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Beta‐Cryptoxanthin biofortified maize increases beta‐cryptoxanthin concentration and enhances the color of chicken egg yolk

Lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids which do not supply vitamin A, are currently used as a component in chicken feed. We investigated the influence of biofortified maize on the provitamin A carotenoid concentration, provitamin A equivalents, and egg yolk color. Laying hens (n = 24) were divided into four groups (n = 6/group). After completing a 10‐d depletion using white maize, a 20‐d intervention with high β‐cryptoxanthin (βCX), high β‐carotene (βC), or yellow maize were compared with white maize as the control. Eggs were collected every other day and yolk samples were analyzed using a colorimeter and HPLC. Diet containing high βCX maize increased βCX concentration in yolk (0.55 ± 0.05 vs. 4.05 ± 0.52 nmol/g, p < 0.0001). βC did not change for either group on biofortified maize diet. The yellow maize diet also increased egg yolk βCX concentration (0.58 ± 0.09 vs. 0.99 ± 0.09 nmol/g, p = 0.001) and produced no change in βC. For the provitamin A equivalents, a measurable increase was only observed for the group fed βCX biofortified maize diet (0.89 ± 0.17 vs. 1.81 ± 0.16 ug/g, p < 0.001). The color scale (a, b) assessment of yolk showed a significant increase for the high βCX diet group on the “a” scale (p < 0.0001), denoting red‐green, and “b” scale (p < 0.01), denoting blue‐yellow. In conclusion, βCX biofortified maize elevated βCX concentration and vitamin A equivalency in egg yolk, and enhanced color. Supported by USDA Hatch WI