The Effects of Santoquin on the Performance of Broilers

THE use of antioxidants in broiler feeds, in an effort to improve xanthophyll utilization, has produced conflicting results. Wilgus (1954), Potter et al. (1956) and Fritz et al. (1957) reported that the addition of DPPD (diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine) to the feed resulted in an increased deposition of yellow pigment in the skin and shanks of broilers. Potter et al. (1956) and Elrod et al. (1958) reported a slight improvement in pigmentation when BHT (Butylated-hydroxytoluene) was added to the feed. Day and Williams (1958) found that the addition of BHT to broiler feed reduced somewhat the pigmentation of broilers, but this difference was not significant except in two groups in one trial. Harms et al. (1958) found that the addition of DPPD to the diet significantly decreased the pigmentation in the skin of broilers. Santoquin* (hereafter referred to by the generic term ethoxyquin), an antioxidant recently approved for use in poultry feeds, has …