In poultry farming, stress is one of the most underestimated challenges affecting bird health, immunity, productivity, and overall profitability. Whether triggered by heat, overcrowding, or poor nutrition, stress can weaken the immune system, reduce feed efficiency, and increase susceptibility to disease.

But nature offers powerful allies—and Amla (Indian Gooseberry) is one of them. Let's explore the causes of stress in poultry and how herbal interventions like Amla are reshaping natural poultry care.

What is Amla?

Amla (Phyllanthus emblica)is a fruit widely used in Ayurveda and traditional Indian medicine. It is naturally rich in Vitamin C, polyphenols, tannins, and flavonoids—compounds known for their immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties.

How Amla Helps Reduce Stress inPoultry

1. BoostsAntioxidant Defense

Stress increases the production of free radicals in the body. Amla is one of the richest natural sources of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) which helps neutralize these radicals and protects cells from oxidative damage.

In a 2023 study published in the "European Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences" (Vol. 5, Issue 5), researchers Kazal et al. found that supplementing broiler diets with Amla (Emblica officinalis) fruit powder significantly improved growth performance and reduced the negative effects of heat stress in poultry. (https://doi.org/10.24018/ejfood.2023.5.5.715)

2. Supports Immunity

Amla enhances the production of white blood cells and strengthens the birds' response to pathogens. It has been shown to:

• Increase resistance against common infections
• Reduce mortality during  high-stress seasons

3. ReducesCorticosterone Levels

Stress triggers the release of corticosterone, a hormone that suppresses immunity and growth. Phytochemicals in Amla help reduce corticosterone levels, thereby preserving growth performance and feed conversion efficiency.

4. Promotes Gut Health

Amla has mild antimicrobial properties and helps maintain gut integrity. A healthy gut reduces the impact on stress-related digestive issues, especially during antibiotic withdrawal or vaccine stress. (http://dx.doi.org/10.5958/2277-940X.2017.00035.3)

Key Benefits ofUsing Amla in Poultry Feed

• Naturalantioxidant and anti-stress adaptogen
• Improves weight gain and FCR
• Strengthens immunity and disease resistance
• Promotes liver function and detoxification
• Safe, residue-free, and compatible with organic practices

How to Use Amla in Poultry Farming

• In-feed herbal premix   (standardized Amla extract)
• Water-soluble tonic (during stress periods like transport or heatwaves)
• Daily supplementation during early growth, vaccination, or weather transitions

Always use standardized and quality-verified formulations to ensure consistent results.

Conclusion

Stress management in poultry is no longer just about managing temperature or improving ventilation. With the growing shift toward antibiotic-free and sustainable poultry production, herbal solutions like Amla are becoming essential.

Scientific studies and practical farm results are increasingly validating what traditional systems have long known—Amla supports stress resilience, enhances immunity, and protects poultry health naturally. (https://doi.org/10.24018/ejfood.2023.5.5.715)

Incorporating such botanicals into daily poultry care routines is a smart, future-forward choice for farmers aiming for both performance and sustainability.