Effect of tea polyphenols supplement on growth performance, antioxidation and gut microbiota in squabs

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of tea polyphenols on growth performance, immunity, antioxidation, and intestinal function of squabs. A total of 432 young pigeons (1 day old) were divided into 4 groups: C group (fed with the basic diet) and three test groups (TL, TM, TH groups) with varying amounts of tea polyphenols added to the basic diet (0, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg respectively). On the 28th day, samples of serum, mucosal tissue, and digest in the ileum of squabs were collected for analysis. The study showed that supplementation of tea polyphenols significantly reduced the ratio of feed to meat and improved the utilization rate of feed and serum biochemical indices. The addition of tea polyphenols enhanced the intestinal barrier function of squabs by promoting intestinal development, increasing the degree of tight junctions, and regulating digestive enzyme activities and intestinal flora. In addition, tea polyphenols activated the Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway, and improved antioxidants and immune may be associated with an increased abundance of Candida arthritis and Corynebacterium in the ileum.