Experiments with Tranquilizers and Sedatives in Broiler Production

Oxycarotenoids in Poultry Feeds

“…It has local geographic utility for the poultry egg and broiler industry, as indicated by a number of trials (206). Results obtained with these products for both broiler and yolk pigmentation have not been particularly satisfactory (87,146,172,211,251,262,289,290,388,583,606,665,777,877). The greater use of Bermuda grass in layer rations than in broiler rations is predicated on the layer's lower requirement for energy and amino acids and greater tolerance of fiber.…”

“…Another very effective antioxidant, diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine (DPPD), is not currently permitted in commercial feeds but was extensively tested in the past in research trials. Fritz et al (290) reported equivalence for BHT and DPPD. Thus, the reason for including an antioxidant in the ration of broilers and layers is that it will reduce the rate of oxidative destruction of these unsaturated molecules including unsaturated fats during feed or ingredient storage and possibly in the gastrointestinal tract following ingestion.…”

“…As with egg yolk pigmentation, the intensity of broiler skin and shank pigmenta tion is determined primarily by the level of oxycarotenoids present in the ration, as cited by Palmer (620), Heiman and Tighe (384), Fritz et al (290), Goodwin (325), and Fritz and Wharton (289). The oxycarotenoids are also rapidly deposited in the breast skin and shanks of birds; increases in color intensity can be seen after 5 days of feeding, as noted by Heiman and Tighe (384).…”

“…Market-weight broilers with uniformly well pigmented skin and shanks are gen erally preferred by consumers as indicated by numerous studies (7,32,36,57,67,772,742,181,182,265,290,352,375,381,386,581,582,596,661,875). Lambert and Knox (488) reported a close relationship between the intensity of yellow skin and shank coloration.…”

“…Wilgus (867), Potter et al (646) and Fritz et al (290) obtained improvement in broiler pigmentation with DPPD included in the ration. In the United States ethoxyquin or l,2-dihydro-6-ethoxy-2,2,4-trimethlquinoline (EMQ), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), or butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is used, with primary emphasis on EMQ.…”