Use of Dried Carrot Meal (DCM) in Laying Hen Diet for Egg Yolk Pigmentation

Abstract

Dried carrot meal (DCM) prepared from fresh carrot was found to be a good source of xanthophyll (54 mg/kg) and morderate source of protein (188.3 g/kg) and energy (2,510 kcal/kg) with low level of fibre (80 g/ kg). DM, EE and NFE content of DCM were 895, 35 and 661.7 g/kg respectively. The ingredient was used in laying hen diet to evaluate its pigmenting value for egg yolk. Thirty-two laying hens from Starcross strain were divided into four groups and fed four different diets: a control diet containing 62% ground wheat, a corn-based diet (50% ground yellow corn), control + 4% DCM and control + 8% DCM. Use of DCM at 8% level in layer mash significantly improved yolk colour at 3rd, 6th and 9th week of supplementation in comparison with wheat-based control diet. This improvement was statististically similar to that obtained from yellow corn-based diet. DCM at 4% level also improved yolk colour score. Wheat-based diet significantly increased feed consumption compared to yellow corn and diet supplied with 8% DCM. Body weight gain, egg production, feed conversion were not significantly affected due to dietary addition of DCM and no mortality was observed during 63-day experimental period. Further works on DCM are suggested.