Abstract

CARRANCO-JAUREGUI, María Elena et al. Tithonia diversifolia meal in diets for first-cycle laying hens and its effect on egg yolk color. Rev. mex. de cienc. pecuarias [online]. 2020, vol.11, n.2, pp.355-368.  Epub Oct 23, 2020. ISSN 2448-6698.  https://doi.org/10.22319/rmcp.v11i2.5090.

Consumers in Mexico expect egg yolks to have a certain color. Attaining this color in intensive production systems requires addition of natural pigments to laying hen diets. Feed is the largest input cost in egg production and added pigments increase costs. Use of alternative natural pigment sources, such as tree marigold Tithonia diversifolia, can help to control costs. An evaluation was done of how addition of T. diversifolia meal (TDM), as a yellow pigment source, to diets for first-cycle laying hens affected productive variables and egg yolk color. Over a six-week experimental period meal made from T. diversifolia leaves and petioles was added to poultry diets at four percentages (1.77, 5, 10 and 15 %). A total of 240 chickens were distributed in five treatments (Control, and 1.77 %, 5 %, 1 0% and 15 % TDM) tested in two trials: Trial 1 (weeks 1-3), no red pigment added; Trial 2 (weeks 4-6), red pigment added. Measured variables were laying percentage, egg weight and mass, and feed intake and conversion. At the end of each trial, 20 eggs/treatment were collected for quantification of xanthophylls by HPLC, and measurement of yolk color based on DSM fan colors and reflectance colorimetry. The design was completely random and differences between means were identified with a Tukey test. Egg weight and feed conversion did not differ between treatments (P>0.05). Laying percentage and egg mass in the 10 and 15% TDM treatments, and feed intake in the 15% TDM treatment were lower than in the Control (P<0.05). Yolk color was most intense in the 10 and 15% TDM treatments in both trials. Tithonia diversifolia meal is a promising alternative natural source of yellow pigment in laying hen diets at up to a 10% inclusion level, and does not affect productive variables.

Keywords : Tithonia diversifolia; Laying hens; Eggs; Productive variables; Pigment.

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