R. Bras. Zootec.08/Jul/2026;55:e20250108.
Performance, quality, and oxidative stability during storage of eggs from white laying hens fed diets supplemented with carotenoids
Patrícia Gomes Santana
, Elis Regina de Moraes Garcia
, Gislaine da Cunha de Andrade
, André Luiz Julien Ferraz
, Andréia Fróes Galuci Oliveira de Souza
, Evilásio Pontes de Melo
, Charles Kiefer
ABSTRACT
The aim of the study was to evaluate the inclusion of carotenoids in the diet of layers on the production performance, quality and oxidative stability of eggs during storage. A total of 240 Dekalb White laying hens, 76 weeks of age, were used. The hens were allocated in completely randomized design with eight diets (control diet (CD); astaxanthin (AXT), 10 mg kg⁻1; lutein (LUT), 10 mg kg⁻1; lycopene (LYC), 10 mg kg⁻1; AXT + LUT, 10 mg kg⁻1 each; AXT + LYC, 10 mg kg⁻1 each; LUT + LYC, 10 mg kg⁻1 each; and AXT + LUT + LYC, 10 mg kg⁻1 each), five replicates, and six birds per experimental unit. Egg quality and oxidative stability were evaluated using a randomized 8 × 3 factorial design (diets × storage period: fresh, 15, and 30 days) with repeated measures. Eggs were stored either at room temperature (RT, 25 °C) or under refrigeration (RF, 8 °C) for the evaluation of egg quality and lipid stability. Dietary supplementation with astaxanthin (AXT; 10 mg kg⁻1), lutein (LUT; 10 mg kg⁻1), and lycopene (LYC; 10 mg kg⁻1), either individually or in combination, did not affect the zootechnical performance or overall egg quality of laying hens. However, AXT supplementation improves the oxidative stability of eggs compared with LYC, suggesting a greater protective effect against oxidative deterioration. Combined supplementation with AXT + LUT, AXT + LYC, and LUT + LYC enhances yolk pigmentation, whereas the simultaneous inclusion of all three carotenoids reduces pigmentation intensity. Regardless of dietary treatment, egg storage for up to 30 days at room temperature (25 °C) or under refrigeration (8 °C) negatively affects the internal quality of eggs.
Keywords: astaxanthin; color; lutein; lycopene; storage