Multi-Omics-Based Functional Characterization of Hybrid Fermented Broussonetia papyrifera: A Preliminary Study on Gut Health of Laying Hens
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
In the present study, the fermentation of Broussonetia papyrifera (BP) by three probiotic strains were compared and the supplemental effect of yeast by-product on fermentation was evaluated. The dietary supplemental effect of fermented BP on intestinal health of laying hens was determined. The result is useful for the utilization of BP as a feedstuff of chickens.
The major concerns are as follows:
1. It is well known that fermentation could change the property of feedstuff. However, the readers are more interested in the difference of fermented FB and other similar feedstuffs. Could the authors make a comparison in the section of discussion.
2. What’s the supplemental effect of 1% or 5% fermented BP on the laying performance of hens? For example, feed consumption.
Author Response
Comments and Suggestions for Authors
In the present study, the fermentation of Broussonetia papyrifera (BP) by three probiotic strains were compared and the supplemental effect of yeast by-product on fermentation was evaluated. The dietary supplemental effect of fermented BP on intestinal health of laying hens was determined. The result is useful for the utilization of BP as a feedstuff of chickens.
Response: We appreciate for this positive comment.
The major concerns are as follows:
- It is well known that fermentation could change the property of feedstuff. However, the readers are more interested in the difference of fermented FB and other similar feedstuffs. Could the authors make a comparison in the section of discussion.
Response: Thanks for this comment. BP is commonly compared to the alfalfa and we have compared the BP with alfalfa as follows
BP is usually compared with alfalfa (Medicago sativa), a high-quality forage crop for ruminants, and shows a similar or even higher nutritional value [28]. Alfalfa is used to ensile for making silage using fresh materials. An earlier study has reported nutritive characters in 28 days L. plantarum fermented-alfalfa silage: pH 4.94, dry matter content, 36%; crude protein, 17% [29]. These results are relatively lower when compared to the corresponding values in the present study. (Line 339-344);
Metagenomic genome-based analysis in L. plantarum fermented alfalfa showed up-regulated gene abundance and diversity coding for carbohydrate-active enzymes, promoted growth of beneficial lactic acid bacteria and inhibited undesirable microbes which exerts the improved quality of the ultimate silage [34]. (Line 365-368).
- What’s the supplemental effect of 1% or 5% fermented BP on the laying performance of hens? For example, feed consumption.
Response: Thanks for this comment. Actually, we have measured the dietary effects of FBP on growth performance of laying hens, which the results showed improved daily feed intake and increasing trend of average egg weight without affecting the laying ratio and qualified egg ratio. Herein, the present study was mainly focused on the characteristics of BP before and after fermentation and its dietary effects on intestinal health of laying hens, so the relevant data were presented here.
Reviewer 2 Report
This is well done work. I would like to see this paper publish after minor suggestions: better explain all Figures (Fig 4, Fig 5, Fig 7), especial part that include statistical data processing.
Recommendation for future work: it would be interesting to see investigated effects on the chickens from these laying hens, when long term feeding hens with fermented BP.
Author Response
Comments and Suggestions for Authors
This is well done work. I would like to see this paper publish after minor suggestions: better explain all Figures (Fig 4, Fig 5, Fig 7), especial part that include statistical data processing.
Response: We have added more explanation on the results related to Figure 4 (Line 290-297) and Figure 7 (Line 317-322).
Recommendation for future work: it would be interesting to see investigated effects on the chickens from these laying hens, when long term feeding hens with fermented BP.
Response: Thanks for this suggestion. We have planned to evaluate the effects of long-term FBP supplementation on laying hens in the coming future.
And we have improved writing related to the Introduction, results and conclusion parts.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.docx
