Title
Canthaxanthin pigment does not maintain color in carmine bee-eaters
Author(s)
Dierenfeld E.S., Sheppard C.D.
Published
1996
Publisher
Zoo Biology
Abstract
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 a-and ß-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 a-carotene or derivatives as primary pigments or precursors in this species. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Access Full Text

A full-text copy of this article may be available. Please email the WCS Library to request.



Back

PUB12954