Study on distribution and egg quality under Korean industrial conditions

Summary The current study was conducted to investigate changes in egg quality under conditions similar to production and distribution chains in Korean egg industry. Results in summer indicated that egg quality, assessed by Haugh Unit, was decreased by one unit within 18 hours, and that was influenced by transit temperature. There was a seasonal effect on changes in the unit for the same group in that reduction in the Haugh Unit was obvious with approaching summer. The result was likely related to growth, ageing and/or heat stress in summer, as well as high environmental temperature. Collectively, the current data suggested that temperature control across production and distribution chains including collecting, selecting, packaging, distribution was one of the most significantly factor determining ultimate egg quality group at consumer level.