Seaweed in Poultry Feed: Better Eggs, Healthier Birds
Egg quality is more than just a consumer preference—it’s a marker of poultry health, productivity, and profitability. From the color of the yolk to the strength of the shell, each detail matters to farmers, feed formulators, and ultimately the end market. As poultry producers continue to seek natural, sustainable ways to boost performance, one surprising ally has been gaining recognition: seaweed.
At Acadian Animal Wellness, our research into Ascophyllum nodosum—a brown seaweed harvested from the North Atlantic—shows that integrating this natural ingredient into poultry feed can deliver measurable improvements in both egg production and quality.
Why Egg Quality Matters
When consumers crack open an egg, their first impression often comes from what they see on the plate. A rich, golden yolk is widely associated with freshness and nutrition, while strong shells reduce waste and signal better laying hen health. But for producers, egg quality also affects efficiency and profitability. Stronger shells mean fewer losses during collection, transport, and storage. More vibrant yolks improve market appeal, while nutritional enhancements such as higher omega-3 content or reduced cholesterol levels create opportunities for premium positioning.
The Role of Seaweed in Poultry Diets
Ascophyllum nodosum is uniquely suited to poultry nutrition because of its natural profile of bioactive compounds. Rich in iodine, it supports thyroid function and energy metabolism. Its polysaccharides enhance gut health and immunity. Pigments such as β-carotene, violaxanthin, and fucoxanthin add vibrant color to egg yolks. And as a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids, this seaweed contributes to healthier eggs for human consumption.
In feed trials, including Ascophyllum nodosum has been shown to improve egg yield, yolk pigmentation, and shell density—delivering benefits to both producers and consumers.
Enhancing Egg Production and Appearance
One of the most visible benefits of feeding seaweed to laying hens is yolk color. Consumers often associate a deeper yellow or orange yolk with superior nutrition, and studies confirm that brown seaweed is particularly effective at enhancing pigmentation. The pigments in Ascophyllum nodosum work naturally to intensify yolk hue, producing eggs that stand out on the market.
Supporting Resilience in Challenging Conditions
Egg production is highly sensitive to stress, especially environmental fluctuations. Cold weather, for example, can increase a chicken’s feed intake by up to 25% as the bird metabolizes nutrients to maintain body heat. This higher demand puts pressure on both diet formulation and cost management.
Seaweed supplementation helps laying hens cope with these stresses. Natural iodine supports optimal thyroid function, aiding thermal regulation. Polysaccharides help reduce inflammation and support immune defenses, maintaining health and productivity during seasonal challenges. Even in winter conditions, laying hens receiving seaweed in their diet often sustain more consistent egg production and quality.
A Natural, Cost-Effective Advantage
For poultry farmers, every ration decision must balance cost with performance. Seaweed offers a dual advantage: it’s a dense source of essential nutrients and bioactive compounds, and it’s cost-effective when incorporated into feed formulations. Instead of relying on multiple additives to achieve similar results, a single, natural input can contribute to improved productivity, egg quality, and bird resilience.
Better Eggs Through Better Nutrition
The integration of Acadian’s Ascophyllum nodosum into poultry diets demonstrates how natural ingredients can deliver real, repeatable benefits. Stronger shells, richer yolks, healthier birds, and more appealing eggs are not just consumer benefits—they’re business advantages for producers and feed partners.
As the global poultry sector looks to meet rising demand while advancing sustainability, solutions rooted in nature are paving the way forward. Seaweed-based nutrition offers producers an opportunity to improve efficiency, animal well-being, and product value—naturally.
At Acadian Animal Wellness, we’re committed to helping producers and feed partners achieve healthier animals and more resilient operations through seaweed innovation. Follow our channel for more insights into the power of Ascophyllum nodosum in animal nutrition.