Duck Eggs

Introduction

From the moment of creation inside the mother duck to the journey to a dinner plate, duck eggs have an incredible journey. Understanding this cycle of life is important for understanding the significance of duck eggs in the food chain. Many people mistakenly think that all eggs are created equal, but there are actually certain aspects that differentiate duck eggs from other types of eggs. In this article, we will explore the processes involved in creating and transporting duck eggs from farm to plate.

From Womb to Egg

The first step in a duck's egg journey from farm to plate begins inside its mother's womb. During the duck's lifetime, the female duck will lay between 100 and 200 eggs. Ducks are monoecious--they have both male and female reproductive organs--but only the eggs of female ducks will hatch. Inside the female duck's reproductive system are two separate gonads that are responsible for the production of eggs.

When a hen is ready to lay eggs, folic acid accumulates in the follicle cells of the ovary. Folic acid is a B-complex vitamin that supports healthy cell division and growth. A mature egg has 15% folic acid and the yolk is nearly 50%. The egg then passes through the oviduct, the reproductive tract in the duck's body. Here, the egg receives layers of cellular membranes, proteins, and minerals for protection and nourishment. It also gains albumen, the white of the egg, and a thin layer of shell.

As the egg moves through the magnum section of the oviduct, the large end of the egg develops. This is why duck eggs are larger than most other types of eggs. In the next section of the oviduct, the isthmus, the egg's shell is colored. Ducks have glands in their heads that produce colored pigments called porphyrins, which give duck eggs their unique range of colors.

The Process of Incubation

After the formation of the egg, the female duck will lay it in a nest until it hatches. Duck eggs require approximately 25 to 30 days of incubation, after which the eggshell cracks and a duckling emerges. An internal fluid called albumen keeps the developing duckling nourished while inside the egg; the temperature within the egg remains warm and consistent, thanks to the muscles of the hen.

Every 20 minutes the mother duck will “turn” her eggs by pushing her beak beneath them and shifting them slightly. This helps ensure that the embryos receive a consistent level of warmth and oxygen. The mother duck will also preen each egg by carefully coating them with a special oil from the bases of her feathers that helps protect the eggs from bacteria and prevent them from losing moisture.

After hatching, however, the ducklings are on their own and each duckling is left to fend for itself. To survive among predators, ducklings must be able to swim, walk, find food, and hide. Many mother ducks will continue to protect and provide food or shelter to their young ducks until they are able to fly and fend for themselves.

Packaging and Shipping Duck Eggs

Once ready to be shipped, the duck eggs must be properly packaged to ensure that they are not damaged during the transportation process. The ducks eggs can be either dry or chilled and they should be placed into a polyethylene foam package with a thin layer of linoleum paper to separate the eggs. Packages of eggs must be clearly labeled as to where they are coming from and where they are going.

Depending on the distance that the eggs need to travel, they can be shipped via air, land, or water. When shipping eggs by air, they must be kept in a temperature controlled environment between 36 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This helps to keep the eggs from spoiling and increases the chances that they will arrive to their destination intact and in good condition.

Keeping Duck Eggs Safe For Eating

Once the eggs have been shipped, they must then pass through a series of safety checks before they can be served. All eggs must be tested for pathogenic organisms, such as salmonella, before they are deemed fit for consumption. These tests are conducted by an independent third-party that is licensed by the USDA and has extensive experience in quality control and safety testing of food products.

Eggs should also be washed to remove any bacteria on the shells. When washing eggs, it is important to use warm water (between 33 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit) and gentle agitation so as not to damage the fragile eggshells. This will also help to prevent the spread of any bacteria that may be present on the shell surface.

The eggs should then be graded for quality according to their weight, size, and general appearance. Eggs that do not meet the minimum requirements for quality will not be approved for sale. Finally, most government entities require businesses to obtain certification before they are permitted to send eggs to market.

Conclusion

Duck eggs are a nutritious source of protein and fats and they can provide numerous health benefits. Understanding the process of creating and transporting duck eggs from farm to plate helps us to appreciate the journey that these eggs take before they make it to our dinner plate. With proper packaging, shipping, and quality control, duck eggs can safely and reliably make their way from the farm to our dinner plate.