EVALUATION OF EGG CHARACTERISTICS USING THE SIZE CLASSIFICATION AND GRADING SYSTEM FOR MALLARD DUCK EGGS

Abstract

This study investigated the characteristics of 307 eggs randomly collected from 7 mallard breeds that were raised in the same production and management system using the size classification and grading system for mallard duck eggs. Egg distribution by size classification based on egg weight was 17.26% extra-large (>78 g), 55.37% large (68–78 g), 24.76% medium (57–67 g), and 2.61% small (<57 g). Egg distribution by grade classification based on Haugh unit values was 21.17% Grade-AA, 47.56% Grade-A, 28.01% Grade-B, and 3.26% Grade-C. Based on the median of egg weight and Haugh unit values, the Itik-Pinas (IP) breeds (IP–Itim, IP–Khaki, Kayumanggi–IP), Khaki Campbell, Tsaiya, and White Mallard eggs were classified as large and Grade-A. Pekin eggs were classified as extra–large and Grade-AA. Bigger egg sizes corresponded to a significant increase (P<0.05) in short and long circumference, and weight of yolk, albumen, and eggshell. On the other hand, higher egg grades corresponded to a significant increase (P<0.05) in albumen height only. The new size and grade classification system may be applied to compare eggs from different mallard breeds in major egg-producing regions. However, it should be validated and improved further using larger data sets and considering local consumer preferences.