When it comes to egg quality, one of the most significant and least visible indicators of good health is yolk color. This hue is entirely determined by what diet a chicken consumes.
Hens that consume a diet rich in leafy greens, flowers, seeds, weeds and meat often lay eggs with naturally darker yolks. These foods contain xanthophylls, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals which are passed along to their eggs.
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Carotenoids
Hens with access to green pastures and fruits will naturally deposit carotenoids into their egg yolk. Caged, commercial hens can be manipulated in terms of carotenoid content by adding natural or synthetic xanthophylls such as lutein or zeaxanthin to their diets.
To achieve vibrant yellow, orange or red yolks from eggs, dietary carotenoids are necessary. Lycopene, for instance, is often included in diets as it’s an oxygen-free and nutrient-rich carotenoid commonly found in tomatoes and tomato products.
Linseed meal can also be enhanced with natural carotenoid sources for an improved effect on egg yolk lipid oxidative status. A combination of linseed meal and different carotenoids with antioxidant properties significantly reduced cholesterol content in egg yolk compared to a control group.
Combining natural and synthetic carotenoid ingredients in hen feed can be beneficial for both productivity and yolk coloring, as it delays the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Furthermore, it inhibits free radical production while improving intestinal villi morphology – thus increasing egg quality.
Grass
Green grass and other green foods give your hens xanthophylls, the pigments responsible for giving their egg yolks yellow or orange hues. Foods rich in xanthophylls include green grass, alfalfa meal, annatto seeds and corn.
These foods are also excellent sources of lutein and zeaxanthin, the yellow pigments responsible for egg yolks’ characteristic hue. You can enhance their nutrition by adding red paprika or chili to their feed to achieve that lovely golden-yellow hue too!
Yolk color is an integral element of fresh, free-range eggs. For optimal color consistency and appeal, the hens, environment and feed must work in harmony for a vibrant yolk.
Supplements
Supplementing your flock’s diet with supplements is an excellent way to provide them with essential vitamins and minerals. But it is essential that you select a quality nutrient supplement for chickens that is both safe and effective in their diet.
For instance, providing your laying hens with omega-3 fatty acids through seaweed feed supplements is beneficial. An easily-digestible form of this essential fatty acid is provided by seaweed feed supplements.
A suitable dietary supplement can improve egg yolk color, albumen height and lipid content in laying hens. Furthermore, it offers a safe and efficient means of protecting against disease.
Egg yolks typically take on the hue of green due to naturally occurring pigments like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are commonly consumed by laying hens during their development process.
Treats
Chickens adore treats, and there are plenty of delicious things you can feed them that will keep them contented and healthy. Just remember to give these items sparingly as part of their overall diet – only a small part.
Treats are an excellent way to show your chickens that you care and value them. But be careful not to overfeed them – otherwise you could end up with sick hens!
Raw pumpkin is one of the simplest and most beloved treats for chickens. Not only is it nutritious, but its seeds also act as a natural dewormer!
Another nutritious option for your flock is plain yoghurt, which should only be given sparingly. Yoghurt is an excellent source of calcium and makes an ideal dietary supplement.
