Effects of Astaxanthin-rich Dried Cell Powder from <i>Paracoccus carotinifaciens</i> (Panaferd<sup>®</sup>-AX) on Fatty Acid Composition, Carotenoids, Free Amino Acids, and Imidazole Dipeptides in Broiler Chickens

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementation with Panaferd^®-AX, an astaxanthin-rich dried cell powder obtained from the carotenoid-producing bacterium <i>Paracoccus carotinifaciens</i>, on the muscle concentration of carotenoids, fatty acids, free amino acids, and imidazole dipeptides in broiler chickens. Thirty male broiler chickens (Ross 308) were allocated to three groups at 14 days of age. Until 28 days of age, the control group was fed a basal diet; whereas the two test groups were fed a basal diet supplemented with Panaferd^®-AX at 0.025% or 0.15%, corresponding to 5 ppm or 30 ppm astaxanthin, respectively. At the end of the experiment, body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion rate, and tissue weight did not differ between the groups. Feeding Panaferd^®-AX increased muscle astaxanthin, as well as plasma zeaxanthin, and lutein concentrations, but did not affect fatty acid composition. In the pectoralis major muscle, it decreased lipid peroxidation and drip loss; while increasing carnosine content. In summary, Panaferd^®-AX increased muscle antioxidant content (i.e., carotenoids and carnosine), which consequently reduced lipid peroxidation and drip loss in the skeletal muscle of broiler chickens.