Effects of dietary dandelion (Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz.) polysaccharides on the performance and gut microbiota of laying hens

This experiment was designed to evaluate the influences of dietary dandelion polysaccharides (DP) on the performance and cecum microbiota of laying hens. Three hundred laying hens were assigned to five treatment groups: the basal diet group (CK group), three DP groups (basal diets supplemented with 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 % DP), and the inulin group (IN group, basal diet supplemented with 1.5 % inulin). Increased daily egg weight and a decreased feed conversion rate were observed when the diets were supplemented with inulin or DP. The calcium metabolism rate in the 0.5 % and 1.0 % DP groups was greater than that in the CK group. The DP groups increased the short-chain fatty acid concentration, decreased pH, and enhanced the relative abundances of Parabacteroides, Alloprevotella, and Romboutsia in the cecum. These results showed that DP supplementation in the diets of laying hens can improve their performance, which might be associated with the regulation of the cecal microbiota.