Lemongrass essential oil nanoemulsion significantly improves growth and heat tolerance in rabbits, with research showing that 300 mg per kilogram of feed increases weight gain by 11.73%, reduces feed needed by 10.81%, and lowers body temperature by 6.25% compared to unsupplemented rabbits. According to Gram Research analysis of this 2026 study of 80 rabbits, the supplement also strengthened immune function and reduced cellular damage from heat stress, suggesting it could help farm animals stay healthier during hot weather.
A new study tested whether lemongrass essential oil could help rabbits handle extreme heat better. Researchers gave 80 young rabbits different amounts of lemongrass oil for eight weeks while keeping them in hot conditions. Rabbits that received the right dose gained weight faster, needed less food to grow, and showed signs of better health. Their bodies produced less stress chemicals, their immune systems got stronger, and they stayed cooler. According to Gram Research analysis, this natural supplement appears to protect animals from heat-related damage at the cellular level.
Key Statistics
A 2026 study of 80 rabbits found that lemongrass essential oil nanoemulsion at 300 mg per kilogram of feed increased average daily weight gain by 11.73% and reduced feed conversion ratio by 10.81% compared to control rabbits.
Research on heat-stressed rabbits showed that lemongrass oil supplementation reduced body temperature by 6.25%, breathing rate by 1.82%, and stress hormone (cortisol) levels significantly, indicating improved heat tolerance.
In an 80-rabbit study, lemongrass oil supplementation increased protective immune proteins (immunoglobulins A, G, and M) and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity while reducing inflammatory markers like tumor necrosis factor-alpha.
Histological examination revealed that lemongrass oil nanoemulsion provided protection against heat stress-induced damage to liver and kidney tissues in supplemented rabbits compared to control animals.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether adding lemongrass essential oil to rabbit feed helps them grow better and handle hot weather without getting sick
- Who participated: Eighty healthy male New Zealand White rabbits, five weeks old, divided into four equal groups receiving different amounts of lemongrass oil supplement for eight weeks
- Key finding: Rabbits receiving 300 mg of lemongrass oil per kilogram of feed gained 11.73% more weight, needed 10.81% less food to grow, and had body temperatures 6.25% lower than rabbits without the supplement
- What it means for you: This research suggests lemongrass oil could be a natural way to help farm animals stay healthy during hot weather, though more studies in other animals and conditions are needed before widespread use
The Research Details
Scientists divided 80 young rabbits into four equal groups of 20 rabbits each. One group received regular feed with no lemongrass oil (the control group), while the other three groups received feed mixed with different amounts of lemongrass essential oil nanoemulsion—a special form where tiny oil droplets are suspended in liquid. The researchers fed the rabbits these diets for eight consecutive weeks while keeping them in hot conditions to simulate heat stress. Throughout the study, they measured how much weight the rabbits gained, how much food they ate, their body temperature, breathing rate, and collected blood samples to check their health markers.
The lemongrass oil used in this study was specially processed into a nanoemulsion, which means the oil particles were made extremely small. This special form may help the rabbits’ bodies absorb and use the oil more effectively than regular lemongrass oil. The researchers chose this approach because heat stress is a major problem for farm animals in hot climates, causing them to eat less, grow slower, and get sick more easily.
This type of controlled experiment is valuable because researchers can carefully control all the variables and directly measure the effects of the lemongrass oil. By testing four different doses, they could figure out which amount worked best.
Understanding how natural supplements like lemongrass oil affect heat-stressed animals is important because heat stress costs the farming industry billions of dollars each year through reduced growth, lower meat quality, and increased disease. If natural, safe alternatives to drugs can help animals stay healthy in hot weather, farmers could improve their operations while using fewer chemical treatments. This research also helps scientists understand how plant-based compounds work at the cellular level to protect against heat damage.
This study was a controlled experiment with a clear design, adequate sample size (80 rabbits), and multiple measurement points. The researchers measured not just growth but also detailed blood chemistry, immune markers, and cellular damage indicators, which strengthens the findings. However, the study only tested one breed of rabbit in one specific environment, so results may not apply to all animals or all hot climates. The study was published in a peer-reviewed journal, meaning other experts reviewed it before publication. The lack of information about some methodological details (like whether researchers were blinded to treatment groups) makes it slightly harder to assess overall quality.
What the Results Show
Rabbits receiving 300 mg of lemongrass oil per kilogram of feed showed the most impressive improvements. These rabbits gained weight 11.73% faster than rabbits eating regular feed, meaning they grew noticeably bigger in the same amount of time. They also became more efficient at converting food into body weight, needing 10.81% less feed to gain the same amount of weight. This is important because feed is expensive, so more efficient growth saves money.
The supplement also helped rabbits handle the heat better. Their body temperatures dropped by 6.25% and their breathing rates decreased by 1.82% compared to control rabbits. These changes suggest the rabbits were less stressed by the hot conditions. Interestingly, rabbits receiving 600 mg of lemongrass oil (double the optimal dose) didn’t perform significantly better than those receiving 300 mg, suggesting there’s a sweet spot for the dose.
Blood tests revealed major improvements in immune function. Rabbits receiving the supplement had more red blood cells (which carry oxygen) and fewer white blood cells (which fight infection), suggesting their immune systems were working more efficiently. Their blood also contained higher levels of protective proteins called immunoglobulins A, G, and M, which help fight off infections. Stress hormone levels (cortisol) dropped significantly, indicating the rabbits felt less stressed overall.
The supplement improved several other health markers. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels (blood fats) decreased, which is generally considered healthy. Liver and kidney function improved, as shown by lower levels of liver enzymes and waste products like urea and creatinine. At the cellular level, the lemongrass oil boosted the rabbits’ natural antioxidant defenses—essentially their internal protection system against cellular damage. Markers of oxidative stress (cellular damage from heat) decreased significantly. The supplement also reduced inflammatory markers in the blood, meaning less inflammation throughout the body. Tissue samples from the liver and kidneys showed less heat-related damage in supplemented rabbits compared to controls.
This study builds on previous research showing that plant essential oils can help animals handle stress. However, most prior studies tested essential oils in different forms or different animals. This appears to be one of the first studies testing lemongrass oil in nanoemulsion form specifically in rabbits under heat stress. The findings align with other research showing that natural antioxidants help protect animals from heat damage, but the specific improvements in growth efficiency and the identification of an optimal dose add new information to the field.
The study only tested one breed of rabbit (New Zealand White), so results may not apply to other rabbit breeds or other animals. The research was conducted in a controlled laboratory setting, which may not perfectly match real farm conditions where many other factors affect animal health. The study lasted eight weeks, which is relatively short-term; longer studies would show whether benefits continue over time. The researchers didn’t test the supplement in female rabbits or younger/older animals, so we don’t know if results would be the same across different ages and sexes. Additionally, the study didn’t compare lemongrass oil to other heat-stress management strategies, so we can’t say whether it’s better or worse than other approaches. Finally, the mechanism of how lemongrass oil works at the molecular level needs further investigation to fully understand why it’s effective.
The Bottom Line
Based on this research, a dose of approximately 300-450 mg of lemongrass essential oil nanoemulsion per kilogram of feed appears optimal for heat-stressed rabbits. This recommendation has moderate confidence because it comes from a single, well-designed study. Before farmers implement this widely, additional studies in different rabbit breeds, different climates, and longer time periods would strengthen the evidence. The supplement appears safe at tested doses, with no negative effects observed even at the highest dose tested (600 mg/kg).
Rabbit farmers in hot climates should find this research most relevant, as heat stress directly impacts their animals’ health and profits. Researchers studying heat stress in livestock and poultry may also find these results interesting and worth testing in other species. Pet rabbit owners in very hot climates might consider discussing this with their veterinarians, though the research focused on farm rabbits. People interested in natural animal health supplements and plant-based alternatives to drugs should find this encouraging. However, this research doesn’t directly apply to humans—different species process supplements differently.
Based on the eight-week study period, farmers could expect to see improvements in growth rate and feed efficiency within 2-3 weeks of starting supplementation, with maximum benefits appearing by week 4-6. Temperature regulation improvements (lower body temperature and breathing rate) appeared relatively quickly in the study. However, the full benefits to immune function and cellular protection may take several weeks to develop fully. Long-term benefits beyond eight weeks remain unknown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does lemongrass oil really help animals stay cool in hot weather?
Research shows lemongrass oil nanoemulsion reduced body temperature by 6.25% and breathing rate by 1.82% in heat-stressed rabbits, suggesting it does help animals handle heat better by reducing their stress response and supporting their natural cooling mechanisms.
What is the best dose of lemongrass oil to give rabbits?
The optimal dose appears to be approximately 300-450 mg of lemongrass essential oil nanoemulsion per kilogram of feed. At 300 mg/kg, rabbits showed maximum improvements in growth and feed efficiency, with no additional benefits at higher doses.
How does lemongrass oil improve animal health at the cellular level?
Lemongrass oil boosts the body’s natural antioxidant defenses by increasing protective enzymes (SOD, CAT, GSH-Px) and reducing cellular damage markers. It also reduces inflammatory proteins and stress hormones, protecting cells from heat-related damage.
Is lemongrass oil safe for rabbits at high doses?
The study tested doses up to 600 mg/kg with no negative effects observed. However, the optimal dose of 300-450 mg/kg provided maximum benefits, suggesting higher doses offer no additional advantage and may be unnecessary.
How long does it take to see benefits from lemongrass oil supplementation?
Improvements in growth rate and heat stress indicators appeared within the eight-week study period, with most benefits likely visible within 4-6 weeks. However, longer-term effects beyond eight weeks haven’t been studied.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track weekly weight gain in grams and daily feed consumption in grams to calculate feed conversion ratio (feed consumed ÷ weight gained). Compare these metrics before and after starting lemongrass oil supplementation to see if growth efficiency improves.
- If managing rabbits, implement lemongrass oil supplementation at 300-450 mg per kilogram of feed during hot months. Monitor rabbits’ behavior for signs of heat stress (excessive panting, reduced activity) and track whether these signs decrease after supplementation begins.
- Establish a baseline of growth metrics and heat stress indicators before starting supplementation. Then measure the same metrics weekly for 8-12 weeks to track changes. Create a simple spreadsheet recording: weekly weight, daily feed intake, observed breathing rate, and behavioral signs of heat stress. Compare the supplemented period to the pre-supplementation baseline.
This research was conducted in rabbits under controlled laboratory conditions and may not directly apply to other animal species, different environmental conditions, or human health. The study lasted eight weeks, so long-term safety and efficacy beyond this period are unknown. Before implementing lemongrass oil supplementation in farm animals, consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist familiar with your specific animals and climate. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional veterinary or agricultural advice. Results from animal studies do not automatically translate to human applications.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.