A Complete Guide To Eggs: Professional Analysis From Classification To Transportation

As an important source of nutrition for humans and a core product of the poultry industry, the production, processing and transportation of eggs involve a lot of professional knowledge. This article will systematically introduce key information such as the classification, incubation process, transportation points and egg tray selection of eggs, providing a comprehensive reference for practitioners and consumers.

1. Basic classification of eggs

The difference between edible eggs and breeding eggs

Eggs are mainly divided into two categories according to their use: edible eggs and breeding eggs (hatching eggs). These two types have significant differences in production and processing:

Edible eggs: unfertilized eggs or eggs produced specifically for consumption, usually from hens without roosters. This type of egg focuses on food safety, nutritional value and appearance quality.

Breeding eggs: fertilized eggs specifically used for hatching chicks, from hens with roosters. Breeding eggs have higher quality requirements and require special handling and storage conditions.

2. Types of breeding eggs:

Broiler breeding eggs (such as white-feathered broilers and yellow-feathered broilers)

Laying hen breeding eggs (such as Hailan, Roman, etc.)

Local breed breeding eggs (such as Beijing oily chicken, Qingyuan Ma chicken, etc.)

3. The grading of edible eggs is usually divided into different grades according to weight, appearance and internal quality:

Special grade: single egg weight ≥ 68g, eggshell intact and flawless

First grade: single egg weight 58-67g, eggshell with no more than 1 minor flaw

Second grade: single egg weight 48-57g, eggshell with no more than 2 flaws

4. The whole process of egg incubation and precautions

① Breeding egg selection criteria

High-quality breeding eggs should meet the following conditions:

- Fertilization rate ≥ 90%

- Egg shape index (long diameter/short diameter) between 1.30-1.35

- Eggshell thickness 0.33-0.35mm

- No cracks, no deformities, no pollution

② Three-stage incubation management

(1) Early stage (1-7 days)

- Temperature: 37.8-38.0℃

- Humidity: 55-60%

- Egg turning frequency: once every 2 hours

- Key point: Formation of embryonic vascular network

(2) Middle stage (8-14 days)

- Temperature: 37.5-37.8℃

- Humidity: 50-55%

- Egg turning frequency: once every 3 hours

- Key point: Skeleton and feathers begin to develop

(3) Late stage (15-21 days)

- Temperature: 37.0-37.3℃

- Humidity: 65-70%

- Stop turning eggs: 18th day

- Key point: Establishment of lung function, preparation for hatching

5. Common problems and solutions for hatching

Early death (1-7 days): Check the storage conditions of the eggs (should be ≤7 days) and disinfection

Mid-term death (8-14 days): Adjust the temperature and humidity, check the egg turning device

Late death (15-21 days): Increase ventilation, check humidity control

High rate of weak chicks: Check the nutritional status of the breeder chickens, especially the vitamin level

6. Key technical points for egg transportation

① Preparation before transportation

Packaging inspection: Ensure that each egg tray hole is intact and not damaged

Temperature precooling: Eggs should be precooled to 10-15℃ before transportation in summer

Vehicle disinfection: Use food-grade disinfectants to fully disinfect the transport vehicle

② Transportation process control

Temperature management:

Edible eggs: 8-15℃ (10℃ is recommended for best)

Brooding eggs: 18-22℃ (short-term transportation)

Humidity control: Maintain relative humidity at 70-80%

Anti-vibration measures: Control the vehicle speed within 80km/h; avoid sudden braking and severe bumps; use special shock absorbers

③ Special climate response

High temperature season: night transportation (20:00-6:00); use refrigerated trucks (set at 10℃); increase ventilation times

Low temperature season: daytime transportation (9:00-17:00); add insulation layer; prevent frost

7. Egg tray selection and use guide

① Comparison of common egg tray types

| Type | Material | Load-bearing (g) | Breathability | Durability | Cost |

|------|------|-------------|--------|----------|

| Plastic egg tray | PP/PS | ≥1000 | Excellent | 3-5 years | Medium-high |

| Pulp egg tray | Recycled paper | 600-800 | Good | Single | Low |

| Foam egg tray | EPS | 500-700 | Poor | 1 year | Lowest |

②Professional recommendation of plastic breathable egg tray:

Verified by industry practice, plastic egg tray made of polypropylene (PP) has significant advantages

Performance characteristics: temperature resistance range -30℃ to 120℃; air permeability is 40% higher than ordinary egg tray; anti-slip shading design, transportation displacement rate is reduced by 60%

Hygiene advantages: surface smoothness Ra≤0.8μm, bacterial attachment rate is reduced by 90%; can withstand sodium hypochlorite disinfection (200ppm); supports high-pressure washing (≤80℃ hot water)

③ Best Practices for Using Egg Trays

Loading Specifications: 30 eggs (large eggs) or 36 eggs (small and medium eggs) per tray; stacking height does not exceed 15 layers (including bottom tray); the big end of the egg faces up, with an inclination of ≤5°

④ Cleaning and maintenance: rinse with 50℃ warm water after each use; deep disinfection once a month (soak in food-grade disinfectant for 10 minutes); regular inspection of hole integrity (breakage rate ＞5% should be eliminated)

⑤ Storage conditions: store away from light and heat sources; leave ventilation ducts in the middle when stacking; unfold and store individually when not in use for a long time

8. Industry Development Trends and Innovations

The modern egg industry is undergoing the following technological innovations:

① Intelligent incubation: Internet of Things technology realizes independent environmental monitoring of each egg

② Cold chain traceability: Blockchain technology records the entire process data from farm to table

③ Environmentally friendly packaging: degradable plastic egg trays (PLA material) begin commercial application

④ Transportation monitoring: 5G real-time transmission of temperature, humidity, vibration and other logistics data

As an important agricultural product, eggs require professional technical support in all aspects of their production and circulation. Through scientific classification management, fine hatching control, standardized transportation operations and appropriate egg tray selection, we can not only improve industry efficiency, but also ensure egg quality and provide consumers with safe and high-quality products. With technological advances, the egg industry is moving towards a smarter and more sustainable direction.

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