Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) root extracts affect laying performance, egg quality, serum biochemical parameters and intestinal microbiota in hens

Abstract

Title of the manuscript: Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) root extracts affect laying performance, egg quality, serum biochemical parameters and intestinal microbiota in hens ABSTRCT Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of yacon root extracts (YREs) on productive performance and health of laying hens.Methods: Six hundred 30-week-old Xiaoshan Chicken layers were divided into 5 groups, control group, antibiotic positive control group, and 3 YREs treatment groups. In a 9-wk feeding experiment, at the end of wk 3, 6 and 9, twenty eggs were collected from each replicate to measure egg qualities. At the end of wk 9, three hen serum samples, and 5 hen cecal content samples were collected from each replicate.Results: Compared to the control group, 0.8%, 1.6% and 2.4% YREs treatments could increase hens' daily feed intake, and YREs supplementation affected daily feed intake in linear manner. YREs did not change egg size, but 0.8% and 2.4% YREs changed egg shape by decreasing the egg shape index and sphericity, and 0.8% YREs tended to improve the eggshell breaking strength. 1.6% YREs might decrease yolk color grade, but optimize the pH of thick egg white in fresh egg; moreover, 1.6% and 2.4% YREs might be helpful for eggs to inhibit water loss during storage, and YREs supplementation affected water loss rate in linear manner. 2.4% YREs could decrease the serum lactate dehydrogenases (LDH) level, and YREs supplemental levels linearly affected serum LDH content. Finally, hens fed with 0.8% YREs could enrich the diversity of intestinal microbiota, and be beneficial for the relative abundance of phylum Bacteroidota and Halobacterota; 2.4% YREs might increase the abundance of phylum Actinobacteriota and genus Bifidobacterium, while decrease genus A c c e p t e d A r t i c l eBacteroides; YREs supplemental levels affected the abundance of phylum Actinobacteriota, and genera Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides in linear manner. Conclusion:Dietary supplementation with YREs could affect egg quality, protect the health of organs, and exhibit prebiotic activity.