The present study was designed to assess the impact of Alhagi honey small-molecule sugars (AHAS) on Hu lambs. Therefore, in this study, AHAS low-dose (AHAS-L, 200 mg/ kg per day), AHAS medium-dose (AHAS-M, 400 mg/kg per day), and AHAS high-dose (AHAS-H, 800 mg/kg per day) were administered to Hu lambs to investigate the regulatory effects of AHAS on growth performance, oxidation index, immune system enhancement, and intestinal microbiota. The results showed that lambs in the AHAS-H group exhibited significantly increased in average daily weight gain, and growth performance compared to those in the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, AHAS-H supplementation resulted in increased levels of serum antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GSH-Px, and T-AOC), serum antibodies (IgA, IgG, and IgM), and cytokines (IL-4, 10,17, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, it increased the quantity and richness of beneficial bacteria at such as Sphingomonas, Ralstonia, and Flavobacterium, activating various metabolic pathways and promoting the production of various short-chain fatty acids. In summary, our findings highlight the potential of AHAS-H treatment in enhancing intestinal health of lambs by improving intestinal function, immunity, and related metabolic pathways. Consequently, these results suggest that AHAS holds promising potential as a valuable intervention for optimizing growth performance and intestinal health in lambs.

Objective: To investigate the effects of Taishan Panshi San (TSPSS) supplementation on foal growth and immunity. Methods: Twelve pregnant mares and their foals were divided into three groups: control (NC), TSPSS every other month (GY), and TSPSS monthly (MY) from gestation day 30. Maternal blood was sampled on days 65, 185, and 305 for hormone analysis. Foals were assessed for growth, cytokines, antioxidants, and immunoglobulins at birth, and onset of diarrhea (FQ), from 30 to 120 days after birth. Intestinal microbiota and metabolites were analyzed. Results: GY foals showed elevated levels of IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α, GH, IGF-I, insulin, IgA, IgG, IgM, SOD, and T-AOC ( p < 0.05 or p < 0.01), with reduced MDA ( p < 0.01). TSPSS upregulated placental nutrient transporters, vascular genes, and hormone receptors. GY foals exhibited increased abundance of Synergistetes spp. and decreased abundance of Chlamydiae spp. and Phascolarctobacterium spp., which correlated with enhanced bile acid synthesis. MY foals showed enrichment of Odoribacter spp. and Akkermansia spp. at FQ and Ruminococcus spp. at 90 d, which were linked to steroid and amino acid metabolism. Short-chain fatty acids (such as acetate, etc.) decreased at FQ/30 d, with group-specific correlations. Conclusion: Maternal TSPSS supplementation during pregnancy may modulate placental gene expression and improve gut microbiota and metabolism, thereby promoting the growth and development of foals.