Effects of canthaxanthin supplementation in the ROSS breeder diet on oxidative stress of chicks

A field trial was run with the objective to determine the effect of 6 ppm canthaxanthin in ROSS breeders feed (throught supplementation with 60 ppm CAROPHYLL® Red) on the anti-oxidant status of their progeny. The 1 day chicks have very variable antioxidant status and could partly explain differences on their performances. The canthaxanthin is a carotenoid studied for its antioxidant activity. Two experimental batches (2 X 9000 breeders) on the same site of breeding of a hatchery were integrated into the test. The experimental ROSS PM3 Yellow breeders received the canthaxanthin during 12 weeks, from 27 to 38 weeks of age. The feed was heat treated, wheat, corn and soya meal based. Blood samples were taken from 75 chicks resulting from breeders from each batch. The antioxidant status of sera of 1-day chicks were significantly higher and the TBARS level significantly lower with 6 ppm canthaxanthin in the breeder feed. These results indicated that maternal supplementation with canthaxanthin (6ppm) enhances antioxidant capability and depresses oxidative stress in chicks. _____________________________________________________________________________________