In modern poultry production, natural feed additives are increasingly being identified by producers as alternative sources to synthetic products to enhance poultry health, productivity, and product quality. Among these natural alternatives, marigold extract, which is primarily derived from Tagetes erecta or African marigold, has been identified as a good additive. With high contents of bioactive compounds such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and flavonoids, marigold extract has the dual advantage of improving poultry immune response and egg yolk pigmentation.
Knowledge about Marigold Extract
Marigold extract is taken out from dry Tagetes erecta flowers via solvent extraction. Its most valuable components are the carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, both belonging to the category of xanthophylls. Marigold flower extract, a natural pigment, was used to determine its effect on carcass and skin pigmentation, immunity and growth performance of broiler chickens. Two hundred and forty 1-day-old Arbor Acres broiler chicks were randomly distributed into four treatment groups with six replicates in a randomized block design. Birds were fed basal diet for 42 d with or without supplementation of marigold flower extract at various concentrations, i.e., 0 (MG0, control), 100 (MG100), 150 (MG150) and 200 (MG200) mg/kg of feed, respectively.
Marigold extract aside from the carotenoids, contains diverse phenolic substances, flavonoids, as well as various essential oils having antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, as well as immunomodulatory action.
Flower petals from the pot marigold plant (Calendula officinalis) have been used in traditional medicines since the 12th century. The fresh or dried petals are often used topically and used in tinctures, ointments, and washes. C. officinalis is native to the Mediterranean but is now found worldwide as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. C. officinalis contains high levels of flavonoids.
Specific applications studied in poultry include:
- Snake-repellent: Marigold is said to contain chemicals which act as a natural snake repellent.
- Egg quality: Marigold is known to increase the pigmentation of egg yolks in laying hens. Also, when it was supplemented in the diet at half the dosage (10 g/kg), it increased the shell strength of the egg, resulting in a significant increase in the saturated fatty acids but a decrease in total monounsaturated fatty acids.
- Aroma: Marigold has a memorable, sweet, resin-like smell and it aroma has the ability to detract pests from neighboring plants.
- Immune enhancer: C. officinalis water extract can reduce the immune response to three different viruses in chickens, associated with improvement in body weights.
- Insect-repellent: Marigold flowers put off a distinctive smell which mosquitoes don't like. Positioning a potted marigold near coop entrances or surrounding the outdoor enclosure is helpful in keeping away mosquitoes.
Benefits for Chickens
- Egg Yolk Enhancement: Like calendula, the blooms of Tagete species are rich in xanthophylls, which can deepen the orange color of egg yolks when the chickens are fed fresh or dried marigold petals or marigold extract.
- Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties: The flowers contain compounds that promote blood vessel and tissue regeneration while reducing inflammation.
- Pest Control: Marigolds can deter pests around the coop and in the nest boxes when sprinkled in or mixed into the bedding.
- Pollinator Attraction: During the growing season, they can help attract pollinators and beneficial insects, improving the ecosystem around your chicken coop.
Effects on Egg Yolk Pigmentation
One of the most well-documented uses of marigold extract in poultry feeding is for egg yolk color improvement. Yolk color is a significant quality attribute for consumers and is established by carotenoid intake from the diet.
Mechanism of Pigmentation
Carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin are deposited directly into the egg yolk. These xanthophylls are absorbed in the small intestine of hens and transported via the bloodstream to the ovary, where they become sequestered in developing oocytes. This results in a darker yellow to orange richer yolk color.
Scientific Evidence
Marigold flower powder supplementing layer diets significantly improves yolk color scores without affecting egg production. Supplementation with marigold enhances the levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in egg yolks, which is indicated by increased values of pigmentation of yolk.
Immune-Enhancing Activity of Marigold Extract
Aside from pigmentation, marigold extract offers noteworthy immunomodulatory activity. The flavonoids, saponins, and carotenoids in marigold have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities that support the immune system.
Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Function
Poultry immune systems are frequently subjected to stressors such as heat, pathogens, and crowded farm environments. Antioxidants inhibit oxidative stress that otherwise inactivates the immune response.
Lutein and zeaxanthin have been reported to regulate cytokine production and increase antibody titers in broilers and layers. Flavonoids in marigold can potentially reduce the concentration of pro-inflammatory markers such as IL-6 and TNF-α to promote immune balance.
Enhancing Gut Immunity
The gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) is a critical part of avian defense immunity. Some studies show that marigold extract supports gut immunity by increasing healthy intestinal morphology and microbial balance.
Marigold feeding elevates intestinal villus height and crypt depth in broilers, indicating improved nutrient absorption and gut integrity. Additionally, lutein has been found to induce higher expression of tight junction proteins and thereby improve gut barrier integrity.
Benefits in Broiler Production
Marigold extract is not restricted to layers. In broilers, it may also enhance growth performance, immune status, and carcass quality.
Growth Performance and Feed Efficiency
There have been several trials which have shown the ability of marigold supplementation to slightly enhance daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in broilers.
Dietary inclusion of marigold extract increases body weight gain and reduces FCR of broiler chickens. The improvement may be owing to improved nutrient digestibility and tolerance to immunity, reducing the energy wasted on combating diseases.
Additional Health Benefits
Eye Health and Oxidative Stress
Lutein and zeaxanthin have particular utility for eye health in birds. These carotenoids concentrate in the retina and protect ocular tissues against light-induced oxidative damage. This is of utmost importance in commercially raised poultry, which are subject to intense illumination.
Lutein supplementation in birds has proven to provide improved eye histology and retinal pigment density.
Reduced Mortality and Disease Occurrence
By enhancing global immunity and reducing oxidative stress, marigold extract indirectly may reduce mortality rates and incidence of common diseases such as coccidiosis and respiratory disease.
Dosage and Inclusion Rates
Optimal dose of marigold extract varies with the objective of interest:
- For egg pigmentation, inclusion rates are typically between 5 and 20 g/kg feed.
- For antioxidant defense and immunity, adequate doses are slightly greater-at the order of 10 to 30 g/kg, depending upon the concentration of the extract.
- Commercial marigold powders or extracts must be standardized with respect to lutein content for consistency in results.
Comparison with Synthetic Pigments and Additives
Despite widespread usage in poultry feed of synthetic pigments like canthaxanthin, their long-term safety and consumer acceptance continue to generate increasing concern.
Marigold extract is a natural, consumer-favored alternative with increased health benefits. Moreover, it is also considered generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and suitable for use in conventional and organic production systems.
Limitations and Considerations
Despite the benefits, there are certain limitations:
- Cost: Natural extracts are more expensive than synthetic ones.
- Variation in color: Results may vary depending on extract quality and bird metabolism.
- Oxidation: Marigold extract is heat and light sensitive and requires proper storage and handling.
However, with appropriate formulation and procurement, these drawbacks can be averted.
Conclusion
Marigold extract powder is a multi-functional, natural poultry feed supplement. Not only does it enhance egg yolk color because of its high lutein and zeaxanthin levels, but it also enhances immune function, gut health, and overall performance in layers and broilers. With consumers increasingly looking for natural and health-enhancing products, marigold extract offers a worthwhile avenue for profitable and sustainable poultry production.
References
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