Researchers in China tested a fermented plant called Artemisia argyi as a food additive for Hongyu roosters, a special chicken breed known for its tender meat. The study found that chickens eating this supplement gained weight faster, had better digestion, and stronger immune systems. The fermented plant helped protect the chickens’ intestines and reduced harmful inflammation in their bodies. These results suggest that this natural supplement could be a useful addition to chicken feed, potentially improving both chicken health and meat quality for consumers.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a fermented plant called Artemisia argyi could help chickens grow better, have healthier digestion, and stronger immune systems when added to their food.
  • Who participated: Hongyu roosters, a special Chinese chicken breed prized for tender, high-protein meat. The exact number of chickens wasn’t specified in the abstract, but they were divided into groups receiving different amounts of the supplement.
  • Key finding: Chickens that ate the fermented plant gained weight faster and needed less food to gain each pound of weight. The 1% supplement group showed the best growth results, while the 3% group had the strongest immune benefits.
  • What it means for you: If you eat chicken, this research suggests that farmers could use this natural supplement to raise healthier chickens with potentially better nutritional value. However, this study was done on chickens, so more research would be needed to understand any benefits for human health.

The Research Details

Scientists took a plant called Artemisia argyi and fermented it using beneficial bacteria called Lactobacillus plantarum. Fermentation is a natural process that breaks down food and creates helpful compounds, similar to how yogurt is made. They then added different amounts of this fermented plant (1%, 2%, and 3%) to the regular feed of Hongyu roosters and compared them to a control group that received no supplement.

The researchers measured multiple things to understand how the supplement affected the chickens: how much weight they gained each day, how efficiently they converted food into body weight, the health of their intestines, their immune system strength, and their ability to fight harmful substances in their bodies. They also examined the chickens’ gut bacteria to see if the supplement changed their microbial communities.

This type of study is important because it tests a practical intervention that could be used in real farming situations. By measuring multiple health markers, the researchers could understand not just if the supplement worked, but how it worked and which dose was most effective.

Understanding how natural supplements affect chicken health is important for the poultry industry because it could lead to healthier birds, better meat quality, and reduced need for antibiotics. This research approach—testing a fermented plant rather than synthetic additives—reflects growing interest in natural farming methods. The study’s focus on intestinal health is particularly relevant because a chicken’s gut is crucial for nutrient absorption and disease resistance.

This study was published in Poultry Science, a reputable journal focused on chicken and poultry research. The researchers measured multiple biological markers (gene expression, immune factors, gut bacteria) rather than relying on single measurements, which strengthens confidence in the findings. However, the abstract doesn’t specify the exact number of chickens studied or provide detailed statistical information, which would help readers assess the study’s reliability. The study appears to be well-designed with multiple dose levels tested, allowing researchers to identify the most effective amount.

What the Results Show

The fermented Artemisia argyi supplement significantly improved how quickly the chickens grew. Roosters receiving the supplement gained more weight each day compared to the control group, and they needed less food to gain each pound of weight—meaning the supplement made them more efficient at converting food into body mass. The 1% supplement dose showed the strongest effect on growth.

The supplement also dramatically improved intestinal health. The chickens’ intestines developed taller, healthier finger-like projections (called villi) that absorb nutrients better, and the overall structure of their intestinal lining became stronger. This is important because a healthy intestinal barrier prevents harmful bacteria from entering the bloodstream.

The supplement boosted the chickens’ immune systems by reducing inflammation and increasing protective immune factors. The 3% dose was most effective at reducing harmful inflammatory signals while increasing beneficial immune compounds. The chickens also produced more short-chain fatty acids in their intestines, which are beneficial compounds that support gut health.

Finally, the supplement enhanced the chickens’ natural antioxidant defenses—their built-in protection against harmful substances called free radicals. Multiple protective enzymes increased in the chickens’ livers, suggesting improved ability to handle oxidative stress.

The supplement changed the composition of bacteria living in the chickens’ guts. Specifically, beneficial bacteria called Bacteroidetes increased while less desirable bacteria called Firmicutes decreased. This shift toward a healthier bacterial balance could contribute to better digestion and overall health. The chickens also produced more immune proteins (sIgA and IgM) in their small intestines, indicating stronger local immune protection in the digestive tract.

This research builds on existing knowledge that fermented plants and probiotics can benefit animal health. Previous studies have shown that fermentation can increase the bioavailability of plant compounds, making them easier for animals to absorb and use. This study is notable because it tests a specific traditional Chinese plant (Artemisia argyi) that hasn’t been extensively studied in modern poultry science. The findings align with general principles showing that improved intestinal health and reduced inflammation support better growth and immune function in animals.

The abstract doesn’t specify how many chickens were used in the study, making it difficult to assess whether the sample size was large enough to draw reliable conclusions. The study only tested male Hongyu roosters, so results may not apply to female chickens or other breeds. The research was conducted in a controlled laboratory setting, so real-world results on farms might differ due to different environmental conditions, stress levels, and feed quality. The study doesn’t provide information about the cost-effectiveness of the supplement or whether the improvements in chicken health would translate to measurable benefits for human consumers eating the meat.

The Bottom Line

For poultry farmers: This research suggests that adding 1-3% fermented Artemisia argyi to chicken feed may improve growth rates and chicken health. The 1% dose appears best for growth, while 3% may be better for immune function. However, farmers should conduct small-scale trials on their own farms before making large changes, as results may vary based on local conditions. Confidence level: Moderate—this is promising research, but more studies are needed to confirm effectiveness across different farming conditions and chicken breeds.

Poultry farmers and the chicken industry should pay attention to this research as a potential way to improve bird health naturally. Consumers interested in higher-quality chicken meat may benefit if farmers adopt this supplement. This research is less directly relevant to people eating chicken, as it primarily shows benefits to the birds themselves rather than proven nutritional benefits in the final meat product. People with specific health conditions should not attempt to use Artemisia argyi supplements without consulting a healthcare provider, as the safety and effectiveness in humans hasn’t been established.

If farmers were to implement this supplement, they would likely see improvements in chicken growth rates within 2-4 weeks, as the study measured daily weight gain. Improvements in intestinal health and immune function would likely develop over similar timeframes. However, the long-term effects of continuous supplementation and whether benefits persist over an entire chicken’s lifespan would require additional research.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • For farmers using a poultry management app: Track daily weight gain per bird, feed conversion ratio (pounds of feed per pound of weight gained), and health indicators like mortality rate and disease incidence. Compare these metrics between flocks receiving the supplement and control flocks over 4-week periods.
  • Farmers could implement a gradual introduction of fermented Artemisia argyi at 1% of feed in a small test flock, measuring growth and health outcomes weekly. If positive results appear after 3-4 weeks, gradually expand to larger flocks while monitoring for any unexpected effects.
  • Establish a baseline of current growth rates and health metrics. After introducing the supplement, track weekly weight measurements, feed consumption, mortality rates, and any signs of illness. Compare results monthly against the baseline and adjust supplement percentage based on outcomes. Document any changes in meat quality or consumer feedback if applicable.

This research describes effects of a fermented plant supplement in chickens and should not be interpreted as medical advice for humans. Artemisia argyi has not been proven safe or effective for human consumption, and individuals should not self-treat with this plant without consulting a healthcare provider. This study was conducted in controlled laboratory conditions with a specific chicken breed, so results may not apply to all farming situations or other poultry species. Anyone considering implementing these findings in a farming operation should consult with a veterinarian or poultry nutritionist. The presence of positive results in this study does not guarantee similar outcomes in different environments or conditions.