Kadaknath is an Indian breed of chicken, black in color, native to the state of Madhya Pradesh. Having high protein and being rich in nutrients, these eggs are preferred over regular eggs.
Kadaknath eggs are one of the rarest varieties of eggs found in India in the state of Madhya Pradesh. They are well known for their high protein and nutritive value. Generally black, these eggs are a simple cure for asthma, nephritis, severe headaches, etc. The meat and eggs of this chicken are a natural source for curing tuberculosis.
When compared to regular eggs, these eggs are richer in protein. Every 100 grams serves 11.67% protein content. Due to the presence of high protein, these eggs are more expensive than regular eggs within a price bracket of 15.5-22 rupees per piece.
Some Interesting Facts About Kadaknath Eggs
Black-colored eggs
Kadaknath chickens are black-colored due to the presence of an excess of melanin and iron content. The baby chickens of these species are bluish-black in color and have black skin. Due to their black color, they are called ‘kali masi’ locally.
Patented eggs
Kadaknath meat got GI tagged on 30 July 2018 by the Indian Government. It is a specialty of the Jhabua district of Madhya Pradesh. GI tag is a kind of patent that has rights registered with the state of Madhya Pradesh so that no other seller can sell any black-colored chicken under the name of Kadaknath chicken.
Types of Kadaknath chickens
Kadaknath chickens have three types of species, namely: Jet black, Pensield, Golden black. Jet black is purely black with a glittery shine and is popular in the market due to its high nutritional value, good medicinal properties, and taste. Kadaknath eggs are not purely black but are brown in color with a slight tint of pink color. They are poor setters and rarely hatch their own brood.
High iron and protein content
They contain 10 times higher iron content when compared with the other breed. High iron content is the main reason behind their black skin and blood color. Ordinary eggs have white yellow yolk color. However, Kadaknath eggs possess a dark orangish yolk color which helps us to identify them easily. Kadaknath eggs have more than 25% protein and less than 1.05% fat. This makes them a healthier option for the gym goers and those concerned about their diet.
The reasons that make these expensive from ordinary eggs are high nutritional value, increasing demand, longer duration required to raise the chicken and low egg-laying capacity. The average Kadaknath egg weight is 46.8g. It mainly produces an average of 80 eggs per year. These eggs have low cholesterol content and are ideally suited for diabetes and heart patients.
First choice of sportspersons
Due to their extraordinary properties, it is the best choice for sports players. M.S. Dhoni, the former captain of the Indian cricket team also owns a poultry farm in Ranchi that has these Kadaknath hens. Many sportspersons prefer eating these eggs to boost their stamina and perform well at the national and international level.
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