8 / 2024-10-05 10:24:24

ONE HEALTH CYCLE OF People-Tea Waste-Sheep

China, as the largest tea-producing nation, generates substantial tea waste, including tea stems, branches, and powder, which are often discarded. Because of the bioactive properties of tea waste, particularly its polyphenols and flavonoids, this study explores the potential use as feed supplement to improve sheep health and reduce the need for antibiotics. Thirty-six Hu sheep were selected for a 60-day feeding experiment, sheep divided into control and two treatment groups, which supplemented with 1% and 2% tea waste. Blood samples were analyzed for biochemical parameters and metabolomic profiles. The results demonstrated that tea waste supplementation significantly increased antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT), enhanced immune function through elevated levels of IL-10 and IgM. KEGG pathway enrichment further highlighted the role of tea waste in modulating key metabolic pathways, including caffeine, tryptophan, and tyrosine metabolism. In conclusion, the inclusion of tea waste in sheep feed offers a sustainable alternative to antibiotics, promoting animal health and reducing environmental impacts through an integrated "One Health" cycle that connects people, animals, and tea production systems.