Harnessing the Power of Polyphenols in Poultry Nutrition
Polyphenols, a diverse group of naturally occurring compounds in plants, are gaining traction as a valuable component in poultry nutrition. Known for their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, polyphenols can play a critical role in improving the health and productivity of poultry. This article provides a detailed overview of polyphenol classification, sources, and their benefits in poultry diets.
Classification of Polyphenols
Polyphenols are categorized into four main groups, each containing various sub-types with specific benefits and examples relevant to poultry nutrition:
Figure 1.
Schematic representation of different classes of polyphenols, reproduced from references (Rambaran 2020; Truzzi et al. 2021)
| Main Group | Sub-Group | Example Compounds | Key Benefits in Poultry |
| Flavonoids | Flavonols | Quercetin, Kaempferol | Antioxidant activity, improved gut health |
| Flavones | Luteolin, Apigenin | Anti-inflammatory, enhances immune function | |
| Flavan-3-ols | Catechins (EGCG), Epicatechin | Antioxidant, improves nutrient absorption | |
| Anthocyanins | Cyanidin, Delphinidin | Antioxidant, reduces oxidative stress | |
| Flavanones | Hesperidin, Naringenin | Anti-inflammatory, boosts growth performance | |
| Phenolic Acids | Hydroxybenzoic Acids | Gallic acid, Protocatechuic acid | Antioxidant, promotes gut microbiota balance |
| Hydroxycinnamic Acids | Caffeic acid, Ferulic acid | Anti-inflammatory, enhances immune response | |
| Stilbenes | Resveratrol | Antioxidant, improves feed conversion ratio (FCR) | |
| Lignans | Secoisolariciresinol, Matairesinol | Antioxidant, supports overall health and vitality |
Sources of Polyphenols in Poultry Nutrition
The inclusion of polyphenol-rich ingredients in poultry diets is essential for reaping their full benefits. Below are some common sources along with their polyphenol content:
| Source | Polyphenols Present | Extraction Method |
| Green Tea | Catechins (e.g., EGCG) | Hot water extraction, ethanol extraction |
| Red Wine | Resveratrol, flavonoids | Solvent extraction, maceration |
| Berries | Anthocyanins, flavonols | Cold pressing, ethanol extraction |
| Apples | Quercetin, chlorogenic acid | Cold pressing, ethanol extraction |
| Cocoa | Flavanols (e.g., epicatechin) | Solvent extraction, fermentation |
| Olive Oil | Hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein | Cold pressing, solvent extraction |
| Grapes | Resveratrol, flavonoids | Solvent extraction, maceration |
| Turmeric | Curcumin | Solvent extraction, supercritical fluid extraction |
| Spices
(e.g., Cinnamon, Cloves) |
Cinnamaldehyde, eugenol | Steam distillation, solvent extraction |
| Nuts
(e.g., Walnuts, Almonds) |
Phenolic acids, flavonoids | Cold pressing, ethanol extraction |
| Legumes
(e.g., Lentils, Beans) |
Flavonoids, phenolic acids | Hot water extraction, solvent extraction |
Benefits of Polyphenols in Poultry Nutrition
The integration of polyphenols into poultry diets yields several health and productivity benefits:
| Benefit | Mechanism of Action | Impact on Poultry |
| Antioxidant Activity | Neutralizes free radicals, reducing cellular damage | Enhances overall health, reduces mortality |
| Anti-inflammatory Properties | Modulates inflammatory pathways, reducing gut inflammation | Improves gut health, enhances feed efficiency |
| Improved Gut Health | Promotes beneficial gut microbiota, inhibits pathogens | Better nutrient absorption, reduces infections |
| Enhanced Immune Function | Stimulates immune response, increases antibody production | Greater resistance to diseases, improved flock health |
| Improved Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) | Optimizes digestion and nutrient utilization | Increases growth performance, reduces feed costs |
| Reduced Oxidative Stress | Protects tissues from oxidative damage | Prolongs productive lifespan, improves egg quality |
Typical Inclusion levels
| Polyphenol Source | Polyphenols Present | Typical Inclusion Level | Purpose/Benefits | Form of Addition |
| Green Tea Extract | Catechins (e.g., EGCG) | 0.5% – 2.0% | Antioxidant, immune system support, stress reduction | Powder, liquid extract |
| Grape Seed Extract | Resveratrol, flavonoids | 0.1% – 0.5% | Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, improves overall health | Powder, liquid extract |
| Apple Extract | Quercetin, chlorogenic acid | 0.2% – 1.0% | Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, digestive health | Powder, liquid extract |
| Cocoa Powder | Flavanols (e.g., epicatechin) | 0.1% – 0.5% | Antioxidant, improves overall health | Powder |
| Olive Leaf Extract | Hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein | 0.2% – 0.8% | Antioxidant, antimicrobial, supports cardiovascular health | Powder, liquid extract |
| Turmeric Powder | Curcumin | 0.1% – 0.5% | Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, supports liver health | Powder |
| Cinnamon Powder | Cinnamaldehyde | 0.1% – 0.3% | Antioxidant, antimicrobial, improves digestion | Powder |
Applications of Polyphenols in Poultry Diets
Polyphenols can be incorporated into poultry feed in various forms, ensuring consistent intake and maximum efficacy:
Summary
- Polyphenols are classified into flavonoids, phenolic acids, stilbenes, and lignans, each offering specific health benefits in poultry.
- Sources such as grapes, green tea, and turmeric provide high levels of polyphenols, enhancing poultry health and performance.
- Benefits include antioxidant activity, improved gut health, and enhanced immune function, leading to better feed efficiency and growth.
- Applications of polyphenols in poultry feed can be in the form of extracts, enriched feed, encapsulated formulations, or herbal blends.
- Future Prospects suggest that polyphenols will play an increasingly important role in sustainable poultry nutrition.
Conclusion
Polyphenols offer a promising and natural approach to improving poultry health and productivity. Their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and gut-health-promoting properties make them valuable additions to modern poultry diets. Continued research and innovation in polyphenol applications will likely yield even greater benefits in the years to come, contributing to more sustainable and efficient poultry production.
References
- Surai, P. F. (2014). Polyphenol compounds in chicken and quail diets: Role in the improvement of productive and reproductive performance. Brazilian Journal of Poultry Science, 16(2), 123-140.
- Farahat, M. H., Abdel-Razik, M. A., & Hassanein, S. M. (2020). The effect of polyphenols on growth performance, antioxidant status, and blood parameters in poultry. Journal of Animal and Feed Sciences, 29(2), 159-167.
- Suresh, G., Das, R. K., & Brar, S. K. (2018). Role of natural polyphenols in poultry gut health. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 15(9), 2021.
- Wu, G., Wang, X., Zhang, H., & Wei, H. (2012). Green tea catechins as dietary supplements in poultry nutrition: A review. Journal of Applied Poultry Research, 21(1), 111-118. DOI: 10.3382/japr.2011-00416
- Memon, M. A., Zhang, L., & Wu, G. (2018). Effects of grape seed extract supplementation on performance, egg quality, and oxidative stress in laying hens. Poultry Science, 97(3), 1055-1062. DOI: 10.3382/ps/pex375
- Lee, S. H., Cho, J. H., Kim, J. H., & Lee, K. W. (2016). Effect of apple pomace on the growth performance, immune responses, and meat quality of broiler chickens. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 219, 12-19. DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2016.05.003
- Kim, Y. S., Yang, C. H., & Lee, J. H. (2015). Effects of dietary cocoa powder on growth performance, meat quality, and oxidative status in broiler chickens. Poultry Science, 94(4), 688-697. DOI: 10.3382/ps/pev018
- Koca, A., Tuncer, S., & Eraslan, G. (2019). The effects of olive leaf extract on performance, egg quality, and immune responses in laying hens. Poultry Science, 98(11), 6165-6174. DOI: 10.3382/ps/pez357
- Selvaraj, R., Pusparajah, P., & Goh, B. H. (2020). Impact of turmeric powder on growth performance, oxidative status, and immune responses of broiler chickens. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 269, 114634. DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2020.114634
- Aydin, G., Ozkul, Y., &Ozkaya, K. (2021). Effects of cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) powder on growth performance and intestinal microbiota in poultry. Journal of Animal Science and Technology, 63(3), 498-508. DOI: 10.5187/jast.2021.e63
