Off-Color Eggs

Alterations in color and texture of the egg shell have been frequently observed in naturally occurring outbreaks of pullet disease and under experimental conditions. These alterations in New Hampshire pullet eggs have occurred in the form of a roughness and lack of pigmentation or as an overlay of calcium carbonate on an already pigmented egg. Records kept of laying birds during hot weather suggest that the egg overlaid with calcium carbonate was due to retention in the oviduct. Frequently a soft-shelled egg was laid shortly afterward. The non-pigmented or poorly pigmented egg was associated with a more adverse effect. Although a relationship to the calcium metabolism was circumstantial, it was indicated by experimental procedures that the off-pigmented egg apparently was associated with the need to eliminate sodium phosphate. At least, the feeding of 2 percent sodium phosphate was frequently followed by the laying of off-color eggs. Another interesting possibility was . . .