'Pakistan's egg consumption far below developed countries'

Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences Prof Dr Shahid Mehmood said eggs should be included in the daily diet because of their nutritional value and health benefits. He said eggs contained 13 essential nutrients and supported health at every stage of life, from brain development in childhood to muscle maintenance and bone strength in old age.

He said the poultry sector was the country's second-largest industry after textiles and urged people to increase their egg consumption. Chairman of the Department of Pathology Prof Dr Kashif Saleemi said eggs were a rich source of protein, vitamins and minerals.

He described them as an affordable, readily available and versatile food that could play an important role in a balanced diet. He stressed the need to raise public awareness about their nutritional benefits to help address dietary deficiencies.

Additional Director Livestock Faisalabad Dr Robina highlighted the role of eggs in improving household nutrition and addressing dietary deficiencies. She also emphasised the importance of promoting healthy eating habits to improve public health.

Dr Muhammad Yousaf said World Egg Day, observed on the second Friday of October each year, provided an opportunity to highlight the contribution of eggs to nutrition and health worldwide. He also referred to the growth of the global poultry industry, which was projected to be valued at $417 billion in 2026.

Marketing Manager of Mukhtar Feed Kaleem Qamar Gill said greater awareness of the nutritional and economic value of eggs could help increase consumption across the country. He called for coordinated efforts by the poultry industry, livestock authorities and relevant institutions to promote egg consumption and raise awareness of its role in a balanced diet.