Variations in Micronutrients Content and Lipid Profile of Some Avian Eggs

Abstract

Ten eggs each from avian species: duck, local fowl, exotic fowl, pigeon and guinea fowl were analyzed for protein, phospholipids, cholesterol, vitamins and some mineral elements using standard methods. Total lipids were high in duck (2.9±0.07mg/g) and local fowl eggs (2.0±0.04mg/g) and low in others while cholesterol was only high in local fowl (3.40±0.01mg/g). Phospholipids in exotic and pigeon eggs yielded values of 8.4±0.65mg/g and 7.5±0.55mg/g, respectively. Whereas Fe and Ca content in guinea fowl were 5.04± 0.45mg/g and 4.68±0.006mg/g, the vitamins, thiamine and riboflavin were almost twice these amounts. Mineral micronutrients were of significant amounts. The results of these analyses are discussed in line with the sources of essential nutrients obtained from avian species to ameliorate the acute shortage of animal protein and micronutrients in the diet of Nigerians.