The role of carotenoids in culture

Carotenoids are the most widely distributed pigments in nature, with more than 600 species. At present, there are mainly 6 kinds of synthetic carotenoids commercially produced: β-carotene, β-Apor-8-carotenal, keraxanthin (cantharidin), β-Apor-8-carotene ethyl ester, citrine, astaxanthin, lycopene, etc.

Carotenoids have the following functions in animals:

To produce vitamin A, there are more than 600 kinds of Hu 1 radaphane in nature, more than 38 to 50 kinds can form vitamin A. In theory, beta-carotene can be split into two molecules of vitamin A. Enhancing animal reproduction, carotenoids are physiological antioxidants that prevent lipid peroxidation and thus protect steroid-producing cells in follicles and uterus from oxidative damage. Carotenoids, on the other hand, may regulate nuclear activity in target tissues. John et al. (1993) reported that injecting beta carotene into sows increased conception rate by 12.5% and number of live piglets by 12.3%. Tian Yunbo (1991) found that β-carotene affected the semen quality of bulls, and the level of β-carotene in blood was closely related to the reproductive performance of bulls. The high level of β-carotene in blood would lead to the vigorous reproductive function, and the lowest level would lead to early embryo death, non-estrus, reduced conception rate and underbirth.

Cantharidin is a chemically synthesized carotenoid, which has the same biological function as most natural carotenoids, especially in the coloring effect and antioxidant capacity. It is used to increase the skin, shin and yolk color of poultry, and improve the commerciality of chicken and eggs [1].

Surai et al. showed that cantharidin is a very effective fat soluble antioxidant, which can increase the color of egg yolk and prevent the oxidation of egg yolk lipid.

Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring red carotenoid pigment found primarily in crustaceans (such as crabs, crayfish, lobsters, and krill, among others), salmon meat, and other Marine life and microorganisms, including microalgae. Fish, like other animals, lack the ability to synthesize astaxanthin de novo and must obtain it from food. Wild fish obtain astaxanthin from captured prey, while farmed fish obtain it from bait [2]. Astaxanthin is the most commonly used pigment in aquaculture. It mainly has the following functions: as the colorant of aquatic animals, improve the body color of aquatic animals; Reduce the body fat of aquatic animals, improve the meat quality of aquatic products; Improve the utilization rate of feed and weight gain in aquaculture; Enhance the immunity of aquatic animals, reduce the incidence, improve the survival rate of aquaculture; To improve the fecundity of aquatic animals and the hatching rate of fish, astaxanthin can be used as a hormone to promote the fertilization of fish eggs, reduce the mortality of embryos, and increase the maturity rate and fecundity [3].

At present, the application of carrot in breeding has made some achievements. It is believed that with the development of the current breeding industry towards a more scientific direction, its application in animal breeding will be more extensive.