xanthophylls in poultry

[Toyin Ogunsola]

Xanthophyll increases the skin pigmentation in birds.

[Jeffery Escobar]

Xanthophylls will increase the skin pigmentation of broiler, particularly the b+ value in the Minolta scale, making the skin more yellow. Xanthophylls, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, are lipid-soluble carotenoids. There is a linear relationship with the amount of fat/oil in the diet and skin pigmentation. Thus, to obtain proper skin pigmentation we need to add at minimum of 2.5% fat to the diet and ideally 4-5%. It is imperative to have birds with good intestinal health and therefore, it is very important to maintain coccidiosis under control. Finally, a ratio of 1:10 of red:yellow pigments is a good start to obtain proper skin pigmentation. The amount of xanthophylls added to the diet will depend on the skin color desired and the levels of fat in the diet. Finally, a minimum of 14 days of continuous xanthophyll feeding is needed to obtain proper skin pigmentation.

[Md. Osman Sheikh]

The amount of xanthophyll added to the diet, the breed of chicken, and the bird’s age can all influence the level of skin pigmentation.

[Md kayum]

Xanthophyll/yellow pigment improve the digestibility bird and improve the skin colour.

[Jeffery Escobar]

Can you please cite the source of information indicating that xanthophylls increase digestibility? Thanks

[Md kayum]

Xanthophyll/yellow pigment improve the digestibility bird and improve the skin integrity.