China Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Medicine ›› 2026, Vol. 53 ›› Issue (1): 61-70.doi: 10.16431/j.cnki.1671-7236.2026.01.006

• Review • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Research Progress on the Application of Astragalus Straw in Ruminant Husbandry

LIU Shulin1(), MA Huiru1, YANG Ruifeng1, BAO Zhibi2, HANG Gai1, ZHANG Lingran1, WANG Jiaxin1, YANG Dong3()   

  1. 1.Hetao College,Bayannur 015000,China
    2.Bayannur Livestock Service Center,Bayannur 015000,China
    3.Bayannur Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Sciences,Bayannur 015000,China
  • Received:2025-02-24 Online:2026-01-05 Published:2025-12-26
  • Contact: YANG Dong E-mail:liushulin0723@163.com;yd276274264@163.com

Abstract:

As a by-product of Astragalus, the yield of Astragalus straw is more than ten times that of its root. As a feed resource with both nutritional value and biological activity, its application in ruminant breeding has attracted significant attention. The author systematically reviews the nutrient content, composition and levels of bioactive compounds in Astragalus straw, as well as its application in ruminant feeding. Astragalus straws are rich in crude protein and minerals, and are high quality roughage resources, but shows significant differences in nutrient content depending on origin and cutting period. Astragalus straw contains multiple bioactive substances such as polysaccharides, flavonoids and saponins. Except for polysaccharides, the content of other active substances is similar to that of the root. Studies have shown that the bioactive compounds present in Astragalus straw can enhance growth and fattening performance, improve rumen fermentation function, modulate the rumen microbial community structure, and boost the antioxidant and immune functions in ruminants. Consequently, it holds promising application prospects and significant practical implications in ruminant production. Future research should continue to explore the metabolism mechanism of Astragalus straw in ruminants, and optimize its processing and utilization technology, to provide a more solid theoretical and practical foundation for the wide application of Astragalus straw in animal husbandry.

Key words: Astragalus straw; active substance; ruminants

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