December 20, 2024

Eggs from chickens fed orange corn on sale at Purdue

Richer yolks offer health benefits

By Erica Quinlan
The eggs from chickens fed orange corn tend to have dark orange yolks. This high color pigmentation comes from an increased amount of carotenoids that get transferred to the eggs from the chickens’ diets.

The eggs from chickens fed orange corn tend to have dark orange yolks. This high color pigmentation comes from an increased amount of carotenoids that get transferred to the eggs from the chickens’ diets. (Purdue Agricultural Communications photo/Tom Campbell)

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — A new product is being sold at Purdue University’s Boilermaker Butcher Block: farm-fresh eggs laid by Purdue chickens that are fed orange corn.

The nutritionally-enhanced corn was created by Purdue Agronomy Professor Torbert Rocheford as part of a humanitarian endeavor to combat malnutrition.

Hens fed with orange corn lay eggs with darker, richer yolks that offer potential health benefits, including a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration, according to research led by Rocheford and Darrin Karcher, associate professor of animal sciences.

Other studies show that orange corn also contributes to the overall health and well-being of hens, ensuring higher-quality eggs.

“The orange corn is grown at the Agronomy Center for Research and Education,” said Emily Ford, manager of the Butcher Block.

“The chickens are raised at the Animal Sciences Research and Education Center farms. The eggs are washed and packaged at the farms. Then, we sell the eggs at the Butcher Block. It’s Purdue farm to fork.”

The Boilermaker Butcher Block, 720 Clinic Drive, West Lafayette, is open 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Learn more at ag.purdue.edu/department/ansc/butcherblock.

EggsLivestockPoultryPurdue University
Erica Quinlan

Erica Quinlan

Field Editor