A mix of earthworm meal and Leuzea carthamoides, commonly referred to as maral root, has been shown to significantly improve broiler feed efficiency, as per a recent study by researchers from Perm National Research Polytechnic University in Russia.
Amid rising concerns regarding antibiotic use, Russian poultry farmers are increasingly seeking alternatives. A new law, effective in 2025, restricts antibiotic usage without a veterinarian’s consent, urging the exploration of diverse dietary supplements. Current alternatives, however, tend to exhibit limited effectiveness.
“Probiotics merely influence intestinal flora, while enzymes enhance feed digestibility without bolstering immune systems. Organic acids suppress select bacteria but fail to address the broader issues of systemic stress and diminished chicken immunity,” the researchers pointed out.
The study crafted a feed additive combining Leuzea carthamoides and earthworm meal in a 1:5 ratio.
Field Trial Unveils Benefits
A large-scale trial conducted at a poultry farm revealed that this innovative additive not only replaces antibiotics but also stimulates poultry growth, thereby enhancing industrial productivity.
“The birds were divided into two groups: one received standard feed, while the other was provided with the supplemented feed containing 10 g of the new formulation during a critical growth phase from day 8 to day 14. Daily weight checks, feed analysis, and health monitoring continued throughout their growth period until day 38,” explained Ksenia Malysheva, a senior laboratory assistant at the university.
By the conclusion of the trial, the broilers that received the additive weighed 2,309 g, exceeding the control group by 138 g. Notably, enhancements in product quality were recorded, with protein content in breast muscles rising from 22.43% to 23.46%, and in thigh muscles from 19.98% to 22.23%, making the fillet significantly more nutritious for consumers.
“The elevated protein levels contribute to enhanced meat nutrition, support tissue regeneration, and supply essential amino acids,” the researchers asserted.
Moreover, the weight of the pectoral muscles—the most prized cut—increased by 14.1%, while the net product yield per bird rose from 68.4% to 72%.
Boosting Profitability
These improvements led researchers to predict a remarkable 33% surge in overall profitability.
“For instance, from every 1,000 chickens raised, the poultry farm was able to secure an additional 64.5 kg of pure breast meat. With large enterprises raising millions of birds annually, this equates to significant quantities of premium-quality product without escalating feed costs,” added Sergei Solodnikov, a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
