QUALITY EVALUATION OF SHELL EGG FROM DEEP LITER FARM SOLD IN UMUAHIA METROPOLIS

This study evaluated the quality of shell eggs from deep litter farms sold in Umuahia, Nigeria, focusing on physical properties, proximate composition, functional characteristics, microbial contamination, and sensory attributes. Eggs were collected from five farms: Chi Poultry Farm (CPF), Udy Poultry Farm (UPF), Fryomore Farms (FPF), Emela Agric Ventures (EPF), and Amberdiamond Pure Breed Farms (APF). Key parameters analyzed included egg weight (ranging from 56.80g in APF to 59.49g in FPF), specific gravity (1.06 in CPF and UPF), shell thickness (0.33mm in UPF), and yolk index (0.32% in FPF). Proximate analysis showed that CPF eggs had the highest protein content (12.58%) and fat content (9.95%), with uniform moisture levels across samples (76%-77%). Functional properties such as water-holding capacity (3.2g/g in FPF), emulsion stability (over 80% in CPF), and foaming capacity (highest in UPF) highlighted the eggs' culinary versatility. Microbial analysis revealed contamination in all samples, with CPF and FPF showing the lowest bacterial counts (3.5 x 10³ CFU/ml), while APF had the highest contamination (6.2 x 10³ CFU/ml), including Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Sensory evaluations ranked CPF eggs highest in consumer acceptability (7.60/9), followed by FPF (7.45/9), while APF eggs scored lowest (6.80/9). The study concludes that farm management practices and hygiene significantly impact egg quality, recommending stricter post-laying handling and storage protocols to reduce contamination risks and enhance consumer safety.