Almost every day of us eats eggs. It is worth paying attention to which chickens they come from. Are litter eggs different from those in free range? We suggest how to easily distinguish between types of eggs and which taste best.
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Free range eggs
What the chickens are fed, whether they use the paddock or are kept throughout their entire lives in large halls devoid of daylight, has an impact on the taste and nutritional value of the eggs we eat. Thanks to information campaigns run by organizations that protect animal rights, more and more consumers are trying to choose eggs that come from chickens kept in the right conditions. Growing awareness of the fate of animals and its impact on the quality of eggs we have consumed has forced producers to introduce new types of them on the market, as well as the use of special markings.
Organic chickens
The hen belongs to very sensitive animals to adverse zoohygienic conditions. Too high ambient temperature and dry air cause a disturbance in calcium management and chickens lay eggs with a thin and brittle shell and the laying frequency decreases. The thicker the shell, the better the barrier for bacteria that can penetrate it. That is why it is very important how the chicken is bred.
No antibiotics for chickens
In organic poultry farming, the use of veterinary medicines is prohibited. They are only used in the event of saving lives or suffering relief. The selection of appropriate breeds, breeding and nutrition in accordance with the requirements of poultry, as well as optimal environmental conditions make the body deal with any adverse health conditions. For the prevention of poultry, herbal remedies may be used. Farmers who run farms organically propose hens infusions of fruit: wild rose, hawthorn, rowan or pine needles and garlic.
No pesticides
Official reports report higher than allowed standards for contamination of conventional eggs with drug residues (including antibiotics) and pesticides (plant protection products), which are contained in conventional feeds. Many pesticides have a proven endocrine disrupting effect and therefore reproductive potential.
GMO tumor
In addition, the use of feed containing GMOs (i.e. genetically modified organisms) is prohibited in the production of organic eggs. 80% of the world’s soybean production is genetically modified soybean. Therefore most of the feed used to feed conventional animals is feed containing GMOs. We still do not know exactly the health effects associated with the consumption of GMOs. Reports from countries where such products have long been consumed are disturbing and say, among others on the loss of ability to reproduce animals fed with GMO feed. Studies in rats and mice indicate damage to internal organs (liver, kidneys) after ingestion of GMOs. Pesticides, which are used in excessive amounts for GMO crops, have proven negative impact on the human body. GM plants are in most cases herbicide-resistant plants, i.e. herbicides, which then accumulate in cultivated plants.
Food for organic hens
Breastfeeding is carried out by burying and pecking. When choosing food, they are mainly guided by sight and smell, and the least by taste. Chicken feed should contain a high concentration of nutrients. It should include essential amino acids for poultry, mineral salts and vitamins. Criteria for organic farming require that 65% of the dry matter of the poultry feed should be cereals. All types of cereals can be used in feeding chickens, including corn, which gives a nice yolk color.
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