By Umar Nsubuga
Egg production is a profitable venture for many farmers, but ensuring eggs reach the market without losses requires proper handling, storage, and management.
Experienced chicken farmers; Charles Lwanga and Rose Sanyu, who have been in the egg production business for years, offer practical advice on best practices for preserving egg quality and avoiding common pitfalls.
Collect eggs frequently to maintain freshness
Frequent egg collection is essential to maintain egg quality, especially in hot or cold weather.
Lwanga explains that collecting eggs at least twice a day minimises exposure to temperature fluctuations and reduces the risk of breakage or contamination in the coop.
“During hot seasons, I make sure to collect more frequently, as heat can cause eggs to spoil faster,” he says.
Frequent collection also keeps eggs safe from hens that might start pecking at them.
Sanyu adds, “If a hen starts breaking eggs, others may follow, leading to significant losses. So, by collecting often, I reduce the chance of any egg being damaged by the hens themselves.”
Handle eggs carefully
Proper handling is crucial to avoid cracking, which not only makes eggs unsellable but can also lead to contamination.
Lwanga advises farmers to gently place eggs into baskets or crates rather than dropping them.
He recommends using padded or specially designed egg trays for transport.
“Even a small crack can ruin an egg’s marketability, so I always ensure my workers understand the importance of handling them gently,” he notes.
Sanyu suggests wearing clean gloves when handling eggs, especially if they are to be sold as table eggs. This minimises the transfer of dirt and bacteria from hands to eggshells.
Keep eggs clean but avoid washing them
While it’s essential to keep eggs clean, washing eggs can actually increase the risk of contamination.
“Eggshells have a natural protective coating called the ‘bloom’ that keeps bacteria out,” explains Sanyu.
He adds that, “If you wash the eggs, you remove this coating, which makes them more susceptible to bacteria.”
Instead of washing, Sanyu recommends lightly brushing off any visible dirt. If an egg is too dirty, it’s best to set it aside for local use rather than sending it to the market.
Store eggs in a cool, stable environment
Temperature is one of the most critical factors in egg storage. Eggs kept at room temperature can spoil quickly, particularly in warm climates. Both Lwanga and Sanyu emphasise the importance of cool storage to extend the shelf life of eggs.
Lwanga keeps his eggs in a well-ventilated, shaded area that stays cool throughout the day.
“I invested in a small cooling unit to maintain a stable temperature,” he shares.
“Even if you don’t have a fridge, keeping eggs out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dry place can make a big difference.”
If refrigeration is available, storing eggs at a temperature of around 4–7°C (39–45°F) is ideal for extending shelf life, especially if they are being stored for several days before reaching the market.
Rotate stock to ensure freshness
Maintaining a first-in, first-out (FIFO) system helps ensure that older eggs are sold or used first.
Sanyu explains, “I always label my eggs with the date they were collected, and I arrange them so that the oldest are at the front for quicker access.”
This simple rotation system prevents older eggs from sitting too long and ensures that customers receive the freshest possible product.
Manage egg inventory during seasonal fluctuations
Both farmers agree that understanding market demand and managing inventory accordingly helps prevent losses. During peak seasons, such as holidays when demand is high, it is essential to prepare by increasing production and possibly storing extra eggs in cool conditions.
However, during periods of low demand, overproduction can lead to unsold stock.
“I adjust my production to match demand,” says Lwanga.
“If I notice a decrease in orders, I reduce feed for a few days to slow down laying rates, which helps avoid waste.”
Secure transport and packaging
Safe transport is critical for minimising losses on the way to market. Sanyu advises using sturdy, well-padded crates and loading them carefully to avoid jostling.
“I use insulated crates to help control the temperature during transport, especially on long trips,” she explains.
To avoid additional handling, she also trains her drivers and workers on proper loading techniques.
“Everyone in the chain must understand that even one cracked egg is a loss, so handling needs to be gentle,” she adds.
Insure against potential losses
Egg production is subject to unpredictable factors, such as sudden market shifts or health issues within the flock.
Both Lwanga and Sanyu have invested in small-scale agricultural insurance policies, which provide a buffer against unforeseen losses.
“Insurance gives me peace of mind,” Lwanga explains, “as I know that I will be compensated if there’s a sudden loss in egg quality or demand.”
