Preliminary Multi-Omics Insights into Green Alternatives to Antibiotics: Effects of Pulsatilla chinensis, Acer truncatum, and Clostridium butyricum on Gut Health and Metabolic Regulation in Chickens

Antibiotic resistance has become a global health concern, driving the need for sustainable alternatives in animal husbandry. This study explores the potential of natural feed additives as a viable solution to enhance poultry growth and health while reducing reliance on antibiotics. Chinese herbal medicines and probiotics have been widely studied as green, healthy, and safe antibiotic alternatives in livestock and poultry production. A total of 120 chickens were randomly divided into four groups: a control group and three treatment groups supplemented with 1% <i>Pulsatilla chinensis</i> powder, 3% fresh <i>Acer truncatum</i>, or 1% <i>Clostridium butyricum</i>. The results showed that <i>Pulsatilla chinensis</i> powder significantly increased gamma-glutamylcysteine (<i>p</i> < 0.05), UDP-N-acetylglucosamine (<i>p</i> < 0.05), tyramine (<i>p</i> < 0.01), and leucine (<i>p</i> < 0.05). <i>Acer truncatum</i> notably altered cecal metabolites, including L-tyrosine (<i>p</i> < 0.05), α-ketoisovaleric acid (<i>p</i> < 0.01), myristoleic acid (<i>p</i> < 0.01), glutathione (<i>p</i> < 0.05), and PGA1 (<i>p</i> < 0.05). <i>Clostridium butyricum</i> modified cecal metabolites such as L-glutamine (<i>p</i> < 0.05), riboflavin (<i>p</i> < 0.05), L-Carnitine (<i>p</i> < 0.05), ergocalciferol (<i>p</i> < 0.01), and α-tocotrienol (<i>p</i> < 0.05).