According to Gram Research analysis, two chicken breeds use completely different genetic strategies to absorb phosphorus without supplements. A 2026 study of 400 laying hens found that Lohmann Brown chickens rely on direct genetic control of mineral-transport proteins, while Lohmann Selected Leghorn chickens use indirect genetic regulation. The research also revealed that gut bacteria, particularly Lactobacillus species, are associated with better phosphorus absorption in the breed using direct genetic control.
Scientists studied 400 laying hens to understand how their bodies absorb phosphorus, an important mineral, without added supplements. They found that two different chicken breeds use completely different genetic strategies to absorb this mineral. One breed relies on genes that control mineral-absorbing proteins in their intestines, while the other breed uses a different genetic approach. Interestingly, the bacteria living in their guts also played a role in how well they absorbed phosphorus. This research shows that genetics and gut bacteria work together to help chickens stay healthy, and these findings could eventually help farmers raise healthier birds without needing as many supplements.
Key Statistics
A 2026 research article analyzing 400 laying hens identified 114 microRNA genetic associations and 123 messenger RNA genetic associations related to phosphorus absorption, with distinct patterns between the two chicken breeds studied.
In Lohmann Brown hens, 23 genetic locations directly controlled mineral-transport genes like CALB1, while Lohmann Selected Leghorn hens showed predominantly indirect genetic regulation of the same genes, revealing divergent evolutionary strategies for nutrient absorption.
Chickens with more active CALB1 genes (the direct-control breed) had significantly higher abundance of Lactobacillus bacteria in their guts, demonstrating a connection between host genetics, gene expression, and microbiome composition in phosphorus utilization.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: How chicken genes control the absorption of phosphorus (a mineral needed for strong bones and egg production) in the small intestine, and whether gut bacteria affect this process.
- Who participated: 400 laying hens from two different commercial breeds: Lohmann Brown and Lohmann Selected Leghorn. The hens were fed a diet without added phosphorus supplements to see how their bodies naturally adapted.
- Key finding: The two chicken breeds used completely different genetic strategies to absorb phosphorus. One breed (Lohmann Brown) relied on genes that directly control mineral-transport proteins, while the other breed (Lohmann Selected Leghorn) used indirect genetic control. The bacteria in their guts also influenced how well they absorbed minerals.
- What it means for you: This research could help farmers breed healthier chickens that need fewer mineral supplements, reducing costs and environmental impact. However, this is early-stage research in chickens and doesn’t directly apply to human nutrition yet.
The Research Details
Researchers studied 400 laying hens from two different breeds and looked at which genes were ’turned on’ in the part of the small intestine where phosphorus is absorbed (called the jejunum). They examined 88 different microRNAs (tiny molecules that control genes) and 65 messenger RNAs (the instructions genes send to make proteins). The hens were fed a special diet without added phosphorus supplements to force their bodies to adapt naturally.
The scientists used advanced genetic mapping techniques to find which parts of the chicken genome controlled the activity of these molecules. They also analyzed the bacteria living in each chicken’s gut to see if there was a connection between gut bacteria and how well the chickens absorbed phosphorus.
This approach is like creating a map showing which genetic switches control mineral absorption in chickens, and then seeing how that map differs between the two breeds.
Understanding how genes control mineral absorption helps scientists and farmers breed chickens that are naturally better at using minerals from their food. This could reduce the need for mineral supplements, which saves money and reduces environmental pollution from excess minerals in chicken waste. The discovery that gut bacteria play a role opens new possibilities for improving chicken health through diet or probiotics.
This study used a large sample size (400 hens) and examined two different chicken breeds, which strengthens the findings. The researchers used strict statistical standards (a 5% false discovery rate) to make sure their genetic findings were real and not just random. However, this is a single study in chickens, so the findings need to be confirmed by other researchers before being applied in real farms.
What the Results Show
The research revealed that the two chicken breeds have fundamentally different genetic architectures for absorbing phosphorus. In Lohmann Brown hens, 23 genetic locations directly controlled the activity of mineral-transport genes like CALB1 and SLC34A2 (these genes make proteins that grab phosphorus and move it into the chicken’s body). The most important of these was a genetic variant that controlled a microRNA called miR-146b.
In contrast, Lohmann Selected Leghorn hens showed a different pattern: their mineral-transport genes were mostly controlled by indirect genetic mechanisms (called trans-eQTLs) rather than direct ones. This means their genes were being regulated by distant genetic switches rather than nearby ones.
The study also found 114 microRNA genetic associations in total across both breeds, with 56 in Lohmann Brown and 58 in Lohmann Selected Leghorn. These microRNAs act like volume knobs for genes, turning them up or down as needed.
A particularly interesting finding was that the bacteria in the chickens’ guts were connected to their genetic differences. Specifically, chickens with more active CALB1 genes (the direct-control breed) had more Lactobacillus bacteria in their guts—these are considered ‘good’ bacteria that support digestive health. This suggests that genetics, gene expression, and gut bacteria form an interconnected system for mineral absorption.
Previous research has shown that phosphorus absorption is complex and involves many genes. This study builds on that knowledge by showing that different chicken breeds have evolved different genetic solutions to the same problem. The finding that gut bacteria are involved in this process is relatively new and suggests that future research should consider the whole system (genes plus microbiome) rather than looking at genetics alone.
This study was conducted only in chickens, so the findings may not apply to other animals or humans. The research looked at hens under a specific condition (low-phosphorus diet), so results might differ if chickens had access to normal phosphorus levels. The study identified genetic associations but didn’t prove that these genes actually cause the differences in phosphorus absorption—that would require additional experiments. Finally, the sample size of 56 hens per breed (mentioned in the metadata) is relatively small for genetic studies, though the total flock of 400 was larger.
The Bottom Line
For farmers: This research suggests that selective breeding for better phosphorus absorption could reduce the need for mineral supplements in laying hens. However, these findings are preliminary and should be validated on commercial farms before making major breeding decisions. For researchers: This work highlights the importance of studying both genetics and gut bacteria together when investigating nutrient absorption.
Poultry farmers and the egg industry should pay attention to this research, as it could eventually lead to more efficient, sustainable chicken farming. Researchers studying nutrient absorption in any animal (including humans) should note the importance of considering gut bacteria alongside genetics. Pet bird owners and backyard chicken keepers may find this interesting but don’t need to change their practices based on this early-stage research.
If this research leads to practical applications, it would likely take 5-10 years of additional studies before farmers could use these findings to breed better chickens. The benefits would accumulate gradually as more birds with improved genetics enter the population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do different chicken breeds absorb minerals differently based on their genes?
Yes. A 2026 study of 400 laying hens found that two commercial breeds use completely opposite genetic strategies to absorb phosphorus. One breed relies on direct genetic control of mineral-transport proteins, while the other uses indirect genetic regulation, showing that breeds have evolved different solutions to the same biological problem.
Can gut bacteria affect how well chickens absorb phosphorus?
Research suggests yes. The study found that chickens with more active mineral-transport genes had higher levels of beneficial Lactobacillus bacteria in their guts, indicating that genetics, gene expression, and gut bacteria work together as an interconnected system for nutrient absorption.
Could this research help reduce the need for mineral supplements in chickens?
Potentially. Understanding how different chicken breeds naturally absorb minerals could eventually help farmers breed chickens that need fewer supplements. However, this is early-stage research and would require 5-10 years of additional studies before practical applications on farms.
What are microRNAs and why do they matter for phosphorus absorption?
MicroRNAs are tiny molecules that act like volume knobs for genes, turning them up or down. The study identified 114 genetic associations involving microRNAs that control phosphorus absorption, with one microRNA (miR-146b) being particularly important in one chicken breed.
Does this chicken research apply to humans?
Not directly. This study was conducted only in chickens under specific conditions. However, the finding that genetics and gut bacteria work together for nutrient absorption may provide insights for future human nutrition research, though additional studies would be needed.
Want to Apply This Research?
- For poultry farmers using a farm management app: Track phosphorus levels in feed and egg quality metrics (shell strength, production rate) weekly to correlate with breed genetics and supplement usage over time.
- Farmers could use an app to log which chicken breeds they’re raising, their current phosphorus supplementation levels, and egg production quality, then compare these metrics monthly to identify which breeds perform best with lower supplements.
- Implement quarterly reviews comparing phosphorus input costs versus egg output quality across different chicken breeds, using the app to identify which genetic lines are most efficient at mineral absorption without supplements.
This research was conducted in laying hens and does not directly apply to human nutrition or health. The findings are preliminary and represent a single study that requires confirmation by other researchers. Farmers considering changes to chicken nutrition or breeding practices should consult with poultry nutritionists and veterinarians. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used to make medical or agricultural decisions without professional guidance.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.