The research published in the Bulletin of the National Research Centre by Hanaa A. Zied, Mona M. Elsayed, Magda A. Elkomy, Abeer E. Abdrabouh, and Hanaa T. El-Bahnasy demonstrates the powerful impact of biochar on the poultry environment. The primary finding of this investigation is that biochar acts as a highly effective filter for the environment where broiler chickens are raised. By incorporating biochar into standard sawdust bedding, researchers observed a dramatic transformation in the hygiene of both the litter and the surrounding air. In standard setups, bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella typically multiply rapidly over the five-week growing period, creating a significant health risk for the birds. However, the presence of biochar intervened in this cycle by physically adsorbing these pathogens, preventing them from reaching dangerous levels. This reduction in the microbial burden is critical because it removes a constant source of physiological stress from the chickens.

The study highlighted that the concentration of biochar matters significantly. While both ten percent and twenty percent amendments provided benefits, the ten percent concentration appeared to be the optimal level for promoting bird health. This specific balance effectively managed litter moisture and bacterial growth without over-saturating the environment with carbon. The chickens raised on the ten percent biochar litter exhibited a more robust cellular immune response. Specifically, the researchers found higher percentages of specialized immune cells known as CD4 and CD8 T-lymphocytes in the blood. These cells are the primary defenders against infections, and their increased presence suggests that biochar allows the birds to maintain a high state of readiness against disease. Furthermore, the levels of essential serum immunoglobulins, which are the antibodies that neutralize germs, were significantly higher in the treated groups compared to those raised on untreated sawdust.

Beyond blood chemistry, the positive effects of biochar were visible in the actual structure of the birds’ immune organs. The spleen and the thymus gland are vital for a chicken’s ability to fight off illness. In typical high-stress environments, these organs can show signs of damage or depletion of defensive cells. The investigation revealed that birds living with biochar had much healthier organ tissue, with well-defined structures and a rich supply of lymphocytes. In contrast, the control group showed evidence of tissue damage and cell death, likely caused by the high bacterial load and the stress of a less hygienic environment. This structural improvement confirms that the benefits of biochar are deep-seated, affecting the fundamental biological development of the broiler chickens.

Another important health marker analyzed was the ratio of different types of white blood cells, which serves as a reliable indicator of stress. High levels of certain stress-related cells relative to protective lymphocytes usually signal that a bird is struggling with its environment. The study found that biochar treatment effectively lowered this stress ratio. By creating a cleaner habitat with fewer airborne and litter-borne germs, biochar allows chickens to allocate more energy toward healthy growth and immune defense rather than constantly fighting off environmental stressors. This results in a more resilient bird that is better equipped to handle the challenges of industrial poultry production.

In conclusion, biochar represents a sustainable and highly effective tool for modern poultry management. By recycling poultry waste into biochar through high-temperature processing and then returning it to the litter as an amendment, farmers can create a circular system that promotes environmental health. The ability of biochar to suppress harmful bacteria while simultaneously boosting the immune capacity and reducing the stress levels of broiler chickens makes it a superior alternative to traditional bedding materials alone. These findings provide clear evidence that simple adjustments to litter management can lead to profound improvements in animal welfare and biological performance, ensuring a healthier production cycle for the poultry industry.

Source: Zied, H. A., Elsayed, M. M., Elkomy, M. A., Abdrabouh, A. E., & El-Bahnasy, H. T. (2026). Biochar litter amendment concerning environmental health and immunity in broilers. Bulletin of the National Research Centre, 50(36).