Research shows that adding Amla and Bhuiamla herbs to broiler chicken feed significantly improves growth and heat tolerance in hot climates. A 2026 study of 420 chickens raised in 39°C heat found that birds receiving both herbs at 1 kg each per ton of feed gained more weight, maintained lower body temperatures, developed stronger immunity, and produced better quality meat compared to control birds, with no harmful side effects.
A new study tested two traditional Indian herbs—Amla and Bhuiamla—added to chicken feed to help birds handle extreme heat stress. Researchers fed 420 broiler chickens different amounts of these herbs over 42 days in naturally hot conditions reaching 39°C (102°F). Birds that received the herb combination grew faster, had lower body temperatures, stronger immune systems, and better meat quality than chickens on regular feed. According to Gram Research analysis, the combination of both herbs at the highest dose produced the best results, suggesting these natural supplements could help poultry farmers in tropical climates raise healthier, more productive chickens.
Key Statistics
A 2026 research article of 420 broiler chickens found that supplementation with Amla and Bhuiamla herbs improved cumulative body weight gain and feed conversion ratio compared to control birds, with the greatest response in the group receiving 1 kg Amla plus 1 kg Bhuiamla per ton of feed.
In a 42-day study of broiler chickens under moderate to severe heat stress (maximum temperature 39°C), birds receiving herbal supplementation showed lower body surface temperature particularly in the head region and enhanced immune response with higher antibody titers against Newcastle disease compared to unsupplemented controls.
Research reviewed by Gram found that dietary supplementation with Amla and Bhuiamla increased glutathione peroxidase activity (an antioxidant enzyme), reduced lipid peroxidation markers, and lowered the heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in broiler chickens, indicating improved cellular protection against heat-induced oxidative stress.
A 2026 study of 420 broiler chicks in tropical conditions demonstrated that herbal anti-stressor supplementation improved ready-to-cook yield and eviscerated yield (meat quality measures) with no adverse effects on mortality rates across all supplemented treatment groups.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether two traditional herbs (Amla and Bhuiamla) added to chicken feed could help broiler chickens handle extreme heat and grow better
- Who participated: 420 day-old broiler chicks (Ven Cobb-430 breed) divided into 7 groups, raised for 42 days in naturally hot tropical conditions with temperatures reaching 39°C
- Key finding: Chickens receiving the combination of both herbs at 1 kg of each per ton of feed showed the best growth, lower body temperatures (especially in the head), stronger immune responses, and better meat quality compared to control chickens
- What it means for you: If you raise chickens in hot climates, adding these natural herbs to feed may help your birds stay cooler, grow faster, and produce better quality meat without using medications. Results are promising but more research in controlled conditions is needed to confirm exact dosing.
The Research Details
Researchers divided 420 newly hatched broiler chicks into seven equal groups. One group received normal feed (control), while the other six groups received the same feed plus different amounts of Amla, Bhuiamla, or combinations of both herbs. The birds lived in conventional open-sided chicken houses in tropical conditions where temperatures naturally fluctuated between 28°C average and 39°C maximum—conditions that create heat stress for chickens. The study lasted 42 days, which is the typical growing period for broiler chickens raised for meat.
Researchers measured multiple outcomes: how much weight the chickens gained, how much feed they ate relative to weight gain, their body surface temperature (using thermal imaging), immune system strength (by measuring antibody response to Newcastle disease vaccine), antioxidant levels in the blood, and final meat quality and organ weights. They also tracked mortality rates to ensure the herbs didn’t harm the birds.
The heat stress conditions were significant—during the finisher phase (days 22-42), the temperature-humidity index reached 74.04, which indicates moderate to severe heat stress for chickens. This realistic tropical environment made the study relevant to actual farming conditions in warm climates.
This research approach matters because it tests herbs under real-world conditions rather than artificial laboratory settings. Tropical poultry farmers face genuine heat stress challenges daily, so studying herbs in naturally hot environments shows whether they actually work where farmers need them. The study measured multiple health markers—not just weight gain—to understand how the herbs work, including immune function and antioxidant protection, which are the biological mechanisms that help chickens handle heat.
The study used a proper control group and multiple treatment groups with adequate replication (6 replicates per treatment with 10 birds each), which strengthens the reliability of findings. The researchers measured objective outcomes like body weight and temperature rather than relying on subjective observations. However, the study was conducted in natural conditions with temperature fluctuations, which makes results more realistic but slightly less controlled than laboratory studies. The authors acknowledge this and call for follow-up studies under more controlled thermal conditions to confirm the dose-response relationships.
What the Results Show
Chickens that received the herb supplements grew significantly heavier than control birds, with the best results in the group receiving both Amla and Bhuiamla at 1 kg each per ton of feed. These supplemented birds also converted feed to body weight more efficiently, meaning they gained more weight from the same amount of food—a key measure of poultry production efficiency.
Body surface temperature was notably lower in supplemented groups, particularly in the head region. This is important because heat stress causes chickens to have elevated body temperatures, which reduces their appetite and growth. By lowering body temperature, the herbs appear to help chickens maintain normal eating and growth patterns even in extreme heat.
Immune system markers improved significantly in supplemented birds. The foot web index (a measure of immune response) was higher, and antibody titers against Newcastle disease were stronger, indicating better protection against this serious poultry disease. Additionally, the ratio of heterophils to lymphocytes (white blood cell types) was lower in supplemented birds, suggesting reduced stress and better immune balance.
Antioxidant status improved substantially. Glutathione peroxidase activity—an important antioxidant enzyme that protects cells from damage—was higher in supplemented birds. Lipid peroxidation (a marker of cellular damage from heat stress) was reduced, indicating the herbs protected cells from oxidative stress caused by extreme heat.
Meat quality improved in supplemented birds. Ready-to-cook yield and eviscerated yield (the percentage of usable meat) were higher in all supplemented groups compared to control. Relative organ weights were also improved, suggesting better organ development and function. Importantly, there were no increases in mortality rates in any supplemented group, confirming the herbs were safe and didn’t harm the birds at any dose tested.
This research builds on traditional knowledge of Amla and Bhuiamla in Ayurvedic medicine, where both herbs are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The study is among the first to systematically test these specific herbs in broiler chickens under heat stress. Previous research has shown that various herbal supplements can help poultry handle heat, but this study is notable for testing a combination approach and measuring multiple biological markers of stress and immunity. The findings align with the known antioxidant properties of both herbs and suggest these traditional remedies have measurable benefits in modern poultry production.
The study was conducted in natural tropical conditions with temperature fluctuations, which makes results realistic but less controlled than laboratory studies. The researchers note that further studies under controlled thermal stress conditions are needed to confirm the findings and establish precise dose-response relationships. The study measured outcomes at 42 days (typical market age for broilers), so long-term effects beyond this period are unknown. Additionally, while the study tested multiple doses, it didn’t explore whether even higher doses might be beneficial or if there’s a point where more herb supplementation provides no additional benefit.
The Bottom Line
For poultry farmers in tropical and subtropical climates: Consider supplementing broiler feed with a combination of Amla and Bhuiamla at 1 kg each per ton of feed. This combination showed the strongest benefits for growth, heat tolerance, and meat quality. The herbs appear safe at tested doses with no adverse effects. Confidence level: Moderate—results are promising from this well-designed study, but confirmation in additional controlled studies would strengthen recommendations.
Broiler chicken farmers in hot climates (tropical and subtropical regions) should pay attention to these findings, as heat stress is a major production challenge. Commercial poultry operations seeking natural alternatives to medications for heat stress management would benefit. Farmers already using herbal supplements may find this research validates their approach. Those in temperate climates with occasional heat waves might also benefit. Consumers interested in naturally raised poultry may appreciate knowing about these herb-based approaches.
Based on this 42-day study, improvements in growth rate and feed efficiency should be visible within 2-3 weeks of starting supplementation. Body temperature reductions and immune improvements likely occur within a similar timeframe. For maximum benefit, herbs should be added to feed before heat stress season begins or from the start of the growing period. Long-term benefits beyond 42 days are not yet established.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Amla and Bhuiamla herbs to help my chickens survive hot weather?
Yes, research shows both herbs together significantly improve heat tolerance in broiler chickens. A 2026 study found that birds receiving 1 kg each of Amla and Bhuiamla per ton of feed grew faster, maintained lower body temperatures, and showed stronger immunity during extreme heat (39°C) compared to unsupplemented birds.
What is the best dose of these herbs to add to chicken feed?
The most effective combination tested was 1 kg of Amla plus 1 kg of Bhuiamla per ton of feed. This dosage produced the best results for growth performance, body temperature reduction, immune response, and meat quality in the 42-day study of 420 broiler chickens.
Do these herbal supplements have any negative side effects on chickens?
No adverse effects were observed in the study. Mortality rates remained normal across all supplemented groups, and meat quality actually improved. The herbs appeared completely safe at all tested doses, with no harmful impacts on bird health or production.
How quickly will I see improvements if I add these herbs to my flock’s feed?
Improvements in growth rate and feed efficiency should become visible within 2-3 weeks of starting supplementation. Body temperature reductions and immune system improvements likely occur within a similar timeframe, though the study measured outcomes at 42 days of age.
Are these herbs only helpful for chickens in tropical climates?
The study was conducted in tropical conditions with temperatures reaching 39°C, so benefits are most clearly demonstrated for hot climates. However, any region experiencing heat stress during certain seasons could potentially benefit from these natural supplements.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track daily feed consumption and weekly body weight gain for your flock, comparing birds on supplemented feed versus control groups. Record ambient temperature and humidity daily to correlate heat stress levels with growth performance metrics.
- If you raise chickens, implement a feeding protocol that includes Amla and Bhuiamla supplementation (1 kg each per ton of feed) starting 2-3 weeks before your region’s hottest season. Monitor your birds’ behavior—supplemented birds should show more normal activity and eating patterns during peak heat hours compared to unsupplemented flocks.
- Establish a baseline of your current flock’s performance (weight gain, feed conversion, mortality) during hot months. After introducing herb supplementation, track the same metrics weekly for 6-8 weeks to measure improvement. Document any changes in bird behavior, water consumption, and heat-related stress signs. Compare results year-over-year to assess consistency of benefits.
This research describes results from a single 42-day study in tropical conditions. While findings are promising, they have not yet been independently replicated in controlled laboratory settings. Farmers should consult with their veterinarian or poultry nutritionist before making significant changes to feed supplementation. Results may vary based on local climate conditions, chicken breed, feed quality, and management practices. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional agricultural or veterinary advice. Always follow local regulations regarding feed additives and supplements for poultry.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.