An attempt to compare the quality of chicken eggs from cage system and ecological production

The present study is an attempt at comparing the quality and chemical composition of eggs from Tetra SL layers kept in traditional battery system and from Polish green-legged partridge (PGLP) kept in ecological system. Half of the eggs from both groups were examined directly after laying, the other half were stored for 28 days at the temperature of 15 degreesC and then the same examination was carried out with respect to the weight of eggs and their structural elements, Haugh units, colour of yolk, foaming ability, stability of the foam and chemical composition of eggs. Eggs obtained from PGLP were characterized by lower mass, but proportionally higher content of yolk, better durability after storing and a better ratio of n-6/n-3 fatty acids. Relatively low cholesterol content was observed in both groups (under 200 mg/egg). The eggs from Tetra SL layers were characterized by better foaming ability and foam stability.