Influence of source and physical form of xanthophyll pigment on broiler pigmentation and performance.

Two experiments were conducted using 21-day-old, commercial-strain broilers to determine the effect of various commercial pigmentation products on pigmentation and bird performance. Birds received finisher/withdrawal diets that included 8% corn gluten meal or either a 2.5 or 5.0% substitution of gluten meal with Liquid OroGlo5, Dry Oroglo10, or Cromophyl-oro. When birds were slaughtered at either 48 or 51 days of age there were no differences in the birds' breast skin hue (dominant wavelength) or brightness (luminosity). Data indicated similar levels of pigmentation among birds in all treatments. Color intensity (excitation purity) values of shank and breast skin samples suggested that the liquid form of OroGlo was more effective than the dry form in pigmenting broiler skin when both forms were fed at equal calculated levels. Data indicated that actual xanthophyll intake was higher when the liquid source was fed. Body weight gain and feed efficiency among the treatments, in general, indicated that commercial pigment sources can be substituted for corn gluten meal without appreciably altering broiler performance.