Blue eggs with black spots are laid by a rare breed of chicken known as the Ayam Cemani. This black chicken originates from Indonesia and has become popular in recent years for its unique coloration and appearance. The Ayam Cemani is completely black, including its feathers, beak, legs, toes, and even its internal organs and bones. This is caused by a genetic condition known as hyperpigmentation. Due to this, the eggs laid by Ayam Cemani hens have a very dark blue or grey shell color with black speckles on them. These exotic and unusual eggs have sparked the interest of chicken breeders and farmers globally.
Origin and History of Ayam Cemani
The Ayam Cemani chicken originates from the island of Java, Indonesia. Cemani is actually the village name in Central Java where this breed was first documented. These chickens have a long history in Indonesia and were treasured by the local people not just for their meat and eggs, but for their mystical powers. The completely black color signifies mystical powers and spirits according to ancient Javanese culture. The black color also signifies prosperity, power, and protection against evil spirits.
This breed was first introduced outside of Indonesia in 1998 by Dutch breeders who imported a small number of Ayam Cemani from Java. Initially, these exotic chickens were rare and expensive, costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars per bird. Over time, they were bred and became more accessible to poultry farmers and breeders. Today, Ayam Cemanis are bred in several countries across Europe, Asia, and North America, but on a limited scale. They areclassified as a rare breed of chicken.
Appearance of Ayam Cemani Chickens
Ayam Cemanis have an entirely black appearance. Their feathers, beaks, combs, wattles, legs, and toes are black. Even their meat, bones, and organs appear black. The blood of the Ayam Cemani is normally colored. This black color occurs due to excessive pigmentation caused by a genetic condition known as fibromelanosis. Melanin is the pigment that gives feathers and skin their color. In Ayam Cemanis, melanin is overproduced, making everything black.
These chickens have a lean, athletic built with long, flowing tail feathers reminiscent of other jungle fowl. The roosters weigh 2-3 kgs while hens are around 1.5-2.5 kgs. They have a distinct crow and are very active foragers when allowed to free range.
Genetics Behind the Black Color
The signature black color of the Ayam Cemani is caused by a dominant gene that causes hyperpigmentation. This gene
turns the entire body and organs black. The black color is ayam Cemaniâ€TMs defines characteristic. Without this pigmentation, Ayam Cemanis would appear like any other chicken.
Researchers have identified the Endothelin 3 (EDN3) gene as responsible for the extensive black coloring of this breed. This gene controls the production of melanocytes which are pigment cells that give color to skin and feathers. Ayam Cemanis have a mutated EDN3 gene that causes overabundance of melanocytes leading to hyperpigmentation.
This mutation seems to have occurred naturally and been selectively bred by Indonesian villagers over centuries which why it became so prized in their culture. The black color is tied to the genetic makeup of Ayam Cemanis and cannot be replicated in other breeds easily. All Ayam Cemanis share this EDN3 gene mutation traced back to their Indonesian ancestors. This is what gives the breed its exotic and prized black appearance.
Black Eggs Laid by Ayam Cemani Hens
The most intriguing characteristic of the Ayam Cemani hens is the very dark blue or black eggs they lay. Since their feathers and combs are black, it stands to reason that the eggshells are also black.
Shell Color
Ayam Cemani eggs are not pure black, but shades of very dark grey or blue. Some eggs look almost black with just hints of grey. Others have a dark blue tinge under bright light. The shells are a very dark color, unlike the brown eggs most backyard chickens lay.
This eggshell color comes from pigments being deposited as the egg travels through the oviduct and uterus. In Ayam Cemanis, darker pigment gets embedded into the calcium carbonate shell because of the excessive melanin production. It takes about 20 hours for a chicken egg to form, during which color is added gradually.
Black Speckles
Besides the overall dark shell, Ayam Cemani eggs also feature black spots or speckles on the shell. These tiny black dots occur randomly across the shell. The speckles are also caused by melanin deposits during shell formation. Some eggs may have higher speckle density than others. The speckles make each Ayam Cemani egg unique.
Egg Size
Ayam Cemani hens lay medium sized eggs weighing 45-50 grams on average. This is slightly smaller than supermarket chicken eggs which are around 60 grams. As with most chicken breeds, older and heavier hens tend to lay larger eggs than younger pullets that have just started laying. With good feed and husbandry, Ayam Cemani hens lay around 60-80 eggs per year which is on the lower side for chickens.
Egg Composition
Inside, the eggs have all the typical components of chicken eggs – the white albumen, yellow egg yolk, membranes, and that can be used just like regular eggs. The black shell color does not affect taste or nutritional values at all. Ayam Cemani eggs taste just like other eggs when cooked. The black color is only superficial on the outer eggshell.
| Nutrient | Per 50g Ayam Cemani Egg |
|---|---|
| Protein | 6.3 grams |
| Fat | 4.8 grams |
| Calories | 72 Kcal |
Some find Ayam Cemani eggs more delicious than regular chicken eggs, though that may be subjective. Overall, the internal contents and nutritional value of the eggs is similar to regular eggs. Only the rare and unique shell sets them apart.
Reasons for Black Eggshell Color
The black color of Ayam Cemani eggs is directly linked to the black feathers and skin. Some of the key reasons are:
Melanin Pigment
Melanin is the primary pigment that gives skin, feathers, and eyes their color. Ayam Cemanis have an overabundance of melanocytes producing melanin due to their genetics. This dark melanin pigment gets deposited on the egg shell as it passes through, giving the black speckled appearance.
Breed Characteristics
All purebred Ayam Cemanis lay dark shelled eggs because they share the same mutation causes hyperpigmentation. This applies even to Ayam Cemanis bred outside Indonesia. The black eggs are tied to the breed’s origins.
Camouflage in Jungle Fowl
It is possible that the original jungle fowl in Indonesia evolved darker eggs to camouflage and protect them from predators. Darker colored eggs blended into the surroundings better. Later, Indonesian villagers selectively bred these chickens for the rare black traits.
No Effect on Egg Quality
The black shell does not affect the egg contents, taste, or nutrition. Only the outer shell color changes. The breed is simply passing more pigment to the eggshell as it forms in the oviduct. The egg white and yolk remainnormal. So Ayam Cemani eggs are as edible as regular eggs when cooked.
Taste, Nutrition, and Uses of Ayam Cemani Eggs
Ayam Cemani eggs can be eaten just like regular chicken eggs. Their exotic black color does not affect flavor or nutritional qualities.
Taste
People who have tasted Ayam Cemani eggs say they are no different in flavor from other chicken eggs. They taste the same when boiled, fried, scrambled, or used in recipes. Some people even find them tastier and creamier than regular eggs. However, that perception may be biased given their exotic origins. In blind taste tests, they are unlikely to taste dramatically different from other eggs.
Nutritional Content
Nutritionally, the black eggs from Ayam Cemani hens offer the same benefits as other eggs. They contain all the nutrients typical of chicken eggs like protein, vitamins, minerals, fats, and antioxidants. The black shell does not change the nutritional composition inside the egg itself.
Here is a nutritional comparison of Ayam Cemani eggs versus regular chicken eggs per 50 grams:
| Nutrient | Ayam Cemani Egg | Regular Chicken Egg |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 6.3 grams | 6.5 grams |
| Fat | 4.8 grams | 5 grams |
| Calories | 72 Kcal | 74 Kcal |
As you can see, the nutritional values are almost identical. Ayam Cemani eggs provide the same health benefits but with a more unique appearance.
Cooking Uses
Ayam Cemani eggs can be used to make dishes like:
- Fried eggs
- Boiled eggs
- Poached eggs
- Scrambled eggs
- Omelets
- Egg sandwiches
- Salads with hard boiled eggs
- Mayonnaise
- Baked goods like cakes, cookies, muffins
Their dark shell and speckled appearance makes them stand out when used in dishes. They add novelty value to any plate or recipe calling for chicken eggs.
Other Uses
Besides cooking, Ayam Cemani eggs can also be:
- Blown out carefully to make hollow eggshell decorations
- Used in arts and craft projects
- Given as gifts to intrigue people
- Used for hatching more Ayam Cemani chicks
Their rarity makes them collector’s items. The empty shells are sometimes used in jewelry making as well.
Availability and Cost of Ayam Cemani Eggs
Given the rarity of the breed, Ayam Cemani eggs can be quite hard to find and expensive:
- They are mostly available directly from breeders who raise Ayam Cemanis
- Only a handful of breeders worldwide focus on this chicken breed currently
- Their availability is very limited, unlike regular chicken eggs
- Ayam Cemani eggs may cost 5-10 times more than regular chicken eggs
- Expect prices from $5-10 per egg based on availability
- Some breeders may even charge $20-30 per Ayam Cemani egg due to small supply
Besides cost, finding genuine Ayam Cemani eggs also depends on how popular the breed gets among poultry farmers in coming years. They continue to be one of the rarest and most expensive chicken eggs in the world currently.
Incubating Ayam Cemani Eggs
The main reason to buy Ayam Cemani eggs is to hatch more of these rare black chickens. Their eggs need slightly more specialized incubation conditions:
Incubator Settings
Ayam Cemani eggs should be incubated at 99.5 Fahrenheit and 60% humidity. This is standard for most chicken breeds. Maintaining the right temperature is key for the chicks to develop properly. The incubator should rotate the eggs automatically several times a day.
Egg Storage
The eggs meant for hatching should be stored pointed end down at 55 F or lower before incubation. Storing longer than 10 days reduces hatch rates. Cool, humid conditions help maintain embryo viability.
Candling the Eggs
Candling involves shining a bright light through the egg to see development. Ayam Cemani eggs should be candled after 7 days in the incubator. Look for a network of blood vessels radiating from the center which indicates a healthy embryo. Clear the eggs that do not show normal development.
Hatching
Ayam Cemani chicks start hatching after 21 days in the incubator. They may take 24-36 hours to fully emerge. Do not assist unless chicks struggle to pip for over 24 hours. The hatchlings can be left in the incubator for 12-24 hours to dry off fully before being moved to a brooder.
Brooder Setup
The black chicks need a draft-free brooder with a heat lamp keeping it at 95 F for the first week. The temperature can be lowered by 5 degrees each week until feathered. Provide chick starter feed and clean water. Raise the chicks separated from other fowl to prevent disease spread.
With proper care, one can easily hatch beautiful purebred Ayam Cemanis from their dark colored eggs. It takes patience and commitment to breeding to produce these exotic black chickens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Ayam Cemani eggs:
Are the eggs really black inside too?
No, only the shell is black. Inside, the egg white and yolk are normal like other chicken eggs. The black color is superficial and does not affect the contents.
Do they taste different from regular eggs?
Most people find no difference in taste between Ayam Cemani eggs and regular chicken eggs. The exotic black appearance does not affect flavor.
Can you eat the black eggs regularly?
Yes, Ayam Cemani eggs are just as nutritious and safe to eat daily as other eggs if you have no egg allergy. Their black shell does not impact edibility.
Are the eggs extra nutritious?
No, Ayam Cemani eggs have almost the exact same nutritional values as regular chicken eggs when tested. The black shell color does not provide any additional health benefits beyond a standard egg’s nutrients.
Do Ayam Cemanis only lay black eggs?
Yes, all purebred Ayam Cemanis lay eggs with dark bluish-black shells and speckles. This trait is tied to their breed. Crossbred chickens may sometimes lay lighter brown eggs instead of black.
Can you hatch the black eggs?
Definitely. Ayam Cemani eggs can be incubated just like regular chicken eggs to hatch chicks. The incubation conditions are mostly the same as other breeds. Take care to buy fertilized Ayam Cemani eggs meant for hatching.
Do the chicks hatch black?
Yes, Ayam Cemani chicks hatch out fully black just like the adults. They are black from their feathers to their feet from the moment they emerge due to their genetics. Even their crows are black.
Conclusion
In summary, the exotic black chicken eggs come from an Indonesian breed called Ayam Cemani. Their dark bluish-grey shells with black spots occur due to excessive melanin pigmentation. Inside, the eggs are just like regular chicken eggs in nutritional values and taste when cooked. But the dramatic black shells make them coveted by poultry breeders and specialty farmers. Their rarity also makes these eggs harder to find and much more expensive than typical chicken eggs. Still, the sight of a black egg is sure to intrigue anyone and makes for an interesting conversation topic!
