Off-Coloured Egg Production Cause

Correct Answer: Feeding of cotton seed cake

Feeding cotton seed cake (CSC) to layers causes off-coloured eggs, particularly discolouration of the yolk. This is due to gossypol, a toxic polyphenolic pigment naturally present in cottonseed.

Effects of Gossypol on Eggs

• Yolk discolouration (dark olive-green or mottled)
• Reduced hatchability
• Rubbery egg white due to gossypol binding to albumin proteins

Other Cottonseed Cake Effects

• Can cause cyclopia in chick embryos at high levels
• Reduces feed palatability
• The safe level of CSC in poultry feed is limited due to gossypol toxicity

In contrast, maize feeding enhances yolk colour (deepens yellow-orange) due to its high carotenoid content.