Study on the Effects of Dandelion Ultrafine Powder on the Production Performance and Intestinal Microbiota of Broiler Chickens

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with dandelion superfine powder (DSFP) on the growth performance, organ indices, intestinal length, antioxidant parameters, cecal microbiota and economic benefits of broilers, so as to determine its optimal dosage. A total of 240 one-day-old ROSS broilers were randomly allocated into four groups fed basal diets supplemented with 0%, 0.5%, 1% and 3% DSFP, respectively. The results showed that medium-dose (1%) DSFP significantly increased the overall ADG and average daily feed intake, elevated duodenal length, and improved serum GSH-Px activity of broilers. Microbiological analysis revealed that 1% DSFP was associated with changes in the cecal microbiota structure and tended to increase the relative abundance of Firmicutes and potential short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria. Economically, the medium-dose group achieved the highest gross profit per broiler. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 1% DSFP can effectively improve growth performance and was associated with favorable changes in certain intestinal microbial indicators, leading to superior economic benefits, and it represents the appropriate dosage for broiler production.