JUNCAO (Pennisetum giganteum) has become a promising option for addressing livestock and poultry feed shortages due to its superior biological attributes contributing to economic benefits. This study assessed replacing traditional feed with fermented JUNCAO grass (FJCF) in yellow-feathered broiler birds. Two hundred 42-day-old male, yellow-feathered broilers were randomly assigned to control, and FJCF replacement ratios of 10%, 20%, and 40% groups to observe the effects of different replacement ratios. Results indicated that the 20% FJCF dietary group exhibited significantly superior average daily weight gain, survival rate, daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) relative to control group (P<0.05). The qPCR analysis of muscle tissues revealed that 20% and 40% FJCF supplementation significantly upregulated LPL gene in breast and CAST gene expression in leg muscle, respectively (P<0.05). Addition of 20% FJCF dietary supplementation significantly enhanced the activity and ratios of CD4⁺/CD8⁺ T lymphocytes in chicken spleen, markedly higher than both 10% and 40% replacement groups (P<0.05). Furthermore, FJCF supplementation significantly (P<0.05) elevated serum levels of key cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-2, TNF-α), immunoglobulins, and antioxidant factors. A dose-dependent increase in serum lysozyme activity was also observed. FJCF supplementation boosts humoral immunity in broilers without causing toxicity or inflammatory damage in immune organs (thymus, spleen, bursa), as confirmed by HE staining. Our study shows that 20% supplementation of FJCF promotes growth performance, enhances meat flavor, and immune response in yellow-feathered broilers by increasing splenic CD4⁺/CD8⁺ T lymphocyte ratios. The effects are dose-dependent, with 20% replacement being optimal. This study supports FJCF’s use in poultry production.

To Cite This Article: Zhengrun X, Goraya MU, BeiLei C and Quanxi W, 2025. Impact of fermented JUNCAO feed on health and growth in yellow-feathered broilers: insights into antioxidant and immune regulation. Pak Vet J. http://dx.doi.org/10.29261/pakvetj/2025.318