Chromatographic Analyses of Xanthophylls in Egg Yolks from Laying Hens Fed Turf Bermudagrass(Cynodon dactylon) Meal

The characterization of xanthophylls in egg yolks from laying hens fed turf bermudagrass ( Cynodon dactylon ) meal was studied. Laying hens were fed 2 wk on a milo‐soybean meal diet to deplete the birds' xanthophyll stores from developing ova prior to introduction of 9% turf bermudagrass. After an additional 4 wk the various carotcnoids present in egg yolks were determined by open‐column, thin‐layer, and high‐performance liquid chromatography. Chromatographic analyses suggest that the yolk color was due mainly to the presence of free lutein and zeaxanthin at a ratio of 4:1. Neoxanthin and violaxanthin were present in minor amounts. The presence of p‐carotene was not detected.