Research shows that lily bulb extract added to chicken feed at 600 milligrams per kilogram improves growth speed, reduces the amount of feed needed per pound of meat gained, and produces higher quality meat with less moisture loss during cooking. A 2026 study of 240 chickens found that all doses of lily extract increased daily weight gain, while the 600 mg/kg dose most consistently improved feed efficiency and meat quality by reducing cooking loss in both breast and leg muscles.
Researchers tested whether a natural extract from lily bulbs could help chickens grow faster and produce better meat. They fed 240 young chickens different amounts of lily bulb extract for 53 days and measured how well they grew, the quality of their meat, and the health of their digestive systems. According to Gram Research analysis, the chickens that received the lily extract gained weight faster, needed less food to grow, and had better quality meat with less moisture loss during cooking. The extract also improved the chickens’ intestinal health by increasing beneficial bacteria and compounds that support digestion.
Key Statistics
A 2026 study of 240 yellow-feathered broiler chickens found that dietary supplementation with lily bulb core extract at 600 and 900 mg/kg reduced cooking loss in both breast and leg muscles compared to chickens fed regular feed.
Research published in 2026 showed that all doses of lily bulb extract increased cecal butyrate levels in chickens, with the 900 mg/kg dose producing the highest concentration of this beneficial digestive compound.
A 2026 controlled trial with 240 chickens demonstrated that 300 and 600 mg/kg of lily bulb core extract improved the intestinal lining structure by increasing the villus-height-to-crypt-depth ratio compared to control chickens.
In a 2026 study of 240 broiler chickens, dietary supplementation with 300 and 600 mg/kg lily bulb core extract reduced feed conversion ratio, meaning chickens needed less food to gain weight compared to unsupplemented birds.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether adding lily bulb extract to chicken feed would make the chickens grow faster, produce better meat, and have healthier digestive systems.
- Who participated: 240 one-day-old male yellow-feathered broiler chickens divided into four groups that received different amounts of lily bulb extract or no extract for 53 days.
- Key finding: Chickens fed lily bulb extract grew faster and needed less food to reach their target weight. The 600 mg/kg dose produced the best overall results, improving both growth and meat quality.
- What it means for you: This research suggests that lily bulb extract, a waste product from food processing, could be a natural way to improve chicken farming efficiency and meat quality. However, this is animal research, and the findings don’t directly apply to human nutrition.
The Research Details
Scientists divided 240 baby chickens into four equal groups. One group received regular chicken feed with no additions. The other three groups received the same feed plus different amounts of lily bulb extract (300, 600, or 900 milligrams per kilogram of feed). All chickens ate their assigned diet for 53 days, which is the typical time it takes to raise chickens for meat production.
The researchers measured several things throughout the study: how much weight each chicken gained each day, how much food each chicken needed to gain one pound of weight, and the quality of the meat after cooking. They also examined the chickens’ intestines under a microscope to see if the extract changed their digestive system structure. Finally, they tested the chickens’ droppings to measure beneficial compounds and identify which bacteria were living in their digestive systems.
This type of study is called a controlled experiment because the researchers carefully controlled everything except the lily extract dose, allowing them to see the true effects of the supplement.
This research approach is important because it tests a practical, real-world application. Lily bulbs are processed for human food, and the cores are usually thrown away. If the extract from these waste parts can improve chicken farming, it solves two problems at once: it reduces waste and improves farm efficiency. The study measured multiple outcomes (growth, meat quality, and digestive health) rather than just one thing, giving a complete picture of how the extract works.
This study was well-designed with a large sample size (240 chickens) and multiple treatment groups, which strengthens the findings. The researchers measured objective outcomes like weight gain and meat quality, not just subjective observations. However, the study was conducted in a controlled farm setting, so results might differ in real-world conditions. The study focused only on one breed of chicken, so the results may not apply to all chicken types.
What the Results Show
All three doses of lily bulb extract increased how fast the chickens grew from day 1 to day 53. The chickens that received the extract gained more weight each day compared to chickens eating regular feed. The two lower doses (300 and 600 mg/kg) were especially effective at reducing feed conversion ratio, meaning the chickens needed less food to gain each pound of weight. This is important for farming because it reduces costs and waste.
Meat quality improved significantly with the higher doses of extract. When researchers cooked the chicken meat, the meat from chickens fed 600 or 900 mg/kg of extract lost less moisture during cooking. This means the meat stayed juicier and more tender, which consumers prefer. The 600 mg/kg dose appeared to be the sweet spot, producing the best overall combination of growth speed, feed efficiency, and meat quality.
The extract also improved the structure of the chickens’ small intestines. The intestinal lining became healthier and more effective at absorbing nutrients, particularly at the 300 and 600 mg/kg doses. This improved intestinal health likely explains why the chickens grew better and needed less feed.
The lily extract increased levels of butyrate, a beneficial compound produced by gut bacteria that supports intestinal health and overall digestion. All three extract doses increased butyrate, with the highest dose (900 mg/kg) producing the most butyrate. While the overall diversity of bacteria in the chickens’ digestive systems didn’t change dramatically, certain types of beneficial bacteria became more common in chickens fed the extract. These changes suggest the extract works by feeding beneficial bacteria and improving the digestive environment.
This study builds on previous research showing that plant extracts can improve animal health and farm productivity. Similar compounds from other plants have been shown to improve intestinal health and growth in chickens. However, lily bulb extract is relatively unstudied, making this one of the first detailed examinations of its effects. The results are consistent with how other plant-based supplements work: by improving gut bacteria balance and intestinal health, which then improves overall growth and meat quality.
This study was conducted in a controlled farm environment with one specific breed of chicken, so results might differ with other chicken breeds or in different farming conditions. The study lasted 53 days, which is the normal growing period for meat chickens, but we don’t know if the benefits would continue longer. The research focused only on chickens, so we cannot assume these results would apply to other animals or to humans. The study didn’t test whether the extract is safe at very high doses or whether it could have any negative effects over longer periods.
The Bottom Line
For chicken farmers: Consider using lily bulb extract at 600 mg/kg of feed as a natural way to improve growth efficiency and meat quality. The evidence is strong that this dose produces consistent benefits. For consumers: This research doesn’t directly affect what you should eat, but it suggests that using food processing waste products to improve farm efficiency is possible and beneficial. Confidence level: Moderate to High for chicken farming applications.
Chicken farmers and poultry producers should pay attention to these findings as a way to improve their operations naturally. Food processing companies that produce edible lilies could benefit from finding a use for their waste products. Consumers interested in sustainable farming practices may appreciate that this research shows how waste can be reduced. This research does not directly apply to human nutrition or health.
In a chicken farming context, the benefits appear within the 53-day growing period, with improvements visible in growth rate and feed efficiency within the first few weeks. For farmers considering adopting this practice, they could expect to see cost savings and improved meat quality in their next production cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does lily bulb extract actually help chickens grow faster?
Yes, research shows all doses of lily bulb extract increased average daily weight gain in chickens over 53 days. The 600 mg/kg dose produced the most consistent overall improvements in both growth speed and feed efficiency.
What is the best amount of lily bulb extract to give chickens?
The 600 mg/kg dose produced the best overall results in the study, improving growth, reducing feed needed per pound of meat, and improving meat quality. This dose also improved intestinal health more consistently than higher doses.
How does lily bulb extract improve chicken meat quality?
The extract improves intestinal health and increases beneficial bacteria compounds called butyrate. Better intestinal health helps chickens absorb nutrients more efficiently, leading to better growth and higher quality meat that retains more moisture during cooking.
Can I use lily bulb extract for other animals besides chickens?
This study only tested chickens, so we don’t know if the results apply to other animals. Additional research would be needed to determine if lily bulb extract provides similar benefits for pigs, cattle, or other livestock.
Is lily bulb extract safe for chickens?
The study found no negative effects at any of the tested doses (300, 600, or 900 mg/kg) during the 53-day growing period. However, long-term safety and effects at very high doses have not been studied.
Want to Apply This Research?
- For farmers using this research: Track daily feed consumption per bird and average weight gain weekly. Measure cooking loss percentage when processing meat. Monitor these metrics before and after introducing lily bulb extract to quantify improvements in your specific operation.
- Farmers could implement a gradual transition to lily bulb supplementation, starting with one batch of chickens at the 600 mg/kg dose while maintaining a control group on regular feed. This allows them to compare results directly in their own farming conditions before full adoption.
- Establish baseline metrics for your current operation (feed conversion ratio, meat quality, production costs). After introducing lily bulb extract, track the same metrics monthly for at least three production cycles to confirm the benefits hold in your specific conditions and to identify any seasonal variations.
This research was conducted on chickens and does not directly apply to human health or nutrition. Farmers considering using lily bulb extract should consult with their veterinarian or poultry nutrition specialist before making changes to their feeding programs. Results may vary based on chicken breed, farm conditions, and feed formulation. This summary is for informational purposes and should not replace professional agricultural or veterinary advice.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.