Effects of Yucca schidigera extract on growth performance, serum biochemical indices and intestinal health in young pigeons

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Yucca schidigera extract (YSE) on growth performance, serum biochemical indices, immune function and intestinal health of young pigeons. A total of 120 healthy White King pigeons (28 days old) with similar weight were randomly assigned to 4 treatments with six replicate cages. The pigeons in 4 treatments were orally administrated with 0 (control),5,10 and 15 YSE per day, respectively. Each treatment group was given 1 mL daily in artificial gavage. The results showed that orally supplemental YSE had no significant influence (P>0.05) on growth performance or immune organ index in pigeons. The total protein and IgM contents in 10 mg group were significantly higher (P<0.05) than those in the control group. Orally supplemental 10 mg and 15 mg YSE significantly lowered the levels of serum total cholesterol (P<0.05) and increased (P<0.05) the villi height of jejunum compared with those in the control group. Supplemental 5 mg and 10 mg YSE significantly decreased (P<0.05) the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase and crypt depth of ileum in group compared with those in the control group. In ileum, compared with the control group, Patescibacteria and Desulfobacterota phyla in 10 mg group were markedly improved (P<0.05). Additionally, Enterococcus genus showed a significant negative correlation with serum alanine aminotransferase. Actinomyces genus showed a significant negative correlation with cholesterol. Turicibacter genus showed a significant positive correlation with villi height of jejunum. The results indicated that YSE could improve serum biochemistry and immunoglobulin contents and benefit intestinal morphology.