Comparison of Two Antioxidants and Two Sources Xanthophyll in a Pigmentation Study with Broilers

TODAY, it appears that in certain areas not as much emphasis is being placed on broiler pigmentation as formerly as evidenced by the relative drop in price of some feedstuffs that are used as sources of xanthophyll and by the fact that processors are not discriminating and complaining about poor pigmentation as much as in the past. Nevertheless, it is still a necessity to have well pigmented birds if they are to be sold commercially. During periods of stress, such as coccidiosis and respiratory diseases, good pigmentation is hard to obtain. Therefore, it is of importance to know the relative pigmenting values of feedstuffs and to find new ways of enhancing the utilization of xanthophyll and/or to find new sources of xanthophyll in order to produce well pigmented broilers at a minimum cost. The present study was concerned with the use of two different antioxidants in an attempt to improve…