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Natural Antibiotic Alternative for Animal Feed: Marigold Extract
Author : Naturalin Date : September 09, 2026 Click :
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Recently, the European Union issued notification G/SPS/N/EU/921/Add.1, announcing the formal adoption of the proposal in G/SPS/N/EU/921. This amendment revises and corrects the authorization conditions for high-content lutein extract and lutein/zeaxanthin extract derived from Tagetes erecta (marigold) as feed additives for poultry for meat production (except turkeys), laying poultry, and small poultry species, as set out in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1097. It also amends the authorization conditions for high‑content lutein extract as a feed additive for fattening turkeys under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1928.
What is Marigold Extract?
Marigold extract is a natural plant‑derived feed additive obtained from the flowers of Tagetes erecta (marigold) through extraction, concentration, and refining. Its core value lies not only in imparting a naturally bright yellow colour to poultry skin and egg yolks, but also in the deeper regulatory effects exerted by its diverse bioactive compounds on the animal organism.
Core Active Ingredients
· Lutein
· Zeaxanthin
· Flavonoids
Why Can Marigold Extract Serve as a Natural Antibiotic Alternative in Feed?
Efficient free-radical scavenging: As a natural antioxidant, lutein effectively quenches excess free radicals generated by high-density farming, protecting the integrity of intestinal epithelial cell membranes and thereby maintaining the intestinal physical barrier function.
Immune system modulation: Research has confirmed that marigold extract builds a three-tier synergistic immune regulatory network at the molecular, cellular, and systemic levels by modulating T-cell differentiation, enhancing mucosal barriers, and maintaining gut microbiota stability.
Maintenance of intestinal micro-ecological balance: Through its anti-oxidative stress effects, marigold extract improves the intestinal oxygen environment, promotes the colonisation of beneficial anaerobic bacteria such as Lactobacillus, and indirectly inhibits the proliferation of aerobic harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella.
Against the backdrop of reducing and banning antibiotic use in animal husbandry, the search for safe and efficient natural alternatives has become a core challenge for the industry. Among the many options, marigold extract-with its well-defined active components and mult -dimensional biological functions-is evolving from a traditional “natural colourant” into a highly regarded “new star” in antibiotic-free feed additives.
Naturalin was established in 2006, focusing on the development, innovation and manufacturing of animal feed raw materials industry. As an animal nutrition solution provider, we value the individual needs of your application and provide customized natural ingredients in powder, pellet or oil form according to your product formulation requirements.
Reference
刘杰,马翔,李柏珍等.万寿菊黄酮提取工艺、生物学功能及其在畜禽生产中的应用[J].中国畜牧杂志,2025(61):35-41.
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