The Effect of Yupingfeng Polysaccharides on Immune Performance and Intestinal Microbiota in Goslings

This study evaluated the effects of Yupingfeng polysaccharides (YPF-P) on production performance, immune response, and intestinal health in goslings. A total of 240 one-day-old healthy male goslings were randomly assigned to four groups, each with six replicates of ten goslings. The Control group (Control) was fed a basal diet, while the experimental groups received the basal diet supplemented with 200 mg/kg (YPFPI), 400 mg/kg (YPFPII), and 600 mg/kg (YPFPIII) of YPF-P. The results demonstrated that supplementation with 400 mg/kg of YPF-P significantly decreased the final body weight at 21 days and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) from days 1 to 14 (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Plasma activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were significantly elevated, while malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were reduced in the 400 and 600 mg/kg groups (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Both dosages significantly increased thymus and bursa of Fabricius indices, as well as plasma IL-1β concentration (<i>p</i> < 0.05), with IL-6 levels further elevated in the 600 mg/kg group (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Duodenal and ileal villus height and the villus height to crypt depth ratio were significantly improved in the 400 and 600 mg/kg groups (<i>p</i> < 0.05). In the cecum, acetate and isobutyrate concentrations were increased in the 400 and 600 mg/kg groups, while propionate concentration was significantly higher in the 600 mg/kg group (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The 600 mg/kg group also exhibited a significant increase in the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria such as <i>Akkermansia</i> and <i>Alistipes</i>, alongside a marked reduction in harmful pathogens, including <i>Rickettsia</i> (<i>p</i> < 0.05). In summary, dietary supplementation with YPF-P enhanced antioxidant capacity, immune response, and gut microbiota composition in goslings, with the most pronounced effects observed at 600 mg/kg.