The influence of diet and coccidiosis upon the xanthophyll pigmentation of chicks

Author

Robert Paul Mitchell Jr.

Date of Award

6-1961

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Animal Husbandry

Major Professor

J. K. Bletner

Committee Members

O. G. Hall, R. L. Tugwell, O. E. Goff

Abstract

During the past two decades processors, feed manufacturers, producers and, in some instances, consumers have placed great emphasis on large amounts of yellow pigment in the skin of broilers. The processors have demanded deep-yellow pigmented broilers as they often associate lack of pigmentation with poor health and finish. Often processors either refuse to purchase broilers possessing poor pigmentation or buy them at a reduced price. Despite the emphasis placed on broilers having deep yellow pigmented shanks and skin, only a relatively small amount of research has been reported dealing with broiler pigmentation. Reports regarding this research are quite conflicting. In addition, reports based upon field observations and opinions, lacking proper comparisons, have led to further confusion.

Poultry researchers at the University of Tennessee Agricultural Experiment Station have noted that birds fed diets containing adequate amounts of xanthophyll often lose pigment during the last three to four weeks of the growing period. Poultry servicemen bringing chickens to the University of Tennessee's Poultry Service Laboratory have made similar reports.

Due to the conflicting, incomplete reports and to the problem encountered by the research workers of the Poultry Department, University of Tennessee, experiments were designed to: (1) determine the amount of xanthophyll required to give desirable pigmentation in broilers, (2) determine the length of time and amount of xanthophyll that must be fed to obtain desirable pigmentation after chicks have been depleted of pigment, (3) determine the effect of inoculating chicks with low levels of sporulated Eimeria maxima oocysts upon broiler pigmentation, (4) determine the effect certain feed additives, such as antioxidants and xanthophyll concentrates, might have upon pigmentation of broilers inoculated with low levels of Eimeria maxima, and (5) determine the effects of certain coccidiostats on the pigmentation of floor grown broilers.

Recommended Citation

Mitchell, Robert Paul Jr., "The influence of diet and coccidiosis upon the xanthophyll pigmentation of chicks. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 1961.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/8698