Effects of Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide on growth performance, appetite, and hypothalamic inflammation in broilers.

In this work, we analyzed the effects of Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide on growth performance, appetite, and hypothalamic inflammation in broilers. In the past, antibiotics were added to poultry feed to prevent disease and improve growth performance; however, the extensive use of antibiotics can negatively affect livestock and poultry, and endanger the health of consumers. Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide has many biological activities. In order to explore the possibility of Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide as a substitute for antibiotics, we evaluated the effects of Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide added to the diet of broilers for 42 days. Our research confirmed that Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide supplementation increased food intake by regulating appetite-related factors in hypothalamus and serum, and also alleviated inflammation.