Abstract
This experiment aims to investigate the effects of adding Persicaria maculosa (P. maculosa) and Polygonum hydropiper (P. hydropiper) on the fermentation quality and antibacterial activity of wet-stored corn, as well as on the immune performance of chicks challenged with Salmonella. Experiment 1: Analyze effective metabolites using metabolomics. Experiment 2: The fermentation test included five treatments: control, 5 % and 10 % P. maculosa and 5 % and 10 % P. hydropiper, with regular detection of fermented products. Experiment 3: Dry cornmeal and the five treatments from Experiment 2 were inoculated with Salmonella after 30 days of fermentation, stored for varying periods, and the number of Salmonella was detected. Experiment 4: A total of 150 eight-day-old chicks were randomly divided into six groups, each receiving a different dietary treatment. The chicks were challenged with Salmonella at 19 days of age, and blood samples were collected 48 hours post-challenge to determine relevant indicators. Results: Flavonoids were identified as the most abundant metabolites in these two plants with all common metabolites exhibiting antibacterial effects. The addition of these plants could inhibit dry matter loss. Compared to the control group, the experimental groups showed lower contents of yeast and coliform bacteria but higher levels of lactic and acetic acid (P < 0.05). The anti-Salmonella capacity of the experimental groups was significantly enhanced (P < 0.05). The serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the chicks from the 10 % P. maculosa challenged group were lower than those in the unfermented challenged group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the serum levels of IgG, IgA, and IgM in the 10 % P. maculosa challenged group and the fermented challenged group were higher than those in the unfermented challenged group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Polygonum plants can improve the fermentation quality and antibacterial capacity of wet-stored corn, as well as enhance chicks' resistance to Salmonella infection. This study establishes a foundation for the application of Polygonum plants and offers a novel direction for developing drugs against poultry diseases like diarrhea.