Adding lysolecithin, a natural soy-based emulsifier, to cheaper low-energy chicken feed helps broilers grow normally and digest fat better, according to a 2026 study of 320 chickens published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science. Gram Research analysis shows that chickens receiving 250 mg/kg of lysolecithin in low-energy feed achieved weight gain and feed efficiency equal to chickens on standard feed, while restoring beneficial gut bacteria and improving intestinal health that would otherwise be depleted by cost-cutting diet changes.
Farmers want to save money on chicken feed, but cutting costs by using lower-energy diets can slow down chicken growth. According to Gram Research analysis, a natural soy product called lysolecithin acts like a helper that makes chickens digest fat better, allowing them to grow normally even on cheaper feed. In a study of 320 chickens, those fed low-energy diets with lysolecithin gained weight faster, converted feed more efficiently, and had healthier gut bacteria than chickens on low-energy diets without it. This finding could help farms reduce feed costs while keeping chickens healthy and productive.
Key Statistics
A 2026 study of 320 broiler chickens found that adding 250 mg/kg lysolecithin to low-energy feed restored weight gain and feed conversion efficiency to levels matching standard-energy feed, while reducing feed costs by 80 kcal/kg.
Lysolecithin supplementation at 250 mg/kg activated 10 key genes involved in fat digestion and transport in broiler chickens, with stronger activation than the 125 mg/kg dose.
In a 320-chicken trial, low-energy diets depleted beneficial gut bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, but adding lysolecithin restored these populations to levels similar to standard-feed controls.
Broiler chickens receiving 250 mg/kg lysolecithin in low-energy diets showed significantly improved intestinal structure and antioxidant status compared to those on low-energy feed without the additive.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether adding lysolecithin (a natural soy product) to cheaper, lower-energy chicken feed could help broiler chickens grow normally and stay healthy.
- Who participated: 320 young broiler chickens (Ross 308 breed) divided into four groups: one group on standard feed, one on cheaper low-energy feed, and two groups on cheap feed with different amounts of lysolecithin added.
- Key finding: Chickens fed low-energy diet with 250 mg/kg of lysolecithin gained weight as well as chickens on standard feed and converted feed to body weight more efficiently than chickens on low-energy feed without the additive.
- What it means for you: This research suggests farms could reduce feed costs without sacrificing chicken growth or health by using lysolecithin as an additive. However, this is animal research, and results don’t directly apply to human nutrition.
The Research Details
Researchers divided 320 young chickens into four equal groups with 8 replicates of 10 chicks each. One group received standard energy feed with no additive. A second group received cheaper feed with 80 fewer calories per kilogram and no additive. The third and fourth groups received the same cheap feed but with lysolecithin added at two different amounts: 125 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg. All groups were raised under identical conditions, and researchers measured how much the chickens grew, how efficiently they converted feed to body weight, and how their gut bacteria changed over time.
Researchers also examined the chickens’ intestines under a microscope to see if the intestinal lining looked healthy, tested their blood for signs of immune function and antioxidant protection, and analyzed which genes related to fat digestion were turned on or off in their intestinal cells. They used advanced genetic testing called real-time quantitative PCR to count specific beneficial bacteria in the gut.
This study design is important because it tests whether a simple, natural additive can solve a real farming problem: how to cut feed costs without hurting chicken growth. By measuring multiple outcomes (growth, gut health, gene activity, and intestinal structure), the researchers could understand not just whether lysolecithin works, but how it works. This comprehensive approach makes the findings more reliable and useful for farmers deciding whether to adopt this practice.
This is a controlled experimental study published in a peer-reviewed veterinary journal, which means experts reviewed the methods before publication. The study used a large sample size (320 chickens) with multiple replicates, reducing the chance that results happened by accident. Researchers measured many different outcomes rather than just one, which strengthens confidence in the findings. However, this is animal research conducted in a controlled farm setting, so results may not apply exactly to all farm conditions or to human nutrition.
What the Results Show
Chickens fed low-energy diet with 250 mg/kg lysolecithin achieved total body weight and weight gain similar to chickens on standard energy feed, while chickens on low-energy feed without lysolecithin fell significantly behind. The lysolecithin-supplemented groups also showed better feed conversion ratio, meaning they gained more weight per unit of feed consumed compared to the unsupplemented low-energy group.
At the genetic level, lysolecithin supplementation activated multiple genes involved in fat digestion and transport, including SLC27A4, PPARα, PPARγ, ACSL1, CD36, NPC1L1, MGAT2, MTTP, APOB, and FABP. The 250 mg/kg dose produced the strongest activation of these genes, suggesting that higher doses may be more effective.
The study found that low-energy diets without lysolecithin depleted beneficial gut bacteria like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Bacillus. Adding lysolecithin restored these beneficial bacteria populations to levels similar to chickens on standard feed, which is important because these bacteria support digestive health and immune function.
Microscopic examination showed that lysolecithin supplementation improved the structure and health of the intestinal lining, particularly in the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine where most fat digestion occurs). Chickens receiving 250 mg/kg lysolecithin also showed improved antioxidant status and immune markers in their blood.
The 125 mg/kg dose of lysolecithin produced improvements, but the 250 mg/kg dose consistently outperformed it across most measures. This dose-response pattern suggests that more lysolecithin is generally better, at least up to the 250 mg/kg level tested. The economic analysis indicated that adding lysolecithin to low-energy feed improved overall feed and economic efficiency compared to using low-energy feed alone, meaning farms could save money on feed while maintaining production standards.
Previous research suggested that lysolecithin might help young birds digest fat better because of its emulsifying properties (similar to how dish soap helps break down grease). This study confirms that theory by showing that lysolecithin actually works in real chickens and by identifying the specific genes and gut bacteria involved in the improvement. The findings align with earlier observations that emulsifiers can enhance nutrient absorption in young animals with developing digestive systems.
This study was conducted in a controlled research setting with a single chicken breed (Ross 308), so results may differ in other breeds or in typical farm conditions with more variable environments. The study measured outcomes only during the growth phase of the chickens’ lives, so long-term effects are unknown. Researchers did not test whether lysolecithin works equally well when combined with other feed additives or in different types of low-energy diets. The study focused on broiler chickens, so findings cannot be applied to other poultry species or to human nutrition without additional research.
The Bottom Line
For poultry farmers: Adding 250 mg/kg of lysolecithin to low-energy broiler diets appears to be an effective strategy to maintain chicken growth and health while reducing feed costs. The evidence is strong from this controlled study, though results should be confirmed in real-world farm settings. Start with the 250 mg/kg dose, as it showed the best results. For consumers: This research is about animal agriculture and does not directly apply to human diet or health.
Poultry farmers and feed manufacturers should pay attention to these findings, as they offer a practical way to reduce production costs. Veterinarians and animal nutritionists may use this information to advise farmers. This research does not apply to people making decisions about their own diet or health.
In chickens, improvements in growth rate and feed efficiency appeared within the study period (which typically spans several weeks of growth). Farmers could expect to see cost savings and improved performance metrics within a single production cycle. Long-term effects beyond the growth phase are unknown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can lysolecithin help chickens grow on cheaper feed?
Yes. Research shows that adding 250 mg/kg lysolecithin to low-energy feed allows broiler chickens to achieve normal growth and feed efficiency despite the feed costing 80 kcal/kg less than standard feed.
How does lysolecithin improve chicken digestion?
Lysolecithin acts as an emulsifier, helping break down and absorb dietary fats more efficiently. The study found it activates 10 genes involved in fat digestion and transport, improving intestinal health and nutrient absorption.
Does lysolecithin affect chicken gut bacteria?
Yes. Low-energy diets deplete beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, but adding lysolecithin restored these populations to normal levels, supporting digestive and immune health.
What dose of lysolecithin works best for broiler chickens?
The 250 mg/kg dose outperformed 125 mg/kg across most measures in this study, including weight gain, gene activation, and gut bacteria restoration, suggesting higher doses are more effective.
Can I use lysolecithin in my poultry operation to save money?
This research suggests lysolecithin could reduce feed costs while maintaining chicken growth, but results come from controlled research settings. Test it in your operation and monitor feed costs, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio over multiple production cycles.
Want to Apply This Research?
- If you raise chickens or manage a poultry operation, track weekly body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (pounds of feed per pound of weight gained) for flocks with and without lysolecithin supplementation to measure real-world performance improvements.
- If you’re a farmer considering cost-cutting measures, instead of simply reducing feed energy content, implement a trial where you add lysolecithin to your low-energy feed at 250 mg/kg and monitor whether growth performance matches your standard feed while reducing costs.
- Establish a baseline of your current feed costs and chicken growth metrics. After implementing lysolecithin supplementation, track feed costs per bird, average daily weight gain, and feed conversion ratio over multiple production cycles to confirm economic and performance benefits in your specific operation.
This research focuses on broiler chicken nutrition and agricultural production. The findings do not apply to human diet, health, or nutrition without separate human research. If you raise poultry, consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist before making significant changes to feed formulations. Results from controlled research settings may differ from real-world farm conditions. Always follow local regulations and best practices for animal care and feed additives.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.