Macleaya cordata extract modulate gut microbiota in Xuefeng Black-bone Chickens

Macleaya cordata, being rich in alkaloids, is a perennial herb. Sanguinarine and chelerythrine, the key compositions of isoquinoline alkaloids (IQA) derived from Macleaya cordata extract (MCE), have been reported to involve in regulating anti-inflammation. Xuefeng black-bone chicken, originated from the southwest of Hunan Province, china, has been included in the List of National Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources Protection in China. In this study, we conducted to explore the effects of MCE on intestinal morphology and microbial diversity in different intestinal segments of the parental population, and to provide a basis for MCE application in production of Xuefeng black-boned chicken.