According to Gram Research analysis, adding a plant-based supplement rich in polyphenols to chicken feed improved breeding success in brown egg-layer chickens. Roosters receiving the supplement produced sperm with better movement and fewer abnormalities, while hens maintained egg quality while eating less feed. Most importantly, eggs from supplemented parents hatched at higher rates and produced heavier, healthier chicks with reduced embryonic death.
A new study tested whether a plant-based supplement called Elife® could improve egg production and chick health in brown egg-laying chickens. Researchers gave some chickens regular feed and others feed mixed with the plant extract, which is rich in natural compounds called polyphenols. The results showed that chickens receiving the supplement produced healthier eggs that hatched better, and the baby chicks were heavier and healthier. This suggests that natural plant additives might be a practical way to improve chicken farming without using artificial chemicals.
Key Statistics
A 2026 research article in Poultry Science found that roosters receiving 1 kg of Elife® plant extract per ton of feed showed significantly improved sperm motility and increased proportions of morphologically normal sperm compared to control birds.
According to a 2026 study of 210 brown egg-layer hens, those receiving the plant supplement at 1 kg per ton of feed maintained egg quality while consuming less feed than control birds, while their eggs showed improved hatchability rates.
A 2026 poultry study demonstrated that combined parental supplementation with the plant extract Elife® reduced early embryonic mortality and increased day-old chick weight compared to unsupplemented breeding birds.
Research published in 2026 showed that brown egg-layer breeders receiving a polyphenol-rich plant supplement produced eggs with significantly better hatchability without affecting body weight or feed intake in females.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether adding a plant-based supplement (Elife®) to chicken feed improves egg quality, hatchability, and chick health in breeding chickens.
- Who participated: Two separate experiments: 30 male Rhode Island Red roosters and 210 female White Plymouth Rock hens, all between 54-70 weeks old, divided into three groups receiving different feed treatments.
- Key finding: Chickens fed the highest dose of the plant supplement (1 kg per ton of feed) produced eggs with better hatchability rates, fewer dead embryos, and heavier, healthier chicks compared to control birds.
- What it means for you: If you raise chickens for eggs or breeding, adding this natural plant supplement to feed may improve your flock’s reproductive success and chick quality without changing how much they eat or their body weight. Results are promising but come from controlled farm studies.
The Research Details
Researchers conducted two separate experiments with chickens to test a plant-based feed supplement. In the first experiment, they divided 30 roosters into three groups: one group ate regular feed (control), one group ate feed with a medium dose of the supplement, and one group ate feed with a higher dose. They measured sperm quality every four weeks. In the second experiment, 210 hens were divided the same way, and researchers tracked egg production, egg quality, and how well eggs hatched over several months. Both experiments lasted about four months with birds aged 54-70 weeks old.
The supplement being tested, called Elife®, contains natural plant compounds called polyphenols—specifically flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and phenolic acids. These compounds are known to reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage. The researchers hypothesized that these protective properties would improve the quality of sperm and eggs, leading to better embryo development and healthier chicks.
This approach is important because it tests a practical, real-world application of plant science in animal agriculture. Rather than just studying the compounds in a lab, the researchers measured actual farm outcomes like egg hatchability and chick weight, which directly affect farming success.
This research matters because it bridges the gap between laboratory science and practical farming. Many studies show that plant compounds have protective properties, but fewer studies test whether these benefits actually work in real farming conditions. By measuring both the biological changes (sperm quality) and the practical outcomes (chick weight and hatchability), this research provides evidence that farmers can actually use.
The study was published in Poultry Science, a peer-reviewed journal focused on chicken and poultry research. The researchers used clear control groups and measured multiple outcomes, which strengthens the findings. However, the study tested only one specific commercial product and one breed of chicken, so results may not apply to all chicken types or other supplements. The sample sizes were moderate (30 roosters and 210 hens), which is reasonable for farm studies but smaller than some human nutrition studies.
What the Results Show
Roosters receiving the highest dose of the plant supplement showed significantly better sperm quality. Specifically, their sperm moved more actively (improved motility) and had fewer abnormal shapes compared to roosters eating regular feed. Importantly, the supplement didn’t change how much the roosters ate or their body weight, suggesting it worked without requiring dietary trade-offs.
In the hens, the results were equally promising. Those receiving the highest supplement dose actually ate slightly less feed than control hens while maintaining the same egg quality—meaning they produced equally good eggs on less food. More importantly, eggs from hens receiving the supplement hatched at higher rates, meaning more eggs successfully developed into chicks.
When researchers combined the results from both male and female birds receiving the supplement, the benefits multiplied. Eggs from supplemented parents showed reduced early embryonic death (fewer embryos dying in the first week of incubation) and produced heavier, healthier day-old chicks. This suggests the supplement improved both egg quality and sperm quality, creating better conditions for embryo development.
The study found that the medium dose of supplement (0.5 kg per ton of feed) produced some improvements but not as dramatic as the higher dose. This suggests there may be a dose-response relationship—meaning more supplement produced better results, at least up to the highest dose tested. The researchers did not test even higher doses, so it’s unclear if benefits would continue increasing or plateau. Additionally, the supplement appeared to work through multiple pathways: improving sperm quality in males, supporting egg quality in females, and reducing embryonic stress in developing chicks.
This research builds on earlier studies showing that plant polyphenols reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage. Previous research suggested these compounds could improve reproductive health, but this is one of the first studies to demonstrate the complete chain of benefits—from improved sperm and egg quality all the way to healthier chicks. The findings align with growing interest in using natural plant compounds instead of synthetic additives in animal feed, reflecting a broader trend toward more natural farming practices.
The study tested only one commercial product (Elife®) in one breed of chicken, so results may not apply to other supplements or chicken breeds. The research was conducted in controlled farm settings, which may not perfectly reflect all real-world farming conditions. The study didn’t measure long-term effects beyond the 16-week testing period, so it’s unclear if benefits persist over multiple breeding seasons. Additionally, the researchers didn’t test whether the supplement works equally well in different climates or with different feed types. Finally, the study doesn’t explain exactly how the supplement works at the cellular level, only that it produces measurable improvements.
The Bottom Line
Based on this research, adding the plant-based supplement Elife® at the highest tested dose (1 kg per ton of feed) appears to improve breeding success in brown egg-layer chickens. The evidence is moderately strong for this specific product and chicken breed. If you raise breeding chickens, this supplement may be worth considering, particularly if you’re looking to improve hatchability rates and chick quality. However, consult with a poultry nutritionist to determine if it’s appropriate for your specific flock and farming conditions.
This research is most relevant to commercial and small-scale chicken breeders who want to improve egg hatchability and chick quality. It may also interest poultry farmers looking to reduce feed costs while maintaining productivity, since supplemented hens ate less while producing equally good eggs. The findings are less relevant to people who keep backyard chickens purely for eggs (not breeding) or those raising chickens for meat rather than eggs.
Based on the study timeline, improvements in sperm quality appeared within four weeks of starting the supplement. Improvements in egg hatchability and chick quality would likely appear within one to two breeding cycles (roughly 4-8 weeks), though the study measured results over a 16-week period. Farmers should expect to see measurable differences within one to two months of adding the supplement to their flock’s feed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does adding plant supplements to chicken feed really improve egg hatchability?
Research shows that adding Elife® plant supplement at 1 kg per ton of feed improved hatchability rates and reduced early embryonic death in brown egg-layer chickens. Results were measured over 16 weeks in controlled studies, though real-world results may vary by flock and farming conditions.
What plant compounds in the supplement help chicken reproduction?
The supplement contains polyphenols—specifically flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and phenolic acids—which reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage. These compounds improved sperm quality in roosters and supported egg quality in hens, leading to healthier embryo development.
Will using this supplement reduce my chicken feed costs?
Hens receiving the supplement ate slightly less feed while producing equally good eggs, suggesting potential feed cost savings. However, the supplement itself adds cost, so overall savings depend on the supplement’s price and your current feed expenses.
How long does it take to see improvements in chick quality after adding the supplement?
Sperm quality improvements appeared within four weeks in roosters. Improvements in hatchability and chick weight would likely appear within one to two breeding cycles (4-8 weeks), though the study measured results over 16 weeks.
Does this supplement work for all chicken breeds or just brown egg-layers?
This study tested only brown egg-layer chickens (Rhode Island Red roosters and White Plymouth Rock hens), so results may not apply to other breeds. Consult a poultry nutritionist to determine if the supplement would work for your specific chicken breed.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track weekly hatchability rates (percentage of eggs that successfully hatch) and average chick weight at hatching before and after adding the supplement. Record these metrics for at least 4-8 weeks to see meaningful changes.
- If using a poultry management app, log the date you introduce the supplement, the dose per ton of feed, and which flocks receive it. Set weekly reminders to measure and record hatchability rates and chick weights so you can compare results over time.
- Create a simple spreadsheet or use your app to track: (1) percentage of eggs that hatch successfully each week, (2) average weight of day-old chicks, (3) number of embryos that die early in incubation, and (4) feed consumption per bird. Compare these metrics for 4-8 weeks before and after introducing the supplement to determine if it’s working for your specific flock.
This research describes results from controlled farm studies of a specific commercial supplement in brown egg-layer chickens. Results may not apply to other chicken breeds, supplements, or farming conditions. Before adding any supplement to your flock’s feed, consult with a veterinarian or poultry nutritionist to ensure it’s appropriate for your birds and farming situation. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional agricultural or veterinary advice. Individual results may vary based on flock health, feed quality, environmental conditions, and management practices.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.