Research Note: Egg Shell Problems: Estimates of Incidence and Economic Impact

Producers representing 81 million commercial layers were surveyed to determine the percentage of eggs lost or cracked prior to consumer use. Average values obtained for eggs lost in the processing plant, cracked eggs in the processing plant, eggs lost at farm, and uncollectable eggs were 1. 16, 4. 0, 1. 6, and 6. 1%, respectively. The percentages of cracked eggs estimated to be in grade A cartons after processing at point of origin and at final destination (store) were 5 and 7%, respectively. Estimates of average of total eggs cracked or lost prior to reaching their final destination ranged from 13 to 20%, with a dollar loss calculated to be between 1. 32 to 2. 00/bird.