Marvels of Eggs

One of our kids' favorite television programs is the History Channel's series, Modern Marvels. We've seen nearly every episode, and each one provides a remarkable amount of educational content --- while remaining entertaining and engaging.

Last night, a brand new episode aired, and it was about...eggs. As many Modern Marvels do, they began by showing the modern, industrialized production models --- basically, taking the viewer through a massive facility in Iowa and explaining the way in which 98% of eggs find their way to market. They then move on to alternative production models, showing the differences between "cage free" and "pastured"; the segment about Eatwell Farm in California, raising hens on pasture is beautiful, and an inspiration for all of us who are trying to keep livestock in a holistic manner (rather than by declaring war on nature). Later in the program, they explore different ways in which eggs are packaged, shipped, and consumed by end users.

They did their best to paint the industrial egg plant in as good a light as possible, but what struck me was the number of times the narrator had to explain that a given practice was "in accord with [SOME OFFICIAL-SOUNDING GROUP OR ORGANIZATION] guidelines." I think that's because, really, the concentration camp production model strikes most human beings as an affront to decency and the good stewardship with which animals ought to be treated. And I couldn't help laughing at the Iowa State University researcher who looked into the camera and solemnly declared that there are no nutritional differences between factory eggs and free range pastured eggs. It may indeed be true when subjected to a scientific analysis, the different kinds of eggs have identical levels of various enzymes and vitamins. But aren't "health" and "nutrition" about more than that? Does anyone really believe that a hen kept in close confinement with six other hens, allowed roughly 67 square inches of space, who never sees the light of day, and is fed a diet laced with low-level antibiotics to keep her from getting sick...can really produce from her body a fruit that is as healthy as what comes from the body of an active hen who spends her days ranging freely on pasture? (I discussed this issue, including my conversation with a USDA meat inspector who has seen what the hens look like when they're done laying and heading to the processing plant, some time back here.)

Anyway, I highly recommend watching this episode; chickens are so integral to most small farms, it's good to get a look at the variety of ways in which eggs are produced and used. Unfortunately, the History Channel isn't scheduled to run it again any time soon; if I do see it pop up on the schedule, I'll post an alert on the blog. In the meantime, I understand that Modern Marvels are available for purchase and download through the iTunes store. This is something I have zero experience doing, and can't even figure out how to post a link to the relevant page over there, but if you're an iTunes user you may want to give this a try.

Finally, speaking of eggs, look what I found in the barn this morning:

Yes, one goose egg, one duck egg, and one chicken egg (we'll get many more chicken eggs this evening). This is the first duck egg we've gotten in several months, so hopefully our Cayugas are kicking in and getting ready for some serious production. I thought you'd enjoy seeing the difference in size, and what they look like straight from the barn.