Researchers tested whether two plant powders could help laying quails stay healthy and productive without using antibiotics. They gave 420 quails different diets over six weeks—some got regular food, some got antibiotics, and others got powders made from Otostegia persica and Boerhavia elegans plants. The birds that ate the plant powders laid more eggs with better quality shells and yolks. They also had stronger immune systems, healthier blood chemistry, and better protection against cell damage. When both plant powders were combined, the benefits were even stronger. This suggests that natural plant additives could replace antibiotics in poultry farming while keeping birds healthy and productive.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether two plant-based powders could help laying quails produce better eggs and stay healthier without needing antibiotics
  • Who participated: 420 Japanese quails (small egg-laying birds) divided into five groups that ate different diets for 42 days
  • Key finding: Quails eating the plant powders—especially when both were combined—laid more eggs with stronger shells and richer yolks, plus had healthier blood and stronger immune systems compared to the control group
  • What it means for you: If you eat quail eggs or poultry products, this research suggests farmers may be able to keep birds healthy using natural plant additives instead of antibiotics, which could mean safer, more naturally-raised eggs. However, this study was done in birds, so more research is needed to understand all the benefits

The Research Details

Scientists divided 420 quails into five equal groups and fed them different diets for six weeks. One group ate regular food (the control), one group got regular food plus tetracycline (an antibiotic), and three groups got regular food mixed with plant powders. The plant powders came from two herbs: Otostegia persica and Boerhavia elegans. One group got only the first plant powder, one got only the second, and one got both mixed together. The researchers then measured how many eggs the birds laid, how good the eggs were, and checked their blood to see how healthy they were.

This study design is important because it lets researchers compare the plant powders directly against both a control group (no treatment) and an antibiotic group (standard treatment). This helps show whether the plants work as well as or better than antibiotics. By measuring multiple things—egg production, egg quality, immune function, and blood health—the researchers could see the full picture of how these plants affect the birds

The study included a large number of birds (420), which makes the results more reliable. The researchers measured many different health markers, not just one thing. They also tested the combination of both plants together, which is more realistic for real-world farming. However, this study was only done in quails, so results might be different in chickens or other birds. The study lasted six weeks, which is a reasonable time to see effects but might not show long-term impacts

What the Results Show

Birds that ate the plant powders laid more eggs overall compared to the control group. The combination of both plant powders together worked best, increasing egg production by a meaningful amount. The eggs from birds eating the plant powders were also better quality—they had stronger shells (measured by something called Haugh unit, which tests how firm the egg white is) and richer, more colorful yolks. These improvements were similar to or better than what the antibiotic group achieved.

When researchers looked at the birds’ blood, they found that the plant powders made the immune system stronger. The birds had higher levels of protective proteins called antibodies (IgG and secretory IgA), which help fight off infections. The birds also had lower stress levels, shown by a better balance of immune cells called heterophils and lymphocytes.

The plant powders also improved the birds’ overall health. Their blood had lower levels of triglycerides (a type of fat) and lower levels of an enzyme called ALT, which suggests the liver was working better. The birds also had better protection against cell damage—they had lower levels of a harmful substance called malondialdehyde and higher levels of protective enzymes like glutathione peroxidase. The eggs from these birds also had more vitamin E, which is an important nutrient.

The combination of both plant powders together showed synergistic effects, meaning they worked better together than either one alone. This suggests that the two plants have complementary benefits. The plant powders improved antioxidant status (the body’s ability to protect itself from damage) more than the antibiotic treatment in some measures. The improvements in egg yolk color and vitamin E content suggest that the plant powders may improve nutrient absorption or metabolism in the birds

Previous research has suggested that certain plant-based additives can support animal health and productivity. This study adds to that evidence by showing that these specific plants work well in laying quails and may be comparable to antibiotics. The finding that plant combinations work better than single plants aligns with traditional herbal medicine practices where multiple plants are used together. However, most previous research on these specific plants has been limited, so this study provides important new information

This study was conducted only in Japanese quails, which are small birds. The results might be different in larger chickens or other poultry. The study only lasted six weeks, so we don’t know if the benefits continue over longer periods or if there are any long-term effects. The study didn’t test whether the birds were actually exposed to infections or diseases, so we can’t be completely sure the improved immune markers would translate to better disease resistance in real-world conditions. The study also didn’t measure cost-effectiveness, so we don’t know if using these plant powders would be affordable for farmers compared to antibiotics

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, there is moderate evidence that Otostegia persica and Boerhavia elegans leaf powders, especially when combined, may be effective alternatives to antibiotics for maintaining laying bird health and productivity. The combination appears more effective than either plant alone. However, this is early-stage research in quails, so more studies in chickens and other poultry are needed before making widespread recommendations. If you’re interested in antibiotic-free poultry products, this research suggests such alternatives may be possible, but ask producers about their specific practices

Poultry farmers and producers interested in reducing antibiotic use should find this research relevant. Consumers concerned about antibiotic resistance and wanting naturally-raised eggs may be interested in these findings. Pet owners with quails might find this useful. People should NOT use these plant powders as a replacement for veterinary care if their birds are sick. This research is about prevention and general health, not treatment of disease

In this study, improvements in egg production and quality appeared within the six-week study period. However, the immune system improvements might take longer to fully develop. If these findings apply to real-world farming, farmers might expect to see better egg production within 4-6 weeks of switching to these plant-based additives. Long-term benefits and whether they persist over months or years are unknown

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If tracking poultry health, users could monitor daily egg production numbers, egg quality metrics (shell strength, yolk color), and feed costs compared to antibiotic-supplemented feed. Track these weekly to see trends over 6-8 weeks
  • For farmers or hobbyists: Research suppliers of Otostegia persica and Boerhavia elegans leaf powders, calculate the cost per bird, and consider a trial period with a portion of your flock while monitoring egg production and quality metrics. Start with the combination (0.25% of each) based on this study’s best results
  • Establish a baseline of current egg production and quality for 2 weeks, then introduce the plant powder blend and track the same metrics weekly for 8-12 weeks. Monitor bird health indicators like activity level and feed consumption. Keep records of any health issues or changes in bird behavior. Compare costs of plant powders versus antibiotic feed supplements

This research was conducted in Japanese quails and has not been tested in chickens or other poultry species. Results may not apply to other birds or animals. This study is about general health and productivity, not treatment of disease. If your birds are sick, consult a veterinarian rather than relying on these supplements. These plant powders should not be used as a replacement for proper veterinary care, balanced nutrition, or good farming practices. Always consult with a veterinarian or poultry nutritionist before making significant changes to your birds’ diet. The long-term safety and efficacy of these supplements in commercial poultry operations have not been established. Individual results may vary based on bird breed, environment, and management practices.