Abstract
This study was planned to bio-fortify hen eggs with natural and synthetic apo-ester and canthanxanthin and evaluate physio-chemical quality parameters. Seventy-two laying hens were allocated into two main groups for eighteen natural and synthetic carotenoids fortified different diets. They were weighed and placed into cages to feed diet fortified with apo-ester and canthanxanthin for 44 days. The results showed a significant effect of natural canthaxanthin and apo-ester on egg breadth, albumin height, yolk color, yolk diameter, yolk index, and haugh units. The effect of natural apo-ester on egg length, yolk color, yolk diameter, yolk index and haugh units is also significant. Combination of natural-canthanxanthin and apo-ester significantly affects yolk color, yolk height, yolk diameter, shape index, yolk index and haugh units. A significant effect of synthetic canthaxanthin on egg breadth, shell thickness, albumin height, yolk color, yolk height, yolk diameter, yolk index, and haugh units was noted. The effect of synthetic apo-ester pigments on yolk color, yolk height, yolk diameter, yolk index and haugh unite were also significant. Synthetic canthanxanthin and apo-ester significantly affect shell thickness, yolk color, yolk height, yolk diameter, shape index, and haugh units. Thus, carotenoid feeding can significantly improve the quality parameters of eggs
Keywords:
egg; biofortification; canthaxanthin; apo-ester; egg quality