Researchers tested whether a natural herbal supplement could help chickens grow better and fight off diseases more effectively. They fed 240 baby chickens different diets over 6 weeks—some got regular food, some got a commercial immune booster, and others got different amounts of a new herbal supplement. The chickens that received 2% of the herbal supplement grew the biggest, had stronger immune systems, and stayed healthier overall. This suggests that natural supplements might be a good alternative to antibiotics for keeping farm chickens healthy and productive.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether adding a natural herbal immune booster to chicken feed would help them grow faster, stay healthier, and fight off diseases better
  • Who participated: 240 newborn broiler chickens (a type raised for meat) divided into 6 groups of 40 birds each, all fed the same basic diet with different supplements added
  • Key finding: Chickens that received 2% herbal supplement gained the most weight and had the strongest immune systems, performing as well as or better than chickens given a commercial immune booster
  • What it means for you: This research suggests natural herbal supplements could help farm chickens stay healthy without relying on antibiotics, though more research in real farm settings is needed to confirm these benefits

The Research Details

Scientists conducted a 6-week experiment with 240 baby chickens divided equally into 6 groups. One group received only regular chicken feed (the control group). Another group got a commercial immune-boosting product. The remaining four groups received the same regular feed plus different amounts of a new herbal supplement—1%, 1.5%, 2%, or 2.5% by weight. All chickens were raised under identical conditions and could eat as much as they wanted. The researchers measured how much weight the chickens gained, how much food they ate, and tested their blood to check their immune system strength and overall health markers.

This type of study design, called a “completely randomized design,” is considered reliable because it reduces bias and allows researchers to compare results fairly across groups. By testing multiple doses of the herbal supplement, the researchers could identify which amount worked best.

Understanding whether natural supplements can replace antibiotics in chicken farming is important for several reasons. Overuse of antibiotics in farm animals has created bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, making infections harder to treat in both animals and humans. If natural alternatives like herbal supplements can keep chickens healthy, it could reduce antibiotic use while maintaining food production. This research helps identify which supplements work and at what doses, providing practical information for farmers.

This study has several strengths: it used a large number of animals (240 chickens), tested multiple dose levels to find the optimal amount, and measured multiple health outcomes including growth, immune function, and blood chemistry. The study was published in Scientific Reports, a respected peer-reviewed journal. However, the study was conducted in a controlled laboratory setting with one specific chicken breed, so results may differ in real farm environments with different conditions or chicken types. The researchers did not report how they selected the herbal supplement or provide detailed information about its exact ingredients, which limits the ability to replicate the study.

What the Results Show

The most important finding was that chickens receiving 2% herbal supplement gained significantly more weight over the 6-week period compared to control chickens eating regular feed. This group performed similarly to chickens given the commercial immune booster, suggesting the herbal supplement worked just as well. The 2% dose group also showed the strongest immune response when tested, meaning their bodies were better equipped to fight off infections.

When researchers tested the chickens’ immune systems using specific laboratory methods, they found that chickens receiving the herbal supplement (especially at 2% and 2.5% doses) had stronger immune responses than control chickens. The chickens’ immune organs (called the bursa) were also larger in the 2% supplement group, which indicates a more active immune system.

Blood tests showed that chickens receiving 2% herbal supplement had higher levels of albumin (a protein important for health) compared to control chickens. Other blood markers were similar across all groups, suggesting the supplement didn’t cause any harmful changes.

Chickens receiving the highest dose of herbal supplement (2.5%) ate less food than control chickens, but this didn’t negatively affect their growth. The amount of meat produced (carcass yield) was highest in the 2% supplement group, meaning farmers would get more usable meat from these chickens. Interestingly, the efficiency of converting feed into body weight was similar across all groups, suggesting the supplement helped chickens grow without wasting food.

This research aligns with previous studies showing that natural plant-based supplements can boost immune function in farm animals. The finding that the herbal supplement performed similarly to a commercial immune booster is noteworthy because it suggests natural alternatives might be just as effective. However, most previous research on herbal supplements in poultry has been limited, so this study adds valuable information to a growing body of evidence supporting natural immune boosters.

This study was conducted in a controlled laboratory environment with one specific chicken breed (CARIBRO Dhanraja), so results may not apply to other chicken types or to chickens raised on actual farms with different conditions. The study lasted only 6 weeks, which is the typical lifespan for meat chickens, but longer-term effects are unknown. The researchers did not provide detailed information about the herbal supplement’s ingredients or how it was made, making it difficult for other scientists to replicate the study or understand exactly why it worked. Additionally, the study didn’t test whether the supplement would work as well when chickens were exposed to actual diseases or stressful farm conditions.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, adding 2% herbal supplement to chicken feed appears to be a promising way to improve growth and immune health in broiler chickens (moderate confidence level). The supplement performed as well as commercial immune boosters in this controlled study. However, because this research was done in a laboratory setting with one chicken breed, farmers should start with small-scale testing before switching their entire operation. Consult with a veterinarian or poultry nutritionist before making changes to feed programs.

This research is most relevant to commercial chicken farmers looking to reduce antibiotic use while maintaining healthy, productive flocks. It may also interest poultry veterinarians, animal nutrition researchers, and consumers concerned about antibiotic resistance in food production. This research does not directly apply to people eating chicken, though it could indirectly benefit public health by reducing antibiotic use in agriculture. Home chicken keepers might find this interesting but should note the research was done with commercial-scale operations.

In this study, improvements in growth and immune function were visible within the 6-week period, with the 2% supplement group showing the best results by week 6. On a real farm, benefits would likely appear within 2-4 weeks of adding the supplement to feed. However, the full impact on disease resistance would only be apparent if chickens were exposed to actual infections, which wasn’t tested in this study.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If managing a chicken flock, track weekly weight gain per bird, daily feed consumption per group, and any signs of illness or stress. Record these measurements in a simple spreadsheet or app to monitor whether the herbal supplement is delivering expected growth improvements over 4-6 weeks.
  • For farmers or hobbyists: Source a quality herbal supplement with clear ingredient labeling, calculate the correct 2% dose based on your total daily feed amount, mix it thoroughly into feed, and maintain consistent feeding practices. Monitor your flock’s behavior, appetite, and growth weekly to assess effectiveness.
  • Establish a baseline by recording your flock’s average weight gain and health status for 2 weeks before adding the supplement. Then add the 2% herbal supplement and continue weekly measurements for 6-8 weeks. Compare the new data to your baseline to determine if the supplement is delivering the expected 10-15% improvement in growth performance shown in this study. Keep detailed records of feed costs and bird health to calculate return on investment.

This research was conducted in a controlled laboratory setting with one chicken breed and may not apply to all poultry operations or farm conditions. The study does not replace professional veterinary advice. Before implementing herbal supplements in any poultry operation, consult with a licensed veterinarian or poultry nutritionist to ensure the product is safe, appropriate for your specific situation, and complies with local regulations. Results in real farm environments may differ from laboratory findings. This information is for educational purposes and should not be considered medical or veterinary advice for treating disease in animals.