By Andi Anderson
NutraMaize, an ag company based in West Lafayette, Indiana, has secured a substantial $460,455 grant from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The grant spans three years and aims to investigate the impact of xanthophyll carotenoids, a class of antioxidants, on egg-laying hens experiencing heat stress.
Building on previous studies demonstrating NutraMaize Orange Corn's positive effects on broiler chickens, the project delves into the physiological responses of egg-laying hens. The research, a collaboration between NutraMaize and Purdue University, follows findings published in the peer-reviewed journal Poultry Science.
Heat stress poses a significant challenge for egg-laying hens, affecting both health and productivity. Due to climate change, instances of heat stress are on the rise, leading to substantial financial losses for egg producers. NutraMaize CEO Evan Rocheford highlights the potential of antioxidants, specifically xanthophyll carotenoids, in mitigating the adverse effects of heat stress.
The project, spanning three years, focuses on three primary goals:
- Investigate the role xanthophyll carotenoids play in the physiological response of egg-laying hens during a heat stress event.
- Determine if increasing carotenoid intake can be a strategy to mitigate the negative health and production effects of heat stress.
- Evaluate NutraMaize’s high-carotenoid Orange Corn as an alternative feed ingredient to deliver potential benefits to egg-laying hens.
NutraMaize Orange Corn, known for its higher xanthophyll carotenoid levels compared to yellow corn, is positioned as an attractive alternative for delivering elevated carotenoid levels to laying hens.
The project, led by Sarah Canova, business administrator for the Iowa State Creamery, aims to contribute valuable insights to poultry science and the laying hen industry. NutraMaize collaborates with Purdue University's College of Agriculture and Egg Innovations to conduct controlled environment heat stress studies and field studies on egg-laying hens.
Egg Innovations CEO John Brunnquell expressed excitement about the collaboration, emphasizing the need to identify practical solutions for mitigating heat stress effects on animal welfare and producer profitability.
This groundbreaking research not only addresses a critical challenge for egg producers but also holds the potential to enhance the nutritional quality of table eggs, a significant protein source for Americans. Stay tuned for updates as NutraMaize pioneers research that could revolutionize poultry science and improve the lives of egg-laying hens.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-suriyasilsaksom
Categories: Indiana, Livestock, Poultry