Effect of Xanthophyll Rich Marigold Petal Meal in the Ration of Commercial Layers on Egg Composition and Quality Characteristics

The study was conducted to determine the effect of xanthophyll rich marigold petal meal (Tagetes erectus L.) on egg composition and quality characteristics. One twenty Hyline commercial layers (24wks old) were divided into five groups of four replication each (six birds in each replication) in CRD. The marigold petal meal (MPM) was incorporated (%) in the diet of commercial layers at 0 (T1), 3 (T2), 4 (T3), 5 (T4) and 6 (T5) levels. The CP content of experimental diets ranged from16.53 to 17.86 per cent and MPM contained 12.49 % CP , 11.43%EE and xanthophylls 2400mg/kg of petal meal. MPM inclusion did not affect egg weight and egg shell thickness between the groups. Even though there was a significant difference in calcium intake between the treatments, Haugh units, yolk index and albumen index were not affected between the treatment groups. Xanthophyll content of egg yolk, yolk colour and crude protein content were higher as the levels of MPM increased in the diet. The inclusion of MPM as a source of carotene and protein in commercial layer diets up to 6 per cent level improved egg quality parameters without any adverse effects on the performance of the layers.