Chicken eggs are the most common of all eggs consumed. But what causes their shells to be colored in different shades?
Different breeds of chickens lay eggs of various shades, while the nutritional characteristics do not depend on the color of the shell. Contrary to popular belief, the color of a hen's feathers does not affect the color of the egg, only its breed.
For example, breeds of white chickens such as Leghorn, Ameraucana, or Welsummer lay brown eggs.
The brown color of the egg is caused by protoporphyrin, which is synthesized by the cells lining the uterus during the formation of the shell. Meanwhile, the pigment biliverdin gives the shell a green or blue tint.
Leave a comment