Effects of Cenchrus fungigraminus powder on growth performance, economic benefits, intestinal absorption, and liver antioxidant capacity in Hetian chickens

Abstract

Cenchrus fungigraminus , a high-quality unconventional feed resource, has potential application value in poultry production. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Cenchrus fungigraminus powder on growth performance, economic benefits, serum biochemistry, liver antioxidant capacity, and intestinal absorption in Hetian chickens. 288 31-day-old female Hetian chickens were randomly divided into 4 groups with 6 replicates per group and 12 chickens per replicate. The control (CON) group was fed the basal diet, while Groups I, II, and III were fed diets with 5%, 10%, and 15% of the basal diet replaced by Cenchrus fungigraminus powder, respectively. The test lasted for 30 days. Results showed that compared with the CON group, the average daily feed intake and feed-to-gain ratio in the 10% and 15% replacement groups were increased (p < 0.05). At a market price of 1.5 CNY/kg for Cenchrus fungigraminus powder, the 5% replacement group reduced the feed cost per kg weight gain by 1.055%, whereas the 10% and 15% replacement groups increased it. Additionally, serum total cholesterol levels in the 10% and 15% replacement groups were reduced (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the liver GSH/GSSG ratio in the 5% and 10% replacement groups, total antioxidant capacity in the 10% and 15% replacement groups, and catalase activity in the 10% replacement group were increased, while malondialdehyde content in the 5% replacement group was decreased (p < 0.05). Further analysis showed that the relative gizzard weight, relative ileum weight, and relative ileum length in the 10% and 15% replacement groups were increased (p < 0.05). Both ileal villus height in the 10% and 15% replacement groups and VH/CD ratio in the 5% and 10% replacement groups were increased (p < 0.05). Jejunal amylase activity was increased in all replacement groups, and ileal trypsin activity was increased in the 10% and 15% replacement groups (p < 0.05). Jejunal GLUT2 expression was upregulated in all replacement groups (p < 0.05). In summary, partial replacement of the basal diet with Cenchrus fungigraminus powder can reduce cholesterol levels, enhance liver antioxidant capacity, and improve intestinal digestion and absorption function in Hetian chickens, with the 5% replacement level showing the most favorable numerical trend in feed cost efficiency.