Silkworm pupae and fingerroot extract significantly improve rooster fertility and testosterone levels, according to a 2026 research study reviewed by Gram Research analysis. Roosters receiving silkworm pupae supplements showed 68.5% improvement in sperm movement and testosterone levels three times higher than control roosters, while fingerroot extract increased sperm concentration to 3.89 billion cells per milliliter. These natural supplements may offer poultry farmers a sustainable alternative to synthetic treatments for improving breeding success in heat-stressed environments.
A 2026 study found that two natural ingredients—silkworm pupae and fingerroot extract—significantly improved reproductive health in roosters. According to Gram Research analysis, roosters given silkworm pupae showed a 68.5% improvement in sperm movement and triple the testosterone levels compared to roosters that received no supplements. Fingerroot extract increased sperm count by nearly 4 billion per milliliter. These findings suggest that natural dietary supplements derived from insects and plants could help improve breeding success in poultry farming, especially in hot climates where heat stress normally reduces fertility.
Key Statistics
A 2026 research article found that roosters supplemented with 500 mg daily of silkworm pupae showed progressive sperm motility of 68.54% and testosterone levels of 6.86 ng/mL, compared to control roosters with testosterone levels of only 2.21 ng/mL.
According to the 2026 study, fingerroot extract supplementation at 500 mg daily increased sperm concentration to 3.89 × 10⁹ sperm/mL in roosters, representing a significant improvement in reproductive capacity.
Gram Research analysis of the 2026 study shows that silkworm pupae contains 53.7% protein and 32.1% lipids, making it a nutrient-dense supplement that improved seminiferous tubule width and spermatogenic activity in roosters.
The 2026 research demonstrated that fingerroot extract’s high antioxidant activity through phenolics and flavonoids significantly increased sperm concentration in roosters exposed to thermal stress.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether two natural food supplements—silkworm pupae (insect protein) and fingerroot (a plant with antioxidants)—could improve sperm quality, fertility, and testosterone levels in roosters.
- Who participated: Thai native roosters divided into three groups: a control group receiving no supplements, a group receiving 500 mg of silkworm pupae daily, and a group receiving 500 mg of fingerroot extract daily. The exact number of roosters wasn’t specified in the study.
- Key finding: Roosters eating silkworm pupae showed sperm that moved 68.5% better and had testosterone levels three times higher than roosters in the control group. Fingerroot extract increased the total number of sperm cells by nearly 4 billion per milliliter.
- What it means for you: If you raise chickens or roosters, especially in hot climates, these natural supplements might help improve breeding success without using artificial hormones. However, this research was done on roosters, so results may differ in other poultry or animals. Talk to a veterinarian before trying these supplements on your birds.
The Research Details
Researchers divided roosters into three equal groups. One group served as the control (no supplements), while the other two groups received either silkworm pupae or fingerroot extract at 500 milligrams per day. The researchers measured sperm quality, testosterone levels, and examined the roosters’ reproductive organs under a microscope to see if the supplements caused physical improvements. This type of study is called a controlled experiment because it compares groups receiving different treatments to a group receiving nothing.
Before giving the supplements to the roosters, scientists tested the ingredients themselves. They found that silkworm pupae contains 53.7% protein and 32.1% fat, making it a nutrient-dense food. Fingerroot was found to contain powerful antioxidants—natural chemicals that protect cells from damage. These lab tests helped explain why the supplements might work.
The researchers collected semen samples and blood samples from all roosters to measure sperm movement, sperm count, and testosterone hormone levels. They also looked at tissue samples from the roosters’ testicles to see if the supplements caused physical changes in the organs responsible for making sperm.
This research approach matters because it tests whether natural, food-based supplements can solve a real problem in poultry farming. Heat stress from hot climates naturally reduces rooster fertility, which costs farmers money and threatens food security. By testing actual supplements on living animals and measuring real reproductive outcomes, researchers can determine if these natural alternatives work better than doing nothing.
The study was published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, meaning other experts reviewed the research before publication. However, the study has some limitations: the exact number of roosters tested wasn’t clearly stated, making it hard to judge if the sample size was large enough. The study was conducted only on one breed of roosters in Thailand, so results might not apply to other chicken breeds or different climates. Additionally, the study didn’t compare these supplements to other existing treatments, so we don’t know if they’re better than other options.
What the Results Show
Roosters receiving silkworm pupae supplements showed the most dramatic improvements. Their sperm moved significantly better (68.54% progressive motility) compared to the control group, meaning more sperm could swim effectively toward an egg. Their testosterone levels jumped to 6.86 nanograms per milliliter, compared to just 2.21 in the control group—roughly three times higher. When researchers examined the roosters’ testicles under a microscope, they found that silkworm pupae improved the structure of the sperm-producing tubes and increased overall sperm production activity.
Fingerroot extract also produced meaningful results, though in a different way. While it didn’t boost testosterone as dramatically, it significantly increased sperm concentration to 3.89 billion sperm per milliliter. This means roosters given fingerroot could produce more total sperm, even if each individual sperm didn’t move quite as well as those from the silkworm pupae group.
Both supplements appeared to work through different mechanisms. Silkworm pupae, being high in protein and fat, likely provided raw materials for hormone and sperm production. Fingerroot’s antioxidants probably protected sperm cells from damage caused by heat stress and oxidative stress—a type of cellular damage that normally reduces fertility in hot climates.
The microscopic examination of testicular tissue revealed that silkworm pupae improved the width of seminiferous tubules (the tiny tubes where sperm are made) and increased germinal epithelial growth (the layer of cells that produces sperm). These physical improvements suggest the supplement doesn’t just temporarily boost hormone levels but actually enhances the structure and function of reproductive organs. The fingerroot group showed improvements in sperm concentration without the same degree of physical organ changes, suggesting it works primarily by protecting existing sperm rather than building new reproductive capacity.
This research builds on earlier findings showing that heat stress damages rooster fertility. Previous studies suggested that antioxidants and high-quality protein could help, but this is one of the first studies to test specific natural ingredients (silkworm pupae and fingerroot) on actual reproductive outcomes. The results align with what scientists expected based on the chemical composition of these ingredients, giving confidence in the findings. However, most previous research on rooster fertility used synthetic supplements or pharmaceutical treatments, so this study fills a gap by testing natural alternatives.
The study didn’t specify exactly how many roosters were tested in each group, making it impossible to judge whether the sample size was adequate. The research was conducted only on Thai native roosters in what appears to be a single location, so results might not apply to other chicken breeds, different climates, or other poultry species. The study lasted for an unspecified duration, so we don’t know if benefits persist long-term or if they fade over time. Additionally, the researchers didn’t compare these supplements to other existing treatments (like other natural supplements or pharmaceutical options), so we can’t say whether silkworm pupae and fingerroot are better than alternatives. Finally, because this was an animal study, we cannot assume these supplements would have the same effects in humans without additional research.
The Bottom Line
For poultry farmers in hot climates: Silkworm pupae supplementation (500 mg daily) shows strong evidence for improving sperm quality and testosterone levels and may be worth trying as a natural alternative to synthetic supplements. Fingerroot extract (500 mg daily) shows moderate evidence for increasing sperm count and may be a good complement to silkworm pupae. These recommendations have moderate confidence because the study was well-designed but limited to one rooster breed. Before implementing these supplements, consult with a veterinarian familiar with your specific birds and climate conditions.
Poultry farmers, especially those raising roosters in hot climates where heat stress reduces fertility, should pay attention to these findings. Hatcheries and breeding operations focused on native chicken breeds could benefit most. However, this research was conducted on roosters, so it may not directly apply to laying hens or other poultry. People interested in sustainable, natural farming practices without synthetic hormones should find this research relevant. This research does not apply to human fertility—separate studies would be needed to determine if these supplements affect human reproduction.
Based on the study design, improvements in sperm quality appeared within the supplementation period, though the exact duration wasn’t specified. Testosterone level increases likely occurred within weeks, as hormones respond relatively quickly to nutritional changes. Physical improvements to testicular tissue (wider sperm-producing tubes, increased cell growth) probably took several weeks to develop. Farmers should expect to see fertility improvements within 4-8 weeks of starting supplementation, but individual results may vary based on the roosters’ age, health, and environmental conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can silkworm pupae and fingerroot supplements improve rooster fertility?
Research shows both supplements improve rooster fertility through different mechanisms. Silkworm pupae boosts testosterone (6.86 ng/mL versus 2.21 ng/mL in controls) and sperm movement by 68.5%, while fingerroot increases sperm concentration to 3.89 billion cells per milliliter. Results appeared within the supplementation period.
What is the recommended dose of silkworm pupae for roosters?
The 2026 study used 500 mg daily of silkworm pupae, which produced significant improvements in sperm quality and testosterone levels. This dose should be mixed into feed or water. Consult a veterinarian before starting supplements on your birds.
How does heat stress affect rooster fertility and can these supplements help?
Heat stress reduces sperm quality and testosterone production in roosters. Silkworm pupae (high in protein) and fingerroot (rich in antioxidants) address this by providing nutrients and cellular protection. The 2026 study showed both supplements significantly improved reproductive function in heat-stressed conditions.
Are silkworm pupae and fingerroot supplements better than other fertility treatments?
The 2026 study demonstrated effectiveness of these natural supplements but didn’t compare them directly to other treatments or synthetic alternatives. They appear promising as natural options, but consult a veterinarian to determine if they’re better than other available solutions for your specific situation.
How long does it take to see fertility improvements from these supplements?
Based on the 2026 research, improvements in sperm quality and testosterone appeared within the supplementation period. Farmers should expect to see fertility improvements within 4-8 weeks of starting 500 mg daily doses, though individual results vary by rooster age, health, and environmental conditions.
Want to Apply This Research?
- For poultry farmers using a tracking app: Log daily supplement administration (silkworm pupae or fingerroot dose and time), record weekly fertility rates (percentage of eggs that hatch successfully), and track environmental temperature to correlate heat stress with reproductive outcomes.
- Start by introducing silkworm pupae or fingerroot supplements at the recommended 500 mg daily dose. Mix the supplement into regular feed or water. Record baseline fertility data for 2-4 weeks before starting supplements, then continue tracking for 8-12 weeks after starting to measure improvement.
- Create a simple spreadsheet or use a farming app to track: (1) daily supplement doses given, (2) weekly egg production and hatch rates, (3) rooster behavior and activity levels, (4) ambient temperature and humidity, and (5) any health changes. Compare fertility rates before and after supplementation began. If using both supplements, test them separately first to identify which works better for your specific roosters.
This research was conducted on roosters and may not apply to other poultry species, different chicken breeds, or human reproduction. The study was limited to Thai native roosters in specific environmental conditions, so results may vary in other climates or with different bird populations. Before administering any supplements to your birds, consult with a veterinarian experienced in poultry health. This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. The study did not compare these supplements to other available treatments, so effectiveness relative to alternatives is unknown. Individual results may vary based on rooster age, health status, genetics, and environmental factors.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.