Comparative study of chemical composition and microbial loads of chicken eggs from Kurdish local chicken and retail markets in Iraqi Kurdistan region

Abstract EN

The aim of the study was to compare the chemical composition particularly protein content, minerals and some heavy metals and the level of microbial contaminations between Kurdish local chicken eggs and commercially available in retail markets in Kurdistan.

Total protein in white egg, minerals (Fe, Mg, Cu, and Ca), heavy metals (Pb, Cd, and Co), and microbiological quality were assessed.

The results show that depending on egg type it is possible to use such nutrient claims as “high protein”.

The examined eggs samples comply the permissible limits for trace elements in table eggs.

The findings indicate that the concentrations level of heavy metals in eggs are set within the standard limits and considered as safe for human consumption.

In addion, microbial loads off egg samples were tested for aerobic plate count which shows that 46.6% of examined entire contents of egg samples (Barn, Erbil, Domestic, Iran and Turkey) fulfilled with the standards and a total bacterial count within the permissible count (2.5× 104/g) except one sample from barn of the coliform count was confirmed E.

coli, and one sample from barn was positive for salmonella.

The aim of the study was to compare the chemical composition particularly protein content, minerals and some heavy metals and the level of microbial contaminations between Kurdish local chicken eggs and commercially available in retail markets in Kurdistan.

Total protein in white egg, minerals (Fe, Mg, Cu, and Ca), heavy metals (Pb, Cd, and Co), and microbiological quality were assessed.

The results show that depending on egg type it is possible to use such nutrient claims as “high protein”.

The examined eggs samples comply the permissible limits for trace elements in table eggs.

The findings indicate that the concentrations level of heavy metals in eggs are set within the standard limits and considered as safe for human consumption.

In addion, microbial loads off egg samples were tested for aerobic plate count which shows that 46.6% of examined entire contents of egg samples (Barn, Erbil, Domestic, Iran and Turkey) fulfilled with the standards and a total bacterial count within the permissible count (2.5× 104/g) except one sample from barn of the coliform count was confirmed E.

coli, and one sample from barn was positive for salmonella.