Effect of layer management on carotene value in eggs

Chromatographic-spectrophotometric method was used to determine the carotene content in the egg yolk of naturally raised chickens and in the eggs produced on poultry farms (industrial production) for the winter and spring periods. The aim of the study was to find out if the industrial production of eggs causes changes in the carotene content of the egg yolk. Distinct differences were recorded in the carotene content in the egg yolk of eggs obtained from private producers and of those produced on poultry farms, for both periods. Considerable differences were recorded for the spring period: the carotene content in the yolk of eggs laid in natural environment, by chickens fed natural food, was 290% higher than that in the yolk of industrially produced eggs. The difference for the winter period was 152%.