Abstract

This project proposes the assessment of the quality of phospholipids (lecithin) from eggs produced in New York State and their potential use by the U.S. pharmaceutical industry in drug formulation.

Issue

The egg industry in New York State is under severe economic pressure. The impact of mandated changes related to animal housing and environmental and food safety issues has lowered profitability. Small producers are at risk of going out of business if the situation continues.

Traditionally, almost all egg production has been dedicated to supplying food industry demand. The food industry sets the price of eggs without producer input.

One way to improve producer profits is to find alternative, non-food markets for eggs. In particular, producers might extract specialty chemicals such as lecithin from eggs for sale to the nutriceutical, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries.

Response

This project proposes to assess the quality of lecithin derived from eggs produced in New York State. The assessment will determine its suitability for use by these industries.

By feeding chickens a carefully designed diet, we will attempt to optimize the quality of the lecithin in their eggs and thus its suitability for industry use.

Concurrently, we will conduct a U.S. market analysis of non-food egg derivatives to assess the economic advantages and profitability of alternative markets.

Impact

Upon the expected completion of this project in 2007, recommendations can be made to egg producers in New York State on targeting alternative, non-food markets. The project will also provide a market and profitability study to guide decisions in this regard.

Funding Sources

• Federal Formula Funds - Research (e.g., Hatch, McIntire-Stennis, Animal Health)

Collaborators

• Mr. Mark Adams. Adams Farm. Egg farm owner and collaborator. Mr. Adams (President, New York Poultry Association) will provide laying hens, egg samples, and advice on diet design, Naples, NY.
• Mr. Kurt Kreher. Kreher?s Poultry Farms. Egg farm owner and collaborator. Mr. Kreher will provide laying hens, egg samples, and will advice on diet design, Clarence, NY.
• Dr. Laura Gaspar (Lipid Biochemist), Visiting Professor, will participate as advisor, Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics. Cornell University. Ithaca, NY.
• Dr. Xingen lei (Animal Nutrition), Professor, will participate as consultant, Department of Animal Science. Cornell University. Ithaca, NY
• Mr. Gerard F. Hawkes (Marketing Specialist), Sr. Extension Associate, will participate as market analyst and advisor. Department of Applied Economics & Management. Cornell University. Ithaca, NY.

Key Personnel

• Manuel A. Aregullin, MB&G, Cornell University
• Gerard Hawkes, Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University
• Mark Adams, Adams Farm, Naples, NY
• Kurt Kreher, Kreher`s Farm Fresh Eggs, LLC, Clarence, NY