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Effects of Cordyceps militaris solid medium on the growth performance, immunity parameters and intestinal health of broilers

Summary

This research shows that a byproduct from growing Cordyceps militaris mushrooms can be used as a feed additive for chickens. When added at low doses to chicken feed, this mushroom byproduct improved the chickens’ growth, boosted their immune system, and created a healthier gut environment with beneficial bacteria. This offers a natural, non-antibiotic option for improving poultry farming.

Background

Antibiotics have been extensively used in poultry production but their overuse has led to drug-resistant bacteria and regulatory restrictions. Cordyceps militaris solid medium (CMM) is a byproduct of artificial Cordyceps militaris cultivation that contains bioactive compounds and has shown promise as a feed additive alternative to antibiotics.

Objective

This study investigated the impact of different doses of Cordyceps militaris solid medium on the growth performance, immunity parameters, intestinal health, and gut microbiota of broilers to determine the effective dosage for use as a feed additive.

Results

Low and mid CMM doses significantly increased average daily gain and decreased feed conversion rate compared to control. CMM supplementation increased serum IgA levels, improved intestinal villus height and villus height/crypt depth ratios, and downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines while upregulating anti-inflammatory factors. CMM increased Firmicutes abundance and Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio while decreasing Bacteroides and increasing beneficial bacteria such as Synergistes.

Conclusion

Addition of 0.02% CMM to broiler diets promotes growth performance, enhances immunity parameters, improves intestinal morphology, and favorably regulates intestinal microbiota, supporting CMM as a viable poultry feed additive alternative to antibiotics.
  • Published in:Animal Bioscience,
  • Study Type:Experimental Animal Study,
  • Source: 10.5713/ab.24.0791; PMID: 40211841
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