Researchers discovered that a natural supplement called GABA, made from helpful bacteria called Lactobacillus plantarum, can protect laying hens from the harmful effects of stress. When chickens experience stress, it damages their reproductive system and reduces egg production. In this study, scientists found that giving stressed hens this special supplement helped restore their egg-laying ability, reduced inflammation in their ovaries, and improved their overall reproductive health. The supplement works by boosting the chickens’ natural defense systems and balancing important hormones. This research suggests that farmers could use this affordable, natural additive to help their flocks stay healthier and more productive, even during stressful situations.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a natural supplement made from beneficial bacteria could protect laying hens from stress-related damage to their reproductive system and egg production
  • Who participated: Laying hens (the specific number of birds wasn’t detailed in the abstract, but they were divided into groups receiving different treatments including stress-inducing conditions and the supplement)
  • Key finding: Hens that received the GABA and Lactobacillus plantarum supplement maintained better egg production and had healthier ovaries compared to stressed hens that didn’t receive the supplement. The supplement reduced inflammation, improved natural defense systems, and restored important reproductive hormones
  • What it means for you: If you raise chickens or work in poultry farming, this suggests a safe, natural way to protect your flock’s health and productivity during stressful periods. However, this research was done in controlled laboratory settings, so real-world results on farms may vary. Talk to a veterinarian before making changes to your flock’s diet

The Research Details

Scientists conducted an experiment to test whether a natural supplement could protect laying hens from stress. They created stress in some hens using a hormone called corticosterone (which mimics what happens when chickens are stressed). Then they divided the stressed hens into groups: some received the GABA and Lactobacillus plantarum supplement, some received just one ingredient, and some received nothing. The researchers then measured egg production, examined the health of the hens’ ovaries under a microscope, and tested blood samples to check hormone levels and signs of inflammation.

The study looked at multiple ways the supplement might work: by reducing harmful molecules that damage cells (oxidative stress), by lowering inflammation, by protecting cells from dying prematurely, and by balancing the hormones needed for reproduction. This multi-layered approach helps scientists understand exactly how the supplement helps the hens.

Understanding how stress damages laying hens and finding natural ways to protect them is important because stressed flocks produce fewer eggs and have more health problems, which costs farmers money. This research is valuable because it identifies a specific, natural supplement that works through multiple protective mechanisms, making it a practical solution that farmers could actually use. The study also fills a gap in research—most previous studies looked at this supplement in other types of chickens, not laying hens specifically

This study was published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, which means other experts reviewed it before publication. The researchers measured multiple outcomes (egg production, hormone levels, inflammation markers, and cell damage) rather than just one thing, which makes the findings more convincing. However, the abstract doesn’t specify exactly how many hens were studied, which is important information for understanding the study’s strength. The study was conducted in controlled laboratory conditions, which means real-world results on actual farms might be different

What the Results Show

The main finding was that both GABA and Lactobacillus plantarum 1-2-3 successfully protected laying hens from stress-related damage. Hens receiving the supplement maintained significantly better egg production compared to stressed hens that didn’t receive it. The supplement also prevented damage to the ovaries (the organs that produce eggs), reducing the number of damaged follicles (the structures that develop into eggs).

The researchers found that the supplement worked by boosting the hens’ natural antioxidant systems—think of these as the body’s built-in repair crew that fixes damage caused by stress. The supplement also reduced inflammatory markers (signs of inflammation) including IL18, LITAF, IL6, and IL1B. Additionally, it prevented cells from dying prematurely by affecting genes related to cell death (BCL2, BAX, CASP9, and CASP3).

Another important finding was that the supplement restored reproductive hormones in the blood and increased activity of genes involved in hormone production in the ovaries. This suggests the supplement helps the reproductive system function normally again, even under stress. The supplement also appeared to help the body manage cholesterol better through a specific cellular pathway (PPARα-mediated), which is important for making reproductive hormones.

The research showed that GABA and Lactobacillus plantarum worked through multiple different pathways in the body, suggesting they’re effective at multiple levels. The supplement increased expression of genes like LHCGR, FSHR, StAR, and CYP11A1, which are all involved in producing the hormones needed for reproduction. This multi-pathway approach means the supplement doesn’t just treat one problem—it addresses several ways that stress damages the reproductive system

Previous research has shown that GABA and Lactobacillus plantarum have protective effects in other types of chickens and other animals, but this is one of the first studies to specifically examine their effects on laying hens. The findings are consistent with what scientists know about how stress damages reproduction in other species, but this research provides new evidence that these supplements work in laying hens specifically. The study also provides more detailed information about the exact mechanisms involved than most previous research

The abstract doesn’t specify the exact number of hens used in the study, which makes it harder to judge how reliable the results are. The study was conducted in controlled laboratory conditions, so results might be different on actual farms where hens face multiple types of stress at once. The research only looked at one specific strain of Lactobacillus plantarum (1-2-3), so results might differ with other strains. The study doesn’t provide information about the cost of the supplement or how long hens need to receive it to see benefits, which would be important for farmers considering using it

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, GABA and Lactobacillus plantarum 1-2-3 appear to be a promising natural supplement for protecting laying hens from stress-related problems (moderate confidence level, based on controlled laboratory research). If you raise laying hens and are concerned about stress affecting your flock, this supplement may be worth considering. However, consult with a poultry veterinarian before adding any supplements to your flock’s diet, as individual flocks may respond differently. More research on actual farms would increase confidence in these recommendations

Poultry farmers and anyone raising laying hens should pay attention to this research, especially those whose flocks experience regular stress from factors like heat, crowding, or transportation. Veterinarians who work with poultry might find this useful for recommending to clients. Pet chicken owners might also benefit from understanding how stress affects their birds. This research is less relevant for people who don’t raise chickens, though it contributes to general knowledge about how probiotics affect health

Based on the study design, the supplement appeared to provide protection relatively quickly—the researchers saw improvements in egg production and hormone levels within the timeframe of their experiment. However, the abstract doesn’t specify exactly how long the study lasted. In practical use on a farm, you’d likely need to give the supplement for at least several weeks to see meaningful improvements in egg production and flock health. Benefits would probably continue as long as the supplement is provided

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If you raise laying hens, track daily egg production numbers and note any changes after starting the supplement. Record the date you began supplementation, the number of eggs collected each day, and any observations about hen behavior or health. Compare production rates before and after supplementation to see if there’s an improvement
  • Start by consulting with a poultry veterinarian about whether this supplement is appropriate for your flock. If recommended, introduce the supplement gradually according to the product instructions, monitoring your hens’ response. Keep detailed records of any changes in egg production, shell quality, or hen behavior. Adjust feeding practices based on what you observe
  • Establish a baseline of your flock’s normal egg production before starting any supplement. After beginning supplementation, track production weekly and compare it to the baseline. Monitor for any changes in egg quality, hen behavior, or health issues. If you notice improvements, continue the supplement; if not, discuss alternatives with your veterinarian. Re-evaluate every month to ensure the supplement is providing value

This research was conducted on laying hens in controlled laboratory conditions and has not been tested extensively in real-world farm settings. Results may vary depending on your specific flock, environment, and management practices. Before adding any supplement to your flock’s diet, consult with a licensed poultry veterinarian or animal nutritionist. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Individual hens may respond differently to supplementation. Always follow product instructions and local regulations regarding feed additives for poultry