Summary
This study triangulates consumer perception with measurable egg quality traits across 26 Italian native hen breeds. An online survey of 1597 respondents found over 85% willing to consume eggs from local breeds, with higher perceived quality amongst urban women and short supply chain participants. Phenotypic characterisation using PCA and nutritional efficiency modelling revealed breed-specific quality fingerprints and distinct yolk lipid signatures, suggesting that perceived quality differences have objective support and that native poultry biodiversity represents a viable resource for sustainable niche egg value chains.
Regional applicability
This study was conducted in Italy and demonstrates breed-specific quality variation in European native hen breeds. The findings are directly transferable to United Kingdom heritage and native breed poultry systems, where interest in welfare-certified and locally-sourced eggs is similarly growing; however, UK breeds and consumer preferences may differ, and separate characterisation of British native breeds would strengthen applicability to UK niche and regenerative food systems.
Key measures
Consumer willingness to consume local breed eggs (survey); physical egg traits; yolk colour; proximate composition (protein, fat, moisture); fatty acid profiles; Principal Component Analysis variance explained (42.21% for physical/colour/composition traits; 50.16% for fatty acid profiles); Directional Distance Function for nutritional efficiency
Outcomes reported
The study assessed consumer perceptions of eggs from 26 native hen breeds via online survey (n=1597) and characterised egg quality through physical traits, proximate composition, and yolk fatty acid profiles compared to a commercial hybrid. Principal Component Analysis revealed breed-specific quality fingerprints and distinct lipid signatures, with over half of native breeds identified as nutritionally efficient according to integrated criteria.
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