Penn State Study Explores Poultry Feed Alternatives to Boost Gut Health, Reduce Antibiotic Reliance

Amid growing concerns about antibiotic resistance and consumer demand for antibiotic-free poultry, Penn State researchers are paving the way for alternative solutions. A recent study, led by Assistant Professor Erika Ganda, focused on natural feed additives that could potentially replace antimicrobial growth promoters.

The team investigated the effects of probiotics and essential oils on broiler chickens, assessing growth performance and gut health. Findings published in Poultry Science indicate that probiotic supplementation significantly increased the abundance of beneficial gut bacteria in young chicks.

Ganda emphasizes the importance of such research for poultry producers seeking viable alternatives in the move toward antibiotic-free production. She cautions that the use of feed additives is still in its early stages, requiring further evaluation of health outcomes, mechanisms, and implications for antimicrobial resistance.

“While ‘natural’ products offer promise, they’re not necessarily superior to antibiotics,” Ganda explains. “This study helps answer critical questions about their value.”

The research, led by graduate student Ana Fonseca, used 320 day-old chicks. Experimental diets included a standard diet, an antibiotic-supplemented diet, a diet with essential oils (oregano, rosemary, red pepper), and one with the probiotic Bacillus subtilis.

While both the probiotic and the antibiotic significantly altered gut bacteria compared to the standard diet, the essential oils surprisingly showed no notable effect. Fonseca suggests that while essential oils hold potential, their effectiveness might depend on factors like the maturity of the birds. More research is needed on this front.