<i>Hericium erinaceus</i> polysaccharides improve eggshell quality by improving uterine health and modulating uterine microbiota in aged hens.

ABSTRACT: Hericium erinaceus polysaccharide (HEP) is widely regarded as a potential food additive because of its rich nutritional value. This study aimed to explore the effect of HEP on the eggshell quality of aged laying hens and to reveal the mechanisms with particular emphasis on the alterations of uterine microbiota and health. A total of 360 Jingbai laying hens at 58 weeks old were randomly allocated into 4 groups, with 6 replicates per treatment and 15 birds per replicate. The hens were fed basal diets supplemented with 0, 250, 500, or 750 mg/kg HEP for 8 weeks. The results showed that HEP supplementation enhanced eggshell quality by improving the eggshell ultrastructure, as evidenced by increased eggshell thickness and strength (P < 0.05). HEP decreased the abundance of Enteroba

SUBMITTER: Wu L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12365118 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature