Marigold Flower Accessions Show Strong Potential as Natural Poultry Feed Additives
Researchers from several Indonesian universities have identified specific marigold flower accessions with strong potential to replace synthetic poultry feed additives, based on detailed chemical analysis published in early 2026. The study, led by Wimalinda Rita from the University of Muhammadiyah Bengkulu, together with Edi Susilo of Ratu Samban University, Hesti Pujiwati from Bengkulu University, Rita Zurina, and Isnin Kurnia Safitri, highlights marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) as a promising, sustainable alternative to antibiotic-based feed supplements.
Published in the International Journal of Integrative Sciences (IJIS) in 2026, the research addresses growing concerns over antibiotic resistance, chemical residues in poultry products, and environmental impacts caused by long-term use of synthetic growth promoters. By analyzing the bioactive compounds of four marigold accessions using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), the team demonstrates how plant-based feed additives can support poultry health while aligning with global sustainability goals.
Why Poultry Feed Additives Matter Today
The global poultry industry is under increasing pressure to reduce dependence on antibiotic growth promoters. Many countries now restrict or ban antibiotics in animal feed due to rising antimicrobial resistance and food safety risks. As a result, farmers, feed producers, and policymakers are seeking safer alternatives that maintain productivity without compromising animal or human health.
Plant-based feed additives, often referred to as phytobiotics, have emerged as one of the most promising solutions. These natural compounds are known to support digestion, improve immunity, reduce oxidative stress, and suppress harmful microbes in poultry. However, not all plants—or even all varieties of the same plant—offer equal benefits.
Why Marigold Was Chosen
Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) is widely known as an ornamental plant, but its flowers are rich in biologically active compounds. Previous studies have shown that marigold contains carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which improve egg yolk color and skin pigmentation in poultry. The flower also contains antioxidants, fatty acids, phytosterols, and antimicrobial compounds.
What remained unclear was how much these compounds vary between different marigold accessions and how those differences affect their usefulness as poultry feed additives. This research fills that gap by comparing four distinct marigold accessions—WRN6, WRSJ, WRSI2, and WRDP—at the chemical level.
How the Research Was Conducted
The research team collected marigold flowers from four accessions and processed them using methanol extraction to preserve sensitive compounds. The extracts were then analyzed using GC-MS, a laboratory technique that identifies volatile and semi-volatile chemical compounds with high accuracy.
Rather than relying on animal trials at this stage, the researchers focused on chemical profiling. They compared the type, proportion, and dominance of bioactive compounds in each accession and interpreted their functional potential based on established poultry nutrition research.
Key Findings at a Glance
The analysis revealed that all four marigold accessions contain beneficial bioactive compounds, but in different compositions and proportions:
1. WRSI2 emerged as the most promising accession overall
a. High levels of antioxidants
b. Rich in triterpenoids and phytosterols
c. Strong potential for immune support and gut health
.2 WRN6 showed strong antimicrobial and antioxidant properties
a. Presence of sulfur-based compounds
b. Suitable for disease prevention strategies
3. WRDP contained abundant functional fatty acids
a. Supports energy metabolism and feed efficiency
4. WRSJ had a lower concentration of key bioactive compounds
a. Suitable as a supplementary, but not primary, feed additive
Across all accessions, researchers identified fatty acids, vitamin E derivatives (tocopherols), carotenoids, phytosterols, triterpenoids, phenolic compounds, and sulfur compounds—each known to contribute to poultry health and performance.
What This Means for Poultry Farming
According to Edi Susilo of Ratu Samban University, selecting marigold accessions based on chemical profiles offers a more precise approach to feed formulation. “Different accessions serve different functional roles,” he explains, noting that targeted selection can improve feed efficiency while reducing reliance on synthetic additives.
The findings suggest that marigold-based feed additives could:
1. Reduce antibiotic use in poultry production
2. Improve immune response and gut health
3. Enhance meat and egg quality
This approach also provides a scientific foundation for standardizing plant-based feed additives, which has been a major challenge in the phytobiotic industry.
Broader Implications for Policy and Industry
For policymakers, the study supports evidence-based regulation encouraging natural feed additives. For feed manufacturers, it offers a roadmap for developing more effective phytogenic products using specific plant accessions rather than generic extracts.
The research also strengthens Indonesia’s position in developing locally sourced, science-backed solutions for livestock production, reducing dependence on imported synthetic additives.
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