When it’s really hot, animals can get stressed and sick. Scientists tested whether two natural supplements—propolis (a sticky substance made by bees) and spirulina (a type of algae)—could help young quails stay healthy and grow better during hot conditions. They found that propolis worked really well on its own, helping the birds grow faster and reducing harmful bacteria in their stomachs. Spirulina also helped, but in different ways. Interestingly, using both together didn’t work better than using just one. This research suggests that natural supplements might be a good way to help farm animals handle extreme heat.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether two natural supplements (bee propolis and spirulina algae) could help young quails grow better and stay healthier when exposed to hot temperatures
  • Who participated: 200 baby Japanese quails (one week old) divided into four groups: one control group with no supplements, and three groups receiving different supplement combinations over five weeks
  • Key finding: Propolis at 400 mg per kilogram of feed significantly improved bird growth, weight gain, and food efficiency while reducing harmful gut bacteria. Spirulina also helped but worked differently, mainly improving food efficiency and reducing certain blood fats.
  • What it means for you: While this study focuses on quails, it suggests that natural supplements like propolis and spirulina may help animals (and potentially people) handle heat stress better. However, more research in humans is needed before drawing conclusions about human health benefits.

The Research Details

Researchers divided 200 baby quails into four equal groups. One group ate regular food (the control), while the other three groups ate the same food but with different supplements added: propolis alone, spirulina alone, or both together. All birds were kept in hot conditions for five weeks to simulate heat stress. The scientists measured how much the birds grew, how efficiently they converted food into body weight, and tested their blood and gut bacteria.

This type of study is called a controlled experiment because researchers carefully controlled which birds got which supplements and kept all other conditions the same. This helps them figure out whether the supplements actually caused the changes they observed, rather than something else being responsible.

The researchers used statistical analysis to determine whether the differences between groups were real and meaningful, not just due to chance. They looked at growth measurements, how well the birds digested their food, blood chemistry, and the types of bacteria living in the birds’ digestive systems.

This research design is important because it allows scientists to test whether supplements actually work under stressful conditions. Heat stress is a real problem for farm animals and can reduce their growth and health. By testing supplements in a controlled way, researchers can identify which ones truly help and which don’t. The findings could help farmers keep animals healthier without using antibiotics or other medications.

This study was published in Scientific Reports, a well-respected scientific journal. The researchers used proper experimental controls (a group with no supplements to compare against), randomly assigned birds to groups to avoid bias, and used statistical tests to verify their findings were real. The study included enough birds (200 total) to make the results reliable. However, because this research was done on birds rather than humans, we can’t directly apply these findings to people without additional research.

What the Results Show

Propolis supplementation produced the strongest results. Birds receiving propolis gained significantly more weight, converted their food into body weight more efficiently (meaning they needed less food to gain the same amount of weight), and had better protein and fat digestion. The propolis group also had healthier blood profiles with better albumin levels and cholesterol balance.

Most importantly, propolis dramatically reduced harmful bacteria in the birds’ digestive systems. The bacteria that decreased included E. coli, Bacillus, Clostridium, and Enterococcus—all types that can cause health problems. This suggests propolis has natural antibacterial properties that protect gut health during heat stress.

Spirulina supplementation showed different benefits. While it improved food efficiency similarly to propolis, it reduced blood triglycerides (a type of fat) and improved albumin levels. However, spirulina actually decreased the birds’ ability to digest fats, which was unexpected.

When researchers combined propolis and spirulina together, the results were disappointing. The combination didn’t provide better benefits than either supplement alone, suggesting the two supplements don’t work synergistically (enhance each other’s effects).

The study revealed that heat stress significantly impacts young birds’ ability to grow and digest food properly. Both supplements helped counteract some of these negative effects, but through different mechanisms. Propolis appeared to work primarily by reducing harmful bacteria and improving overall digestive health, while spirulina worked more through blood chemistry improvements. The research also showed that more isn’t always better—combining supplements didn’t create additive benefits.

Previous research has suggested that propolis and spirulina have health-promoting properties, but this is one of the first studies to test them together in heat-stressed animals. The findings align with earlier research showing propolis has antibacterial properties and spirulina can improve metabolic markers. However, the finding that combining them doesn’t improve results contradicts the assumption that multiple supplements work better together.

This study was conducted only on young quails, so we cannot directly apply these findings to other bird species or to humans without additional research. The study lasted only five weeks, so we don’t know about long-term effects. The researchers tested specific doses of each supplement; different amounts might produce different results. Additionally, the study was conducted in controlled laboratory conditions, which may not perfectly reflect real-world farm environments. Finally, while the sample size of 200 birds is reasonable, larger studies might reveal additional effects or confirm these findings more definitively.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, propolis supplementation at 400 mg per kilogram of feed appears to be a promising natural approach for helping birds maintain health during heat stress (moderate confidence level). Spirulina at 1 g per kilogram also shows benefits but works differently, so the choice between them depends on specific health goals (moderate confidence level). Combining both supplements is not recommended based on this research, as it doesn’t provide additional benefits (moderate confidence level). These recommendations apply specifically to quails; human applications require separate research.

This research is most relevant to poultry farmers and agricultural professionals managing birds in hot climates. It may also interest people studying natural supplements and heat stress management. However, people should not assume these supplements will have the same effects in humans without dedicated human research. Those interested in natural health approaches might find this research interesting as a proof-of-concept for how natural substances can support health during stress.

In the quails studied, improvements in growth and bacterial reduction were measurable within five weeks. If similar supplements were tested in humans, benefits would likely take several weeks to become apparent, though this is speculative without human studies.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If using propolis or spirulina supplements, track weekly body weight or measurements and energy levels. Record any digestive changes (bloating, regularity) and note environmental temperature/stress levels to correlate with supplement effects.
  • Users interested in natural heat stress management could set reminders to take propolis or spirulina supplements consistently (not both together based on this research) and log their tolerance to hot weather, energy levels, and digestive comfort in the app.
  • Establish a baseline of current health markers before starting supplements, then track weekly for 4-6 weeks. Monitor energy, digestion, and any changes in how you feel during hot weather. Keep notes on dosage and timing to identify what works best for your individual response.

This research was conducted on Japanese quails and does not directly apply to human health or nutrition without additional human studies. Propolis and spirulina supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way as medications. Before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications, consult with a healthcare provider. This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. The findings suggest potential benefits but are not conclusive proof of effectiveness in humans.