Effects of canthaxanthin on the productive and reproductive performance of broiler breeders

The Effects of Different Doses of Canthaxanthin in the Diet of Laying Hens on Egg Quality, Physical Characteristics, Metabolic Mechanism, and Offspring Health

Currently, there is a dearth of in-depth analysis and research on the impact of canthaxanthin on the production performance, egg quality, physical characteristics, and offspring health of laying hens. Furthermore, the metabolic mechanism of cantharidin in the body remains unclear. Therefore, to solve the above issues in detail, our study was conducted with a control group (C group), a low-dose canthaxanthin group (L group), and a high-dose canthaxanthin group (H group), each fed for a period of 40 days. Production performance was monitored during the experiment, in which L and H groups showed a significant increase in ADFI. Eggs were collected for quality analysis, revealing no significant differences in qualities except for yolk color (YC). The YC of the C group almost did not change, ranging from 6.08 to 6.20; however, the trend in YC change in other groups showed an initial intense increase, followed by a decrease, and eventually reached dynamic equilibrium. By detecting the content of canthaxanthin in the yolk, the YC change trend was found to be correlated with canthaxanthin levels in the yolk. The content of unsaturated fatty acid increased slightly in L and H groups. Following the incubation period, the physical characteristics and blood biochemical indices of chicks were evaluated. It was observed that the shank color of chicks in the L and H groups was significantly higher than that in the C group at birth. However, by the 35th day, there were no significant differences in shank color among the three groups. Further investigation into the metabolic mechanism involving canthaxanthin revealed that the substance underwent incomplete metabolism upon entering the body, resulting in its accumulation as well as metabolic by-product accumulation in the yolk. In summary, this study highlighted the importance of understanding canthaxanthin's role in production performance, egg quality, and offspring health, providing valuable insights for breeders to optimize feeding strategies.

Comparative efficacy of hydroxychloride and organic sources of zinc, copper, and manganese on egg production and concentration of trace minerals in eggs, plasma, and excreta in female broiler breeders from 42 to 63 weeks of age

Comparative efficacy of hydroxychloride (HC) and organic (OR) sources of Zn, Cu and Mn on performance of broiler breeders (BB) between 42 and 63 weeks of age (WOA) was investigated. A total of 408 ♀ Ross 708 and 48 ♂ Yield Plus cockerels were placed in pens (17 ♀ and 2 ♂) housed in 2 rooms (12 pens/room) and allocated to one of 2 diets in a completely randomized block design (n=12). The diets had similar nutrient specifications but differed in Zn, Cu, and Mn sources: 1) HO, a blend of 80% HC and 20% OR sources, and 2) OR, 100% OR sources. Birds were fed and managed according to breeder guidelines. The egg count was recorded daily and categorized as normal or abnormal. Egg yolk color, albumen height, Haugh unit, eggshell thickness, and eggshell breaking strength were assessed every 4 wk. Individual hen body weight (BW) was recorded at 5-wk intervals to determine BW uniformity. At 52 and 63 WOA, the eggs and excreta samples were collected. At the end of the trial, 4 hens per pen were bled for plasma concentration of trace minerals and organs (liver, gizzard, spleen, kidney, and thymus) weight. There were no interactions between source and age on any parameters (P > 0.05). There were no main effects of source on egg production, eggshell quality, BW, and organs weight (P > 0.05). Hens fed HO diets had darker yolk compared to those fed OR diets (P = 0.014). The concentration of Zn in the eggs of OR BB was higher (P = 0.022) than for HO birds. However, there were no dietary effects on the concentration of trace minerals in the egg, plasma, and excreta (P > 0.05). The results indicated that a mixture of HC and O as sources for Zn, Cu, and Mn was as effective as OR sources in supporting egg production, egg quality, and trace mineral utilization in broiler breeders.

Lycopene in Feed as Antioxidant and Immuno-Modulator Improves Broiler Chicken's Performance under Heat-Stress Conditions

Lycopene is a type of carotenoid pigment widely distributed in various plants and fruits, with tomatoes, carrots, and guava being the most abundant sources. Due to its high content of beneficial active components, lycopene has been used in medicine, where it is employed as a dietary additive for cancer therapy, immune modulator, and feed additive to improve livestock productivity. Lycopene is a lipophilic substance that can act as either a prooxidant or a free radical scavenger and is particularly efficient in enhancing broiler performance. Furthermore, lycopene can alleviate heat stress by improving the activity of various antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT), as well as increasing the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and nuclear muscle factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), while simultaneously reducing the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and muscle Keap1 expression. In addition, lycopene can improve broiler fertility by enhancing sperm performance and reducing inflammation by modulating the levels of interleukin 1, 2, and 10 (IL-1, IL-2, and IL-10) in cases of infection. In cases of disease by aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), lycopene can modulate interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IL-1, claudin-1 (CLDN-1), and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). Furthermore, under the lipopolysaccharide challenge, lycopene can increase the relative weights of immune organ indices such as the bursal, spleen, and thymus.

Pros and Cons of Dietary Vitamin A and Its Precursors in Poultry Health and Production: A Comprehensive Review

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that cannot be synthesized in the body and must be obtained through diet. Despite being one of the earliest vitamins identified, a complete range of biological actions is still unknown. Carotenoids are a category of roughly 600 chemicals that are structurally related to vitamin A. Vitamin A can be present in the body in the form of retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid. Vitamins are required in minute amounts, yet they are critical for health, maintenance, and performing key biological functions in the body, such as growth, embryo development, epithelial cell differentiation, and immune function. Vitamin A deficiency induces a variety of problems, including lack of appetite, decreased development and immunity, and susceptibility to many diseases. Dietary preformed vitamin A, provitamin A, and several classes of carotenoids can be used to meet vitamin A requirements. The aim of this review is to compile the available scientific literature regarding the sources and important functions, such as growth, immunity, antioxidant, and other biological activities of vitamin A in poultry.

Dietary supplementation of spirulina and canthaxanthin boosts laying performance, lipid profile in blood and egg yolk, hatchability, and semen quality of chickens

This study examined the impacts of dietary spirulina (SP) and canthaxanthin (CX) supplementation to laying hens on reproductive performance and cock's semen quality evaluation. Three hundred and sixty of indigenous Sinai chickens (300 hens + 60 cocks), 48-weeks-old, were randomly divided into five treatments; a control and four supplemented (0.6 g SP mg/kg, 0.8 g SP mg/kg, 6 mg CX/kg diet, and 8 mg CX/kg diet) with six replications of 10 females and 1 male per treatment for laying trial and 1 male for semen evaluation. The animals were fed with experimental diets for 12 weeks. Supplementing 6 mg CX/kg diet led to an increase in the final body weight and egg production traits, while 8 mg CX/kg diet resulted in an improving feed conversion ratio. Supplementation of 0.6 g SP mg/kg or 6.0 mg CX/kg diet resulted in the highest egg production. The heaviest egg weight and egg mass were induced by 0.8 g SP mg/kg. Eggs laid from hens fed 0.6 g SP/kg diet had a higher concentration of cholesterol than those fed 0.8 g SP/kg and those fed 6.0 and 8.0 mg CX/kg. Cocks fed 6 mg CX/kg and those fed 0.8 g SP/kg diet had the greatest sperm concentration. The supplementation of 0.8 g SP mg/kg diet or both 6 and 8 mg CX/kg diet enhanced hatchability. So, dietary spirulina (0.8 mg/kg) and canthaxanthin (6 mg/kg) supplementation to Sinai laying hens and cocks could be used to improve productive and reproductive and performance.

Identification of major carotenoids from green alga Tetraspora sp. CU2551: partial purification and characterization of lutein, canthaxanthin, neochrome, and β-carotene

The green algae Tetraspora sp. CU2551 was previously identified as a strain with high potential for biohydrogen production; however, its algal biomass characteristics changed from green to reddish orange within 43 days of biohydrogen production. The crude pigments were extracted, partially purified, and characterized by chemical determination. The present study focused on elucidating the carotenoid composition of the selected green alga Tetraspora sp. CU2551. The pigment extract was partially purified and fractionated using thin layer chromatography, and yielded two major and two minor carotenoid bands. The fractions were confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) before being identified and confirmed using Liquid Chromatograph-Quadrupole Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS). The spectral data of these fractions revealed four sub-fractions of interest that were lutein, canthaxanthin, neochrome, and β-carotene, which had percentages in the crude extracts of 30.57%, 25.47%, 7.89%, and 0.71%, respectively. Lutein and canthaxanthin were found to be the major carotenoid pigments present. Our findings in this present study are the first reporting of Tetraspora sp. CU2551 as a potential alternate source for carotenoid pigment production.

The effects of canthaxanthin microencapsulation on yolk color and canthaxanthin deposition in egg yolk of laying hens

Canthaxanthin is widely used as a feed additive to improve skin and yolk color in poultry. It is insoluble in water and sensitive to oxidation, so commercial canthaxanthin is often microencapsulated with wall materials to improve its solubility and stability. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of canthaxanthin microencapsulation on yolk color and canthaxanthin deposition in egg yolk of laying hens. A total of 288 Hyline Brown laying hens (48 wk of age) were allocated to 4 groups with 6 replicates of 12 hens each, and fed a basal diet or the basal diet supplemented with 5 mg/kg canthaxanthin microencapsulated with modified starch (CMMS), gelatin (CMG), and sodium lignosulfonate (CMSL), respectively. Canthaxanthin supplementation did not affect laying performance of hens, but improved (P < 0.05) yolk color of fresh, fried, boiled, and stored (4 and 25°C) eggs. The improvement of yolk color of fresh eggs was greatest in the CMSL group and least in the CMG group (P < 0.05). Both CMMS and CMSL resulted in higher (P < 0.05) yolk canthaxanthin concentration than CMG. The CMSL resulted in higher (P < 0.05) yolk color score of fried eggs than CMMS and CMG and higher (P < 0.05) yolk color score of boiled eggs than CMG, but no difference was observed in stored eggs among three canthaxanthin groups. In conclusion, CMMS and CMSL were more effective in yolk pigmentation than CMG, and CMSL was slightly better than CMMS.

Dietary supplementation with canthaxanthin and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol on the incubation performance and fertility of European quail breeders

This study assessed the effects of combined supplementation with canthaxanthin (Cx) and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D₃) on incubation performance, fertility, and chick quality in European quail breeders. A total of 240 birds were distributed in a completely randomized design with 5 diets and 8 replicates. The animals were fed a basal diet containing 50 µg of vitamin D₃ or the basal diet supplemented with 3 ppm Cx and 34.5 µg 25-OH-D₃, 6 ppm Cx, and 69 µg 25-OH-D₃, 9 ppm Cx and 103.5 µg 25-OH-D₃, or 12 ppm Cx and 138 µg 25-OH-D₃. Incubation performance was analyzed in 2 periods (32 and 38 wk). Breeders aged 32 wk produced eggs with higher hatchability (P = 0.024), hatchability of fertile eggs (P = 0.026) and lower initial plus mid embryonic mortality (P = 0.021), whereas 38-week-old breeders generated chicks with a higher length at hatching (P < 0.001) and lower final plus pipped embryonic mortality (P = 0.021). In both age groups, Cx + 25-OH-D₃ levels had a quadratic effect on egg fertility (P < 0.001), hatchability of total (P < 0.001), and fertile eggs (P < 0.001). The fertility and the number of sperm cells in the perivitelline membrane was analyzed in two periods (26 and 40 wk). A quadratic effect of diet and days after mating on both parameters (P < 0.05) was observed. Eggs from supplementing breeders showed a high fertility (P < 0.001) and sperm cell counts (P < 0.001) for up to 7 and 3 d after mating, respectively, then the control group. Moreover, the supplementation of quail breeder diets with 6 ppm Cx + 69 µg 25-OH-D₃ enhances sperm cell longevity in sperm storage tubules, hatchability of total and fertile eggs, fertility, and chick quality, especially in older quail's breeders and reduces embryonic mortality.

Effect of a commercial product containing canthaxanthin for in ovo feeding to broiler embryos on hatchability, chick quality, oxidation status, and performance

In ovo feeding has been indicated to improve hatchability, newly hatched chick quality, and broiler performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of in ovo feeding of a commercial canthaxanthin product (CCX) containing lignosulphonate, corn starch, canthaxanthin, dextrin (yellow), and ethoxyquin through assessing incubation results, newly hatched quality and oxidation status and broiler performance at 1 to 14 d of age. A total of 780 egg were distributed in a randomized complete block design with 5 treatments (levels of CCX: 0.0, 0.35, 0.45, 0.55, and 0.65 mg/0.5 mL of sterilized and distilled water) and 156 eggs per treatment. The blocking factor was setters. At 17.5 d of embryo development, in ovo injected treatments were applied, using a manual needle. The in ovo feeding of CCX resulted in lower hatching rates (P < 0.05) and a longer hatching window (P < 0.05) as compared with noninjected CCX treatment. The CCX injection did not affect the bursa and spleen percentage of newly hatched chick (P > 0.05). In addition, a higher percentage of chicks with poor physical quality score (<71.0 points) was obtained among the chicks from eggs injected with 0.55 and 0.65 mg of CCX (P < 0.05). There were higher total proteins and catalase activity in the livers of the chicks injected with CCX. Broiler chicks in the control group (0.0 mg of CCX) presented higher BW and BW gain during 1 to 7 and 7 to 14 d of after hatch (P < 0.05). The viability (%) of chicks at 1 to 14 d of after hatch decreased with inoculation greater than 0.45 mg of CCX in ovo (P < 0.05). Although the CCX shown an improvement in oxidation status of chicks, the hatchability and performance of broilers decreased. We concluded that a commercial CCX is not recommended for injection in ovo, and furthers studies should carried out to elucidate the use of pure canthaxanthin.

Oxidative Stress and Marine Carotenoids: Application by Using Nanoformulations

Carotenoids are natural fat-soluble pigments synthesized by plants, algae, fungi and microorganisms. They are responsible for the coloration of different photosynthetic organisms. Although they play a role in photosynthesis, they are also present in non-photosynthetic plant tissues, fungi, and bacteria. These metabolites have mainly been used in food, cosmetics, and the pharmaceutical industry. In addition to their utilization as pigmentation, they have significant therapeutically applications, such as improving immune system and preventing neurodegenerative diseases. Primarily, they have attracted attention due to their antioxidant activity. Several statistical investigations indicated an association between the use of carotenoids in diets and a decreased incidence of cancer types, suggesting the antioxidant properties of these compounds as an important factor in the scope of the studies against oxidative stress. Unusual marine environments are associated with a great chemical diversity, resulting in novel bioactive molecules. Thus, marine organisms may represent an important source of novel biologically active substances for the development of therapeutics. Marine carotenoids (astaxanthin, fucoxanthin, β-carotene, lutein but also the rare siphonaxanthin, sioxanthin, and myxol) have recently shown antioxidant properties in reducing oxidative stress markers. Numerous of bioactive compounds such as marine carotenoids have low stability, are poorly absorbed, and own very limited bioavailability. The new technique is nanoencapsulation, which can be used to preserve marine carotenoids and their original properties during processing, storage, improve their physiochemical properties and increase their health-promoting effects. This review aims to describe the role of marine carotenoids, their potential applications and different types of advanced nanoformulations preventing and treating oxidative stress related disorders.

Nutritional modulation of fertility in male poultry

The increased consumption of protein derived from poultry demands greater poultry production, but increased poultry production (meat and eggs) is dependent on the fertility of the parent flocks. Clearly, the fertility of poultry flocks is associated with the fertility of both males and females, but the low numbers of males used for natural or artificial insemination mean that their role is more important. Thus, enhancing the semen volume, sperm concentration, viability, forward motility, and polyunsaturated fatty acids in sperm, as well as protecting against oxidative damage, could help to optimize the sperm membrane functionality, mitochondrial activity, and sperm-egg penetration, and thus fertility. Therefore, this review summarizes the nutritional factors that could improve the fertility of poultry males as well as their associated mechanisms to allow poultry producers to overcome low-fertility problems, especially in aging poultry males, thereby obtaining beneficial impacts on the poultry production industry.

Dietary supplementation with canthaxanthin and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol has beneficial effects on bone and oxidative metabolism in European quail breeders

This study aimed to investigate the effect of supplementation with canthaxanthin (Cx) and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D₃) on the production performance, egg quality, bone mineral content, blood biochemical parameters, and antioxidant status of European quail breeders. Two hundred and forty quail breeders were distributed in a completely randomized design with 5 diets and 8 replicates of 4 females and 2 males were used. All quail breeders received one of 5 diets: basal diet (containing 2,000 IU vitamin D₃) or the same diet supplemented with 3 ppm Cx and 34.5 μg 25-OH-D₃, 6 ppm Cx and 69 μg 25-OH-D₃, 9 ppm Cx and 103.5 μg 25-OH-D₃, or 12 ppm Cx and 138 μg 25-OH-D₃. Production performance and internal and external egg quality parameters were not influenced by diet. Eggshell dry weight decreased linearly with increasing supplementation levels, and eggshell ash and calcium content increased quadratically. Plasma phosphorus, calcium, and ionic calcium levels in females and plasma ionic calcium levels in males showed a positive quadratic response to dietary supplementation. Femoral and tibiotarsal dry weight and calcium content were influenced by diet. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity in the liver of males and females and in the serum of females showed a positive quadratic relationship with Cx and 25-OH-D₃ levels, whereas the malonaldehyde concentration showed a negative quadratic relationship. DPPH scavenging activity in the serum of male quail increased linearly with supplementation. There was a positive quadratic effect on superoxide dismutase gene expression and a positive linear effect on glutathione peroxidase 7 gene expression, suggesting that dietary enrichment with Cx and 25-OH-D₃ might help protect spermatozoa against oxidative damage. The dietary supplement was pro-oxidative at high concentrations (above 9 ppm Cx). The results indicate that diets with adequate levels of Cx and 25-OH-D₃ have a beneficial effect on calcium and phosphorus metabolism as well as on the antioxidant defense system. We recommend supplementing European quail breeders in the laying period with 6 ppm Cx and 69 μg 25-OH-D₃.

Health benefits of carotenoids and potential application in poultry industry: A review

Carotenoids are one of the widespread and ubiquitous lipid-soluble pigments that produce a wide range of colours which are universally found in various plants, microalgae, bacteria and fungi. Recently, interest in using carotenoids as feed ingredients has increased markedly owing to their bioactive and health-promoting properties. In terms of applications, carotenoid-rich products are widely available in the form of food and feed additive, supplements and natural colourants. Carotenoids play a versatile biological role that contributes to therapeutic effects, including anticancer, immunomodulators, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antidiabetic and neuroprotective. Dietary supplementation of carotenoids not only improves the production performance and health of poultry birds, but also enhances the quality of egg and meat. Several studies have suggested that the supplementation of plant derived carotenoids revealed numerous health-promoting activities in poultry birds. Carotenoids reduce the oxidative stress in pre-hatched and post-hatched birds through different mechanisms, including quench free radicals, activating antioxidant enzymes and inhibiting the signalling pathways. Use of carotenoids in poultry feed as a part of nutrient that confers bird health and improve product quality. Carotenoids play a critical role for the pigmentation of egg yolk, skin, legs, beak, comb, feather and fat. Birds consumed carotenoid deficient diet resulting hues of their egg yolk or pale coloured skin. Therefore, uniform pigmentation generally indicates the health status and quality of the poultry products. This review aims to gather recent information regarding bioactive properties of carotenoids and highlight pharmaceutical and health beneficial effects of carotenoids for the poultry industry. Additionally, it explores the importance of carotenoids as alternative feed ingredients for poultry to boost the production performance and replace synthetic medicine and nutrients.

Parâmetros zootécnicos e desenvolvimento da moela de frangos de corte em dietas de sorgo grão e a inclusão de carotenoides

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar a substituição do milho pelo sorgo grão, moído ou inteiro, e a inclusão de carotenoides sintéticos em rações de frangos de corte, sobre parâmetros zootécnicos e desenvolvimento da moela. Utilizaram-se 960 frangos, machos e fêmeas, da linhagem Cobb 500, que foram submetidos a quatro dietas: à base de milho (M), à base de sorgo moído (SM) ou ainda acrescido de carotenoides sintéticos (SMC) e à base de sorgo inteiro (SI). Foram avaliados peso vivo, consumo de ração, conversão alimentar, rendimento de carcaça e cortes, peso de moela. A ração de SI proporcionou maior desenvolvimento de moela, embora, aos sete dias, não tenha havido diferenças no peso vivo e na conversão alimentar entre as dietas. SM e SMC proporcionaram maiores valores de peso vivo aos 28 dias do que SI. As conversões alimentares real e tradicional aos 40 dias foram semelhantes para as rações de sorgo, com um melhor rendimento de carcaça em SM e SMC. O sorgo moído pode substituir integralmente o milho nas rações para frangos de corte, sem comprometimento de desempenho e rendimento de carcaça, e, na forma grão inteiro, é zootecnicamente viável.

The dietary supplementation of canthaxanthin in combination with 25OHD3 results in reproductive, performance, and progeny quality gains in broiler breeders

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the dietary supplementation of canthaxanthin and cholecalciferol (25OHD3) to broiler breeders and their progenies on their performance. Eighty 25-wk-old Cobb 500 broiler breeders were distributed according to a completely randomized design in 2 experimental treatments, with 10 replicates of 4 birds each. The treatments consisted of the supplementation or not of a corn-soybean meal diet with canthaxanthin + 25OHD3 to broiler breeders fed from 25 to 62 wk of age. Egg production, fertility, hatchability, hatchability of fertile eggs, embryonic mortality, and egg specific gravity were evaluated. Breeders were inseminated at 35, 45, and 62 wk of age, the eggs were incubated, and the performance of the progenies was evaluated. From the progeny of each breeder age, 300 male chicks were distributed according to a completely randomized design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (chicks from breeders supplemented or not with canthaxanthin + 25OHD3 and chicks supplemented or not with canthaxanthin + 25OHD3), totaling 4 treatments with 5 replicates of 15 birds each. Canthaxanthin + 25OHD3 were supplied to the chicks until 21 D of age. The combination of canthaxanthin and 25OHD3, containing 69 mg of 25OHD3 and 6 g of canthaxanthin, was supplemented at 1 kg/t of feed. Breeders supplemented with canthaxanthin + 25OHD3 showed higher egg production, total hatchability, hatchability of fertile eggs, and lower early embryo mortality compared with those fed the control diet. Broilers from breeders fed canthaxanthin + 25OHD3 and supplemented with this additive up to 21 D of age presented a better feed conversion ratio and higher carcass and breast yields than those derived from nonsupplemented breeders.

Influence of Storage and Preservation Techniques on Egg-Derived Carotenoids: A Substantial Source for Cutaneous Antioxidants

Antioxidants like carotenoids play a major role in the prevention of the destructive influence of free radicals in our skin. Carotenoids, as well as all other antioxidants, are substantial substances which must be supplied by nutrition. Resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS) allows measurement of the carotenoid content of eggs, representing a rich carotenoid source in our nutrition. A previous study showed that eggs from organic production contain higher carotenoid levels in contrast to eggs from conventionally housed chicken. The uptake of these organically produced eggs led to an increased antioxidant concentration in the skin. In this study, the effects of different storage modalities, conservation techniques, and the effects of food processing on the carotenoid levels in eggs were investigated with RRS. Common storage modalities and preservation techniques showed only a limited influence on egg-derived carotenoid concentrations. However, a colder environment (at least for shell eggs) and high-pressure preservation had the best preservative influence on the carotenoid content. Surprisingly, food processing such as boiling increased the carotenoid concentration in eggs, whilst broiling destroyed the carotenoids almost completely. In conclusion, RRS is suitable for monitoring egg-derived carotenoid levels, and carotenoid levels in eggs are generally stable under common storage and preservation modalities. Boiling in contrast to broiling of eggs might be superior in terms of carotenoid preservation within food processing.

EFFECT OF ANTIOXIDANT SUPPLEMENTATION IN DIETS OF ROOSTERS DURING THE POST-PEAK PHASE ON REPRODUCTION AND PRODUCTION CHARACTERISTICS OF OFFSPRING

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effects of antioxidant supplementation in diets of breeding roosters during the post-peak phase on reproduction characteristics and muscle performance of offspring in two similar breeder houses from a local company. Treatments consisted of a control diet and a diet supplemented with antioxidants (8 ppm canthaxanthin + 40 ppm lycopene + 150 ppm vitamin C). During the 66th week of age, eggs were incubated, and offspring were housed. Dietary supplementation of the blend of antioxidant resulted in higher (p<0.05) weights of testicles, crests, dewlaps, dewlap thickness, and number of perforations (53.35 x 25.30) in relation to non-supplemented roosters. There was no significant effect (p>0.05) of supplementation of the antioxidant blend on weight gain and breast weight and count and diameter of muscle fibers of offspring at 7 days of age. Feed conversion and weight gain from 14 to 35 days were better (p<0.05) in offspring from supplemented roosters. The supplementation of an antioxidant blend in roosters improved reproductive characteristics assessed and feed conversion and weight gain of offspring.

Use of carotenoids in feed mixtures for poultry: a review

Carotenoids are present in ingredients of feed for poultry. Their content can be further increased by supplementation of feed mixtures with synthetic or natural carotenoids. The present paper recapitulates knowledge on the use of carotenoids in broiler chickens and laying hens, and deals with synthetic or natural carotenoids derived from plants. The review describes effects of carotenoids on productive performance, oxidative stability of poultry products, colouring of yolks and accumulation of carotenoids in yolks. There are several alternatives to synthetic carotenoids which are usable in poultry diets and satisfy the interest of consumers in poultry products free of undesirable side effects.

Dietary canthaxanthin reduces xanthophyll uptake and red coloration in adult red-legged partridges

Carotenoids give color to conspicuous animal signals that are often the product of sexual selection. Knowledge of the mechanisms involved in carotenoid-based signaling is critical to understanding how these traits evolve. However, these mechanisms remain only partially understood. Carotenoids are usually viewed as scarce dietary antioxidants whose allocation to ornaments may trade off against health. This trade-off would ensure its reliability as a signal of individual quality. In the case of red (keto)carotenoids, the literature suggests that some species may show constraints in their uptake. Canthaxanthin is one of the most common ketocarotenoids in red ornaments of animals. It is often commercially used as a dietary supplement to obtain redder birds (e.g. poultry). We increased the dietary canthaxanthin levels in captive red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa). This species shows red non-feathered parts mostly pigmented by another common ketocarotenoid: astaxanthin. We studied the impact on the uptake of carotenoids and vitamins and, finally, on coloration. We also tested the potential protective effect of canthaxanthin when exposing birds to a free radical generator (diquat). Canthaxanthin did not apparently protect birds from oxidative stress, but interfered with the absorption of yellow carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin). Zeaxanthin is a precursor of astaxanthin in enzymatic pathways, and their levels in tissues and eggs were lower in canthaxanthin-supplied birds. This led to lower astaxanthin levels in ornaments and paler coloration. As far as we know, this is the first report of a carotenoid supplementation decreasing animal coloration. The results have implications for understanding carotenoid-based signaling evolution, but also for improving husbandry/experimental procedures.

Effect of dietary canthaxanthin and iodine on the production performance and egg quality of laying hens

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of canthaxanthin (CX) and iodine (I) on the production of laying hens, on counteracting debilitation of the vitelline membrane, and on inhibiting Salmonella growth in eggs stored at 30°C. Three hundred hens were reared in cages. Birds were divided into six feeding groups (10 hens × 5 repetitions) that were administered 0, 3 or 6 ppm of CX and 1 or 10 ppm of I with their diets. Laying rate, egg weights, and feed conversion ratios were controlled. The quality of fresh eggs was assessed in wks 25-26, 48-50 and 62-63 of hens lives. An additional batch of eggs was incubated at the temperature of 30°C, and egg quality changes were monitored on days 3, 6 and 9 of storage. Additionally, eggs collected from four experimental groups of hens whose diets had been iodated with 1 or 10 ppm of I and supplemented with 0 or 6 ppm of CX were infected under laboratory conditions with Salmonella, and incubated for 5 and 10 d. The laying rate, egg weights, and feed conversion ratio were significantly improved. Dietary inclusion of CX contributed to a higher resistance of the vitelline membrane of egg yolks, but only for fresh eggs. Vitelline membrane degradation during egg storage at 30°C was significantly counteracted by dietary inclusion of I at a dose of 10 ppm. The same I dose resulted in the complete inhibition of Salmonella growth until day 10 of incubation, but exclusively for eggs collected from 40-week-old hens. Dietary supplementation with 10 ppm of I was found to impart high level of resistance to the vitelline membrane against the growth of Salmonella in case of eggs stored at 30°C; therefore, I was found to be more beneficial by ensuring longer preservation than that of CX. However, dietary supplementation with CX was found to increase the resistance of vitelline membrane in fresh eggs.

Effect of broiler breeders fed with corn or sorghum diet and canthaxanthin supplementation on production and reproductive performance

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of corn or sorghum diet and canthaxanthin (CX) supplementation on performance in broiler breeders. A total of 440 females with similar body weight (BW) (3.71 ± 0.14 kg) and 60 roosters were placed in an open-sided house with 20 pens, randomly distributed in a factorial arrangement (2 × 2). There were 4 diets of 2 ingredients; corn (CO) or sorghum (SO) and 2 levels of CX; 6 mg/kg (CX) and 0 mg/kg (NCX) totaling 5 replicate pens of 22 females and 3 males each, from 42 to 65 wk, divided in 2 periods (from wk 42 to 53 and wk 54 to 65). Birds' BW was measured every 28 d and mortality rate was calculated at the end of trial. Egg production (%), egg specific gravity (g/cm3), egg weight (g), yolk weight (%), albumen weight (%), eggshell weight (%) and yolk colorimetric score were measured weekly. Incubation parameters were recorded in 12 incubations to evaluate hatching eggs, hatching (%), hatchability (%), fertility (%), weight of the chicks born and their quality. The BW, mortality, percentage of yolk and albumen weight, fertility and some incubation parameters were not affected (P > 0.05) by diets used. An increase in the egg production, hatching eggs, chicks born and first quality chick by hen at the second period were observed in CX breeder's diets (P = 0.0066; P = 0.0060; P = 0.0368; P = 0.0326). Egg specific gravity and eggshell weight were improved at the first period by SO+CX diet (P = 0.0138; P = 0.0209) and the same effect to egg weight, but at the second period (P = 0.0251). The CX was well absorbed from the diet and effectively transferred to the egg yolk, thereby increasing egg yolk pigmentation in the both periods (P < 0.0001). The CX supplementation in broiler breeder diets improved the productive and reproductive performance (laying% and hatchable eggs) at the second period, also to the both periods improved the egg yolk pigmentation.

The effects of canthaxanthin on porcine oocyte maturation and embryo development in vitro after parthenogenetic activation and somatic cell nuclear transfer

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of canthaxanthin (Cx) treatment during in vitro maturation (IVM) of porcine oocytes on embryonic development after parthenogenetic activation (PA) and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), on intracellular glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in mature oocytes, and on gene expression in both PA- and SCNT-derived blastocysts. To determine the optimal effective concentration of Cx, porcine oocytes were cultured in IVM medium supplemented with various concentrations (0, 20, 40 and 80 μM) of Cx for 22 hr. Compared to other groups, supplementation with 40 μM Cx significantly improved blastocyst formation rates after PA (p < .05), but no significant differences were observed among groups in total blastocyst cell numbers. Subsequently, oocytes were cultured in IVM medium supplemented with or without 40 μM Cx. Oocytes treated with 40 μM Cx showed significantly increased cleavage and blastocyst formation rates after SCNT compared to the control group (p < .05). Moreover, significantly increased intracellular GSH and reduced ROS levels were observed in the Cx-treated group (p < .05). In addition, both PA- and SCNT-derived blastocysts from the 40 μM Cx-treated group showed significantly increased mRNA expression of Bcl2 and Oct4 and decreased Caspase3 expression level (p < .05), when compared with the control group. PA-derived blastocysts from the 40 μM Cx-treated group also exhibited significantly decreased expression of Bax (p < .05). Our results demonstrated that treatment with 40 μM Cx during IVM improves the developmental competence of PA and SCNT embryos. Improvement of embryo development by Cx is most likely due to increased intracellular GSH synthesis, which reduces ROS levels in oocytes, and it may also positively regulate apoptosis- and development-related genes.

Effect of maternal canthaxanthin and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol supplementation on the performance of ducklings under two different vitamin regimens

This study investigated the effects of maternal canthaxanthin (CX, 6 mg/kg) and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D₃ , 0.069 mg/kg) supplementation on the performance of Cherry Valley ducklings under two different vitamin regimens. A total of 780 duck breeder females and 156 males were randomly allotted to two diets with or without the addition of the mixture of CX and 25-OH-D₃ (CX+25-OH-D₃ ) for 32 weeks. Ducklings (males and females separately) hatched from eggs laid at 24 weeks of the duck breeder trial were fed with a NRC vitamin regimen, and ducklings (males and females separately) hatched from eggs laid at 32 weeks of the duck breeder trial were fed with a HIGH vitamin regimen (had higher levels of all vitamins except biotin than NRC vitamin regimen), for 14 days. The results showed that, maternal CX+25-OH-D₃ supplementation increased the shank pigmentation for 7-days post hatch in ducklings under a NRC vitamin regimen, and for 14-days post hatch in ducklings under a HIGH vitamin regimen. Growth performance, antioxidant status and serum phosphorus of ducklings under a NRC vitamin regimen were increased by maternal CX+25-OH-D₃ supplementation; however, these positive effects were not observed in ducklings under a HIGH vitamin regimen. Males revealed increased growth performance in ducklings under both NRC and HIGH vitamin regimens. Sexual differences in shank pigmentation, antioxidant status, tibia strength and serum phosphorus were not consistent as they were dependent on maternal CX+25-OH-D₃ status or dietary vitamin regimens. Data suggest that maternal CX+25-OH-D₃ supplementation is important for starter ducklings under a NRC vitamin regimen, but not HIGH vitamin regimen.

Effects of dietary canthaxanthin and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol supplementation on the antioxidant status and tibia quality of duck breeders and newly hatched ducklings

This study evaluated the effects of dietary canthaxanthin (CX) and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D3) supplementation on the antioxidant status and tibia quality of duck breeders and newly hatched ducklings. In total, 780 female and 156 male duck breeders were randomly allotted to 2 treatments. Duck breeders were fed either a commercial diet (containing 3,000 IU/kg vitamin D3) or the same diet plus a mixture of CX (6 mg/kg) and 25-OH-D3 (0.069 mg/kg) for 40 wk. The antioxidant status of duck breeders, egg yolk, and ducklings; tibia quality of duck breeders and ducklings; and shell quality of breeder eggs were investigated. The total antioxidant capacity of breeder female liver (P = 0.028), breeder male testis (P = 0.049), egg yolk (P = 0.032), one-day-old duckling liver (P = 0.024), and one-day-old duckling yolk sac (P = 0.012) were increased by dietary supplementation of the mixture of CX and 25-OH-D3 The inclusion of CX and 25-OH-D3 decreased liver protein carbonyl of breeder females (P = 0.030), and liver malonaldehyde (P = 0.050) and protein carbonyl (P = 0.030) of breeder males. Yolk (P < 0.001), shank (P < 0.001), and yolk sac pigmentation (P < 0.001) of one-day-old ducklings were increased by the supplementation of the CX and 25-OH-D3 mixture. No differences (P > 0.05) were observed in tibia quality or eggshell quality between treatments. In conclusion, the inclusion of the mixture of CX and 25-OH-D3 in a diet sufficient in vitamin D3 increased antioxidant status but not tibia quality of duck breeders and newly hatched ducklings.

Effect of dietary canthaxanthin and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol supplementation on the performance of duck breeders under two different vitamin regimens

BACKGROUND

Dietary canthaxanthin (CX), 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D 3 ) and vitamins have been widely reported to be involved in productive and reproductive performance of broiler breeders. However, limited information is available for duck breeders. In this study, a total of 1,560 Cherry Valley SM3 duck breeder females and 312 males were used to assess if the addition of CX and 25-OH-D3 could increase the performance of duck breeders under two different dietary vitamin regimens. Four diets were used under a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with 2 kinds of vitamin premixes (REGULAR and HIGH; HIGH premix had higher levels of all vitamins except K3 than REGULAR premix), and with or without the supplementation of the mixture of CX (6 mg/kg) and 25-OH-D3 (0.069 mg/kg). The ducks were fed ad libitum with pelleted diets based on corn-soybean meal from 38 to 77 wk of age.

RESULTS

HIGH vitamin premix decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) level (P < 0.001) of egg yolk, increased hatchability of fertile eggs (P = 0.029), increased hatchability of total eggs (P = 0.029), and decreased serum protein carbonyl level (P = 0.037) of breeder males. The mixture of CX and 25-OH-D3 increased serum calcium of breeder females (P = 0.010), decreased the cracked egg rate (P = 0.001), increased the pigmentation of egg yolk (P < 0.001) and male bill (P < 0.001), and decreased MDA level of egg yolk (P < 0.001) and male serum (P = 0.034). Interactive effects were observed in cracked egg rate (P = 0.038), shell thickness (P = 0.011) and serum phosphorus (P = 0.026) of breeder females. HIGH vitamin premix together with the mixture of CX and 25-OH-D3 decreased cracked egg rate and increased shell thickness of duck breeders. Serum phosphorus was decreased in duck breeder females fed REGULAR vitamin premix without the addition of the CX and 25-OH-D3 mixture.

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary HIGH vitamin premix increased antioxidant status of eggs and breeder males, and increased hatchability. The mixture of CX and 25-OH-D3 enhanced egg shell quality, and promoted pigmentation and antioxidant status of eggs and breeder males.

The effects of maternal dietary vitamin premixes, canthaxanthin, and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol on the performance of progeny ducklings

This trial studied the effects of maternal dietary vitamin premixes, and the mixture of canthaxanthin (CX) and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D3) on the performance of progeny ducklings. Four maternal diets were used under a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with 2 kinds of vitamin premixes (Regular and High; High premix had higher levels of all vitamins except K3 than the Regular premix), and with or without the addition of the mixture of CX (6 mg/kg) and 25-OH-D3 (0.069 mg/kg). Cherry Valley duck breeders (38-wk-old) were fed with corn-wheat flour-soybean meal-based diets for 8 wk, and then eggs were collected and hatched. Healthy ducklings (equal number of female and male) from each maternal group were randomly selected and received the same commercial starter (1 to 14 d) and grower (15 to 35 d) pellet diet for 35 d. Maternal High vitamin premix increased shank pigmentation (1 d, P = 0.001), BW (1 d, P < 0.001 and 14 d, P = 0.006), BW gain (1 to 14 d, P = 0.008), G:F ratio (1 to 14 d, P = 0.007), superoxide dismutase (SOD; 1 d liver, P = 0.027 and 14 d serum, P = 0.031), and total antioxidant capacity (1 d liver, P < 0.001); and decreased protein carbonyl (14 d serum, P = 0.011) of ducklings. The mixture of CX and 25-OH-D3 increased yolk pigmentation (P < 0.001); increased shank pigmentation (1 d, P < 0.001 and 14 d, P < 0.001), BW (1 d, P < 0.001), feed intake (15-35 d, P = 0.014), SOD (1 d liver, P = 0.032), and tibia ash (14 d, P = 0.010) of ducklings; and decreased malondialdehyde (P < 0.001) and protein carbonyl (P = 0.044) of yolks, and malondialdehyde (14 d serum, P < 0.001) of ducklings. In conclusion, either maternal High vitamin premix or maternal supplementation of the CX and 25-OH-D3 mixture improves growth performance and antioxidant status of ducklings.

Antioxidant systems in chick embryo development. Part 1. Vitamin E, carotenoids and selenium

Chick viability is known to be an important factor determining profitability of the poultry industry. Chick embryo tissues contain a high proportion of highly polyunsaturated fatty acids in the lipid fraction and therefore need antioxidant defence. The antioxidant system of the developing embryo and newly hatched chick includes the antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase), water-soluble antioxidants (ascorbic acid, taurine, carnitine, glutathione, etc.), fat-soluble antioxidants (vitamin E, carotenoids, coenzyme Q) as well as selenium (Se). In fact, the high levels of endogenous antioxidants within the egg and embryonic tissues can clearly serve as a major adaptive mechanism for the protection of the tissue during the oxidative stress experienced at hatching. It has been shown that among different nutrients in the maternal diet which could significantly affect chick embryo development and their viability in the early posthatch life, natural antioxidants have been suggested to play a central role. Our data indicate that increased supplementation of the maternal diet can substantially increase concentrations of vitamin E, carotenoids (especially canthaxanthin) and Se in developing chick tissues and significantly decrease susceptibility to lipid peroxidation being effective nutritional tools to deal with various commercial stresses in poultry production.

Ketocarotenoid Production in Soybean Seeds through Metabolic Engineering

The pink or red ketocarotenoids, canthaxanthin and astaxanthin, are used as feed additives in the poultry and aquaculture industries as a source of egg yolk and flesh pigmentation, as farmed animals do not have access to the carotenoid sources of their wild counterparts. Because soybean is already an important component in animal feed, production of these carotenoids in soybean could be a cost-effective means of delivery. In order to characterize the ability of soybean seed to produce carotenoids, soybean cv. Jack was transformed with the crtB gene from Pantoea ananatis, which codes for phytoene synthase, an enzyme which catalyzes the first committed step in the carotenoid pathway. The crtB gene was engineered together in combinations with ketolase genes (crtW from Brevundimonas sp. strain SD212 and bkt1 from Haematococcus pluvialis) to produce ketocarotenoids; all genes were placed under the control of seed-specific promoters. HPLC results showed that canthaxanthin is present in the transgenic seeds at levels up to 52 μg/g dry weight. Transgenic seeds also accumulated other compounds in the carotenoid pathway, such as astaxanthin, lutein, β-carotene, phytoene, α-carotene, lycopene, and β-cryptoxanthin, whereas lutein was the only one of these detected in non-transgenic seeds. The accumulation of astaxanthin, which requires a β-carotene hydroxylase in addition to a β-carotene ketolase, in the transgenic seeds suggests that an endogenous soybean enzyme is able to work in combination with the ketolase transgene. Soybean seeds that accumulate ketocarotenoids could potentially be used in animal feed to reduce or eliminate the need for the costly addition of these compounds.

Effects of recombinant lycopene dietary supplement on the egg quality and blood characteristics of laying quails

This study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary supplement of bacterial lycopene (BL) produced by Escherichia coli on the egg quality and blood characteristics of laying quails. The antioxidant activity measurement showed that BL exhibited 100% 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging capacity at a concentration of 4.65 μg/ml, which was more effective than butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and commercial lycopene (CL). Moreover, seven dietary groups of laying quails consisting of 10 100-day-old quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) each were fed with the basal diet supplemented with BL, CL or canthaxanthin (CA) for 4 weeks. Consequently, the triglyceride content of yolk was significantly lower in the group with BL and CL supplement. The serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level of the BL- and CA-supplemented groups at 18 mg/kg was lower than the control group. In conclusion, BL has a high antioxidant activity and is promising as a feed additive in the diet of laying quails.