Researchers tested whether a mixture of thyme (an herb) and a helpful bacteria called Bacillus subtilis could help rabbits grow better and stay healthier when living in hot conditions. They fed 120 rabbits different diets and found that rabbits receiving the thyme and bacteria combination grew faster, had better digestion, stronger immune systems, and healthier gut bacteria compared to rabbits on regular feed. The results suggest that natural supplements might help animals cope with heat stress by boosting their body’s natural defenses and improving how well they use food for growth.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether adding thyme herb and a beneficial bacteria to rabbit feed helps them grow better and stay healthier when it’s hot outside
- Who participated: 120 male New Zealand White rabbits divided into four groups, with each group eating different types of feed
- Key finding: Rabbits that ate feed containing both thyme and the beneficial bacteria gained more weight, had better digestion, stronger immune systems, and healthier gut bacteria compared to rabbits on regular feed
- What it means for you: This research suggests that natural plant-based supplements combined with beneficial bacteria might help animals (and potentially people) handle heat stress better by boosting their body’s natural protection systems. However, more research is needed to understand if these benefits apply to humans
The Research Details
Scientists divided 120 young rabbits into four equal groups. One group ate regular feed (the control group), while the other three groups ate regular feed mixed with either just the bacteria, just thyme meal, or both together. All rabbits were kept in hot conditions to simulate heat stress. The researchers measured how much weight the rabbits gained, how well they digested their food, and tested their blood and gut bacteria at the end of the study.
This type of study is called a controlled experiment because it compares groups receiving different treatments while keeping everything else the same. By testing one ingredient at a time and then together, the scientists could figure out which parts of the mixture were most helpful.
Understanding how natural supplements help animals handle heat stress is important because heat can make animals sick and stop them from growing properly. If researchers can find safe, natural ways to help animals stay healthy in hot weather, it could improve farming practices and animal welfare. This knowledge might also give scientists clues about how similar natural ingredients could help people during hot weather.
This study used a reasonable number of animals (120) divided equally into groups, which helps make the results more reliable. The researchers measured many different health markers including growth, digestion, blood chemistry, immune function, and gut bacteria, giving a complete picture of the effects. However, the study was done only in rabbits, so we can’t automatically assume the same results would happen in other animals or people. The study appears to be well-designed with proper controls, though more details about the exact methods would help evaluate it fully.
What the Results Show
Rabbits that received the combination of thyme and beneficial bacteria grew significantly faster and had heavier bodies at the end of the study compared to rabbits on regular feed. They also converted their food into body weight more efficiently, meaning they needed less feed to gain the same amount of weight.
The mixture improved the rabbits’ blood chemistry in ways that suggest better liver and kidney health. Specifically, harmful fats in the blood decreased while protective proteins increased. This is important because it shows the supplement didn’t just help growth—it also improved overall body function.
The rabbits receiving the combination showed stronger immune systems, with higher levels of protective antibodies (IgA and IgG) that help fight infections. They also had better antioxidant protection, meaning their bodies were better equipped to handle harmful molecules that form during stress.
The thyme and bacteria mixture significantly improved gut health by increasing beneficial bacteria and reducing harmful ones. The rabbits also had higher levels of short-chain fatty acids in their intestines, which are important for gut health and nutrient absorption. Additionally, the mixture increased the activity of genes related to nutrient absorption and gut protection, suggesting the rabbits’ intestines were working more efficiently.
Previous research has shown that thyme has natural antibacterial and antioxidant properties, and that beneficial bacteria like Bacillus subtilis can improve digestion and immune function. This study is notable because it combines both ingredients and tests them specifically in heat-stressed animals. The results align with earlier findings about each ingredient separately but suggest that using them together may create stronger benefits than using either one alone.
This study was conducted only in rabbits, so we cannot be certain the same results would occur in other animals or humans. The research focused on young, healthy rabbits in controlled conditions, which may not reflect real-world farming situations with older animals or mixed groups. The study doesn’t provide information about the long-term effects of the supplement or whether benefits continue over extended periods. Additionally, while the study measured many health markers, it didn’t examine whether the rabbits actually felt better or had improved quality of life beyond the measured parameters.
The Bottom Line
Based on this research, the combination of thyme meal and Bacillus subtilis appears promising for helping heat-stressed rabbits grow better and stay healthier (moderate confidence level). The evidence suggests benefits across multiple health areas including growth, digestion, immune function, and gut health. However, these findings are specific to rabbits, and similar benefits in other animals or humans would need to be tested separately. Anyone considering using these supplements should consult with a veterinarian or healthcare provider.
Rabbit farmers and people raising rabbits in hot climates may find this research most relevant. Veterinarians interested in natural approaches to animal health might also benefit from these findings. While the research is specific to rabbits, people interested in natural supplements and heat stress management may find the underlying science interesting, though direct application to humans would require additional research.
In the rabbit study, measurable improvements in growth and health markers appeared within the timeframe of the experiment (specific duration not detailed in the abstract). In practical terms, if similar supplements were used in rabbits, farmers might expect to see improved growth rates and feed efficiency within several weeks. For any potential human applications, the timeline would need to be determined through separate human studies.
Want to Apply This Research?
- If using a similar supplement approach, track weekly weight gain or body measurements, digestive health (stool quality, frequency), energy levels, and any signs of heat stress like reduced appetite or lethargy. Record environmental temperature and humidity to correlate with health changes.
- Users could implement a daily supplement routine with thyme-based products and probiotic supplements containing Bacillus subtilis during hot months. Pair this with increased hydration tracking, regular meal timing, and monitoring of digestion quality through a simple daily log.
- Establish a baseline of current health markers before starting any supplement regimen. Track changes weekly using photos, measurements, or symptom logs. Monitor for any adverse reactions or unexpected changes. Compare results month-to-month during hot seasons versus cooler seasons to identify patterns. Share tracked data with a healthcare provider for professional interpretation.
This research was conducted in rabbits and should not be directly applied to humans without additional human studies. While the findings about thyme and Bacillus subtilis are promising, anyone considering using these supplements for personal health should consult with a qualified healthcare provider first. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always follow professional medical advice and inform your doctor about any supplements you are considering or using. The study was published in 2026 and represents current research at that time; always consult the most recent medical literature and professional guidance.