FBQ can serve as a safe and effective feed additive for broiler chickens, facilitating the promotion and application of fermented traditional Chinese medicine.