DSM Nutritional Products’ CAROPHYLL Red 10%, a key ingredient in MaxiChick, has been officially recognized by the European Union (EU) as a zootechnical additive.
As the first ever European approval for a canthaxanthin product, this exclusive authorization validates the beneficial effects of the carotenoid supplement on the reproductive performance of breeding hens.
Used successfully as a pigmenting feed for more than 40 years, this approval marks a significant milestone in recognizing the hatchability and fertility benefits of canthaxanthin. The EU’s zootechnical use of canthaxanthin is exclusive to CAROPHYLL Red 10%.
Preceded by a positive scientific assessment from the European Food Safety Authority and a European patent in 2013, this European holder-specific endorsement is the successful end result of DSM’s comprehensive research and development and registration process.
Catherine Hamelin, European category manager carotenoids at DSM, said: “We are excited about this EU breakthrough authorization. By achieving this approval, DSM has once again demonstrated its position at the forefront of innovating in animal nutrition.
“Canthaxanthin is well recognized to fulfill a number of important biological functions in wild and domestic birds during embryo development. Now officially recognized as a zootechnical additive, CAROPHYLL Red 10% delivers clear benefits to customers in enhancing the reproductive performance of their breeding hens, particularly in conjunction with vitamin D3. This is particularly significant, as our MaxiChick solution has been demonstrated in scientific studies and field tests to produce three more chicks per housed hen and deliver an ROI of 4 to 1.”