Oman today_ Eggs come in various colors, including white, brown, pink, and blue, and these color differences are due to several factors. The primary and most significant factor is genetics. White and brown eggs have different amounts of the pigment protoporphyrin, which is created from the iron in the chicken’s blood. White eggs generally contain less protoporphyrin and are lighter in color, while brown eggs have more of this pigment, making their shells darker. Genes such as CPOX and FECH play a role in determining eggshell color.
In addition to genetics, environmental factors can also influence eggshell color. For example, the chicken’s age, stress level, illnesses, and diet can lead to changes in eggshell color. Chickens in stressful conditions may lay eggs with lighter shells. Furthermore, dietary factors like iron levels and probiotics can impact the color of brown eggs.
Blue eggs, however, come from specific breeds of chickens, such as the Araucana from Chile, which lays blue eggs. These eggs are blue due to a gene called oocyan, which originates from an ancient retrovirus in chickens and has been passed down through generations. Although this virus is harmless, it causes these chickens to lay blue eggs.
It’s important to note that the color of the eggshell does not affect the taste of the egg. When choosing eggs, attention should be paid to the quality of the chicken’s upbringing and environmental conditions, rather than just the color of the shell.
Why Do Eggs Come in Different Colors?
