Baicalin Modulates Hepatic Lipid Metabolism and Improves Intestinal Health in White-Feathered Broilers

Abstract

Simple Summary Fast-growing meat chickens often suffer from liver and digestive tract damage caused by stress, which hinders their health and growth. Baicalin, an active constituent of Scutellaria baicalensis, exhibits diverse biological activity. In this study, dietary supplementation with 100 mg/kg baicalin in white-feathered broilers enhanced the hepatic antioxidant capacity and modulated hepatic lipid metabolism via the PPARα signaling pathway. Meanwhile, baicalin increased intestinal digestive enzyme activity, reshaped the intestinal microbiota composition, and altered plasma metabolite profiles. These findings provide a reference for the clinical application of baicalin to improve hepatic and intestinal health in broilers.