Professional paper
LUTEIN IN HENS NUTRITION
Goran Kerep
Zoran Škrtić
Gordana Kralik
Zlata Kralik
Ivan Križek
Manuela Grčević
Abstract
This paper describes lutein, its effect on human health, the content in mixtures for laying hens and the possibility of increasing its content in egg yolk. Lutein belongs to group of carotenoids and subgroup of xanthophylls. It differs from carotene in that it contains oxygen in the chain of carbon atoms. Positive effects of lutein on human health are well known (eyesight preservation and prevention of various
forms of tumors). Because of its strong antioxidant effect lutein is very desirable in human diet. In poultry production, lutein has been primarily used as a natural pigment to ensure yellow color of egg yolk and broiler skin. Orange color of egg yolk is a result of the presence of other carotenoids. Many scientific articles indicate the possibilities of increase of lutein content in egg yolk. Negative consequences of
large doses of lutein in poultry feed include negative effect on accumulation of desirable n-3 fatty acids and some vitamins in meat and eggs as well as poor conversion from feed into the yolk. Maximum recommended dose is 250 mg of lutein per kg of feed. Any higher dose doesn’t have a significant effect on lutein content in egg yolk. Consumption of eggs with higher lutein content would have a positive effect on human health and production of these eggs would also ensure a higher profit for egg producers.
Keywords
lutein; carotenoids; egg; yolk
Hrčak ID:
103783
URI
Publication date:
3.6.2013.
Visits: 1.653 *