Paprika and/or marigold extracts in diets for laying hens

SUMMARY This study was performed to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of paprika and marigold extracts in sorghum-based rations on the productivity and egg quality of laying hens. One hundred sixty laying hens were distributed in a completely randomized design in five treatments and in a factorial arrangement (2 × 2 + 1), one control ration based on corn, two levels of paprika extract (0 and 6 g/kg diet), and two levels of marigold extract (0 and 1 g/kg diet) in sorghum-based rations. There was no effect (P > 0.05) of the treatments on the weight, specific weight, and Haugh unit of the eggs and productive performance, but the inclusion of paprika extract resulted in eggs with lower egg pH. The interaction between the control group and the factorial was significant (P < 0.05) to the laying rate, egg mass, and yolk color, whose values were lower with sorghum-based diets with no pigment compared to control treatment. The interaction between the paprika and marigold extracts was significant increasing the height (P < 0.03) and color (P < 0.0001) of the yolk when paprika extract was used, with or without marigold extract. Marigold extract inclusion reduced the percentage (P < 0.02) and thickness (P < 0.01) of the eggshell. As conclusion, the inclusion of paprika extract in sorghum-based diets for laying hens is viable for improving the egg quality