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Research progress on the application of medicinal forage plant Agriophyllum squarrosum in antibiotic-free livestock farming
QIAN Chaoju, YAN Xia, ZHANG Wanxiang, WANG Yan, MA Guorong, FAN Xingke, MA Xiaofei
2026, 43 (2):
83.
doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2095-1736.2026.02.083
In the context of
national “Big Food Concept” strategy and the antibiotic-free feed
policies, this review systematically elucidates the research status and
development potential of the annual desert medicinal plant sand rice (Agriophyllum squarrosum） as an antibiotic-alternative functional forage. Through a comprehensive review of recent research advances onA. squarrosum’s
ecological adaptability, nutritional composition, pharmacologically
active compounds, and feeding efficacy, sand rice is recognized as a
pioneer desert species that demonstrates not only remarkable ecological
benefits but also abundant nutritional and medicinal components,
including proteins, vitamins, flavonoids, and alkaloids. These
properties enable it to enhance livestock immunity, regulate gut
microbiota, and support the transition toward antibiotic-free animal
husbandry. Furthermore, sand rice exhibits multiple advantages for
improving barren desert soils, alleviating forage shortages, and
promoting modern grass-based livestock systems in desert regions of
northwestern China. As a medicinal antibiotic-alternative forage, it has
great potential for large-scale cultivation and application. However,
there remains an urgent need to accelerate domestication and breeding
programs for sand rice, which would help alleviate the shortage of
high-quality forage, ensure the safety of livestock products in arid
pastoral areas, and promote a balanced development of ecological
security and the green economy in desert regions.
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