The present invention relates to the use canthaxanthin and/or 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OH D3) for improvingbreeder hatchability and fertility and for lowering embryo mortality inpoultry. More particularly, the invention relates to the useof Canthaxanthin and/or 25-hydroxy canthaxanthin in the manufacture of a foodor veterinary composition for improving hatchabilityin poultry.