We had our outdoor eggs, so called “free range” and caged eggs tested for 16 amino acids. For the essential amino acids versus the caged we came out 7 to 2. Versus the consumer fraud masquerading as “free range eggs” we came out 8 to 1 and most interestingly in the caged versus “free range” it was caged 4.5 and 4.5 for “free range”.
You can download the spreadsheet with the data from the University of Stellenbosch. There is a tab for only the essential amino acids (you have to get these into your body via your diet) and one where essential and non essential (these are manufactured by your body) are combined to make up the total protein. Click here amino acid profile, nov 2019
My basic understanding is that amino acids form the building blocks of protein which builds our bodies. It follows that you want to get the most amino acids into each mouthful. Protein is needed for the repair, growth and maintenance of the cells.
You pay at least double the price of a caged egg for a “free range” egg. You are not getting any more nutrients in via your “free range” egg than the caged one. I surmise this is because despite being confined to an area the size of an A4 page the caged hens are healthier as they don’t stand in their own manure for their entire lives. Below each cage is a sheet that catches the manure and prevents it from falling onto the birds in the cages below.
Thanks to all our egg clients for enabling our outdoor egg project.
Angus
20 November 2019
One Response
Hi Angus – I dont think ppl care so much about the nutrients, its the conditions the chickens are kept under, I too personally find it inhuman to keep an animal locked in a little cage that it can barely turn around in. Therefore “free range” to the consumer means they free to roam around and not in cages.