Modulation of intestinal health and metabolism by dietary Portulaca oleracea L. extract enhances growth performance, immune function, and meat quality in Wenchang chickens

Portulaca oleracea L. extract (POE) shows potential for enhancing poultry production, but its effects on Wenchang chickens are unclear. A total of 90 one-day-old female Wenchang chickens were randomly allocated into three treatment groups: a control group (CON) receiving a basal diet, and two experimental groups (POL and POH) receiving the basal diet supplemented with 0.2 % and 0.4 % POE, respectively. Compared to the CON group, the POL group exhibited significantly higher average daily gain (ADG) and lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P < 0.05). POL also significantly enhanced immune function: increased serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM), cytokines (IL-1, IL-4, IFN-γ), secretory IgA (sIgA), and spleen index (P < 0.05). Meat quality improved in POL, with reduced drip loss, cooking loss, and shear force, alongside increased flavor-enhancing amino acids and inosine monophosphate (IMP) (P < 0.05). Jejunal morphology (villus height, VH/CD ratio) and tight junction protein (Claudin-1, Occludin, ZO-1) expression were upregulated in POL (P < 0.05). Gut microbiota analysis revealed POL increased Bacteroides and Faecalibacterium abundance while lowering the Firmicutes / Bacteroidota ratio (P < 0.05). Metabolomics indicated enrichment in tryptophan, arginine, and proline metabolism pathways in POL. Dietary 0.2 % POE improved growth, immunity, and meat quality in Wenchang chickens, potentially mediated by enhanced intestinal health and modulation of tryptophan, arginine, and proline metabolism.