Avian Production Management

ALBUMEN 

• The albumen consists of 4 layers, namely
  • Chalaziferous or inner thick white, which forms (3%)
  • Inner thin albumen (17%)
  • Outer thick firm or dense albumen (57%) 
  • Outer thin albumen (23%) of total albumen
• The chalaziferous layer -very close to the yolk immediately surrounding the vitelline membrane of the yolk - twists into two chords on either sides of the yolk called chalazae, which are formed due to rotational movement of the egg in the oviduct

Functions of chalazae

• Chalazae - hold the yolk firmly in its central position and thus serves as an anchor for  yolk
• Chalazae - contain a protein called lysozyme, which is  possessing antimicrobial properties and helps to prevent the microbial spoilage of the egg
• Ageing, improper storage and microbial spoilage makes thick albumen watery