Flesh Pigmentation Research Articles

Effect of coccidiosis on pigmentation in broilers.

Synopsis Broiler chicks were fed on a high energy, commercial‐type ration with 20 g oxycarotenoids/ton1 for 5 weeks. They were then transferred to two finisher rations: one with 20 g oxycarotenoids from the ingredients plus 3 g canthaxanthin/ton; the other containing 26 g oxycarotenoids/ton derived solely from the ingredients. Three replicated groups fed on each finisher ration were inoculated daily for 5 d with either 6000 sporulated oocysts of E. maxima, 30,000 sporulated oocysts of E. acervulina or no coccidial oocysts. The resultant mild infections caused reduced growth and impaired food conversion irrespective of the ration fed. Pigmentation, based on shank visual scores, plasma and toe‐web total carotenoid concentrations, was adversely affected in all infected groups. Groups fed canthaxanthin had higher visual scores than comparable groups not so supplemented; however, the presence of coccidiosis depressed flesh pigmentation proportionately in both groups judged by several pigmentation parameters. E. acervulina infection was as deleterious to the broiler as E. maxima, based on these criteria.

Blossom Colour and Carotenoid Content of Crimson Tomatoes

A direct link was found to exist between the total carotenoid content of ripe crimson tomatoes and the blossom colour. Plants with darker flower corollas produced fruit with a markedly higher total carotenoid content with values of 76, 111 and 125μ/g/g of fresh weight respectively for yellow, orange and brown flowered types. As is typical for crimson lines, the β-carotene content was depressed, ranging from 1.6 to 2.2 μg/g and resulting in higher total carotenoid to β-carotene (TC/C) ratios. The darker blossoms in crimson gene lines are therefore a useful aid for the selection of tomato lines with a potential for more intense fruit flesh pigmentation and hence, a better raw material for processed products.

Indirect Pigmentation of Salmon and Trout Flesh with Canthaxanthin

The indirect pigmentation of the flesh of juvenile pink salmon and juvenile cutthroat and rainbow trout was achieved by incorporating the carotenoid pigment canthaxanthin with the wet food. Diets containing 190 and 450 mg of canthaxanthin per kilogram of food were fed for periods ranging from 7 to 31 weeks. When the pigmented flesh of the rainbow trout was canned and processed, the product had the appearance of processed coho salmon. Limited colour measurements indicated that the induced pigmentation may be more stable to heat processing than the natural pigmentation of coho salmon.

Increasing Flesh Pigmentation in Growing Chickens

The pigmentation-stimulatory effect of achiote seed and canthaxanthin, singly, was studied in growing chickens, at least 5 weeks of age, fed a ration supplemented with achiote seed. They had a brighter beak, shank, and skin coloration than that shown by the corresponding parts of control chickens. When the chicken carcass was studied for a further degree of pigmentation as between the achiote-fed and the control birds it was observed that the fat deposits and fat deposition around the gizzard, vent, and intestines had more vivid pigmentation in the achiote-fed than in the control chickens. At the level used, canthaxanthin, a commercial xanthophyll preparation, was more effective in enhancing pigmentation in growing chickens than achiote seed. Deep-yellow to orange coloration of the chicken carcass was observed, and at an earlier time, in contrast to bright-yellow pigmentation in the achiote group which occurred later. Most housewives prefer broilers with a uniform bright-yellow pigmentation. This finding has a potential commercial significance in Puerto Rico and areas where achiote is grown.

11-KETOTESTOSTERONE: AN ANDROGEN FOR SOCKEYE SALMON

11-Ketotesterone, a hormone in the blood of sockeye salmon, has been shown to have androgenic activity for this species. It influences skin thickness and coloration, flesh pigmentation, and spermatogenesis in the male. The effect of 11-ketotestosterone is not so pronounced in the female but it influences both skin thickness and coloration. Estradiol increased the mass of the female gonads.