Chicken Eggs vs Quail Eggs Nutritional Comparison and Health Benefits

SINDHU AND K. SHIBI THOMAS,
Livestock Farm Complex,
Veterinary College and Research Institute,
Orathanadu-614 625
Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS)

IMPORTANCE OF EGG

• Eggs are loaded with all essential nutrients making it a good “nutrient dense food”.
• Beyond the basic nutrient content, it contains antioxidant like lutein and zeaxanthin which plays an important role in preventing eye problems like cataracts and age related macular degeneration. These antioxidants have put the egg in “Functional food”
• They provide good quality protein and have all the nine essential aminoacids making it a complete protein It is the low cost protein source. Based on the essential amino acids, egg protein is second to mothers milk for human nutrition.
• Egg yolks are one of the few food containing vitamin D.
• Eggs have 97% of biological value and 93% of digestibitity coefficient.

COMPARITION OF QUAIL EGG AND CHICKEN EGG:

SIZE

Approximately Quail egg is 35mm in length and 27mm in diameter, while Chicken egg is 62mm in length and 43mm in diameter. Quail eggs are 3-4 times smaller than chicken eggs

SHELL COLOUR

Quail egg shells are moxy white with dark brown spots, while chicken egg shells are white or brown.

EGG WEIGHT

On average quail egg is 11g, while chicken egg is 58g. On other words one chicken egg equals nearly five quail eggs.

NUTRIENTS

Both chicken and quail egg have all nutrients but the quantity differs. Major nutrients present in quail and chicken egg is given below

MAJOR NUTRIENTS PER 100 GRAM IN QUAIL EGG AND CHICKEN EGG

SPECIALITY OF QUAIL EGG

• This was used by ancient Egyptians as protein source
• Quail egg have higher yolk to white ratio compared to chicken egg which gives them cremier taste
• They are densely packed with nutrients and have a rich delicious flavour
• It is rich source of iron which can be easily digested and helps in preventing anemia
• About 10% more vitamin B12than chicken egg which helps to build RBC and nerve fibre called myelin
• Quail egg has more cholesterol. But they raise good cholesterol called HDL, which in turn reduces bad cholesterol called LDL. Dietary cholesterol may not have an impact on blood cholesterol levels or risk of heart disease for majority of people.

SPECIALITY OF CHICKEN EGG

• Chicken egg is rich in choline. It is essential for normal cell functioning. It plays an important role in brain and spinal cord development during pregnancy.
• It is a low cost protein source compared to quail egg.

SOME MISCONCEPTION ABOUT EGGS

COLOUR OF SHELL

Shell coloris directly related to breed or strain of hens. Whether it is white or brown, it has no relationship with nutritional values

COLOUR OF YOLK

That is due to xanthophyll pigment present in the diet of chickens. This does not have a major role in altering nutritional composition of egg

PESTICIDES AND FUNGICIDE

Proper usage in prescribed quantity will not be a major concern

ORGANIC EGGS

Quality of an egg depends upon the nutritious feed that is fed to birds. Even when the nutrition is not balanced in organic method it tends to lower the quality of egg

EGG YOLK

There is a myth that “yolks shouldnot be eaten”. But yolks are loaded with vitamins, minerals, fats and cholesterol which are needed for human body. As majority of cholesterol in them was considered good cholesterol, they are no way unhealthier

CONCLUSION

Whether it is chicken or quail egg, eggs are loaded with major nutrients that a human body requires. Quantity of nutrients can slightly differ in different species. Choices can differ based on availability, cost and individuals interest. Eggs can be a cheap source of all major nutrients and tend to decrease the levels of malnutrition. Eggs remain a food product of high quality nutrient for adults including elderly people and children and is extensively consumed worldwide.