A 2026 study of 32 sheep found that adding 2% licorice extract to feed significantly improved antioxidant protection, immune function, and digestive efficiency compared to control animals. According to Gram Research analysis, the licorice-supplemented sheep showed reduced cellular damage markers and improved gut bacteria balance, suggesting this natural byproduct could be a cost-effective health booster for livestock.
Researchers tested whether adding licorice extract to sheep feed could improve their health and digestion. They fed 32 sheep different amounts of licorice extract (0%, 1%, 2%, or 3%) for 75 days and measured changes in their blood, immune system, and gut bacteria. According to Gram Research analysis, the sheep that received 2% licorice extract showed the best improvements in antioxidant protection, immune function, and digestion efficiency. The extract appeared to reduce harmful inflammation markers and improve the balance of beneficial gut bacteria. These findings suggest licorice extract could be a natural, cost-effective way to keep farm sheep healthier.
Key Statistics
A 2026 research article examining 32 Karakul sheep found that 2% licorice crude extract supplementation significantly enhanced serum antioxidant capacity and reduced MDA (oxidative stress marker) compared to control animals receiving no supplement.
In a 75-day feeding trial with 32 sheep, the 2% licorice extract dose produced the most consistent improvements in humoral immunity and rumen fermentation efficiency, with benefits plateauing at higher doses.
Sheep receiving 2% licorice extract showed a significant increase in beneficial Firmicutes bacteria and a notable reduction in potentially harmful Prevotella bacteria in their digestive systems compared to control sheep.
A 2026 study of 32 sheep demonstrated that licorice crude extract supplementation improved gastrointestinal enzyme activities and digestive efficiency in a dose-dependent manner, with optimal results at the 2% inclusion level.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether adding licorice extract to sheep feed improves their overall health, immune system, digestion, and gut bacteria balance
- Who participated: 32 Karakul sheep of similar body weight, divided into 4 groups receiving different amounts of licorice extract supplement over 75 days
- Key finding: Sheep receiving 2% licorice extract showed the most consistent improvements in antioxidant protection, immune function, and digestive efficiency compared to control sheep
- What it means for you: Licorice extract appears to be a natural, affordable feed additive that could improve livestock health and reduce farming costs, though more research in other animal species is needed before broader application
The Research Details
This was a controlled feeding trial where researchers divided 32 sheep into four equal groups. Each group received the same base diet, but with different amounts of licorice extract added: none (control group), 1%, 2%, or 3%. The sheep ate these diets for 75 days while researchers regularly measured changes in their blood chemistry, immune system markers, and gut bacteria composition.
Licorice extract was chosen because it’s a leftover product from licorice processing that contains natural compounds called flavonoids and polysaccharides. These compounds are known to fight inflammation and oxidative stress (cellular damage from unstable molecules). The researchers wanted to find the optimal amount to add to sheep feed—enough to be beneficial without being wasteful or causing problems.
The study measured multiple health indicators including antioxidant capacity (the body’s ability to fight cellular damage), immune function (how well the body fights infection), rumen fermentation (how well the stomach breaks down food), and the types of bacteria living in the sheep’s digestive system.
This research approach is important because it tests a practical, real-world application of a natural byproduct. Rather than using expensive pharmaceutical additives, farmers could potentially use licorice extract—a waste product—to improve animal health. The study measured multiple health markers simultaneously, giving a complete picture of how the supplement affects the whole animal rather than just one aspect.
The study used a randomized, controlled design with similar animals in each group, which is a solid research approach. However, the sample size of 32 sheep is relatively small, and the study only lasted 75 days. The research was conducted on one specific sheep breed (Karakul), so results may not apply equally to other sheep breeds or livestock. The study was published in Frontiers in Microbiology, a peer-reviewed journal, which means other experts reviewed the work before publication.
What the Results Show
The sheep receiving 2% licorice extract showed the strongest overall health improvements. Their blood antioxidant levels increased significantly, meaning their bodies were better protected against cellular damage. The extract also boosted their immune system’s ability to fight infections, measured by increased antibody production in their blood.
The 2% licorice group showed improved digestion efficiency in their rumen (the main stomach chamber where sheep break down plant material). The bacteria in their digestive system shifted toward a healthier balance, with increased beneficial Firmicutes bacteria and decreased potentially harmful Prevotella bacteria. These changes suggest the sheep could extract more nutrition from their food.
Interestingly, the benefits followed a dose-dependent pattern up to 2%, meaning more extract was better up to that point. However, the 3% dose didn’t provide additional benefits, suggesting 2% is the optimal amount. The control group (no licorice extract) showed none of these improvements, confirming the extract itself caused the changes.
The study found that licorice extract reduced MDA (malondialdehyde), a marker of oxidative stress and cellular damage. Lower MDA levels indicate less inflammation and cellular damage occurring in the body. The extract also improved the activity of digestive enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract, meaning the sheep could break down and absorb nutrients more efficiently. These secondary findings support the primary conclusion that licorice extract promotes overall health through multiple mechanisms.
Previous research has shown that licorice contains compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but most studies tested purified licorice compounds rather than crude extract (the whole plant material). This study is valuable because it tests the actual byproduct farmers could use, which is more practical and cost-effective. The findings align with earlier research suggesting that plant-based feed additives can improve ruminant health, but this is one of the first studies specifically examining licorice extract in sheep at different dose levels.
The study only included one sheep breed (Karakul), so results may not apply equally to other sheep breeds or cattle. The 75-day study period is relatively short; longer-term effects are unknown. The research was conducted in a controlled farm setting, which may not reflect real-world conditions with variable feed quality and environmental stress. The study didn’t measure long-term productivity outcomes like weight gain or wool quality, only physiological markers. Finally, the mechanism explaining exactly how licorice extract improves gut bacteria balance needs further investigation.
The Bottom Line
Based on this research, adding 2% licorice extract to sheep feed appears safe and beneficial for improving health markers and digestion (moderate confidence level). This recommendation applies specifically to Karakul sheep and similar breeds. Farmers interested in trying this should start with small amounts and monitor their animals’ health. The extract should not replace standard veterinary care or established feeding practices. More research is needed before recommending this for other livestock species.
Sheep farmers and livestock producers interested in natural, cost-effective ways to improve animal health should pay attention to this research. Veterinarians working with sheep may find this useful for recommending feed additives. Consumers interested in how farm animals are raised may appreciate that licorice extract is a natural byproduct rather than a synthetic chemical. However, this research doesn’t apply to humans eating licorice—the study only examined sheep digestion and metabolism.
Based on this 75-day study, farmers could expect to see improvements in sheep health markers within 2-3 months of adding 2% licorice extract to feed. However, visible changes like improved coat quality or weight gain may take longer. The digestive system changes (improved bacteria balance and enzyme activity) likely begin within weeks but stabilize over the full 75-day period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can licorice extract improve sheep health and digestion?
Research shows that 2% licorice extract added to sheep feed significantly improves antioxidant protection, immune function, and digestive efficiency within 75 days. The extract appears to promote beneficial gut bacteria growth and reduce cellular damage markers.
What is the best amount of licorice extract to give sheep?
A 2026 study found that 2% licorice extract provided the most consistent health benefits across multiple measures. Higher doses (3%) didn’t improve results further, suggesting 2% is the optimal supplementation level for sheep.
How does licorice extract affect sheep gut bacteria?
Licorice extract shifts the bacterial community toward a healthier balance by increasing beneficial Firmicutes bacteria while reducing potentially harmful Prevotella bacteria. This improves the sheep’s ability to digest food and extract nutrients.
Is licorice extract safe for sheep to eat?
The 75-day study found no adverse effects from licorice extract at doses up to 3%, suggesting it’s safe for sheep consumption. However, long-term safety data beyond 75 days is not yet available from this research.
How long does it take to see benefits from licorice extract in sheep?
Based on the 75-day study, measurable improvements in blood antioxidant levels and immune markers appeared within the study period. Visible health changes like improved coat quality may take longer than physiological improvements.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track weekly body weight and monthly blood antioxidant levels (if testing is available) to monitor the effects of licorice extract supplementation on individual animals
- Farmers could use the app to log the exact percentage of licorice extract added to each batch of feed and correlate it with observed health improvements in their sheep herd
- Create a long-term tracking system comparing health markers (weight gain, coat quality, disease resistance) between sheep receiving 2% licorice extract and control animals over 6-12 months
This research describes effects of licorice extract in sheep only and should not be applied to human consumption or other animal species without additional research. Farmers considering licorice extract supplementation should consult with a veterinarian before implementation. This study measured physiological markers over 75 days; long-term safety and efficacy data are limited. Results apply specifically to Karakul sheep and may not generalize to other breeds. This information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional veterinary or agricultural advice.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.