Broiler Pigmentation Potency of Neoxanthin and Violaxanthin Relative to Lutein

Abstract

THE xanthophylls from dehydrated alfalfa meal as measured by the new Western Regional Research Laboratory (W.R.R.L.) analytical procedure include lutein, zeazanthin, cryptoxanthin, neoxanthin, violaxanthin, carotenoid oxidation products, and various cis isomers of these (Kohler et al., 1967). Lutein, zeaxanthin, and cryptoxanthin have been reported to be good skin pigmenters while indications are the polyoxycarotenoids are relatively poor skin pigmenters (Quackenbush et al., 1965; Kuzmicky et al., 1968). Violaxanthin has been reported to be ineffective as a yolk pigmenter (Marusich et al., 1960). However, the effectiveness of violaxanthin and neoxanthin as skin pigmenters has not been established. This study was undertaken to determine the relative skin pigmentation potency (R.S.P.P.) of pure all-trans neoxanthin and all-trans violaxanthin relative to pure all-trans lutein. GENERAL PROCEDURE1 For the two experiments conducted in this study, day-old Cornish-White Rock type cross-bred cockerels (Kimber) were depleted of pigment on a 22% protein soy-starch ration (Table 1) for…