Brown or white — an egg’s colour is more than just a matter of taste; it’s written in the hen’s DNA.
Corn as a carotenoid source: Maize (corn) is one of the most important sources of carotenoids in poultry feed. These pigments (lutein and zeaxanthin) are responsible for the yellow-orange colour of yolks.
• Genetic blueprint: The pigment protoporphyrin IX gives brown shells their warm colour, while white-shelled hens produce eggs with no pigment at all.
• Environment meets genetics: Stress, nutrition, and age can slightly influence pigmentation — but genetics set the foundation.
• Beyond beauty: Shell colour can reflect uniformity, health, and consumer preference — all important for modern egg markets.
At LOHMANN BREEDERS, we breed both brown and white layers with precision to ensure not only productivity and shell strength but also colour consistency that meets regional and market expectations.
💡 Tip: A consistent shell colour across the flock signals balanced nutrition and low stress — key indicators of optimal management.
LOHMANN BREEDERS – It’s the egg. 🥚💛
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