Mink Hollow Farm

	Fresh Eggs: Meat Spots
	Image [left] shows meat spot as seen from outside during candling.	We generally don't eat these eggs, although the dogs and cats like them just fine!
	What is a Meat Spot? Meatspots, while unappetizing, are generally considered to be harmless. They are thought to be what's left of some tissue that has been sloughed off during or shortly after the yolk was released into the oviduct. The most likely explanation is that the meat spot is a piece of the follicle that once held a yolk. Sometimes a bit tears off. Another possibility is that a follicle that is no longer functional breaks down and 'falls off' from the ovary. Eggs containing meat spots are generally considered unsuitable for hatching. The meat spot can usually be easily removed.
	This image shows the meat spot by itself. It is relatively soft, with a texture similar to egg white, and no obvious smell.	Watch a short clip of this egg being candled.
The meat spot in this egg (below) was visible even without candling. Under natural light, the colour of the meat spot is almost identical to the oyster shells that are often fed to birds as a calcium supplement.
			Watch a short clip of this egg being candled.
	On our farm we get approximately two eggs with meat spots for every 1000 eggs laid.
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