Marigold flower extract as a feed additive in the poultry diet: Effects on laying quail performance and egg quality

Abstract

Background: Marigold (Tagetes erecta) Flower Extract (MFE) is a natural source of carotenoid as a feed additive in the poultry diet. Objective: This study was conducted to determine the effect of MFE as feed additive on production performances and egg quality of quail. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and seven weeks old Coturnix coturnix japonica laying quail were used in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four dietary treatments: 0, 5, 10 and 15 ppm MFE in the diets with five replicates each. Variable measured were feed intake, hen-day egg production, egg weight, egg mass production, feed conversion, egg cholesterol, egg fat and yolk color. Results: It was observed that feed intake, egg production, feed conversion, egg cholesterol and yolk color were significantly affected (p<0.05) by increasing MFE content in the diet. Feed intake, hen-day egg production and yolk color achieved the best results when 15 ppm MFE was included in the diet and resulted in the lowest levels of egg cholesterol and feed conversion. Conclusion: This study shows that 15 ppm MFE in the poultry diet improved production performance and increased egg quality (reduced egg cholesterol and increased egg yolk color) of Coturnix coturnix japonica laying quail.