A comparison of eggshell mineral composition between cage and free-range eggs via inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry
H. T. Dao
A B , R. A. Swick A , T. V. Nguyen C , P. W. Hunt D , B. C. Hine D , L. Lisle A and I. Ruhnke A E
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A School of Environmental and Rural Science, Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business and Law, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.
B Faculty of Animal Science, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Trau Quy Town, Gia Lam District, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam.
C Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Tay Nguyen University, 567 Le Duan, Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak, 63161, Vietnam.
D CSIRO F.D. McMaster Laboratory, New England Highway, Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia.
E Corresponding author. Email: iruhnke@une.edu.au
Animal Production Science 60(17) 2060-2067 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN19705
Submitted: 11 December 2019 Accepted: 12 June 2020 Published: 10 July 2020
Abstract
Context: In Australia and many other countries, free-range eggs can be sold at significantly higher prices than cage eggs. Mislabelling cage eggs as free-range eggs and vice versa has been documented, and has a significant impact on consumer trust and egg consumption. The development of methods to identify eggs produced from different production systems is necessary to satisfy consumer demand.
Aims: The objective of this study was to determine whether eggshell mineral composition could be used as a way to differentiate eggs originating from each production system. Our hypothesis was that birds with access to soil would have higher levels of trace minerals in shells.
Methods: Eggs were randomly collected from six commercial caged and six commercial free-range flocks in Australia. Twelve eggshell samples from each flock were analysed for mineral composition (Ca, P, Mg, Na, Al, B, Cu, Mn, Fe, K, S and Zn) by using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry.
Key results: The results showed that free-range eggshells contained significantly higher contents of macro-minerals (P, Mg and Na) but lower contents of micro-minerals (Cu, Fe, K, S and Mn) than the cage eggshells (P < 0.05). For all minerals measured, a high variability was noted within and between production systems.
Conclusions: Analysis of eggshell mineral composition may not be effective for determining the origin of eggs.
Implications: Systematic studies of the bird’s environment, including analysis of mineral composition in diets, pastures, soil and drinking water are required for comprehensive evaluation of the influences of production systems of laying hens on mineral composition of eggs and eggshells.
Additional keywords: poultry, egg shell quality, micronutrient.
References
AEL (2019) Annual Report 2018/19. Australian Eggs Ltd, Sydney. Available at https://www.australianeggs.org.au/who-we-are/annual-reports/#item-1058 [Verified 22 June 2020]Ahn DU, Kim SM, Shu H (1997) Effect of egg size and strain and age of hens on the solids content of chicken eggs. Poultry Science 76, 914–919.
| Effect of egg size and strain and age of hens on the solids content of chicken eggs.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 9181628PubMed |
Al-Harthi MA (2014) Sexual maturity and performance of pullets fed different preparations and concentrations of brown marine algae (Sargassum dentifebium) in pre-laying and early laying periods. Italian Journal of Animal Science 13, 3102
| Sexual maturity and performance of pullets fed different preparations and concentrations of brown marine algae (Sargassum dentifebium) in pre-laying and early laying periods.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Al-Obaidi FA, Mehdi BI, Al-Shadeedi SM (2012) Identification of inorganic elements in egg shell of some wild birds in Baghdad. Advances in Applied Science Research 3, 1454–1458.
Balnave D, Yoselewitz I (1987) The relation between sodium chloride concentration in drinking water and egg-shell damage. British Journal of Nutrition 58, 503–509.
| The relation between sodium chloride concentration in drinking water and egg-shell damage.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 3689749PubMed |
Balnave D, Zhang D (1993) Responses of laying hens on saline drinking water to dietary supplementation with various zinc compounds. Poultry Science 72, 603–606.
| Responses of laying hens on saline drinking water to dietary supplementation with various zinc compounds.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 8464801PubMed |
Balnave D, Zhang D (1998) Adverse responses in egg shell quality in late-lay resulting from short term use of saline drinking water in early- or mid-lay. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 49, 1161–1165.
| Adverse responses in egg shell quality in late-lay resulting from short term use of saline drinking water in early- or mid-lay.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Bargellini A, Marchesi I, Rizzi L, Cauteruccio L, Masironi R, Simioli M, Borella P (2008) Selenium interactions with essential and toxic elements in egg yolk from commercial and fortified eggs. Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology 22, 234–241.
| Selenium interactions with essential and toxic elements in egg yolk from commercial and fortified eggs.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 18755399PubMed |
Bologa M, Pop IM, Albu A (2013) Research on chemical composition of chicken egg from different systems of production (conventional and organic). Lucrări Ştiinţifice-Seria Zootehnie 59, 80–85.
Chubaka CE, Whiley H, Edwards JW, Ross KE (2018) Lead, zinc, copper, and cadmium content of water from south Australian rainwater tanks. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 15, 1551
| Lead, zinc, copper, and cadmium content of water from south Australian rainwater tanks.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
CSIRO (2008) Salinity factsheet. CSIRO Land and Water, Australia. Available at http://www.watersciencelab.com.au/assets/teacher_ref/SalinityFactsheet_CSIRO.pdf [Verified 25 June 2020]
enHealth (2010) Guidance on use of rainwater tanks. Department of Health, Australia, Canberra, ACT. Available at https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/0D71DB86E9DA7CF1CA257BF0001CBF2F/$File/enhealth-raintank.pdf [Verified 25 June 2020]
Giannenas I, Nisianakis P, Gavriil A, Kontopidis G, Kyriazakis I (2009) Trace mineral content of conventional, organic and courtyard eggs analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Food Chemistry 114, 706–711.
| Trace mineral content of conventional, organic and courtyard eggs analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Herkeľ R, Gálik B, Bíro D, Rolinec M, Šimko M, Juráček M, Arpášová H, Hanušovský O (2017) The effect of essential oils on quality and mineral composition of eggshell. Acta Fytotechnica et Zootechnica 20, 36–40.
| The effect of essential oils on quality and mineral composition of eggshell.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Huhtamaki (2019) The world of eggs. Huhtamaki, Espoo, Finland. Available at https://www.huhtamaki.com/globalassets/global/highlights/trends/huhtamaki_focus_report_the_world_of_eggs.pdf [Verified 28 June 2020]
Ketta M, Tůmová E (2016) Eggshell structure, measurements, and quality-affecting factors in laying hens: a review. Czech Journal of Animal Science 61, 299–309.
| Eggshell structure, measurements, and quality-affecting factors in laying hens: a review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Kücükyılmaz K, Bozkurt M (2017) Organic farming and mineral content of chicken eggs. In ‘Egg innovations and strategies for improvements’. (Ed. PY Hester) pp. 103–110. (Academic Press: London)
Kücükyılmaz K, Bozkurt M, Herken EN, Çınar M, Çatlı AU, Bintaş E, Çöven F (2012a) Effects of rearing systems on performance, egg characteristics and immune response in two layer hen genotype. Asian–Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences 25, 559–568.
| Effects of rearing systems on performance, egg characteristics and immune response in two layer hen genotype.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 25049597PubMed |
Kücükyılmaz K, Bozkurt M, Yamaner C, Çınar M, Çatlı AU, Konak R (2012b) Effect of an organic and conventional rearing system on the mineral content of hen eggs. Food Chemistry 132, 989–992.
| Effect of an organic and conventional rearing system on the mineral content of hen eggs.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Li X, Bryden WL, Zhang D (2016) Available phosphorus requirement of laying hens. Final Project Report. Australian Eggs Ltd, Sydney. Available at https://www.australianeggs.org.au/what-we-do/leading-research/available-phosphorus-requirement-of-laying-hens/ [Verified 22 June 2020]
Li X, Zhang D, Bryden WL (2017) Calcium and phosphorus nutrition of poultry: are modern diets formulated in excess? Animal Production Science 57, 2304–2310.
| Calcium and phosphorus nutrition of poultry: are modern diets formulated in excess?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Li-Chan ECY, Kim HO (2008) Structure and chemical composition of eggs. In ‘Egg bioscience and biotechnology’. (Ed. Y Mine) pp. 1–8. (Wiley-Interscience: Hoboken, NJ, USA)
Lichovníková M, Zeman AL (2008) Effect of housing system on the calcium requirement of laying hens and on eggshell quality. Czech Journal of Animal Science 53, 162–168.
| Effect of housing system on the calcium requirement of laying hens and on eggshell quality.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Lim HS, Namkung H, Paik IK (2003) Effects of phytase supplementation on the performance, egg quality, and phosphorous excretion of laying hens fed different levels of dietary calcium and nonphytate phosphorous. Poultry Science 82, 92–99.
| Effects of phytase supplementation on the performance, egg quality, and phosphorous excretion of laying hens fed different levels of dietary calcium and nonphytate phosphorous.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 12580249PubMed |
Liu N, Liu GH, Li FD, Sands JS, Zhang S, Zheng AJ, Ru YJ (2007) Efficacy of phytases on egg production and nutrient digestibility in layers fed reduced phosphorus diets. Poultry Science 86, 2337–2342.
| Efficacy of phytases on egg production and nutrient digestibility in layers fed reduced phosphorus diets.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 17954583PubMed |
Lokaewmanee K, Yamauchi KE, Komori T, Saito K (2014) Eggshell quality, eggshell structure and small intestinal histology in laying hens fed dietary Pantoea-6® and plant extracts. Italian Journal of Animal Science 13, 3163
| Eggshell quality, eggshell structure and small intestinal histology in laying hens fed dietary Pantoea-6® and plant extracts.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Martelli G (2009) Consumers’ perception of farm animal welfare: an Italian and European perspective. Italian Journal of Animal Science 8, 31–41.
| Consumers’ perception of farm animal welfare: an Italian and European perspective.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Nys Y, Hincke MT, Arias JL, Garcia-Ruiz JM, Solomon SE (1999) Avian eggshell mineralization. Poultry and Avian Biology Reviews 10, 143–166.
Olgun O, Yildiz AO, Cufadar Y (2013) Effects of limestone particle size and dietary available phosphorus (AP) contents on performance, eggshell quality and mineral excretion in laying hens. Revue de Medecine Veterinaire 164, 464–470.
Pavlík A, Lichovníková M, Jelínek P (2009) Blood plasma mineral profile and qualitative indicators of the eggshell in laying hens in different housing systems. Acta Veterinaria Brno 78, 419–429.
| Blood plasma mineral profile and qualitative indicators of the eggshell in laying hens in different housing systems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
PISC (2002) ‘Model code of practice for the welfare of animals: domestic poultry.’ 4th edn. (Primary Industries Standing Committee/CSIRO Publishing: Melbourne, Vic.)
Pongmanee K, Kühn I, Korver DR (2020) Effects of phytase supplementation on eggshell and bone quality, and phosphorus and calcium digestibility in laying hens from 25 to 37 wk of age. Poultry Science 99, 2595–2607.
| Effects of phytase supplementation on eggshell and bone quality, and phosphorus and calcium digestibility in laying hens from 25 to 37 wk of age.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 32359595PubMed |
Proszkowiec-Weglarz M, Angel R (2013) Calcium and phosphorus metabolism in broilers: effect of homeostatic mechanism on calcium and phosphorus digestibility. Journal of Applied Poultry Research 22, 609–627.
| Calcium and phosphorus metabolism in broilers: effect of homeostatic mechanism on calcium and phosphorus digestibility.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Rizzi L, Bochicchio D, Bargellini A, Parazza P, Simioli M (2009) Effects of dietary microalgae, other lipid sources, inorganic selenium and iodine on yolk n‐3 fatty acid composition, selenium content and quality of eggs in laying hens. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 89, 1775–1781.
| Effects of dietary microalgae, other lipid sources, inorganic selenium and iodine on yolk n‐3 fatty acid composition, selenium content and quality of eggs in laying hens.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Schaafsma A, Pakan I, Hofstede GJH, Muskiet FA, Van Der Veer E, De Vries PJF (2000) Mineral, amino acid, and hormonal composition of chicken eggshell powder and the evaluation of its use in human nutrition. Poultry Science 79, 1833–1838.
| Mineral, amino acid, and hormonal composition of chicken eggshell powder and the evaluation of its use in human nutrition.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 11194049PubMed |
Skřivan M, Skřivanová V, Marounek M (2005) Effects of dietary zinc, iron, and copper in layer feed on distribution of these elements in eggs, liver, excreta, soil, and herbage. Poultry Science 84, 1570–1575.
| Effects of dietary zinc, iron, and copper in layer feed on distribution of these elements in eggs, liver, excreta, soil, and herbage.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 16335126PubMed |
Sumner DA, Rosen-Molina JT, Matthews WA, Mench JA, Richter KR (2008) Economic effects of proposed restrictions on egg-laying hen housing in California. University of California Agricultural Issues Center, Davis, CA, USA. Available at https://aic.ucdavis.edu/publications/eggs/egginitiative.pdf [Verified 22 June 2020]
Tatara MR, Charuta A, Krupski W, Luszczewska-Sierakowska I, Korwin-Kossakowska A, Sartowska K, Szpetnar M, Horbanczuk JO (2015) Interrelationships between morphological, densitometric and mechanical properties of eggs in Japanese quails (Coturnix Japonica). Journal of Poultry Science 53, 51–57.
| Interrelationships between morphological, densitometric and mechanical properties of eggs in Japanese quails (Coturnix Japonica).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Trewin D (2002) Salinity on Australian farms. Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra, ACT. Available at https://www.ausstats.abs.gov.au/Ausstats/subscriber.nsf/0/CACC9A2A4802543ACA256C8B0082B940/$File/46150_2002.pdf [Verified 25 June 2020]
Tůmová E, Vlčková J, Charvátová V, Drábek O, Tejnecký V, Ketta M, Chodová D (2016) Interactions of genotype, housing and dietary calcium in layer performance, eggshell quality and tibia characteristics. South African Journal of Animal Science 46, 285–293.
Um JS, Paik IK (1999) Effects of microbial phytase supplementation on egg production, eggshell quality, and mineral retention of laying hens fed different levels of phosphorus. Poultry Science 78, 75–79.
| Effects of microbial phytase supplementation on egg production, eggshell quality, and mineral retention of laying hens fed different levels of phosphorus.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 10023751PubMed |
Van Horne P (2006) Comparing housing systems for layers: an economic evaluation. Poultry International 45, 22–25.
Van Overmeire I, Pussemier L, Hanot V, De Temmerman L, Hoenig M, Goeyens L (2006) Chemical contamination of free-range eggs from Belgium. Food Additives and Contaminants 23, 1109–1122.
| Chemical contamination of free-range eggs from Belgium.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 17071513PubMed |
Waegeneers N, De Steur H, De Temmerman L, Van Steenwinkel S, Gellynck X, Viaene J (2009a) Transfer of soil contaminants to home-produced eggs and preventive measures to reduce contamination. The Science of the Total Environment 407, 4438–4446.
| Transfer of soil contaminants to home-produced eggs and preventive measures to reduce contamination.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 19162298PubMed |
Waegeneers N, Hoenig M, Goeyens L, De Temmerman L (2009b) Trace elements in home-produced eggs in Belgium: levels and spatiotemporal distribution. The Science of the Total Environment 407, 4397–4402.
| Trace elements in home-produced eggs in Belgium: levels and spatiotemporal distribution.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 19046597PubMed |
Whiting SJ (1994) Safety of some calcium supplements questioned. Nutrition Reviews 52, 95–97.
| Safety of some calcium supplements questioned.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 8015752PubMed |
Whyte S (2013) Woolworths to phase out all battery hen eggs. Sydney Morning Herald, Sydney. Available at http://www.smh.com.au/environment/animals/woolworths-to-phase-out-all-battery-hen-eggs-20131003-2uxhf [Verified 28 February 2019]
Yoselewitz I, Balnave D (1989a) Responses in eggshell quality to sodium chloride supplementation of the diet and/or drinking water. British Poultry Science 30, 273–281.
| Responses in eggshell quality to sodium chloride supplementation of the diet and/or drinking water.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 2765978PubMed |
Yoselewitz I, Balnave D (1989b) The influence of saline drinking water on the activity of carbonic anhydrase in the shell gland of laying hens. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 40, 1111–1115.
| The influence of saline drinking water on the activity of carbonic anhydrase in the shell gland of laying hens.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
