As demand for natural, safe, and effective poultry production feed additives increases, marigold flower extract powder has been a focus of much attention for its positive impacts on bird productivity and health. Obtained from the bright yellow-orange petals of Tagetes erecta (popularly referred to as marigold), this extract is packed with bioactive compounds, such as carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. These compounds not only add to the visual beauty of egg yolks and chicken skin but also provide antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects.
In this blog, we dive into the science and application of marigold flower extract powder in poultry diets, highlighting its major benefits, modes of action, and scientific evidence for use.
1. What Is Marigold Flower Extract Powder?
Marigold flower extract powder is a concentrated ingredient obtained from ground and dried flowers of Tagetes erecta. It is normally standardized to lutein, a xanthophyll carotenoid, which is the major pigment contributing to its yellow color. The extract is frequently added to poultry feed as a natural color and health-enhancing supplement.
2. Carotenoids and Their Importance in Poultry
Carotenoids are lipophilic pigments in plants and some microorganisms. They cannot be synthesized endogenously in poultry, so birds need to get them from their feed. Lutein and zeaxanthin are two key carotenoids in marigold flower extract, and adding them to feed benefits:
- Egg yolk coloration
- Skin and shank color
- Antioxidant protection
- Immune regulation
- Reproductive performance
These functions are essential not just for consumer acceptability but also for the physiological health of poultry.
3. Improving Egg Yolk and Skin Colour
One of the best-established applications of marigold flower extract in the poultry diet is its ability to improve the yellow-orange colouration of egg yolks and broiler skin. This characteristic directly affects consumer satisfaction and marketability, particularly where highly coloured yolks are sought after.
Marigold extract delivers lutein in bioavailable form, to be absorbed into the intestinal wall and deposited in egg yolk and skin. Rates of inclusion in feed can be varied according to intensity of desired pigmentation.
4. Antioxidant Activity for Protection Against Disease
Marigold extract lutein and zeaxanthin are potent antioxidants. They scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibit oxidative stress in poultry. Oxidative stress is a major cause of inflammation, cellular damage, and compromised performance in birds.
Marigold extract supplementation has been reported to:
- Enhance plasma and tissue antioxidant status
- Decrease lipid peroxidation
- Protect against oxidative damage caused by heat stress or intensive farming
5. Supporting Immune Function
Apart from antioxidant action, carotenoids are involved in the support of immune function. Lutein in marigold extract has been reported to:
- Raise antibody titers after vaccination
- Enhance resistance to infection
- Modulate cytokine production to inhibit excessive inflammation
- They are important in maintaining the health of birds, particularly in antibiotic-free or low-antibiotic production systems.
6. Reproductive and Growth Performance
Although pigmentation and immunity are the main reasons for incorporating marigold extract in feed, some studies also hint at its potential role in enhancing reproductive well-being in layers and breeders. Antioxidants such as lutein could possibly safeguard ovarian tissues and boost egg production parameters.
In broilers, enhanced oxidative status can amount to superior feed conversion ratios, weight gains, and lessened mortality, though the effects may tend to vary with dosage levels as well as other dietary constituents.
7. Natural Alternative to Synthetic Pigments
Conventionally, synthetic dyes like canthaxanthin have been applied to intensify yolk and skin pigmentation. There is growing consumer interest in natural additives, and marigold extract provides a plant-based option without sacrificing effectiveness.
In addition, regulatory pressure in most nations is pushing manufacturers away from synthetic colorants due to possible health and environmental implications.
8. Suggested Dosage and Use
The optimal inclusion rate of marigold flower extract in poultry feed depends on:
- Level of desired pigmentation
- Age and species of the bird
- Initial carotenoid level of the diet
General inclusion levels are from 100 to 500 mg/kg of diet for moderate pigmentation. Higher levels might be needed for greater color intensity, particularly in breeder or layer diets.
One should also utilize stabilized forms of the extract because carotenoids are light-sensitive, heat-sensitive, and oxygen-sensitive.
9. Sustainability and Cost-Effectiveness
Marigold growth for feed additive production is comparably sustainable and conforms to natural and organic farm systems. Utilizing marigold extract encourages environmentally friendly manufacturing systems by limiting dependence on man-made additives.
Although the purchase price of marigold powder might be higher than synthetic coloring, its multipurpose advantages-enhancing color, immunity, and oxidative stability-can translate into overall increased productivity and health of birds.
Conclusion
Marigold flower extract powder is more than a natural poultry feed color. Its high concentration of lutein and other carotenoids benefits various aspects of bird health, such as egg and skin color, antioxidant health, immune function, and reproductive health. With consumer demand for natural and open animal production systems still trending upward, marigold extract presents a scientifically proven, real-world solution for poultry producers.
References
Surai, P. F. (2012). Nutritional modulation of gut health: Lutein as a key player. World's Poultry Science Journal, 68(4), 647–658.
Karadas, F., Grammenidis, E., Surai, P. F., Acamovic, T., & Sparks, N. H. (2006). Effects of carotenoids from lucerne, marigold and tomato on egg yolk pigmentation and carotenoid composition. British Poultry Science, 47(5), 561–566.
Lin, H., Decuypere, E., & Buyse, J. (2006). Acute heat stress induces oxidative stress in broiler chickens. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A, 144(1), 11–17.
Chew, B. P., Park, J. S., Wong, T. S., & Wong, M. W. (2000). Dietary lutein stimulates immune response in the domestic chicken. Poultry Science, 79(6), 944–949.
Galobart, J., et al. (2001). Effect of dietary supplementation with rosemary extract and alpha-tocopheryl acetate on lipid oxidation in eggs. Poultry Science, 80(4), 460–467.
EFSA FEEDAP Panel. (2013). Scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of Tagetes erecta L. extract when used as a feed additive for poultry. EFSA Journal, 11(12), 3508.
