According to Gram Research analysis, a 35-day study of 216 quails found that combining Lactobacillus farciminis probiotic and chia seed oil significantly increased SOD antioxidant enzyme activity by 23% and boosted butyrate levels in the gut, though the supplements did not improve growth rate or bone strength. The probiotic alone increased protective glutathione levels by 31%, suggesting these natural supplements may protect animal cells from damage even without visible growth improvements.
Researchers tested whether a probiotic bacteria called Lactobacillus farciminis and chia seed oil could improve the health of young quails. Over 35 days, 216 baby quails received either nothing, the probiotic alone, chia oil alone, or both together. While the birds didn’t grow bigger or stronger bones, the combination treatment did boost certain protective molecules in their bodies. The probiotic increased a protective compound called glutathione, while chia oil enhanced antioxidant enzymes. These findings suggest natural supplements might help protect animal cells from damage, even if they don’t immediately show up as bigger, stronger birds.
Key Statistics
A 2026 study of 216 Japanese quails published in BMC Veterinary Research found that combining Lactobacillus farciminis probiotic and Salvia hispanica (chia) oil significantly increased SOD antioxidant enzyme activity and butyrate concentration in the gut, though growth performance and bone strength showed no significant changes.
In a 35-day controlled trial with 216 quails, Lactobacillus farciminis supplementation alone increased glutathione (GSH) levels by approximately 31% compared to control birds, demonstrating selective enhancement of cellular antioxidant defenses.
A 2026 research article examining 216 quails found that the combination of probiotic and chia oil produced a significant synergistic interaction for SOD activity, suggesting these two natural supplements may enhance each other’s protective effects in the digestive system.
According to a BMC Veterinary Research study of 216 birds over 35 days, chia oil supplementation influenced multiple antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, indicating broad effects on cellular defense mechanisms.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether a beneficial bacteria (probiotic) and chia seed oil, alone or together, could improve the health, growth, and strength of young quails.
- Who participated: 216 one-day-old Japanese quails divided into four equal groups: a control group receiving no supplements, a probiotic-only group, a chia oil-only group, and a combined treatment group. All birds were raised under identical conditions for 35 days.
- Key finding: The combination of probiotic and chia oil significantly boosted SOD (an antioxidant enzyme) activity and butyrate (a beneficial gut compound) levels compared to controls, though growth and bone strength showed no significant changes.
- What it means for you: For poultry farmers, this suggests natural supplements might protect animal cells from damage and support gut health without requiring antibiotics. However, these benefits didn’t translate to faster growth or stronger bones in this study, so more research is needed before widespread adoption.
The Research Details
This was a controlled experiment with 216 baby quails randomly divided into four equal groups. One group served as the control (no supplements), while the other three received either Lactobacillus farciminis probiotic bacteria, Salvia hispanica (chia) oil, or both combined. All birds ate the same basic diet of corn and soybeans and lived in identical conditions for 35 days.
The researchers chose these two supplements because they work differently: the probiotic bacteria strengthen the intestinal barrier (the lining of the digestive system), while chia oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protective plant compounds that fight cellular damage. By testing them separately and together, scientists could see if they worked better alone or in combination.
At the end of the 35-day period, researchers collected blood samples and examined the birds’ leg bones (femur and tibia) along with gut contents to measure growth, bone strength, antioxidant levels, and gut fermentation products.
This research approach matters because it tests natural alternatives to antibiotics in animal farming. As antibiotic resistance becomes a global health threat, finding safe, natural ways to support animal health is increasingly important. Testing both supplements separately and together reveals whether they complement each other or work independently.
This study was published in BMC Veterinary Research, a peer-reviewed scientific journal, which means experts reviewed the work before publication. The large sample size (216 birds) and controlled conditions strengthen the findings. However, the study was conducted only in quails, so results may not directly apply to chickens, turkeys, or other poultry. The 35-day timeframe is relatively short, so longer-term effects remain unknown.
What the Results Show
The most striking finding was that neither supplement alone, nor the combination, significantly affected how fast the birds grew, how much they ate, or how efficiently they converted food to body weight. Similarly, the birds’ leg bones showed no differences in length, width, or strength between groups.
However, the supplements did influence protective molecules in the birds’ blood. The probiotic alone increased glutathione (GSH), a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage. Chia oil influenced several antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Most notably, when the probiotic and chia oil were combined, they significantly boosted SOD activity—a key enzyme that neutralizes harmful free radicals in cells.
In the birds’ digestive systems, the combination treatment also increased butyrate levels, a short-chain fatty acid produced by gut bacteria that nourishes intestinal cells and supports overall health. This suggests the two supplements may work synergistically in the gut, even if this didn’t translate to visible improvements in growth or bone strength during the study period.
Other measured parameters—including malondialdehyde (MDA, a marker of cellular damage), total short-chain fatty acids, and various blood chemistry markers like albumin and total protein—showed no significant differences between groups. This suggests the supplements’ protective effects were selective rather than broad-based. The interaction between the probiotic and chia oil was particularly interesting for SOD activity and butyrate, indicating these two supplements may enhance each other’s effects in specific ways.
Previous research has shown that probiotics like Lactobacillus farciminis can strengthen intestinal barriers and that omega-3-rich oils like chia can reduce inflammation. This study confirms that these supplements do influence antioxidant defenses and gut fermentation, supporting earlier findings. However, unlike some previous studies, this research found no improvements in growth performance, suggesting that cellular protection doesn’t automatically translate to faster growth in young birds under optimal conditions.
The study lasted only 35 days, which is relatively short for detecting long-term health benefits. Results apply specifically to Japanese quails, so findings may not directly transfer to chickens or other poultry species. The study measured growth and bone strength at only one time point (the end), so researchers couldn’t track changes over time. Additionally, the study didn’t measure actual disease resistance or immune response to infections, which might reveal benefits not captured by growth metrics. The mechanisms explaining why SOD and butyrate increased remain unclear.
The Bottom Line
For poultry producers interested in antibiotic alternatives, this research suggests that combining Lactobacillus farciminis and chia oil may support cellular antioxidant defenses and gut health markers. However, confidence in recommending these supplements for growth improvement is low, as this study found no significant effects on weight gain or feed efficiency. The findings are most relevant for producers prioritizing disease prevention and cellular health over rapid growth.
Poultry farmers seeking antibiotic-free production methods should find this research relevant, particularly those raising quails or considering similar supplements for other poultry. Veterinarians advising on natural health supplements may find the antioxidant and butyrate findings useful. However, conventional producers focused primarily on maximizing growth rates may see limited practical value. Pet bird owners should not apply these findings without consulting an avian veterinarian, as dosages and effects differ between species.
The study measured changes over 35 days, so any benefits in antioxidant status and gut health would likely appear within 4-5 weeks of supplementation. However, improvements in disease resistance or long-term health outcomes might take longer to manifest and would require additional research to confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does adding probiotics and chia oil to poultry feed make birds grow faster?
No. A 2026 study of 216 quails found that combining Lactobacillus farciminis and chia oil did not significantly affect growth rate, weight gain, or feed efficiency over 35 days, despite boosting antioxidant defenses.
What antioxidant benefits do probiotics and chia oil provide to birds?
The probiotic increased glutathione (a protective molecule) by 31%, while chia oil enhanced multiple antioxidant enzymes including SOD, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Combined, they significantly boosted SOD activity in a 216-bird study.
Can these supplements replace antibiotics in poultry farming?
This study doesn’t directly test disease resistance or infection prevention. While the supplements enhanced cellular antioxidant defenses and gut health markers, more research is needed to confirm whether they effectively prevent disease like antibiotics do.
How long does it take to see health benefits from these supplements?
Changes in antioxidant enzyme activity appeared within 35 days in this quail study. However, longer-term benefits like improved disease resistance would require extended observation periods not covered in this research.
Do probiotics and chia oil work better together or separately?
The study found a significant synergistic interaction: combined supplementation boosted SOD activity and butyrate levels more effectively than either supplement alone, suggesting they enhance each other’s effects in the digestive system.
Want to Apply This Research?
- For poultry producers using these supplements, track weekly weight gain, feed consumption, and feed conversion ratio (pounds of feed per pound of weight gained) to monitor whether supplements affect growth. Additionally, monitor flock health indicators like mortality rate, disease incidence, and medication use to assess disease prevention benefits.
- Implement a supplementation protocol by adding Lactobacillus farciminis (1 × 10⁹ CFU/kg) and chia oil (0.2 g/kg) to the feed for a 35-day trial period. Record baseline health metrics before starting, then compare post-supplementation results to establish whether these supplements benefit your specific flock.
- Create a long-term tracking system that measures antioxidant-related health markers (reduced disease incidence, improved feather quality, better stress resilience) alongside traditional growth metrics. Use the app to log weekly observations of flock behavior, health status, and feed efficiency to identify patterns that growth metrics alone might miss.
This research was conducted in Japanese quails over 35 days and may not apply to other poultry species or longer timeframes. The study measured antioxidant markers and gut health indicators but did not directly test disease resistance or infection prevention. Before implementing these supplements in commercial poultry operations, consult with a veterinarian or poultry nutritionist, as dosages, effectiveness, and safety may differ based on species, age, health status, and local regulations. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional veterinary advice.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.