Seasonal variations in egg quality traits in Belgrade supermarkets

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The aim of this study was to determine the quality of eggs available in Belgrade supermarkets during different seasons (winter, spring, summer), for various housing systems (cage, floor, and free-range), and to assess the representation of eggs from cage and non-cage systems in the year when Serbian egg producers have been granted an extended transitional period to comply with animal welfare legislation banning conventional cage systems. The research covered nine Belgrade supermarkets. All egg producers representing the three housing systems were recorded, and eggs up to 15 days old were tested for external and internal quality traits. The results show that cage-system producers remain dominant on the market, with a share ranging from 45.5% in winter to 50% in spring and summer. The share of floor (non-cage) eggs was 36.6% in winter and 30% in spring and summer, while free-range eggs had the lowest representation during all three seasons (around 20%). The findings indicate variability in egg quality traits influenced by both season and housing system as the second studied factor. Haugh Unit (HU) values, which represent an aggregate indicator of egg quality, were highest in winter, averaging 76.29 for the cage system, 76.31 for the floor system, and 77.28 for the free-range system. In spring and summer, lower HU values were recorded for all three systems, with a more pronounced decline in the non-cage systems. It can be concluded that there is a growing trend in the supply of eggs from non-cage systems in Belgrade supermarkets, which is more favorable in terms of animal welfare. The development of these systems could be further supported through education of producers and consumers, as well as through research and producer incentives. Although the study focuses on egg quality at the market level, and thus reflects the quality of the product reaching consumers, it also indicates potential weaknesses in the ?from producer to consumer? chain. Therefore, it can be a starting point for future research on the entire system of egg production and distribution.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.