Description of the physical characteristics of the eggs from creole hens and commercial eggs : Description of the egg from creole hens and commercial eggs

Abstract

Objective: Compare the external and internal physical characteristics and the yolk color of the blue, white and brown eggs from creoles hens and the white and brown eggs from specialized hens.

Design/methodology/approach: Eggs from native hens were collected in traditional markets in the Valle del Mezquital, Hidalgo, Mexico. The shell colors were blue (n=100), white (n=100), brown (n=100). In commercial stores, white (n=100) and brown (n=100) shell eggs were purchased. No blue shell eggs were found in these stores. The variables evaluated were egg weight, area, volume, shape index, length and width, weight of white and yolk. The color intensity of the yolk was evaluated with the DSM fan of color.

Results: The blue egg in this study had (P<0.05) the highest weight (61 vs 53 ±0.66 g), area (72 vs 65±0.67 cm2) and volume (56 vs 48±0.60 cm3) compared to the white Creole egg. The brown Creole, white and commercial brown eggs had similar shape index (78, 79 and 77 ± 0.65%). The egg length was similar, no significant effects were found (P>0.05), however, the white Creole egg had the smallest egg width compared to the other types of eggs. The blue egg had the highest egg white weight and the white Creole egg the lowest compared to the other types of eggs (36 vs 30 ±0.51 g). The blue, white and commercial brown eggs had similar yolk weight (19, 18 and 18 ±0.52 g). The commercial white and brown eggs had the highest color intensity in the yolk (10.3 and 11.3 ±0.15 DSM range), the Creole white egg had the least colorful yolk (7.4 ±0.15 DSM range).

Limitations on study/implications: Backyard poultry farming in the State of Hidalgo is being limited by the loss of rural areas and native hens are being displaced by commercial strains.

Findings/conclusions: The blue egg from backyard hens is larger than the commercial egg, while the white Creole egg was the smallest, however, this characteristic does not affect its nutritional quality. The white and brown commercial eggs had the greatest color intensity in the yolk, the color of the yolk is due to the carotenoids present in the yolk and are beneficial for human health.

Keywords: Creole hens, commercial eggs, blue shell, physical characteristics, yolk color.