Study on the Value-added Egg by the Autumn Turmeric Feeding

Abstract

Influence of autumn turmeric or curcumin feeding on the color tone of egg yolk of laying hens was investigated. The egg weight, egg yolk weight, egg albumen weight and egg shell weight showed no difference between the feeding period and the control period. The autumn turmeric was produced and prepared for feeding at field science center of University of the Ryukyus. The curcumin in this study was provided by commercial company. In the period of autumn turmeric feeding, absorbance (430nm) of extract liquid of egg yolk and value of yolk color fun was higher than the control period (p<0.05). In the experiment of curcumin feeding, all measurements of egg showed no difference between the feeding period and the control period. In any feeding period, curcumin in the egg yolk was not detected. The result of this study suggested the feeding of autumn turmeric to laying hens improved the color tone of egg yolk.