Some Factors Affecting the Stability of Carotene in Mixed Feeds

The instability of carotene has been a matter of concern in the feeding industry for a number of years. Since green plant preparations such as alfalfa meal are among the most economical sources of provitamin A, they have received the most attention in carotene storage loss studies. Rather effective methods have been developed to reduce carotene losses in such products during their storage. However, carotene stability in mixed feeds or practical diets, an important phase of the problem, has received little attention until recently. Sources other than dehydrated plant products are also used as carotene additives, and investigations should include these. The experiments reported here were directed toward obtaining information about the stability of carotene added in several forms and amounts to mixed diets designed primarily for young poultry