Shop Baby Chicks For Sale!
Egg yolks come in a range of colors, from pale yellow to deep orange, and the color of the yolk is determined by the diet of the hen that laid the egg. In this article, we'll discuss why some egg yolks are brighter orange than others and what it means.
-
Pigments in the diet: The color of the egg yolk is primarily determined by the pigments in the hen's diet. These pigments, called xanthophyll, are found in plants such as marigolds and alfalfa. Chickens that are fed a diet rich in these pigments will lay eggs with yolks that are a deeper orange color.
-
Seasonal variations: The color of the egg yolk can also be affected by seasonal variations. During the summer, when there is more sunlight, the chickens may lay eggs with yolks that are a deeper orange color because their diet will be more varied and rich in pigments.
-
Quality of feed: The quality of the feed is also important, some commercial feed contain pigments to enhance the yolk color.
-
Breed: Different chicken breeds lay eggs with different colored yolks. Some breeds are known for laying eggs with yolks that are a deeper orange color, while others lay eggs with yolks that are a pale yellow color.
-
Health of the hen: The health of the hen can also affect the color of the egg yolk. Chickens that are stressed or not getting enough nutrition may lay eggs with yolks that are a pale yellow color.
-
Storage: The color of the yolk can also be affected by how the egg is stored. If eggs are stored for a long time or in poor conditions, the yolk color may be faded.
-
Taste and nutrition: The color of the yolk does not affect the taste or nutrition of the egg.
In conclusion, the color of the egg yolk is determined by the diet of the hen that laid the egg, with pigments such as xanthophyll found in plants. Seasonal variations, the quality of feed, the breed of chicken, the health of the hen and storage can also affect the color of the yolk.