Additives to Improve Consumer Acceptance of a Product
Production agriculture aims to produce safe, wholesome, cost-effective
food products for the consumer. To maintain consumer demand for food products,
it is essential for producers to provide a product acceptable to the consumer.
Inclusion of feed additives in the animal ration is one method to improve
the consumer acceptance of food products.
Xanthophylls are added to poultry rations. Xanthophylls are added to the
ration to increase the intensity of yellow pigmentation in the eggs and
skins of poultry. Data does not support the addition of xanthophylls or
the increased yellow pigmentation increases the nutritional value of the
product, however, in general, consumers prefer egg yolks and poultry skin
with a more intense pigmentation. Natural sources of xanthophylls include
green plants, yellow corn, and other yellow to red pigmented plant materials.
Marigold petal meal is one of the richest, natural sources of xanthophylls.
Dried algae are also a source of xanthophylls. Various synthetic sources
are also available and added to poultry rations.
In addition to these products, extensive research is being conducted to
develop feed additives to improve consumer acceptance and market value
of animal products. Research and development spans a broad range of topics.
One area of study is research aimed at increasing the content of anticarcinogens
in animal products.
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