Sorting eggs benefits farmers

This was discussed by Dr Olatunji Abanikanda of the Lagos State University (LASU) at an annual conference of the Animal Science Association of Nigeria recently held at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife.

Abanikanda explained that egg grading entails a number of steps and distinct activities, and that sorting is one of them.

“I noticed we produce sufficient food in this country, yet we go hungry,” he recalled. “In Ketu, lots of food coming from outside Lagos gets wasted. The same goes for animal products. Weather does not encourage eggs to stay long on the table.” He believes that appropriate pricing will help egg products, which will ultimately help standards, and that “sorting the eggs, as done elsewhere in developed countries, is based on size.

He continued in saying that an assessment conducted between last November and January this year was made with numerous eggs taken to the market, some sorted, others not. “Sorted eggs bring more money to the investor than unsorted. It reduces wastage. Those who cannot afford premium prices of high grades can still buy a large quantity of eggs they can afford.”

He said there are opportunities for examining other aspects of egg grading, adding that what his study entailed was sorting, based on size.” The eggs were not actually graded but sorted. Egg shell quality, colour, firmness were not considered.” He emphasised that his study revealed that “there was appreciable difference in returns when the eggs are sorted.”

Abanikanda says that, being an evolving economy, much more needs to be done in Nigeria.