Abstract:
As a source of traditional Chinese medicine, mulberry has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, which is associated with its various bioactive components including polysaccharides, polyphenols and alkaloids in different parts. Mulberry leaf receives the most attention because it is easy to be harvested and has large biomass. Bioactive components in mulberry leaf such as polysaccharides and polyphenols, etc. have also been shown to be antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic and can enhance immunity and antioxidant capacity. Therefore, mulberry leaf and its extract can be beneficial to animal health when applied to animal production. With high crude protein contents and balanced amino acid composition, mulberry leaf can be used in animal feeds to substitute parts of protein sources. However, there are large amounts of anti-nutritional factors in mulberry leaf. Therefore, mulberry leaf undergone fermentation and silaging may be more suitable for animal feeding. This paper reviews the effects of these bioactive components on glucolipid metabolism, antioxidant activity and immunity of animals, and elucidates the roles of mulberry leaves in improving meat quality,modulating immunity and enhancing antioxidant activity of animals through summarizing the research progresses of mulberry leaves in livestock and aquaculture production.