Samson Oladokun unveils Essential Oil Research Advances Broiler Production and Gut Health Management

In a major advance for poultry science, Nigerian PhD researcher Samson Oladokun has helped lead an international team in revealing how natural essential oil blends can rival antibiotics in promoting healthy growth and disease resistance in broiler chickens. For decades, poultry producers have relied on low-dose antibiotics to boost growth and maintain flock health. With growing concerns about antibiotic resistance and increasing consumer demand for cleaner meat, scientists such as Oladokun are testing innovative alternatives, including probiotics, organic acids and essential oils.

“Our goal was to compare the effects of natural essential oils to those of traditional antibiotics while exploring different delivery routes that could maximize benefits for poultry health and productivity,” explained Oladokun. The research team incubated 576 broiler eggs and divided them among several treatment groups. Some eggs received no injection. Others were injected with saline, while another group was injected in ovo with a commercial blend of essential oils containing star anise, cinnamon, rosemary and thyme. After hatching, chicks were assigned to different treatments that included various combinations of essential oils in water, antibiotics in feed and control diets. Birds were monitored for growth performance, gut health and changes in gene expression. Samples from the small intestine, ceca and liver were collected and analyzed for microbiome composition, short-chain fatty acids and liver transcriptome (RNA) profiles.

The study found no difference in overall bacterial diversity between treatment groups. However, there were clear differences in the types and distribution of bacteria in the small intestine. Chickens given antibiotics had increased levels of Eisenbergiella, Lachnoclostridium and Shuttleworthia, bacterial groups associated with improved weight gain and feed conversion. The research also provided preliminary evidence that antibiotics and essential oils may act differently in male and female broilers. In male birds, antibiotics appeared to activate genes involved in nutrient transport, which may support faster growth. In female birds, essential oils appeared to activate immune-related genes, suggesting a potential role in enhancing immunity.

These findings are highly relevant for Nigeria’s poultry sector, which must balance the need for high productivity with the global push to reduce antibiotic use. By showing that essential oils delivered either in ovo or through drinking water can influence gut microbiota and gene expression, Oladokun’s work supports the development of natural strategies to improve bird health and performance. Animal health companies can use this information to develop targeted “precision biotics,” or specific probiotic and essential oil products designed to enhance growth in broilers. Poultry geneticists can also apply the gene-level insights to breed more efficient and resilient chickens suited to local production systems. Supported by funding partners and industry collaborators, this research illustrates how scientific innovation can answer practical questions in modern poultry production and provide safer, sustainable tools for farmers. As Samson Oladokun continues his research, his work offers promising new options for poultry producers and contributes to efforts to build a more competitive and sustainable poultry industry in Nigeria.