Physical characteristics and chemical composition of Greater Rhea (Rhea americana) eggs from wild and captive populations

JOAQUÍN NAVARRO; MARÍA L. LÓPEZ; DAMIÁN M. MAESTRI; DIANA O. LABUCKAS

BRITISH POULTRY SCIENCE

TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD

Año: 2001 vol. 42 p. 658 - 662

0007-1668

Eggs from wild and captive populations of Greater Rhea (Rhea americana) were studied to determine their physical and chemical characterisitics. Significant differences were found among populations in almost all chemical parameteres studied, whereas within physicial parameteres only shell weight (as a proportion of the enitre egg) and density showed differences. Eggs from wild populations had the highest protein and linolenic acid and the lowest total lipid contents, while cholesterol levels of these eggs and of those from the largest captive area were the lowest.