Investigating the effects of angelica sinensis on ovarian remodeling and egg production performance in molting laying hens

Cage-induced molting is a management strategy used to help older laying hens achieve a second peak in egg production. Angelica sinensis (AS), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, is known for its blood-nourishing and blood-activating effects. To explore the impact of AS on the molting process of laying hens and its underlying mechanisms, an experiment was conducted using 270 hens aged 70 weeks. These hens were divided into five groups: CON, IM, RIM, l-AS, and H-AS, with 18 hens per group and six replicates each. Molting was induced through feed restriction and controlled light exposure. Using network pharmacology and molecular docking, it was predicted that active compounds in AS, including Angelica A, carotenoids, and β-sitosterol, may interact with ERBB2 and ERBB4 receptors. Western blot analysis showed that AS increases the expression of ERBB2 and ERBB4, activating the EGFR downstream signaling pathways PI3K/AKT/mTOR/P70S6K and RAF/RAS/MEK/ERK. This activation promotes the proliferation of ovarian epithelial and granulosa cells and increases follicle numbers. In conclusion, adding AS to the diet during the late molting phase effectively supports ovarian tissue regeneration and follicle development, leading to improved egg production after molting. These results contribute to the development of enhanced molting techniques for laying hens.