Effects of Gushukang, a Chinese herbal medicine, on bone characteristics and osteoporosis in laying hens.

Abstract

In this study, we evaluated the effects of the herb medicine formula Gushukang (GSK) on bone characteristics and osteoporosis in end-of-lay hens. One thousand 55-wk-old ISA caged layers were allotted randomly to 2 groups. The control group was given the basal diet, and the GSK group was given the basal diet supplemented with additional GSK (1 g/kg) for 10 wk. Egg production, shell quality, bone radiographic density, and biochemical markers of bone turnover were determined. The results showed that GSK significantly increased the egg laying rate and decreased the percentage of cracked eggs (P < 0.05).The serum calcium, phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase were decreased (P < 0.05) in the GSK-treated group compared with the control group, whereas bone characteristics were significantly improved (P < 0.05). The results suggested that GSK can improve egg production and prevent bone loss by inhibiting bone turnover.

• Authors: Z-L Zhou, Y-F Deng, Q-S Tao, Y-F Hu, J-F Hou
• Journal: Poultry science (Poult Sci) Vol. 88 Issue 11 Pg. 2342-5 (Nov 2009) ISSN: 0032-5791 [Print] England
• PMID: 19834084 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Drugs, Chinese Herbal
• gushukang

Topics

• Animals
• Bone Density (drug effects)
• Chickens
• Drugs, Chinese Herbal (pharmacology)
• Female
• Osteoporosis (drug therapy, veterinary)
• Poultry Diseases (drug therapy)