World Egg Day is celebrated on the second Friday of October each year. Eggs are a staple part of consumer diets in many countries across the globe, and its health benefits are vast. They contain 13 essential nutrients, including choline, which supports foetal brain development; vitamin B12 and iron for overall brain function; and iodine, which aids the healthy functioning of the nervous system.
DSM a sustainability partner of World Egg Day
As part of World Egg Day, Poultry World took the opportunity to speak to Fernando Cisneros, director Specialty Carotenoids Global at DSM, and an official sustainability partner of the International Egg Commission.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of World Egg Day, DSM aims to showcase the significant health and environmental benefits of consuming and producing eggs. “Eggs are one of the most environmentally sustainable sources of animal protein with the lowest environmental footprint. They are also affordable and accessible for people worldwide,” says Cisneros.
“This year DSM is celebrating World Egg Day by showcasing the potential of this plentiful nutrition source with its growing Egg Family. As the sustainability feed official partner of the International Egg Commission, we continue to work to improve the sustainability and quality of eggs whilst reducing loss and waste.”
Enhancing the sustainability of egg production
We asked Cisneros what DSM is doing to enhance sustainability of the egg sector. “We are transforming the way we feed our animals with a portfolio of solutions that improve the quality of eggs, thereby reducing food loss and waste across the value chain,” he said, noting that solutions include vitamins, carotenoids, eubiotics and other tools that help farmers breed healthier, more sustainable birds.
Health of the hen
Hens fed optimum levels of vitamins help to ensure that the birds lay robust and nutritious eggs, leading to significantly less egg breakages and subsequent food loss, says Cisneros highlighting the company’s Optimum Vitamin Nutrition programme.
A healthy hen will produce a golden yolk. Naturally-occurring antioxidants called carotenoids have pigmenting capabilities, which DSM says is particularly important for consumers in colour-sensitive markets and which can be achieved through its YolkFan Pro. This tool helps farmers to check the yolk colour of eggs produced against an industry standard.
The future of egg production and consumption
Due to the nutritious content and affordability of eggs, Cisneros expects the industry to grow alongside our population, which is estimated to reach 9.7 billion people by 2050. “In fact,” he says, “animal protein production in the form of meat, milk, fish and eggs is expected to grow by 70% from now until 2050. This will mean that producers will need to increase their production levels while ensuring their operations are sustainable.”
Originally published by Poultry World