Comparative analysis of the endophytic bacteria inhabiting the phyllosphere of aquatic fern Azolla species by high-throughput sequencing.

Background: Azolla is a small floating fern living in symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria and provides a variety of important ecosystem benefits. Previous studies have presented that Azolla harbors diverse bacteria that may play a key role in host fitness and productivity. However, the characteristics of endophytic bacteria inhabiting the phyllosphere of different species of Azolla have not yet been fully understood.

Chinese herb feed additives improved the growth performance, meat quality, and nutrient digestibility parameters of pigs.

Background: Since the use of antibiotics in animal feed has become a critical concern worldwide due to severe threats to human health and environment, we are in need of finding alternatives to antibiotics in pig breeding, maintaining the health of pigs, and getting high-quality pork. As traditional Chinese herbs (TCH) are rich natural resources in China and show great benefits to human health we propose to transfer this abundant resource into animal production industry as additives.

Methods: Three groups of Chinese herbs (groups A, B, and C) were used as feed additives in the diet for pigs.