Science-Based Approaches with Quillaja Extract to Enhance Immunity and Productivity
In poultry production, immunity has become one of the most important factors for maintaining health and performance. Birds are constantly exposed to challenges such as pathogens, environmental stress, and high productivity demands. Supporting the immune system is essential to secure efficiency and profitability.
This is where phytogenics play a key role. Natural extracts with proven bioactivity are increasingly being used as alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters. Among them, standardized extracts of Quillaja saponaria, rich in triterpenoid saponins, stand out for their dual effect on gut health and immunity, offering a scientifically validated solution that also meets consumer demand for natural and sustainable production.
Why Immunity Defines Poultry Performance?
The poultry immune system determines how well flocks can face both visible and hidden challenges. Strong immunity reduces the impact of diseases, improves nutrient use, and helps birds cope with stress factors such as feed changes, vaccination, or heat. Intestinal challenges, such as coccidiosis, necrotic enteritis, and bacterial overgrowth, remain among the costliest problems in poultry. Supporting immunity through diet is now recognized as a baseline for prevention and resilience.
The Science Behind Quillaja Saponins
Quillaja saponins act through multiple mechanisms. Their amphipathic structure allows them to interact with microbial membranes, helping to control harmful bacteria and supporting a healthier microbiota [1]. They also stimulate immune cells such as macrophages, increasing their ability to respond to pathogens, and modulate cytokine activity, reinforcing both local intestinal and systemic immunity [1,2].
Research has demonstrated that oral administration of Quillaja extracts enhances macrophage activity, increasing chemotaxis and phagocytosis without adverse effects [1]. Other studies confirm their ability to boost cytokine production and support both cellular and antibody-mediated responses [2,3]. These mechanisms explain why Quillaja is effective in helping poultry face immune and intestinal challenges.
What We See in the Field
Trials and field programs confirm the consistent benefits of standardized Quillaja extracts in poultry production:
- Broilers: Improved growth and feed efficiency under intestinal challenge, with lower lesion scores and stronger resilience.
- Pullets: Better flock uniformity, nutrient digestibility, and stronger immune response, ensuring optimal preparation for the laying phase.
- Layers and breeders: Higher egg production and egg mass, improved feed efficiency, and superior eggshell quality, including thickness, strength, and cuticle integrity.
These benefits are seen both under health challenges and in normal production, which supports the value of Quillaja extracts as a long-term tool for poultry systems.
Phytogenic Solutions for Sustainable Poultry Production
The poultry industry needs tools that ensure high performance while reducing dependence on antibiotics and maintaining consumer trust. Phytogenic feed additives such as standardized Quillaja extracts are part of this approach. By supporting immunity, improving gut health, and enhancing productivity, Quillaja extracts offer a natural, science-based, and reliable solution that supports broilers, pullets, layers, and breeder operations.
Immunity as the Key to Poultry Performance
Investing in immunity is investing in performance. Standardized Quillaja extracts allow poultry producers to strengthen resilience, reduce losses, and improve productivity in a sustainable way. By combining natural origin with strong scientific support, Quillaja saponins represent one of the most promising phytogenic solutions for modern poultry production.
At Plantae Labs, we remain committed to advancing solutions that connect scientific research with field application, helping producers face today’s challenges and prepare for tomorrow’s demands.
References
- Naknukool S., Horinouchi I., Hatta H. (2011). Stimulating macrophage activity in mice and humans by oral administration of Quillaja saponin. Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem., 75(10), 1889–1893. https://doi.org/10.1271/bbb.110182
- Sun H. X., Xie Y., Ye Y. P. (2009). Advances in saponin based adjuvants. Vaccine, 27(12), 1787–1796. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.01.091
- Fleck J. D., Betti A. H., da Silva F. P., et al. (2019). Saponins from Quillaja saponaria and Quillaja brasiliensis: Particular chemical characteristics and biological activities. Molecules, 24(1), 171. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24010171
