Effects of Caragana korshinskii and Salix psammophila pellet feeds on serum biochemical, antioxidant, and immune indexes of Small-tailed Han sheep

In order to evaluate the feeding value of Caragana korshinskii and Salix psammophila, Small-tailed Han sheep (three groups, n = 30 each) were fed with pellet feed prepared from either C. korshinskii or S. psammophila and corn straw pellet feed (control) to study the effects of the different feed on serum biochemical, antioxidant, and immune indexes. The results showed that compared with corn straw pellet feed, S. psammophila pellet feed can significantly reduce the concentrations of alanine aminotransferase in serum (P < 0.05); However, C. korshinskii pellet feed, compared with corn straw pellet feed, can improve the antioxidant capacity of Small-tailed Han sheep and significantly reduce the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha in serum (P < 0.05). The above results show that the application of S. psammophila granules is feasible in the diet of Small-tailed Han sheep, and it is good for their liver health. Small-tailed Han sheep fed with S. psammophila have high development potential.