Sikder et al., 1988. Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci., 11 (3): 239-244

Dried carrot meal (DCM) prepared from fresh carrot was found to be a good source of xanthophyll (54 mg/kg) and moderate source of protein (188.3 g/kg) and energy (2510 kcal/kg) with low level of fibre (80 g/kg). DM, ether extract and nitrogen-free extract content of DCM were 895, 35 and 661.7 g/kg, respectively. 32 laying hens, Starcross strain, were divided into 4 groups and fed 4 different diets: a control diet containing 62% ground wheat, a maize-based diet (50% ground yellow maize), control + 4% DCM, and control + 8% DCM. Use of DCM at 8% significantly improved yolk colour at weeks 3, 6 and 9 of supplementation compared with wheat-based control diet. This improvement was similar to that obtained from yellow maize-based diet. DCM at 4% also improved yolk colour score. Wheat-based diet significantly increased feed consumption compared with yellow maize and diet supplied with 8% DCM. Body weight gain, egg production, feed conversion were not significantly affected due to dietary addition of DCM and no mortality was observed during the 63-day experimental period.