Research shows that adding 6% lemongrass to duck feed significantly improves growth performance and meat quality in Muscovy ducks. According to Gram Research analysis, this improvement occurs because lemongrass promotes beneficial gut bacteria that increase butyric acid production, enhancing intestinal health and nutrient absorption. The effect was statistically significant compared to ducks fed regular feed without lemongrass supplementation.
Researchers tested whether adding lemongrass to duck feed could improve how well ducks grow and the quality of their meat. According to Gram Research analysis, ducks fed a diet containing 6% lemongrass showed significantly better growth and meat quality compared to ducks on regular feed. The lemongrass appeared to work by improving the ducks’ gut bacteria, increasing beneficial microbes and reducing harmful ones. This finding suggests lemongrass could be a natural way for farms to raise healthier poultry without relying on antibiotics, which is important as farmers worldwide seek sustainable alternatives.
Key Statistics
A 2026 research article published in British Poultry Science found that 6% lemongrass supplementation significantly improved slaughter performance and meat quality in Muscovy ducks compared to control diets with no lemongrass.
According to a 2026 study on Muscovy ducks, lemongrass supplementation increased beneficial Ligilactobacillus spp. bacteria while inhibiting harmful Burkholderia spp., and increased butyric acid production (p < 0.05), which serves as an energy source for intestinal cells.
Research on Muscovy ducks showed that dietary lemongrass enhanced intestinal health by modulating gut bacteria composition, demonstrating that plant-based supplements can improve both growth performance and meat quality in poultry.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether adding lemongrass to duck feed would improve how fast ducks grow, the quality of their meat, and the health of their digestive system.
- Who participated: Muscovy ducks raised on a farm for 42 days. The ducks were divided into four groups that received different amounts of lemongrass in their feed: none, 2%, 4%, or 6%.
- Key finding: Ducks fed 6% lemongrass grew significantly better and produced higher-quality meat than ducks on regular feed. The lemongrass also increased good bacteria in their guts and reduced harmful bacteria.
- What it means for you: If you raise poultry or care about sustainable farming, this suggests lemongrass could be a natural way to improve animal health and meat quality. However, this research was done on ducks specifically, so results may differ for other animals.
The Research Details
Scientists conducted a 42-day feeding trial with Muscovy ducks to test the effects of lemongrass supplementation. The ducks started on a basic diet for the first 20 days, then were split into four groups that received commercial feed mixed with different amounts of lemongrass (0%, 2%, 4%, or 6%) for the remaining 22 days.
The researchers measured several outcomes: how much the ducks weighed after processing (slaughter performance), the quality of the meat produced, and the health of the ducks’ intestines by examining their gut bacteria. They used statistical analysis to determine which differences between groups were meaningful and not just due to chance.
This approach allowed researchers to isolate the specific effects of lemongrass by keeping all other conditions the same and only changing the amount of lemongrass in the feed.
This research design is important because it tests a practical, real-world application—adding lemongrass to actual farm feed—rather than studying lemongrass in a lab setting. By measuring both growth performance and gut health, the study reveals how lemongrass works, not just that it works. This helps farmers understand whether lemongrass is a viable alternative to antibiotics for keeping poultry healthy.
The study was published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal (British Poultry Science), which means other experts reviewed the methods before publication. The researchers used a controlled experimental design with multiple treatment groups, which is a strong approach for determining cause-and-effect. However, the specific sample size was not provided in the abstract, which limits our ability to assess the statistical power of the findings. The study focused on one breed of duck, so results may not apply equally to other poultry species.
What the Results Show
The most significant finding was that ducks receiving 6% lemongrass supplementation showed substantially improved slaughter performance compared to control ducks. This means the ducks grew larger and produced more usable meat. The improvement was statistically significant (p < 0.05), meaning researchers are confident this wasn’t due to random chance.
Beyond just growing bigger, the meat quality itself improved. The lemongrass appeared to enhance the nutritional and physical properties of the meat, which matters for both consumers and farmers selling the product.
The mechanism behind these improvements appears to be gut health. Ducks fed lemongrass developed healthier intestinal bacteria populations. Specifically, beneficial bacteria called Ligilactobacillus spp. increased and crowded out harmful bacteria like Burkholderia spp. This is important because a healthy gut absorbs nutrients better and protects against disease.
An important secondary finding was that lemongrass increased production of butyric acid in the ducks’ guts. Butyric acid is a short-chain fatty acid that serves as an energy source for the cells lining the intestines (enterocytes). This means the ducks’ intestinal cells were better nourished and likely functioning more efficiently. Better intestinal function leads to improved nutrient absorption, which explains why the ducks grew better overall.
This research aligns with growing evidence that plant-based supplements can improve poultry health and production. Previous studies have suggested that various herbs and spices can modulate gut bacteria in beneficial ways. However, this study is notable for demonstrating these effects specifically in Muscovy ducks and for showing the dose-response relationship (more lemongrass up to 6% showed better results). The focus on sustainable alternatives to antibiotics addresses a major concern in modern agriculture, as overuse of antibiotics in livestock has contributed to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
The study did not specify the exact number of ducks used, making it difficult to assess whether the sample size was large enough to detect meaningful differences. The research was conducted on only one breed of duck (Muscovy), so the findings may not apply to other poultry species like chickens or turkeys. The study lasted 42 days, which is relatively short-term; longer studies would help determine if benefits persist over a full production cycle. The abstract doesn’t mention whether researchers controlled for other variables like housing conditions, temperature, or water quality, which could affect results. Finally, the cost-benefit analysis of adding lemongrass to feed wasn’t addressed, so farmers would need additional information to decide if it’s economically practical.
The Bottom Line
Based on this research, adding 6% lemongrass to duck feed appears to be an effective strategy for improving growth performance and meat quality while supporting gut health. This recommendation has moderate-to-strong confidence given the controlled experimental design, though it’s specific to Muscovy ducks. Farmers interested in sustainable poultry production should consider testing lemongrass supplementation, starting with the 6% level shown to be effective in this study. However, economic feasibility and availability of lemongrass should be evaluated before full implementation.
This research is most relevant to poultry farmers raising Muscovy ducks who are interested in sustainable, antibiotic-free production methods. It may also interest farmers raising other duck species, though results may differ. Consumers concerned about how their poultry is raised and the use of natural supplements rather than antibiotics may find this encouraging. Researchers studying gut health in animals and plant-based feed additives should also take note. This research is less relevant to people raising chickens or other poultry species, as the findings are specific to ducks.
Based on the study design, improvements in growth performance and meat quality would likely become apparent within 2-3 weeks of adding lemongrass to feed, as the ducks showed significant differences by the end of the 22-day supplementation period. Changes to gut bacteria composition may occur within 1-2 weeks, though stabilization of the new bacterial community might take longer. Farmers implementing this strategy should expect to see measurable results within one production cycle (typically 6-8 weeks for Muscovy ducks).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does lemongrass really improve duck growth and meat quality?
Research shows that 6% lemongrass supplementation significantly improved slaughter performance and meat quality in Muscovy ducks by promoting beneficial gut bacteria and increasing butyric acid production, which enhances nutrient absorption and intestinal health.
How does lemongrass improve poultry gut health?
Lemongrass increases beneficial bacteria like Ligilactobacillus spp. while reducing harmful bacteria like Burkholderia spp. These beneficial bacteria produce butyric acid, which nourishes intestinal cells and improves nutrient absorption, leading to better overall health and growth.
What percentage of lemongrass should I add to duck feed?
The research found that 6% lemongrass supplementation produced the best results for Muscovy ducks in terms of growth performance and meat quality. However, results may vary by duck breed and farm conditions, so gradual testing is recommended.
Can I use lemongrass instead of antibiotics in poultry farming?
This research suggests lemongrass can support gut health and reduce reliance on antibiotics, but it’s not a complete replacement. Lemongrass appears to work by promoting beneficial bacteria naturally, making it a promising sustainable alternative for farms seeking antibiotic-free production methods.
Will lemongrass work for chickens and other poultry?
This study specifically tested Muscovy ducks, so results may not directly apply to chickens or other poultry species. Additional research would be needed to determine if lemongrass provides similar benefits for other birds, though the mechanism suggests it could be promising.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track weekly weight gain in grams and final slaughter weight for ducks on lemongrass-supplemented feed versus control groups. Record the percentage of lemongrass in feed (0%, 2%, 4%, or 6%) and monitor for any changes in feed consumption rates or feed efficiency ratios.
- If you manage a poultry farm, implement a gradual introduction of lemongrass supplementation starting at 2% and increasing to 6% over 2-3 weeks while monitoring duck health and growth. Use the app to log daily observations of duck behavior, appetite, and any health issues to correlate with the supplementation level.
- Set up a long-term tracking system comparing production metrics (weight gain, feed conversion, meat yield) between lemongrass-supplemented and non-supplemented flocks across multiple production cycles. Use the app to record gut health indicators if available (such as mortality rates or disease incidence as proxies for intestinal health) and track economic metrics like feed cost versus meat output value.
This research was conducted on Muscovy ducks and may not apply to other poultry species or animals. Results are based on a controlled study and may vary under different farm conditions, climates, or management practices. Before implementing lemongrass supplementation on your farm, consult with a veterinarian or poultry nutritionist to ensure it’s appropriate for your specific situation and to evaluate cost-effectiveness. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional agricultural or veterinary advice. Always follow local regulations regarding feed additives and poultry management.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.