Enhancing Growth Performance and Slaughtering Quality in Broiler Chickens through Co-Administration of Distiller’s Grains and Chinese Medicinal Herbs

Abstract

In pursuit of sustainable livestock practices and the valorization of agro-industrial by-products, this study innovatively combines the utilization of distiller's grains with advancements in herbal agriculture. We investigate the impacts of distiller's grains and Chinese medicinal herbs on the growth performance and slaughter quality of broiler chickens. Our exploration delves into the synergistic relationships between distiller's grains and specific classes of Chinese medicines herbs: Digestive-Promoting Herbs (D-CMHs), Antibacterial & Anti-inflammatory (A-CMHs), Typhoid and Miscellaneous Disease-Fighting (T-CMHs) and Immune-Enhancing (I-CMHs) Herbs, in enhancing feed value. Results indicate that, compared to conventional feed controls, distiller’s grains significantly enhance the average weight gain in broiler chickens and have a positive impact on slaughter performance. The efficacy of herbal supplements is contingent upon their specific functional types. D-CMHs and T-CMHs benefits markedly improve production metrics and meat quality. Importantly, there is a synergistic effect between distiller's grains and T-CMHs, while an additive effect is noted with D-CMHs. Moreover, the addition of Chinese medicines herbs across all types does not undermine the positive nutritional effects of distiller's grains. These results underscore the potential for cooperative enhancement of poultry nutrition through the strategic supplementation of distiller's grains and Chinese herbal additives, which is dependent on the herb type. Precise formulation of herb-grain combinations can effectively boost poultry production efficiency and meat quality, driving the resourceful utilization of distiller's grains and the evolution of herbal agriculture.