Poultry Gallery - Eggs

An egg consists of a yolk at the centre surrounded by albumen (white) enclosed by a shell. The yolk consists of fats, vitamins and minerals, together with about half of the egg's total protein content. A transparent barrier, called the vitalline membrane, surrounds the yolk and prevents it from leaking into the albumen. Inside the yolk is the germ cell (or germinal disc). This is the site of the cell division if the egg is fertile. The colour of the yolk varies, and this factor is influenced by the laying hen's diet. Egg albumen is rich in protein and vitamins, and contains substances to protect the egg from micro-organism which may have entered though the shell.