What Separated the Cuticle from the Avian Egg Shell is Unknown: Could it be the Yellow Maize Broth or Heat?

Abstract

Aims: Avian egg internal components are sources of nutrients for the developing embryo while the external components especially the cuticle, have physical and biological defence mechanisms to protect the embryo against microbial attack. Consequently, the cuticle could be harvested and used in the production of pharmaceuticals for the treatment and prevention of chronic and infectious diseases as well as feed supplement in human and livestock nutrition. Unfortunately, little is known about the possibility of harvesting and utilizing avian egg cuticle hence, the present serendipitous discovery may serve as a guide to commercial production of avian egg cuticle. Methodology: Six freshly laid eggs of Black Nera where cooked in an attempt to warm six broken yellow maize cobs and were left in the broth overnight. Results: It was observed that the cuticles on all the eggs surfaces not submerged in the broth were removed and with gentle rubbing on the surfaces submerged in the broth, more cuticles were harvested. Although, the egg cuticle yield per egg was not determined, it was seemingly indicative that avian egg cuticle could be harvested commercially. Conclusion: Black Nera egg cuticles could be harvested following cooking of freshly laid eggs left in a broth containing yellow maize overnight. The cooked yellow maize broth was observed to be misty, indicating composition of several substances suspected to be the cause of the egg cuticle’s removal. Although, there are apparent prospects of harvested avian egg cuticle that could be explored, some limitations to its optimal utilization may be contemplated. Hence, research activities geared towards avian egg cuticle nutritional profiles determination, pharmacological trial, composition of cooked yellow maize broth and ways to harvest avian egg cuticles should be painstakingly conducted.