Canthaxanthin pigment does not maintain color in carmine bee-eaters
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
1996 |
Authors: |
Ellen S. Dierenfeld, Christine D. Sheppard |
Publication/Journal: |
Zoo Biology |
Publisher: |
A Wiley Company, Inc., Wiley Subscription Services |
Keywords: |
avian physiology, carotenoids, pigmentation |
ISBN: |
1098-2361 |
Abstract:
Abstract 10.1002/(SICI)1098-2361(1996)15:2<183::AID-ZOO8>3.3.CO;2-C Carmine bee-eaters (Merops nubicus) in captivity lost feather color when fed diets supplemented with canthaxanthin (23 mg/kg dry matter), a pigment and concentration known to maintain adequate color in numerous other bird species. Supplementation of whole insects with natural mixed carotenoids including α- and β-carotene, zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin, and lutein resulted in a quantifiable change in feather color in this species. Positive identification of feather pigments and elucidation of metabolic pathways of color production in bee-eaters remain to be completed; initial data suggest α-carotene or derivatives as primary pigments or precursors in this species. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.