For most backyard chicken keepers, our hens are more than just pets with feathers—they are hardworking providers of breakfast. We all want two things: a happy, healthy flock and a basket full of high-quality eggs.
While calcium and protein are staples in layer nutrition, new research suggests that a specific mushroom—Agaricus blazei Murrill (ABM), also known as the "Sun Mushroom"—can significantly upgrade your flock's egg production, egg quality, and overall longevity (Hong et al., 2024). Here is what the science says about adding Agaricus blazei to your layer’s diet.
1. More Eggs, Less Feed
A primary concern for any flock owner is the "feed-to-egg" ratio—essentially, how much feed does it take to get one egg? Research conducted on laying birds (specifically Korean quails, a common model for egg-laying poultry) found that supplementation with ABM polysaccharides significantly improved the feed-to-egg ratio (Hong et al., 2024).
In these studies, birds receiving ABM supplements showed higher average daily egg yield and a higher laying rate than those on a standard diet (Hong et al., 2024). Essentially, the mushroom extract helped the birds utilize their nutrition more efficiently, maintaining high production without requiring extra feed.
2. The "Haugh Unit": Fresher, Firmer Whites
Have you ever cracked an egg and watched the white run all over the pan like water? That is a sign of a low "Haugh unit," a measure of egg protein quality and freshness. Multiple studies have confirmed that ABM supplementation significantly increases egg Haugh units (Hong et al., 2024).
What this means for you: Eggs from hens fed this mushroom extract have firmer, thicker whites (albumen) and stay fresh longer (Hong et al., 2024).
Fewer "Bad" Eggs: The research also indicated a significant decrease in the rate of "unqualified" or inferior eggs (those with poor shells or defects) when birds were supplemented with ABM (Hong et al., 2024).
3. Healthier Yolks and Antioxidant Power
We often hear that "you are what you eat," and this applies to hens and their eggs. Agaricus blazei is a potent antioxidant. When hens consume it, that antioxidant capacity is transferred to the bird's tissues and potentially the egg yolk.
Slower Spoilage: Studies show that ABM reduces malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, a marker of lipid oxidation (fat spoilage), in poultry tissues (Fanhani et al., 2016). Lower MDA levels mean fats remain stable and fresh for longer.
Nutrient Density: Supplementation has been linked to increased levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the bird's meat, suggesting a potential for a healthier fatty acid profile in the eggs as well (Hong et al., 2024).
4. Metabolic Support for the Working Hen
Laying eggs is metabolically demanding. It puts immense stress on a hen's liver and fat reserves. Agaricus blazei acts as a metabolic regulator for your hardworking girls:
Cholesterol Management: The mushroom has a hypocholesterolemic effect, significantly reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol in the blood (Fanhani et al., 2016; Hong et al., 2024).
Fat Reduction: Supplementation has been shown to reduce the abdominal fat rate (Hong et al., 2024). This is crucial for backyard flocks, which are often prone to obesity from treats and lack of exercise; excess fat can lead to prolapse and egg-binding issues.
Gut Health: ABM acts as a prebiotic, modifying the intestinal microbiota to favor beneficial bacteria, thereby supporting the intestinal barrier and reducing inflammation (Hong et al., 2024). A healthy gut ensures your hens absorb the calcium and nutrients needed for shell production.
5. Better Feathering and Skin Health
While egg production is the goal, the bird's comfort is the priority. Research and product trials have noted that chickens receiving Agaricus blazei extracts in their water showed significantly better skin and feathering health (My Pet Chicken, n.d.). Because feather follicles can harbor bacteria during processing, healthier skin also means a cleaner, safer bird (Zhang et al., 2020).
How to Use It
Agaricus blazei is often available as a liquid extract or powder supplement. For backyard flocks, adding a water-soluble extract to their drinker is often the easiest method. Research suggests that even small amounts (such as 0.05% to 0.1% of the diet) can yield significant results in egg quality and immune health (Hong et al., 2024).
By adding this natural fungal supplement to your coop routine, you aren't just getting more eggs—you are getting firmer whites, fresher yolks, and supporting the metabolic health of the hens that provide them.
References
- Fanhani, J. C., Murakami, A. E., Guerra, A. F. Q. G., Nascimento, G. R., Pedroso, R. B., & Alves, M. C. F. (2016). Effect of Agaricus blazei in the diet of broiler chickens on immunity, serum parameters and antioxidant activity. Semina: Ciências Agrárias, 37(4), 2235–2246. https://doi.org/10.5433/1679-0359.2016v37n4p2235
- Hong, L., Ma, Z., Jing, X., Yang, H., Ma, J., Pu, L., & Zhang, J. (2024). Effects of dietary supplementation of polysaccharide from Agaricus blazei Murr on productive performance, egg quality, blood metabolites, intestinal morphology and microbiota of Korean quail. Animal Bioscience, 37(8), 1452–1462. https://doi.org/10.5713/ab.23.0441
- My Pet Chicken. (n.d.). Agaricus Mushroom Extract for Immune Health, 1 oz. My Pet Chicken. https://www.mypetchicken.com/products/agaricus-mushroom-extract-for-immune-health-packs-available
- Zhang, X., Peng, Z., Li, P., Mao, Y., Shen, R., Tao, R., Diao, X., Liu, L., Zhao, Y., & Luo, X. (2020). Complex internal microstructure of feather follicles on chicken skin promotes the bacterial cross-contamination of carcasses during the slaughtering process. Frontiers in Microbiology, 11, 571913. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2020.571913