Nutritional Value Of Muscovy Duck Eggs

People who raise Muscovy ducks prize the fowl for their ability to eat vast quantities of insects, as well as weeds and pond algae. Muscovies are one of the quieter duck breeds, both vocally and in terms of their placid personalities. Egg aficionados consider duck eggs much richer and tastier than chicken eggs. While little documentation exists about the nutritional differences between Muscovy eggs and other duck eggs, there are clear nutritional differences separating duck eggs from those of other fowl species.

Protein

The higher protein content of duck egg whites produces fluffier whipped whites, resulting in lighter baked goods, according to “How to Raise Poultry” author Christine Heinrichs. A duck egg has 9 grams protein, compared to the 7 grams found in chicken eggs. The protein content in one duck egg provides about 20 percent of the protein the average person needs for the day.

Calories, Fat and Cholesterol

Each duck egg has 130 calories, along with 9.6 grams total fat. Of that total fat amount, 2.6 grams come from saturated fat, which represents 13 percent of the recommended daily value, or DV, for saturated fat. A duck egg also contains about 620 milligrams cholesterol, or more than two days’ worth of cholesterol for the average person.

Vitamins

Duck eggs are high in vitamins A and E, as well as B-complex vitamins. Each egg provides 9 percent of the DV for vitamin A, the nutrient associated with strengthening the immune system and promoting strong eyesight. They also contribute 5 percent of the DV for vitamin E, another antioxidant vitamin that additionally protects your nerves and muscles. Each egg also provides 66 percent of the DV for vitamin B-12. People deficient in this nutrient are at risk of fatigue and mental confusion. The 14 percent DV for folate may be especially useful for pregnant women, because folate helps prevent birth defects.

Minerals

Each duck egg delivers 4 percent of the DV for the bone-strengthening mineral calcium. It also contains 15 percent each of the DVs for iron and phosphorus. People who don’t get enough iron risk becoming anemic, which includes symptoms such as fatigue, weakness and pale skin. Phosphorus works with calcium to promote skeletal and dental health. Duck eggs are also good sources of selenium, zinc and potassium.

“Fowl” Comparisons

In terms of size, duck eggs are smaller than goose eggs but larger than chicken eggs. Therefore, comparing nutrient content on an egg-by-egg basis is impractical. According to USDA figures, the same by-weigh amounts of duck, chicken and goose egg whites and yolks show the three bird egg types to be virtual triplets in terms of protein, sodium, vitamins and saturated fat. Duck and goose eggs are somewhat higher in calories than chicken eggs, and significantly higher in cholesterol. On the other hand, chicken eggs contribute less vitamin A, calcium, B vitamins, iron and other minerals than duck or goose eggs do.