Researchers tested two natural supplements added to chicken drinking water to see if they could help broiler chickens grow better and stay healthier. One supplement came from soybean oil broken into tiny particles, and the other was betaine, a natural compound. When chickens received both supplements together, they grew faster, used their food more efficiently, and had better blood health markers compared to chickens that received neither supplement or just one alone. The study found that these natural additives were safe and didn’t harm the chickens’ liver or kidney function, suggesting they could be useful alternatives to traditional growth promoters in poultry farming.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether two natural supplements—nano-emulsified soybean oil and betaine—given separately or together in drinking water could help broiler chickens grow faster and healthier
  • Who participated: 320 young broiler chickens (Ross 308 breed) divided into four equal groups, studied during their final growth phase (weeks 3-5 of life)
  • Key finding: Chickens receiving both supplements together grew the fastest and converted their food to body weight most efficiently, with better blood health markers than chickens in other groups
  • What it means for you: If you raise chickens, these natural additives may help your birds grow better without extra feed costs. However, this was one study in controlled conditions, so results on different farms may vary. Talk to a poultry veterinarian before making changes to your flock’s care.

The Research Details

Scientists divided 320 healthy broiler chickens into four equal groups of 80 birds each. One group received no supplements (the control group). The second group got nano-emulsified soybean oil—which is regular soybean oil broken into extremely tiny droplets so it mixes better with water—added to their drinking water at 1 milliliter per liter. The third group received betaine, a natural compound found in plants and animals, at 1 gram per liter of water. The fourth group received both supplements together at the same doses. All chickens were raised under identical conditions with the same basic feed. The researchers measured how much the chickens grew, how much food they ate, and how efficiently they converted food into body weight at three different time points: day 21, day 28, and day 35 of life. On day 35, they took blood samples from each group to check various health markers.

This research approach matters because it tests whether natural supplements could replace synthetic growth promoters that some countries are restricting or banning. By measuring both growth performance and blood health markers, the study shows whether the supplements actually work and whether they’re safe. Testing the supplements individually and together helps identify whether they work better as a team than alone.

This study was published in PLoS ONE, a peer-reviewed scientific journal, which means other experts reviewed the work before publication. The researchers used a large sample size (320 birds) divided into equal groups, which strengthens the reliability of the findings. They measured multiple health markers, not just growth, which provides a more complete picture. However, the study was conducted in controlled laboratory conditions, so results might differ on actual farms with different environments or management practices.

What the Results Show

Chickens that received both supplements together showed the best results across almost all measurements. They had the best feed conversion ratio, meaning they gained more weight using the same amount of food compared to other groups. Their blood protein levels (albumin and globulin) were higher, suggesting better protein metabolism. Their triglyceride and very-low-density lipoprotein levels were better controlled, indicating improved fat metabolism. Chickens receiving either supplement alone also performed better than the control group, but not as well as the combination group. The improvements were statistically significant, meaning they were large enough that they’re unlikely to have happened by chance.

Both supplements individually reduced harmful cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) and lowered the risk of high cholesterol in the blood. Betaine alone also reduced blood sugar levels. Importantly, liver and kidney function markers—measured through enzymes and other blood chemicals—remained normal in all groups, indicating these supplements didn’t damage these vital organs. This safety finding is crucial because it shows the supplements can be used without harming the chickens’ health.

This research builds on earlier studies showing that betaine and plant-based oils can improve growth in chickens. However, this appears to be one of the first studies to test nano-emulsified soybean oil specifically and to examine how well these two supplements work together. The finding that combining them produces better results than using them separately suggests a synergistic effect—meaning they work better as a team than individually.

This study was conducted in controlled laboratory conditions, which may not perfectly reflect real farm environments with varying temperatures, humidity, and stress levels. The study lasted only about five weeks (the finisher phase), so we don’t know the long-term effects of these supplements. The researchers didn’t test different doses, so we don’t know if higher or lower amounts might work better. The study was conducted on one chicken breed (Ross 308), so results might differ with other breeds. Finally, the study doesn’t explain the biological mechanisms—the ‘how’ and ‘why’—behind these improvements.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, poultry farmers may consider using the combination of nano-emulsified soybean oil (1 mL/L water) and betaine (1 g/L water) as a natural growth promoter for broiler chickens during the finisher phase. The evidence is moderately strong for improved growth and feed efficiency, with high confidence in the safety profile. However, farmers should start with small trials on their own farms before implementing farm-wide, as results may vary based on local conditions.

Commercial broiler chicken farmers and poultry producers should pay attention to these findings as a potential alternative to synthetic growth promoters. Small-scale chicken keepers may also benefit. This research is less relevant for people who don’t raise chickens, though it may interest those studying natural animal nutrition or sustainable farming practices.

Based on this study, improvements in growth rate and feed efficiency should be observable within 2-3 weeks of starting the supplements. Blood health improvements were measured at 5 weeks, so it may take that long to see complete metabolic benefits. Farmers should monitor their flocks for at least 4-6 weeks to properly evaluate whether these supplements work in their specific conditions.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If using these supplements, track weekly weight gain per bird, daily feed consumption per bird, and calculate feed conversion ratio (pounds of feed per pound of weight gained) to measure effectiveness in your specific flock
  • Set a weekly reminder to prepare and add the supplement mixture to drinking water at the correct doses, and establish a simple record-keeping system to document bird weights and feed usage to compare against your baseline performance
  • Maintain a 4-6 week trial period with detailed daily records of feed consumption and weekly bird weights, comparing treated and control groups side-by-side to determine if the supplements provide meaningful improvements in your operation before full implementation

This research was conducted on broiler chickens in controlled laboratory conditions and may not apply directly to all farm environments or chicken breeds. The supplements tested (Magic Oil® and Betafin®) are specific commercial products; results may vary with other brands or formulations. Before implementing these supplements in your poultry operation, consult with a veterinarian or poultry nutritionist familiar with your local conditions, as individual farm results may differ from this study. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional veterinary or agricultural advice. Always follow local regulations regarding animal feed additives and supplements.