Diets were prepared in batches and stored in black
plastic containers at 4 1C to protect against photooxidation.
Food cups containing the diet were protected
against light and were changed every 3 days. Lycopene in
the diet was found to be stable during this time period. The
birds were fed a starter diet until 21 day of age followed by
a finishing diet from day 21 to day 42. The diets and fresh
water were offered ad libitum consumption. Light was
provided continuously (24 h) throughout the experiment.
Ingredients and chemical composition of the basal diet