We are proud to announce the publication of a new peer-reviewed study in Poultry Science, one of the most respected journals in poultry research. The study, led by Prof. Zhigang Song from Shandong Agricultural University, evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with PhytoShield P in broiler breeders and examined not only breeder performance and egg quality, but also the impact on the next generation. 

Conducted under commercial conditions with 60,000 broiler breeders, the study demonstrated significant improvements in breeder health, egg quality, and offspring resilience, highlighting the potential of phytogenic-based premixes as a sustainable strategy for modern poultry production. 

Breeder Hens: Better Health and Reproductive Environment

Supplementation with PhytoShield P improved the physiological status of breeder hens by reducing inflammation and enhancing antioxidant defenses in key organs. 

• Improved intestinal morphology, including higher villus height and villus-to-crypt ratio, indicating enhanced nutrient absorption capacity. 
• Improved antioxidant status and lower inflammation in the liver. 
• Reduced inflammatory markers and increased antioxidant activity in the ovary and uterus. 

These improvements help raise healthier birds and create a better reproductive environment, supporting egg formation and overall breeder performance. 

Breeder Roosters: Enhanced Antioxidant Status

The benefits were not limited to hens. Roosters receiving PhytoShield P supplementation also showed significant improvements in antioxidant defenses. 

• Increased antioxidant markers in blood serum. 
• Reduced inflammatory indicators and increased antioxidant status in intestinal and liver tissues. 

These findings indicate improved overall health and oxidative stress resilience in breeder males. 

Eggs: Stronger Shells and Superior Quality

One of the most commercially relevant outcomes was the improvement in egg quality parameters. 

• +13.8% eggshell strength. 
• +11.7% albumen height. 
• +7.7% Haugh Units. 
• Higher percentage of eggs suitable for incubation. 

These results demonstrate that PhytoShield P helps produce stronger, higher-quality eggs while improving the efficiency of the whole operation. 

Chicks: Benefits Passed to the Next Generation

Perhaps the most exciting finding was the evidence of a maternal carry-over effect. Chicks hatched from supplemented breeders exhibited: 

• Lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines during the first week of life. 
• Higher antioxidant enzyme activity in serum and tissues. 
• Better feed utilization during the first week post-hatch. 

These results suggest that improving breeder health can positively influence offspring health and robustness from the very beginning of life. 

Advancing Poultry Health Through Phytogenic Nutrition

The authors conclude that PhytoShield P provides a practical nutritional strategy to improve breeder health, enhance egg quality, and strengthen the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity of the next generation. The study reinforces the growing body of evidence supporting phytogenic feed additives as valuable tools for sustainable poultry production. 

Reference

Sun, H., Sun, P., Zhang, X., Hamada, O., Kong, L., & Song, Z. (2026). Effects of thymol and eugenol supplementation on reproductive performance, egg quality, and offspring health in broiler breeders. Poultry Science, 105, 107193.