Natural pigments in Japanese quails fed with whole rice.

A trial was conducted to evaluate the inclusion of natural pigments, alfalfa meal (FA), annatto (U) and sugar beet (B) in a diet based on peeled and unpolished whole rice and soybean meal. A total of 100 70-day-old Japanese quails were used. Treatments were T1: control diet (peeled and unpolished whole rice in full replacement of corn); T2: T1 + 4% FA; T3: T1 + 8% FA; T4: T1 + 12% FA; T5: T1 + 4% U; T6: T1 + 8% U; T7: T1 + 12% U; T8: T1 + 4% B; T9: T1 + 8% B; and T10: T1 + 12% B. After 15 days of trial yolk colour was measured with a colorimeter. Alfalfa meal decreased brightness and the colour ranged from green to yellowish. Additionally, colour saturation was augmented with increased levels of alfalfa meal in the diets (P 0.05). Alfalfa meal and annatto may be used as natural pigments to Japanese quails diets based on peeled and unpolished whole rice up to the level of 12% inclusion.