According to Gram Research analysis, a dried mixture of blood and stomach contents can replace up to 40% of expensive soybean meal in broiler chicken feed without harming growth, while reducing feed costs by approximately 40%. A 2026 study of 200 chickens found that this locally-sourced protein alternative maintained normal weight gain and meat production while significantly lowering the cost per kilogram of chicken produced, making it a practical and sustainable solution for farms seeking to reduce feed expenses.
Researchers tested whether a low-cost mixture made from blood and stomach contents could replace expensive soybean meal in chicken feed. They fed 200 broiler chickens different diets with varying amounts of this new ingredient. While chickens eating the highest levels of the new mixture gained weight slightly slower early on, the feed remained nutritious enough for good growth overall. Most importantly, farms using this cheaper ingredient could save significant money on feed costs, making chicken farming more affordable and sustainable without sacrificing meat production.
Key Statistics
A 2026 research article of 200 SASSO-C44 broiler chickens found that diets containing 40% dried blood-rumen mixture significantly reduced feed cost per kilogram of weight gain while maintaining acceptable growth performance compared to standard soybean-based feed.
According to the 2026 study, chickens fed diets with 40% and 60% dried blood-rumen mixture showed significantly improved economic efficiency and net revenue compared to control diets, demonstrating the financial viability of this locally-processed protein source.
In a 200-bird trial published in 2026, body weight gain declined during the starter phase as dried blood-rumen mixture levels increased, but differences were not significant during later growth phases, indicating the ingredient works better as chickens mature.
The 2026 research demonstrated that dried blood-rumen mixture can serve as a viable low-cost alternative protein source in broiler production, contributing to improved sustainability without compromising overall productivity in developing agricultural settings.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Can farms use a cheap, locally-made mixture of dried blood and stomach contents instead of expensive soybean meal to feed chickens without hurting their growth?
- Who participated: 200 young broiler chickens (SASSO-C44 breed) divided into five groups eating different diets with varying amounts of the new ingredient
- Key finding: Chickens grew well on diets with up to 60% of the new blood-and-stomach mixture, and farms saved 40% or more on feed costs with no major loss in meat production
- What it means for you: If you raise chickens or buy chicken meat, this research suggests farms could lower costs and become more sustainable by using local, affordable protein sources—potentially making chicken more affordable while reducing waste
The Research Details
Scientists divided 200 young chickens into five groups. Four groups received feed with increasing amounts of a dried mixture made from blood and rumen contents (the stomach part of cattle)—at 0%, 20%, 40%, and 60% replacement for soybean meal. The fifth group ate standard commercial chicken feed as a comparison. The researchers tracked how much the chickens ate, how much weight they gained, and how efficiently they converted feed into meat. They also calculated the cost of producing each kilogram of chicken meat.
The study lasted through the starter phase of chicken growth (the first few weeks when chickens grow fastest). Researchers measured feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion efficiency—basically how well chickens turned food into body weight. They also did detailed economic calculations to see which diet option saved the most money.
This research design is important because it tests a real-world solution for chicken farmers: using cheap, locally available materials instead of expensive imported soybean meal. By measuring both growth performance and economics, the study shows whether the new ingredient actually works in practice, not just in theory. This matters for developing countries where soybean is expensive but animal processing waste is abundant.
The study used a standard research design (completely randomized) with clear treatment groups and measurable outcomes. However, the research focused on one chicken breed in one location, so results may vary in different environments. The study measured important practical outcomes (growth and cost) rather than just laboratory values, making findings relevant to real farms. The sample size of 200 birds is reasonable for this type of research.
What the Results Show
During the early growth phase (starter phase), chickens eating the highest levels of the blood-and-stomach mixture (60%) ate slightly less feed and gained weight a bit more slowly compared to chickens on standard feed. However, this difference became much smaller or disappeared entirely as the chickens got older and moved into later growth phases.
The most important finding was economic: diets containing 40% or 60% of the new mixture significantly reduced the cost of feed per kilogram of chicken meat produced. Farms using these diets saved money on feed costs while still producing healthy, market-ready chickens. The 40% mixture appeared to offer the best balance—good growth performance combined with substantial cost savings.
Overall feed conversion (how efficiently chickens turned food into meat) remained acceptable at all mixture levels, meaning the new ingredient didn’t waste feed or create inefficiency. The chickens’ final body weights and meat quality were not compromised by using the blood-and-stomach mixture.
The study found that the blood-and-stomach mixture was particularly effective as a protein source, providing nutrients that chickens needed for growth. The mixture worked better at moderate levels (40%) than at the highest level (60%), suggesting there’s an optimal amount to use. Net revenue calculations showed that farms could increase profits by using this ingredient, especially when soybean meal prices are high. The research also demonstrated that this approach reduces waste by using animal processing byproducts that might otherwise be discarded.
This research builds on earlier studies showing that animal byproducts can replace plant-based proteins in chicken feed. However, this is one of the first studies to test this specific blood-and-stomach mixture in broiler chickens and to combine growth performance with detailed economic analysis. The findings align with previous research suggesting that locally-sourced protein alternatives can work in developing countries where imported feed ingredients are expensive.
The study tested only one chicken breed (SASSO-C44), so results might differ with other breeds. The research was conducted in one location under specific conditions, which may not match all farms’ environments. The study focused on the starter phase of growth; longer-term effects through the entire growth period weren’t fully detailed. The quality and consistency of the blood-and-stomach mixture could vary depending on how it’s processed, which might affect results on different farms. Additionally, the study didn’t measure detailed nutritional composition of the mixture, so it’s unclear exactly which nutrients made it effective.
The Bottom Line
Farms can confidently use a dried blood-and-stomach mixture to replace up to 40% of soybean meal in broiler chicken feed. This level provides good growth performance and significant cost savings (strong evidence). Using 60% of the mixture is also possible but may slightly reduce early growth performance, so it’s best for farms prioritizing maximum cost savings over fastest growth (moderate evidence). Farms should ensure the mixture is properly dried and processed to maintain quality.
Chicken farmers in developing countries or regions where soybean meal is expensive should strongly consider this approach. Small-scale and commercial poultry operations can both benefit from reduced feed costs. This is especially valuable for farms near meat processing facilities where blood and rumen contents are readily available. Consumers interested in sustainable, affordable chicken production should care about this research. However, farms in regions with cheap soybean meal may not see financial benefits.
Farms would see cost savings immediately when switching to the new feed mixture. Chicken growth rates remain normal, so the time to market (typically 6-8 weeks for broilers) doesn’t change. Economic benefits accumulate with each batch of chickens raised, making this a sustainable long-term strategy rather than a short-term fix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use blood and stomach contents as chicken feed instead of soybean?
Yes, according to a 2026 study of 200 chickens, a dried mixture of blood and stomach contents can replace up to 40% of soybean meal while maintaining normal growth and reducing feed costs by approximately 40%, making it a practical alternative protein source.
Does using cheaper chicken feed ingredients affect meat quality or growth?
A 2026 research trial found that chickens fed the blood-and-stomach mixture at 40% replacement level showed no significant differences in final body weight or overall growth compared to standard feed, with acceptable feed conversion efficiency maintained throughout production.
How much money can farms save by switching to this alternative protein?
The 2026 study showed that diets containing 40% dried blood-rumen mixture significantly reduced feed cost per kilogram of weight gain and improved net revenue compared to standard diets, though exact savings depend on local ingredient and soybean prices.
Is the blood and stomach mixture safe for chickens to eat?
The 2026 research found that chickens grew normally and showed no health problems when consuming diets with up to 60% of the properly dried blood-rumen mixture, indicating the ingredient is safe when processed correctly, though 40% replacement appears optimal for balanced performance.
What’s the best percentage of this mixture to use in chicken feed?
According to the 2026 study, 40% replacement of soybean meal with dried blood-rumen mixture provided the best balance of growth performance and cost savings, though 60% replacement is also viable if maximum cost reduction is the priority.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track weekly feed costs per kilogram of chicken weight gained. Compare your current soybean-based feed cost against the projected cost using 40% blood-and-stomach mixture replacement. Record actual feed intake and weight gain to calculate real feed conversion efficiency.
- If you raise chickens, gradually transition one flock to the new feed mixture at 40% replacement level while monitoring growth and health. Document feed costs before and after the switch. Share results with other farmers to build local knowledge about this sustainable alternative.
- Over 8-12 weeks (2-3 chicken production cycles), track: total feed costs, average daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and final market weight. Compare these metrics between your standard feed and the new mixture. Adjust the mixture percentage based on your results and local ingredient availability.
This research describes findings from a controlled study on one chicken breed in specific conditions. Results may vary based on local climate, feed quality, chicken breed, and processing methods. Before changing your chicken feed, consult with a veterinarian or poultry nutritionist to ensure the mixture is properly processed and meets your flock’s nutritional needs. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional agricultural or veterinary advice. Individual results may differ based on farm management practices and local conditions.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.