Netherlands-based global scientific company DSM has launched new Egg Yolk Pigmentation Guidelines to help produce the desired yolk colour and has added a new colour to YolkFan, which is a tool to measure yolk colour.
The addition of the new colour is intended to help producers to cater to the demands of highly pigmented yolks in markets such as Japan and the Middle East.
YolkFan has been developed from DSM Yolk Color Fan. The tool originally had 15 colours, the new addition is a deeper 16th shade.
The 16th shade resulted after two years' work by DSM scientists who recreated the entire color range and sought for a combination of reds and yellows in order to arrive at the apt 16th yolk color.
YolkFan is a cheap and easy tool to be used for testing the color of a yolk and the new shade reflects the tendency towards a deeper yolk color in several markets.
In the recent times, demand for deeper shade of yolk or pigmented eggs has peaked as they are believed to be coming from healthier hens.A bright yolk colour is considered as a parameter for good health status and performance of the hens. Hence, a tool is required to test the yolk colour accurately.
YolkFan was developed by evaluating yolks sensorially, optically, and chemically by a team of scientists who selected the 16th shade there from.
DSM Animal Nutrition & Health global marketing vice president Dr David Nickell said: "After two years of work and the re-creation of the entire yolk color range, we are very proud to present the new fan and recommendations for a 16th shade of yolk color. This development will be fundamental for protecting the investment of egg producers and their customers across the world."
The yolk colour in laying hens is characterized by the content and profile of pigmenting carotenoids that are present in their feed and can easily be adapted through feed ingredients in order to meet consumer preferences.
