Estimation of egg freshness using S-ovalbumin as an indicator

Poult Sci. 2012 Mar;91(3):739-43. doi: 10.3382/ps.2011-01639.

Abstract

The aim of this research was to study S-ovalbumin as a reference index for the freshness of commercial shell eggs in terms of equivalent egg age. The S-ovalbumin content, yolk index, albumen pH, and Haugh units were determined at the storage temperature of 25 and 37°C, respectively, using 85 fresh-laid eggs. A correlation analysis showed a high correlation coefficient of S-ovalbumin content to storage time as well as to the 3 frequently used freshness indices (Haugh unit, yolk index, and albumen pH). Furthermore, a prediction model of equivalent egg age at 25°C was established using S-ovalbumin content as an index on the basis of the correlation analysis. This study confirmed the possibility of using S-ovalbumin as a reference index to express commercial shell egg freshness as equivalent egg age.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chickens
  • Eggs / standards*
  • Kinetics
  • Ovalbumin / analysis*

Substances

  • S-ovalbumin
  • Ovalbumin