Analysis of rural egg production to improve the economy of the Andean communities in Ecuador

Abstract

Background: An economically active population refers to people involved in any economic activity, such as agriculture, livestock, or industry. This activity can supply benefits to its owners and may generate the growth of small businesses. Our study presents a qualitative analysis of the egg production in Ecuadorian Andean communities (Tzimbuto, Bayushig "La Liberad," and La Victoria "Pusuca.") Methods: Analysis was performed using a random sample of 81 hens and 29 eggs obtained from 65 producers, belonging to 50 farming families at the Utopia Community Fair. Zoometric characterization of the hens was carried out according to FAO protocols, and egg yolk quality, egg width and weight, and egg shell weight and thickness were calculated. The 65 producers were interviewed to answer questions pertaining to selling eggs, costs of production, and realized profit. The profit/cost indicator was calculated from the ratio of expenditure (egress) and total revenue of egg sales. Results: 84% of surveyed participants indicated that they purchase eggs for their nutritional value, 12% because the animals are raised with organic food, and 4% showed preference for the eggs’ special flavor. The quality analysis of the eggs sold at the Fair demonstrated that the average weight of the eggs was 47.24 g; the length was 55.24 mm; and the width was 41.66 mm; weight and thickness of the shell were 4.90 g and 0.42 mm, respectively. The color of the yolk had a brightness of 57.62 L*, 5.53 a* for red/green tones and 47.15 b* for yellow/blue tones. The costs to produce the eggs for the Fair was US$0.21 with a profit/cost of US$0.04 per egg; the unit sale price is US$0.25. Conclusions: 84% of surveyed participants indicated that they purchase eggs for their nutritional value, revealing the need to train the communities toward more efficient egg production.