Carotenoids - Feed Ingredient

Carotenoids are bioactive pigments primarily responsible for the characteristic colors—ranging from yellow to red—in many fruits, vegetables, and flowers. They are extracted and concentrated from natural sources such as carrots, marigold petals, or tomatoes through controlled processing methods that yield a consistent formulation. The distinctive structure of conjugated double bonds underlies their antioxidant properties and their role as precursors to vitamin A.

In equine nutrition, carotenoids are incorporated as functional feed additives rather than primary nutrient sources. Their inclusion is designed to serve as a natural colorant and to contribute to the overall antioxidant profile in feed formulations, ensuring uniformity and consistency in the appearance and composition of diets.