Natural and synthetic pigments in sorghum-based diets for laying hens

The objective of this work was to evaluate the supplementation of yellow natural pigment levels based on Marigold Flower extract (2%) and yellow synthetic pigment (Carophyll Yellow 10%) in sorghum-based rations for commercial laying hens and their influence on bird performance and egg quality. A completely randomized design was adopted with 5 treatments, 6 replicates, and 5 laying hens in each repetition. The treatments evaluated were: Sorghum based diet without supplementation with pigmentant - Negative Control; 150 g t-1 of Yellow Natural Pigment feed; 300 g t-1 of yellow natural pigment feed; 450 g t-1 of yellow natural pigment feed; 25 g t-1 of yellow industrial pigment feed. The Tukey test was applied at 5% for the analysis of the variables of performance and quality of the eggs. The variables related to external and internal egg quality and poultry yield performance did not present significant results (p > 0.05). Only the variable color of the yolk obtained significance (p < 0.01), with an increase according to the number of pigments included in the diet. Sorghum can be used together supplementation of natural and synthetic pigments in the diet to improve yolk pigmentation. It is recommended to include 450g t-1 of natural marigold flower pigment feed (2%) in sorghum-based diets for better pigmentation of the yolk in place of 25 g t-1 of yellow synthetic pigmented, by improving the color of the yolk and not interfering in the productive performance of the laying hens and the quality of the eggs.