Scientists tested whether a special supplement called a postbiotic could help protect chickens from a serious intestinal disease called necrotic enteritis. They gave some chickens the supplement before they hatched and in their drinking water, while others got regular water. When they exposed the chickens to the disease, the ones that received the postbiotic had healthier intestines and better immune responses. This research suggests that postbiotics might be a natural way to keep chickens healthier without using antibiotics, which could help farmers and potentially improve food safety.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a postbiotic supplement (a type of beneficial substance made from helpful bacteria) could protect chickens from getting a serious gut disease and help their immune systems fight it off
  • Who participated: 288 male broiler chickens (the kind raised for meat) divided into four groups, with some receiving the postbiotic before hatching and in drinking water, and others receiving regular water
  • Key finding: Chickens that received the postbiotic had healthier intestinal structures and better immune responses when exposed to the disease, compared to chickens that didn’t receive it
  • What it means for you: This research suggests postbiotics could be a natural alternative to antibiotics for keeping farm chickens healthy, which might eventually lead to safer food and healthier animals. However, this study was done in chickens, so more research is needed to understand if similar benefits would apply in other situations

The Research Details

Researchers conducted a controlled experiment with 288 chickens divided into four equal groups. Half the chickens received a postbiotic supplement injected into their eggs on day 18 of development (before hatching), and then continued receiving it in their drinking water after birth. The other half received plain water instead. Two of the groups (one with postbiotic, one without) were then exposed to a disease-causing bacteria to see how well the supplement protected them.

The scientists measured several things to determine if the postbiotic worked: they looked at the structure of the chickens’ intestines under a microscope, measured how easily things could pass through the intestinal walls, and tested the levels of immune-related molecules in different parts of the digestive system. They used standard statistical methods to determine if the differences between groups were real or just due to chance.

This research design is important because it tests the postbiotic at two critical times: during development in the egg and after hatching. This approach helps scientists understand when the supplement works best. By also exposing some chickens to the disease, researchers could see if the postbiotic actually provides protection when it’s needed most, rather than just in healthy birds

This study has several strengths: it used a reasonably large number of animals (288), had multiple groups for comparison, and measured multiple outcomes related to gut health and immunity. The researchers used proper statistical analysis to ensure their findings weren’t due to chance. However, this is a single study in one species (chickens), so the results would need to be confirmed by other researchers before drawing firm conclusions

What the Results Show

Chickens that received the postbiotic showed improvements in their intestinal health even before being exposed to disease. Their intestines had better-structured villi (tiny finger-like projections that absorb nutrients) and smaller crypts (small pits in the intestinal lining), which is a sign of a healthier gut. The postbiotic also increased production of protective molecules called mucins that coat and protect the intestinal lining.

When chickens were exposed to the disease, those that had received the postbiotic showed better intestinal structure compared to sick chickens that didn’t receive it. Importantly, the postbiotic-treated chickens had higher levels of certain immune molecules that help fight infection, suggesting their immune systems were better prepared to handle the disease challenge.

Interestingly, the postbiotic didn’t prevent the intestinal walls from becoming more permeable (allowing more things to pass through) during the disease challenge, but it did help maintain better structural integrity overall. This suggests the postbiotic works through multiple mechanisms to protect gut health.

The postbiotic reduced the activity of certain inflammatory molecules early on (before disease exposure), which suggests it helps keep the immune system calm and balanced. However, when disease was introduced, the postbiotic-treated birds showed appropriate increases in immune molecules needed to fight the infection. This indicates the postbiotic helps the immune system respond appropriately—not overreacting, but still defending effectively when needed

Previous research has suggested that postbiotics might help protect against intestinal diseases in poultry, but this study is notable because it tested the supplement both before and after hatching, and measured detailed changes in intestinal structure and immune function. The findings align with earlier research showing that postbiotics can improve gut health, but add new information about how they work at the molecular level

This study was conducted only in chickens, so we cannot assume the same results would occur in other animals or humans. The disease challenge was controlled and somewhat artificial compared to natural disease outbreaks on farms. The study measured immune molecules but didn’t track whether the chickens actually got sick or how severe their illness was. Additionally, only one type of postbiotic was tested, so results may not apply to other postbiotic products

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, postbiotics appear to be a promising tool for maintaining chicken gut health and supporting immune function during disease challenges (moderate confidence level). The evidence suggests starting supplementation before hatching and continuing after may provide the best benefits. However, these findings are specific to chickens and controlled laboratory conditions, so farmers should consult with veterinarians about whether this approach would work on their farms

Poultry farmers and the poultry industry should pay attention to this research as a potential alternative to antibiotics for maintaining flock health. Consumers interested in how their food animals are raised may also find this relevant. This research is not directly applicable to human health at this time, though it may inform future research in other species

In this study, improvements in intestinal structure were visible within 14 days of starting the postbiotic. Benefits appeared to increase when the supplement was continued after hatching. On a farm, benefits would likely take several weeks to become apparent in overall flock health and performance

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If using postbiotics in poultry operations, track weekly measurements of: flock feed conversion ratio (how much feed produces how much growth), mortality rates, and visible signs of intestinal health issues. Compare these metrics before and after postbiotic implementation
  • For poultry producers: establish a consistent supplementation schedule starting with in-ovo injection at day 18 of incubation, followed by postbiotic addition to drinking water from day 1 post-hatch through the growing period. Document dates and dosages used
  • Maintain a flock health log tracking: daily mortality, feed consumption, water consumption, visible signs of disease (lethargy, diarrhea, poor growth), and weight gain milestones. Compare these metrics across flocks with and without postbiotic supplementation over multiple production cycles to determine real-world effectiveness

This research was conducted in chickens under controlled laboratory conditions and should not be interpreted as medical advice for humans or other animals. The findings are specific to the postbiotic product and protocol tested and may not apply to other postbiotic products or different animal species. Farmers considering implementing postbiotic supplementation should consult with a veterinarian familiar with their specific operation. This study represents preliminary evidence and should be confirmed by additional research before widespread adoption. Always follow local regulations regarding animal health products and consult with qualified professionals before making changes to animal care protocols.