Today I spent a little time with the laying hens. Typically, Fridays I give food scraps to the hens from the monastery kitchen which effectively utilizes the food stuff and enriches the diet of the hens. In return, we get good chicken manure for the pastures and nutrient dense, pastured eggs. The chickens get fresh air, sunshine, exercise, and lots of human contact.
Our eggs are said to be nutrient dense, that is, greater amount of choline, vitamin A, vitamin E, omega 3 fats, higher levels of folate and vitamin B12, and carotenoids (giving a richer colored yoke). Commercial (industrial eggs) struggle to get the levels of beneficial elements found in pastured eggs. You will recognize that choline is a B vitamin crucial for brain development and maintenance. Choline is an important element in muscle control and memory. You can do your own research on the precise levels of the mentioned nutrients.
I love the hens. They’re great working girls.