Randomized trial evaluates gut microbiome and blood indices in hens fed fermented water hyacinth meal, suggesting a sustainable feed alternative.
Key Points
This research aims to investigate the impact of fermented water hyacinth meal on blood and serum indices as well as gut microbiome in Hy-Line Brown hens.
Conducted a 63-day feeding trial with Hy-Line Brown hens
Diet included up to 5% fermented water hyacinth meal
Analyzed blood haematology, serum biochemical indices, and gut microbiota composition.
No significant differences in blood haematological and biochemical indices across treatment groups (p > 0.05)
Reduced Escherichia coli populations in the 5% FWHM group (1.35 ± 0.05 × 106 CFU/mL) compared to control (1.83 ± 0.04 × 106 CFU/mL, p < 0.001)
Increased yeast populations in FWHM groups, with 2.5 ± 5.0 × 104 CFU/mL in 2.5% FWHM and 2.7 ± 1.7 × 104 CFU/mL in 5% FWHM.