Researchers tested a new type of chicken feed made from fermented cottonseed (a plant byproduct) to see if it could replace traditional soybean meal in laying hen diets. They fed 180 brown laying hens either regular feed or feed containing the fermented cottonseed product for several weeks. The hens eating the fermented cottonseed feed produced better quality eggs with stronger shells, laid more efficiently, and showed improved gut health and immune function. The fermented feed also contained more beneficial nutrients that help chickens absorb food better. This discovery could help farmers use agricultural waste products more efficiently while improving egg production.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether fermented cottonseed meal (a processed plant product) could work as well as or better than soybean meal in chicken feed for laying hens
  • Who participated: 180 brown laying hens that were 24 weeks old, divided into two groups: one eating traditional feed and one eating feed with fermented cottonseed
  • Key finding: Hens fed the fermented cottonseed meal produced eggs with thicker, stronger shells and needed less feed to make each egg. They also had healthier gut bacteria and stronger immune systems compared to hens eating traditional feed
  • What it means for you: If you buy eggs from farms using this feed, you may get eggs with stronger shells and potentially better nutritional quality. This approach could also help farms reduce waste and costs, though more research in different settings is needed before widespread adoption

The Research Details

Scientists divided 180 laying hens into two equal groups. One group (the control) ate standard chicken feed made with soybean meal, which is the traditional protein source. The other group ate feed where the soybean meal was replaced with fermented cottonseed meal—a byproduct from cotton plants that was specially processed through fermentation to improve its nutritional value. The researchers tracked the hens for the duration of the study, measuring egg production, egg quality, and collecting samples to examine the hens’ gut bacteria and immune markers.

Fermentation is a natural process where beneficial microorganisms break down food, making nutrients easier to absorb and creating new beneficial compounds. In this case, fermenting the cottonseed meal increased levels of amino acids (building blocks of protein) and other nutrients that help chickens stay healthy.

The study examined multiple outcomes: how many eggs the hens laid, the quality of those eggs (shell thickness and strength), how much feed was needed per egg, the health of the hens’ intestines, their gut bacteria composition, and their immune system function.

This research matters because finding alternative protein sources for animal feed is increasingly important as the world population grows and more people eat animal products. Soybean meal is expensive and requires significant agricultural resources. Cottonseed is a byproduct that would otherwise be wasted, making it economical and environmentally friendly. By showing that fermented cottonseed can actually improve hen health and egg quality, this study suggests a practical solution that benefits farmers, consumers, and the environment.

The study used a clear comparison design with a control group, which is a solid research approach. The sample size of 180 hens is reasonable for this type of animal research. The researchers measured multiple outcomes (production, immunity, gut health, and nutrient composition), which provides a comprehensive picture. However, the study was conducted in a controlled laboratory setting with one breed of hen, so results may vary on different farms or with different chicken breeds. The findings are published in a peer-reviewed journal, meaning other experts reviewed the work before publication.

What the Results Show

Hens eating the fermented cottonseed meal produced eggs with significantly better quality compared to the control group. Eggshell thickness and strength both improved, and the albumen (egg white) was thicker and higher quality, measured by something called Haugh units. Most importantly, the hens needed less feed to produce each egg—a measurement called the feed-to-egg ratio—meaning they were more efficient at converting feed into eggs.

The hens’ gut health also improved noticeably. When researchers examined the intestinal tissue under a microscope, they found that the intestinal lining was healthier and better structured in hens eating the fermented cottonseed meal. This is important because a healthy intestinal lining helps hens absorb more nutrients from their food.

The gut bacteria composition changed in beneficial ways. Certain types of bacteria that are considered beneficial for chicken health increased in the fermented cottonseed group, while potentially harmful bacteria decreased. Specifically, bacteria from the Rikenellaceae family and a type called Romboutsia became more abundant, which researchers consider positive for gut health.

Immune system markers also improved, suggesting the hens had stronger natural defenses against illness and disease.

The fermentation process increased the levels of specific amino acids in the cottonseed meal, including L-glutamine, ornithine, and citrulline—all important compounds that help chickens build and maintain body tissues and support immune function. The fermented meal also contained more D-galactose, a type of sugar that supports beneficial gut bacteria. These nutrient improvements help explain why the hens performed better on this feed. The overall nutritional profile of the fermented cottonseed meal was superior to regular cottonseed meal, making it a more complete protein source.

This research builds on growing interest in finding sustainable alternatives to soybean meal in animal agriculture. Previous studies have shown that fermentation can improve the nutritional quality of plant-based feeds, but this is one of the first comprehensive studies showing that fermented cottonseed meal can actually outperform traditional soybean meal in laying hens. The findings align with other research showing that gut health and microbiota composition directly affect egg production and quality.

The study was conducted in a controlled research setting with one specific breed of brown laying hens, so results may differ with other chicken breeds or in commercial farm conditions. The study duration and specific environmental conditions aren’t fully detailed in the abstract. The research doesn’t compare the cost of producing fermented cottonseed meal versus soybean meal, so the economic feasibility for farmers isn’t clear. Additionally, while the study shows correlation between the feed change and health improvements, it doesn’t fully explain all the mechanisms behind these improvements. Long-term effects beyond the study period are unknown.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, fermented cottonseed meal appears to be a promising alternative to soybean meal for laying hen diets (moderate confidence level). Farmers interested in trying this feed should start with small-scale trials to confirm results in their specific conditions before switching entirely. Consumers seeking higher-quality eggs may want to ask their egg suppliers about feed ingredients. Further research in commercial farm settings with different chicken breeds would strengthen these recommendations.

Egg farmers and poultry producers should pay attention to these findings as a potential way to improve egg quality and reduce feed costs. Environmental advocates may appreciate the use of agricultural byproducts. Consumers interested in egg quality and sustainability should care about this research. People with specific dietary needs related to amino acids or gut health may benefit indirectly. However, backyard chicken keepers with small flocks may find fermented cottonseed meal impractical to source, and the findings may not apply to other types of poultry like broiler chickens (meat chickens) or turkeys.

Based on the study design, improvements in egg quality and feed efficiency appeared within the study period (exact duration not specified in abstract). Hens likely showed changes in gut bacteria composition within 2-4 weeks of dietary change. Consumers buying eggs from hens on this feed would see quality improvements immediately, though the long-term sustainability of these benefits beyond the study period is unknown.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If you raise chickens, track daily egg production, eggshell quality (using a simple thickness measurement or strength test), and feed consumption to calculate your feed-to-egg ratio weekly. Compare these metrics before and after switching to fermented cottonseed meal feed.
  • For farmers: Source or produce fermented cottonseed meal and gradually introduce it into your flock’s diet (mixing it with existing feed initially). For consumers: Ask your egg supplier about their feed ingredients and specifically inquire about use of fermented cottonseed meal or other sustainable protein sources.
  • Track egg production numbers, shell quality observations, and feed costs monthly. Monitor flock health indicators like illness frequency and activity levels. If using the app to manage a small farm, create a custom metric for ‘feed efficiency’ (eggs produced per pound of feed) and track it weekly to see if it improves after dietary changes.

This research describes findings from a controlled study on laying hens and should not be considered medical advice for humans. While the study suggests fermented cottonseed meal may improve egg quality and chicken health, farmers should consult with poultry nutritionists or veterinarians before making significant changes to their feed programs. Results may vary based on chicken breed, farm conditions, and feed preparation methods. This summary is for educational purposes and does not replace professional agricultural or veterinary guidance. Always consult with qualified professionals before implementing changes to animal nutrition or care.