Kottakkal (Malappuram): Eight hens belonging to Kulappurakkal Shihabuddeen of Amabalavan in Othukkungal have been laying eggs with a green yolk instead of the normal yellow over the last one year. The matter came to the notice of authorities at Kerala Veterinary University and they decided to conduct a detailed study.

Special feed was provided by experts at the university for Shihabuddeen’s poultry. It was presumed that the yolk changed colour due to the presence of cotton seeds, green peas and bakery items which contained sulphur in the food given to the hens.

Shihabuddeen received the poultry feed from the university with the instruction that the hens and cocks he reared should be given only that food. Experts also said that this diet should be followed for 28 days. Weekly checks were also scheduled.

After one week, personnel from the university arrived at Shihabuddeen’s house and inspected the eggs. But even after being fed exclusively with the feed supplied by the university, the hens produced eggs with green yolk.

Subsequently, university staff took two hens and a cock from Shihabuddeen’s house to the veterinary university for an elaborate analysis. “Further conclusions would be arrived at after conducting thorough observations and tests,” said Dr B Suresh, District Assistant Project Officer with Animal Husbandry Department.