Published on Oct. 9, 2025
A tribute to the Egg: Natural, nutritious, versatile and full of promise
Every year, on the second Friday of October, the world celebrates World Egg Day, a global moment to recognise the value of the egg in feeding people, supporting livelihoods, and contributing to sustainable food systems. Initiated by the international egg industry, this day is now celebrated all over the globe.
But World Egg Day is more than a celebration. It’s a reminder of how one simple product continues to play a vital role in global nutrition, agriculture, and health. In this edition of Layer Vision, we pay tribute to the egg, not only for what it is, but for what it represents.
Compact and complete superfood
It is no surprise that the egg is a nutritional all-rounder. Within its shell lies a carefully balanced combination of essential nutrients:
• Complete protein: Eggs contain all nine essential amino acids: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine, all in ideal proportions for human health.
• Vitamins and minerals: Including B12, riboflavin, selenium, iodine, and choline, important for brain function, metabolism, and cellular health.
• Healthy fats: Naturally present omega-3 fatty acids support heart and brain health; levels can be further increased in enriched eggs. Natural antioxidants: Lutein and zeaxanthin contribute to eye health.
All of this comes in a compact, affordable, and versatile form, making the egg (one of) the most efficient and valuable sources of natural nutrition available.
Nutrition across life stages
Nutrition across life stages The egg is one of the few foods that supports health across all stages of life, from infancy to old age, thanks to its unique nutritional profile.
• Infants and young children benefit from the egg’s high-quality protein and choline, which are essential for brain development, cell structure, and growth. In many countries, eggs are introduced early as part of complementary feeding strategies to combat stunting and undernutrition.
• Adolescents and adults rely on eggs for muscle development, energy, and satiety. The complete amino acid profile supports tissue repair and physical performance, while the balance of fats and micronutrients contributes to overall metabolic health.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women gain vital nutrients from eggs, especially choline, which plays a key role in foetal brain development and maternal health. Eggs also provide iron, folate, and vitamin B12, which are important during pregnancy.
• Older adults benefit from the egg’s protein to help maintain muscle mass and strength, which are critical in preventing frailty. The antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin support eye health, while vitamin D and B12 contribute to bone density and cognitive function.
Scientific understanding of eggs and cholesterol has also evolved. For most people, eggs fit well within a balanced diet and may even offer protective health benefits.
A sustainable protein source
As the global population grows and environmental concerns intensify, the egg stands out as a responsible choice:
• Efficient production: Compared to other animal proteins, eggs require less land, water, and feed.
• Lower environmental impact: Advances in genetics, housing, and feed efficiency continue to reduce the footprint of egg production.
• Accessible and affordable: Eggs are widely available and culturally accepted, making them a key tool in addressing malnutrition.
• In many regions, eggs are part of public health strategies aimed at improving dietary quality and food security.
Contributing to a more efficient future
As demand for sustainable, high-quality protein continues to grow, the egg industry is evolving. At the heart of this progress are the breeding companies, working behind the scenes to improve efficiency, resilience and welfare in laying hens. Through genetic progress, data-driven selection and close collaboration with egg producers worldwide, we aim to select laying hens that are healthier, more productive and better adapted to diverse environments.
These improvements help reduce feed use, lower emissions and support responsible egg production across the globe. World Egg Day is a moment to reflect not only on the value of the egg, but also on the shared responsibility to keep improving. As a breeding company, we are proud to contribute to a future where eggs remain accessible, nutritious and sustainable, for everyone. World Egg Day reminds us that progress doesn’t always come in flashy packages.
Sometimes, it comes in a shell. The egg is not a foodtrend, or a hype. It’s a constant. A product of nature, shaped by genetic selection, and trusted by people.
On this World Egg Day, we honour the egg, and the people behind it. Egg producers, researchers, nutritionists, and consumers all contribute to the story of the egg.
