Applications of astaxanthin in animal health

Astaxanthin, a xanthophyll carotenoid, possesses potent antioxidant and pigmentation properties. It is widely applied in feed, food, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, with a notable role in animal nutrition. In livestock and poultry, astaxanthin supplementation improves heat stress tolerance, reproductive performance, feed efficiency, and pigmentation. Notably, it enhances body weight gain in heifers and milk production in buffaloes under thermal stress. In bovine reproduction, it protects embryos and oocytes from heat-induced damage, supporting developmental competence. In poultry, astaxanthin improves feed intake, yolk pigmentation, and overall health, although optimal dosing regimens remain under investigation. In aquaculture, it enhances pigmentation, antioxidant status, immune response, and disease resistance across species such as rainbow trout, discus fish, black tiger prawns, and olive flounder. Collectively, these effects highlight astaxanthin’s potential as a multifunctional additive for enhancing animal health, performance, and resilience, supporting its integration into advanced animal nutrition programs.