The Gross Energy of Avian Eggs

The gross energy (GE) contents of whole eggs, including shells, were measured using eggs from three strains of White Leghorns. The percentage of dry matter in the eggs differed between strains as did the GE per gram of egg. Egg weight was not a satisfactory parameter from which to predict the dry matter content. The variation in the GE per egg was largely associated with variation in egg size, the relationships being similar for eggs of all strains. A pooled regression analysis yielded the equation: GE/egg(kcal)=−19.70+1.810eggweight(g) Application of this equation yielded egg GE values which differ from those published previously. Several similar regressions were calculated using other combinations of parameters. In the second part of the work, very small hen eggs with and without yolks, hen eggs with two yolks, turkey eggs, and goose eggs were assayed for GE content.