Specialists' Perspectives on Functional Egg Production: Awareness, Health Implications, and Regulatory Frameworks in Sudan

Intisar Yousif Turki; Maareb Gaffer Mohamed Saeed

doi:10.66920/pjn.2026.37.42

Authors

Intisar Yousif Turki Department of Poultry Nutrition, College of Animal Production Science and Technology, Sudan University of Science and Technology, Khartoum, Sudan
Maareb Gaffer Mohamed Saeed Department of Animal Production in the Tropics, College of Animal Production Science and Technology, Sudan University of Science and Technology, Khartoum, Sudan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66920/pjn.2026.37.42

Keywords:

Functional eggs, egg production, nutrition, Omega-3, regulatory framework, Sudan

Abstract

Background and Objective: Functional eggs constitute a promising nutritional innovation aimed at mitigating micronutrient deficiencies and improving public health outcomes. This study assessed the perspectives of specialists and researchers on the production, health benefits, and regulatory requirements of functional eggs in Sudan.

Materials and Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among 100 participants, including 37 specialists comprising animal nutritionists, veterinarians, and academic researchers. Data were collected using a structured online questionnaire administered via Google Forms and analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistics in SPSS.

Results: Specialists demonstrated the highest level of familiarity with functional eggs among all stakeholder groups, with 75.7% reporting good or very high knowledge. Scientific literature was the primary information source for 45.9% of respondents. Omega-3 fatty acids were identified as the most effective enrichment component (45.9%), and heart health (43.2%) and cognitive support (24.3%) were the most widely recognized scientifically validated benefits. However, respondents identified notable risks, particularly feed contamination (37.8%) and excessive additive use (32.4%). Key priorities for sector development included increased research funding (70.3%) and enhanced producer training (62.2%). Although 51.4% of specialists expressed strong willingness to recommend functional eggs, 61.1% perceived consumer awareness as low.

Conclusion: Sudanese specialists exhibit substantial technical readiness to support the development of a functional egg industry. Its success will depend on the establishment of robust regulatory frameworks, quality certification systems, and sustained research funding to mitigate safety risks and reduce the gap between scientific knowledge and consumer awareness.

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