Reclamation of Traditional Chinese Medicine By-Products Using Two-Stage Fermentation and Evaluation of Their Beneficial Effects as Dietary Feed Supplements for Hu Sheep
摘要
This study examines the effects of two-stage fermented traditional Chinese medicine by-products (TCMP) on Hu sheep’s growth, blood traits, and immunity. Aspergillus niger was used for aerobic fermentation (60% moisture, 28 °C, 7 days), followed by Lactobacillus plantarum for anaerobic fermentation (room temperature, 4 days). Before fermentation, the product contained 2.79 ± 0.10 mg/g of reducing sugars, 47.33 ± 0.13 mg/g of total sugars, 27.21 ± 0.35 mg/g of amino acids, and 190.31 ± 4.87 mg/g of crude fiber. After fermentation, the product contained 23.56 ± 0.59 mg/g of reducing sugars, 63.79 ± 0.65 mg/g of total sugars, 131.34 ± 1.78 mg/g of amino acids, and 120.31 ± 5.94 mg/g of crude fiber. Post-fermentation, reducing sugars, total sugars, and amino acids increased significantly (P < 0.01), while crude fiber decreased (P < 0.01). Sixty Hu sheep rams (24.65 kg ± 1.55 kg) were divided into 0%, 2%, 4%, and 6% TCMP groups. Over 60 days, TCMP groups showed higher weight gain and lower feed-to-weight ratio (P < 0.01). Blood analysis revealed lower Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Globulin (GLB), Indirect Bilirubin (IBIL), and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (P < 0.05) and higher Testosterone (TE), Insulin-like Growth Factor-I(IGF-I), and Immunoglobulin M (IGM) levels (P < 0.05) in TCMP groups. TCMP positively impacts Hu sheep’s growth and immunity.