Researchers tested whether a mixture of four common herbs—black seeds, dill, sage, and coriander—could improve the health of young pigeons and their parents. They divided 54 baby pigeons into three groups: one group ate regular food, while the other two groups got the same food plus the herb mixture at different amounts. The results showed that pigeons eating the herb-enhanced food grew better, had healthier blood, stronger immune systems, and better quality meat. The herb mixture also made parent pigeons more active and calm. This affordable addition to pigeon feed appears to boost overall health in multiple ways.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether adding a blend of four herbs to pigeon feed would improve the health, growth, and meat quality of young pigeons and the behavior of their parents
  • Who participated: 54 young pigeons (called squabs) divided equally into three groups, along with their parent pigeons. All birds were housed together so babies could receive natural nutrition from their parents
  • Key finding: Pigeons that received the herb mixture grew better and had healthier blood with lower cholesterol and harmful fats. Their immune systems became stronger, and their meat had better nutritional quality. The 1% herb dose worked best and was the most cost-effective
  • What it means for you: If you raise pigeons or other poultry, adding this affordable herb mixture to feed may improve animal health and product quality. However, this research was done on pigeons specifically, so results may differ for other animals or situations

The Research Details

Scientists conducted a controlled experiment where they started with 54 young pigeons and randomly divided them into three equal groups. One group (the control) received only standard pigeon feed. The second group received the same feed plus 1% herbal mixture by weight. The third group received 2% herbal mixture. All young pigeons lived with their parents in cages so they could naturally nurse and receive crop milk (a nutritious secretion parents produce). The researchers measured growth, behavior, blood health, meat quality, and immune system strength over the study period.

The herbal mixture contained four ingredients: black seeds (nigella sativa), dill, sage, and coriander—all traditional herbs known in folk medicine for health benefits. By combining them, researchers tested whether the herbs work better together than separately.

This type of study design is considered strong evidence because it randomly assigns animals to groups, which helps prevent bias. The researchers measured many different health markers to get a complete picture of the herbs’ effects.

This research approach is important because it tests a practical, affordable intervention that farmers could actually use. Instead of studying single herbs or expensive supplements, the researchers looked at a simple mixture of common, inexpensive ingredients. By measuring multiple health outcomes—growth, blood chemistry, immune function, and meat quality—they could determine whether the herbs provide real, meaningful benefits across different body systems

This study has several strengths: it used a randomized design (reducing bias), included a control group for comparison, and measured multiple health markers. However, the sample size of 54 birds is relatively small, and the study only lasted one production cycle. The research was published in Scientific Reports, a reputable peer-reviewed journal. One limitation is that results are specific to pigeons, so we cannot assume the same benefits would occur in chickens, turkeys, or other animals without additional research

What the Results Show

Pigeons receiving the herb mixture showed significantly better growth and development compared to the control group. Young pigeons in the herb-supplemented groups gained weight more efficiently and reached market weight faster. Their parents also showed improved behavior, spending more time in healthy activities like sleeping and preening (grooming their feathers), which suggests the herbs may have reduced stress.

Blood tests revealed important improvements in heart and metabolic health. Cholesterol levels dropped significantly in herb-treated birds, as did triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood) and LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol). These changes suggest the herbs may support cardiovascular health, similar to benefits seen in humans with certain herbal supplements.

The immune system showed measurable strengthening. Two key immune proteins—glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase—increased in birds receiving herbs. These proteins act like the body’s defense team, protecting cells from damage. Higher levels indicate a more robust immune response.

Meat quality improved in ways that matter for food value. The meat had better protein content, healthier fat composition, and improved amino acid profiles (amino acids are building blocks of protein). The 1% herb dose produced the best results relative to cost, making it the most practical recommendation for farmers.

Examination of immune organs (the bursa and spleen) under a microscope showed structural improvements in birds receiving herbs. The immune tissue had larger, healthier follicles (small structures that produce immune cells) and better organization of white blood cells. These microscopic changes support the blood test findings showing stronger immunity. The herbs appeared to enhance the architecture and function of these critical immune organs

This research builds on decades of traditional medicine use of these four herbs. Previous studies have shown individual benefits of black seeds, dill, sage, and coriander for health and immunity. This study is notable because it tests them as a combination, suggesting that mixing herbs may create synergistic effects (where the combination works better than individual herbs alone). The findings align with growing research showing that herbal combinations often outperform single-herb supplements

The study was conducted only in pigeons, so results may not apply to chickens, turkeys, or other poultry without additional testing. The sample size of 54 birds is modest, which means results should be confirmed in larger studies. The research measured outcomes over one production cycle, so long-term effects remain unknown. The study didn’t test the herbs in different climates or feed conditions, which could affect results. Additionally, the exact mechanisms explaining why these herbs work together weren’t fully explored—researchers observed benefits but didn’t completely explain the biological ‘why’ behind them

The Bottom Line

For pigeon farmers: Consider adding the herbal mixture at 1% concentration to feed as a cost-effective way to improve bird health, growth, and meat quality. The evidence is moderate-to-strong for pigeons specifically. For other poultry: The findings are promising but not yet proven; consult with a veterinarian before applying to chickens, turkeys, or other species. For consumers: If you purchase pigeon meat, products from herb-supplemented birds may offer slightly better nutritional profiles, though the practical difference in your diet would be minimal

Pigeon farmers and breeders should find this most relevant, as it offers an affordable way to improve production. Poultry farmers raising other birds might be interested but should seek species-specific research. Consumers focused on animal welfare may appreciate that the herbs improved parent bird behavior and reduced stress. People interested in natural farming methods will find this relevant. Those with specific health conditions should not assume human health benefits without consulting their doctor, as this research is about animal nutrition, not human medicine

Benefits appeared within a single production cycle (typically 4-6 weeks for pigeons). Growth improvements were measurable within 2-3 weeks. Blood chemistry changes likely occurred gradually over the feeding period. For farmers implementing this change, expect to see noticeable improvements in the next flock or generation of birds. Long-term benefits (beyond one production cycle) remain unknown and would require additional research

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If managing poultry, track weekly weight gain of birds on herb-supplemented versus standard feed. Record measurements every 7 days and compare growth curves between groups. Also track feed conversion ratio (how much feed produces how much growth) to monitor cost-effectiveness
  • For farmers: Implement a gradual transition by mixing the herbal supplement into feed at 1% concentration over 3-5 days to allow birds to adjust. Monitor parent bird behavior daily, noting increased preening and rest periods as positive indicators. For consumers: If purchasing pigeon products, ask suppliers whether they use herbal supplementation and consider it as a quality indicator
  • Establish baseline measurements before starting supplementation (initial weight, behavior observations, feed consumption). Continue weekly measurements throughout the production cycle. At the end of the cycle, compare final weights, feed efficiency, and meat quality metrics between supplemented and non-supplemented groups. Document any behavioral changes in parent birds. For long-term tracking, repeat the protocol across multiple production cycles to confirm consistency of results

This research specifically studied pigeons and should not be automatically applied to humans or other animal species without additional research. While the herbs studied (black seeds, dill, sage, coriander) have traditional uses in folk medicine, this animal study does not prove they provide the same benefits in humans. Anyone considering herbal supplements for personal health should consult with a healthcare provider. Farmers should consult with a veterinarian before implementing dietary changes, especially for species other than pigeons. This summary is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical or veterinary advice. Results from animal studies do not always translate to human applications.