European patent for DSM’s breeder productivity booster

Canthaxanthin is a nature-identical carotenoid which is produced by DSM. Its use in MaxiChick – DSM’s patented solution for boosting the productivity of breeder flocks – has likewise been granted in Brazil, China, Switzerland, Australia and Mexico.

The European Patent Office has confirmed DSM’s patent on the use of canthaxanthin and/or at least one vitamin D metabolite – preferably 25-hydroxy-vitamin D₃ (25-OH) D₃ – for improving breeder hatchability and fertility and for lowering embryo mortality in poultry. Key to this is the enhancement of the antioxidant capacities of the egg.

Carotenoids in the egg-yolk help neutralize harmful oxidative particles in the egg. These develop during the formation of the embryo and cause oxidation of the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the egg. Neutralising the effects of these particles boosts the egg’s antioxidant capacity, thus enhancing the survival chances of the embryo.

Breeder farmers have to manage many different variables in the diet in order to maximise the productivity of their flocks. Under the leadership of Dr Gilbert Weber, a group of DSM scientists investigated whether the addition of canthaxanthin to the diet might help. Their research showed that adding canthaxanthin does indeed improve egg hatchability, leading to increased breeder flock productivity. Substantiated by further university and field studies, these findings led to the development of DSM’s MaxiChick offering.

MaxiChick combines the antioxidant properties of canthaxanthin with the calcium-mediating action of Hy-D, DSM’s specific vitamin D₃ metabolite. Hy-D supports better transfer of calcium from the shell to the embryo, strengthening the embryo’s skeleton while improving the hatching process.