Effect of an organic and conventional rearing system on the mineral content of hen eggs

In this study, the effect on mineral content of eggs from organic and conventional-housing systems was investigated. For this, random samples of 12 eggs were collected in both housing systems. Egg shells and edible portions were analysed for ash, Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Zn and Cu contents. and Zn contents of the edible egg portion were lower in the organic eggs than in conventional eggs. Mg content of the eggshell was higher in organic eggs while Zn content showed a marked decrease. As far as Ca, Fe and Cu values were concerned, these did not differ between the eggs from organic and conventional systems. sults showed considerable differences in mineral content between the eggs from the hens reared in organic and conventional systems.