Kadaknath Eggs। Amazing Benefits Of Kadaknath Chicken Eggs

Kadaknath chicken truly stands out for its exceptional characteristics and rich heritage. Known by various names such as “Kali Masi” or “Black Meat Chicken,” this indigenous Indian breed has been captivating the attention of poultry enthusiasts and food lovers alike.

Kadaknath, also known as the “Black Meat Chicken,” is a distinctive and indigenous breed from Madhya Pradesh, India. This breed stands out not only for its adaptability to the Indian environment but also for its remarkable nutritional value and exceptional benefits.

One of the notable features of Kadaknath chicken is its heart-healthy nature. Despite its black flesh, it is considered a delicacy renowned for its unique taste, texture, and flavor. The meat of Kadaknath chicken is not only a culinary delight but also offers numerous health benefits.

How To Identify Kadaknath Chicken?

The Kadaknath chicken boasts a unique appearance that sets it apart from other poultry breeds. Its distinguishing feature lies in its distinct black feathers, black skin, and even black meat.  This striking black pigmentation is a result of a genetic condition called fibromelanosis, which gives the chicken its captivating ebony coloration.

The bird’s compact body, robust legs, and proud posture further enhance its appeal. Its comb varies in shape, often resembling a leaf or a pea, adding to its aesthetic allure. The Kadaknath chicken’s dark eyes and strong beak contribute to its charismatic presence.

Beyond its visual allure, the Kadaknath chicken offers exceptional taste and nutritional benefits. Its meat is renowned for its tenderness, succulence, and unique flavor that distinguishes it from other poultry breeds.  The rich taste of Kadaknath meat, combined with its dark color that intensifies during cooking, makes it a sought-after ingredient in regional culinary traditions.

The breed’s meat is known to pair exceptionally well with aromatic spices, and it is commonly used in the preparation of curries, kebabs, and soups, among other dishes. Moreover, Kadaknath eggs, with their distinct characteristics and nutritional composition, are highly valued and utilized in various culinary creations, including omelets, custards, and desserts.

Cultural Significance Of Kadaknath Chicken

Apart from its gastronomic appeal, the Kadaknath chicken holds significant cultural significance in India, particularly among local tribal communities. For centuries, these communities have considered the breed a delicacy and a symbol of prosperity.

Kadaknath chickens have been an integral part of traditional rituals, ceremonies, and festive occasions. The breed’s unique qualities and deep-rooted cultural associations have contributed to its enduring popularity and growing demand.

In recent years, the Kadaknath chicken has experienced a surge in demand, not only within India but also internationally. The breed’s rising popularity can be attributed to several factors. The breed’s unique appearance, taste, and nutritional profile have captivated the attention of food enthusiasts, chefs, and health-conscious individuals alike.

Moreover, as the demand for organic and healthy food choices grows, the Kadaknath chicken’s reputation as a lean meat with low cholesterol and high protein content has made it an attractive option for those seeking healthier alternatives.

Distinct Characteristics

The Kadaknath chicken possesses distinct characteristics that set it apart from other poultry breeds. Here are some notable features:

• Day-old chicks: When hatched, Kadaknath chicks display a bluish to black coloration with irregular dark stripes spanning their backs.
• Adult plumage: As the chickens mature, their plumage can vary. Some exhibit silver and gold-spangled patterns, while others are solid bluish-black without any spangling.
• Unique skin and features: The skin, beak, shanks (legs), toes, and soles of the feet have a slate-like coloration. The comb, wattles, and tongue display a distinctive purple hue. These features contribute to the overall appearance of the bird.
• Internal pigmentation: Kadaknath chickens exhibit intense black pigmentation in various internal organs. This pigmentation is particularly pronounced in organs such as the trachea, thoracic and abdominal air-sacs, gonads, and at the base of the heart and mesentery.
• Darker blood: The blood of Kadaknath chickens appears darker than that of other breeds due to the deposition of melanin, a pigment responsible for their black coloration.

These unique characteristics make Kadaknath chickens visually striking and distinguish them from other poultry breeds.

Varieties Of Kadaknath Chicken

When it comes to the Kadaknath chicken, there are three distinct varieties that are recognized for their unique characteristics and coloration. Let’s explore each of these varieties in detail:

1. Jet Black Kadaknath Chicken

This variety of Kadaknath chicken is characterized by its striking jet-black coloration. Both the adult cock (male) and hen (female) have feathers that are uniformly black throughout their bodies.

The black color of their feathers is a result of the genetic condition known as fibromelanosis, which causes intense pigmentation. This variety is the most commonly known and sought-after, as it represents the quintessential appearance of the Kadaknath breed.

2. Golden Kadaknath Chicken

The Golden Kadaknath variety showcases a distinct coloration pattern. While the majority of their feathers are black, the area around the head and neck features golden or lighter-colored feathers.

This golden hue adds a visually appealing contrast to the overall black plumage. Both the adult cock and hen of this variety exhibit the golden feathers around their head and neck.

The Golden Kadaknath is a unique variation that adds an element of diversity to the breed’s appearance.

3. Pencilled Kadaknath Chicken

The Pencilled Kadaknath variety is known for its distinctive feather pattern. In this variety, the neck area of both the adult cock and hen displays white feathers, forming a distinctive contrast against the black feathers on the body.

The black feathers on the body often appear to be adorned with fine, pencil-like white stripes, giving this variety its name. This variety showcases an intricate and visually appealing pattern that sets it apart from the other varieties of Kadaknath chicken.

These three varieties of Kadaknath chicken exhibit different color patterns, adding to the breed’s overall diversity and appeal. Each variety possesses its own unique beauty, while still retaining the fundamental traits and characteristics that define the Kadaknath breed, such as its black skin and meat, robust physique, and exceptional taste.

Note: It is important to note that while the Kadaknath breed primarily consists of these three varieties, there may be slight variations and individual differences within each variety due to factors such as genetics and environmental conditions.

Nonetheless, these three varieties collectively represent the diverse and captivating world of the Kadaknath chicken, each contributing its own distinct charm to this indigenous Indian breed.

Kadaknath Chicken Nutrition Value

Kadaknath chicken is highly regarded for its exceptional nutritional value, making it a popular choice among health-conscious individuals. Let’s delve into the specific nutritional components and benefits of Kadaknath chicken:

1. Protein Content

Kadaknath chicken is known for its high protein content, which makes up over 25% of its composition. Protein is essential for various physiological functions, including tissue repair, muscle development, and overall growth and development. The abundant protein content in Kadaknath chicken makes it a valuable source for meeting the body’s protein needs.

2. Essential Amino Acids

Kadaknath chicken contains high levels of essential amino acids, which are crucial for the body as they cannot be synthesized naturally and must be obtained through diet. These essential amino acids include lysine, methionine, tryptophan, valine, leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, and threonine. These amino acids play vital roles in muscle building, hormone synthesis, immune function, and overall metabolic processes.

3. Vitamins

Kadaknath chicken is a rich source of various vitamins, including vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B12 (cobalamin), vitamin E, and vitamin C. These vitamins are essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. They contribute to energy metabolism, nerve function, red blood cell production, immune system support, and antioxidant protection.

4. Minerals

Kadaknath chicken is also abundant in essential minerals that are important for various bodily functions. It contains significant amounts of iron, which is essential for oxygen transport and the prevention of anemia. Phosphorus and calcium are crucial for bone health and development, while niacin (vitamin B3) supports energy production and nervous system function. The presence of these minerals in Kadaknath chicken contributes to its overall nutritional value.

5. Hormones

Kadaknath chicken is known to have higher levels of certain hormones compared to other poultry breeds. These hormones include triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), which are thyroid hormones responsible for regulating metabolism, growth, and development. The presence of these hormones in Kadaknath chicken adds to its nutritional richness.

Antioxidants: Kadaknath chicken is believed to possess natural antioxidants, such as carotenoids and flavonoids. These antioxidants help protect the body against oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and support overall health and vitality.

6. Calcium

It may come as a surprise, but black chicken is a source of calcium. Calcium is a crucial mineral for building strong bones and plays a significant role in maintaining bone structure and density.

Adequate levels of calcium in the body are essential for enhancing bone health and preventing conditions like osteoporosis.

Incorporating calcium-rich foods, including dairy products and black chicken, into your regular diet can help protect your bones from diseases and support overall bone health.

By combining these nutritious options, you can take proactive steps to promote strong and healthy bones.

6. Iron

Iron is an essential mineral that’s important for growth and development. It is used to make hemoglobin, a protein to carry oxygen from the lungs to the heart, brain, and other parts of the body.

A deficiency of iron is quite common in women, especially during the reproductive cycle or post-pregnancy period. Iron deficiency due to malnutrition is quite prevalent around the world.

Black chicken is a natural source of iron to prevent anemia. Anemic patients suffer from several health issues such as exhaustion, lack of energy, lack of focus, reduced memory, and GI issues. That’s why black chicken is considered super healthy for women, especially during the post-pregnancy recovery time.

7. Amino Acids

Black chicken is truly remarkable in its ability to promote overall body health, thanks to its rich source of essential amino acids.

Amino acids are widely recognized as essential building blocks for muscles and are often used as muscle supplements. By consuming black chicken, you can support muscle formation and development.

Additionally, the presence of amino acids in black chicken helps regulate blood vessel flexibility, contributing to cardiovascular health.

Including black chicken in your diet is a valuable way to meet your nutrient needs while simultaneously boosting your overall well-being.

8. Antioxidants

Packed with antioxidants, kadaknath chicken is helpful in combating free radicals and, ultimately, damage to healthy brain cells. Kadaknath is rich in carnosine, an antioxidant naturally found in the muscles of the heart, brain, and other body parts.

It is anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, neuroprotective, prevents Alzheimer’s disease, regulates diabetes, and aids eye disorders (cataracts) and kidney problems. Several studies have shown kadaknath to be an effective treatment for cancerous tumors.

Overall, the nutritional composition of Kadaknath chicken, including its high protein content, essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and hormones, contributes to its reputation as a nutrient-dense and health-promoting poultry option.

It offers a valuable source of essential nutrients that support various physiological processes and can be incorporated into a balanced diet to enhance overall nutritional intake.

Kadaknath Chicken Benefits For Your Health

Kadaknath chicken is a good source of blue pigment, hormones, and amino acids that increase blood count and hemoglobin. Let’s find out the impressive benefits it offers for healthy living:

1. Treats Asthma

Black chicken eggs are believed to have potential benefits in treating asthma, although further research is needed to establish this claim conclusively.

Incorporating black chicken into your diet can contribute to a healthier lifestyle by providing essential nutrients that support overall body functions.

Including black chicken in your meals is a great option for promoting good health and well-being, as it adds to the variety of nutritious foods you consume. It’s important to maintain a balanced diet and prioritize healthy food choices for optimal health.

2. Treats Headaches

When it comes to natural remedies for headaches or colds, tea is often a popular choice due to its antioxidant properties. Similarly, black chicken is known to offer similar benefits.

One of the health benefits of black chicken is its potential to treat headaches. This is attributed to the properties found in its eggs. Regular consumption of black chicken eggs may help reduce dizziness and alleviate headaches.

Incorporating black chicken eggs into your diet can be a natural and flavorful way to potentially address these symptoms and promote overall well-being.

3. Acts as An Aphrodisiac

In addition to its numerous health benefits, one unique property of the Kadaknath chicken, a variety of black chicken, is its potential to act as an aphrodisiac.

Consuming Kadaknath chicken is believed to promote overall body health and enhance sexual performance by increasing blood flow.

This quality of the chicken makes it an intriguing choice for those seeking natural ways to improve their sexual vitality. Incorporating Kadaknath chicken into your diet may provide an additional boost to your overall well-being and intimate experiences.

4. Promotes Heart Health

Including black chicken in the diet can significantly lower the risk of heart disease, making it a beneficial choice for individuals concerned about cardiovascular health. The high iron content in black chicken promotes optimal blood flow to the heart and helps prevent the formation of blood clots. This reduces the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes.

Notably, black chicken has been found to have a low cholesterol content, typically ranging from 0.73% to 1.05%. In comparison, white chicken generally contains higher cholesterol levels, ranging from 13% to 25%. This makes black chicken a healthier option for individuals with cardiac conditions.

Research conducted at the Central Food and Research Institute of Mysore has demonstrated that black chicken can improve blood flow to the heart, making it particularly beneficial for individuals with cardiovascular issues.

5. Boosts Energy

Black chicken, known for its high protein content, can serve as an excellent source of energy. Protein is a crucial nutrient that plays a vital role in boosting energy levels within the body.

The presence of minerals and amino acids in black chicken further contributes to enhancing overall energy production and utilization.

Including black chicken in your diet can provide you with the necessary nutrients to fuel your daily activities and maintain optimal energy levels throughout the day.

By incorporating this nutritious meat into your meals, you can enjoy a natural energy booster that supports your active lifestyle.

6. Great for Women’s Health Issues

Recent studies have revealed a significant risk of mineral and vitamin deficiencies, particularly among women aged 19-50 years, where the risk is reported to be 41%. For pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, the risk increases to 47%. In light of this, Kadaknath chicken serves as a natural source of essential minerals and vitamins that can help meet the daily nutritional requirements of the body.

Black chicken, such as Kadaknath, is known for its high protein content, as well as its abundance of vitamins B and E, phosphorus, and iron. These nutritional components play a vital role in addressing bodily deficiencies commonly observed in women.

Clinical research studies have provided evidence supporting the efficacy of black chicken in treating various women’s health issues. These include anemia, menoxenia (abnormal menstruation), sterility, recurrent miscarriages, metrorrhagia (irregular uterine bleeding), leucorrhoea (vaginal discharge), and postpartum weakness.

7. Improves Eyesight

Black chicken, renowned for its antioxidant properties, offers benefits for promoting overall body functions, including the protection of eyesight. Antioxidants play a crucial role in preventing the risks of macular degeneration, a condition that can lead to vision loss.

By consuming black chicken and incorporating fruits and green vegetables rich in vitamin A into your diet, you can support healthy vision.

It is recommended to maintain a well-rounded and nutritious diet that includes black chicken and other healthy foods to enhance the quality of your life and safeguard your eye health.

8. Lowers the Risk of Heart Disease

Being a rich source of iron, black chicken is a healthy addition to the diet of heart patients. It boosts blood flow to the heart and prevents blood clots. Therefore, it greatly reduces the risk of heart attack as well as strokes.

Studies have shown that black chicken has low cholesterol content (0.73-1.05%) compared to white chicken (13-25%).

Research conducted at the Central Food and Research Institute of Mysore found it healthy for cardiac patients as it boosts blood flow to the heart.

Moreover, black chicken contains a lot of antioxidants that are anti-inflammatory; ultimately, reducing the risk of heart disease.

5. Boosts Energy

Black chicken or kadaknath contains high amounts of protein. The nutrient-rich black chicken is beneficial for boosting your energy levels.

Not only is it healthy for the heart, but black chicken gives you a natural boost in energy. It boosts your metabolic rate but also improves brain functions. It increases focus and memory at work.

Furthermore, black chicken is also helpful in treating tuberculosis, neurasthenia, osteomalacia in children, and heart problems.

In conclusion, the Kadaknath chicken is a remarkable poultry breed that captivates with its distinctive appearance, exceptional taste, and nutritional benefits.

Its rich heritage, cultural significance, and increasing demand in the culinary world reflect the growing appreciation for indigenous breeds and healthier food choices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) On Kadaknath chicken

Here, we have answered a few interesting FAQs about the benefits of Kadaknath chicken.

1. Is kadaknath chicken good for your health?

Kadaknath chicken is loaded with minerals and vitamins such as vitamin B1, B2, B6 and B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, niacin, iron, phosphorus and calcium. Furthermore, it is a good source of protein.

2. What is special about kadaknath chicken?

Kadaknath meat is the only avian species in India which has the Geographical Indication tag. Its demand is high, which generally increases in the winter season. The production is less compared to demand, that’s why the rates of this chicken are already touching the sky.

It can cost you around 900 to 1200 rs per kg and the single egg of this hen costs 50 rs each, but still, it does not affect the demand because of its rich taste and nutritional value.

3. Is kadaknath good for the heart?

People are quite concerned nowadays about cholesterol intake because of increased heart problems.

White meat has 13 to 25% cholesterol typically, kadaknath chicken, on the other hand, has only 0.73 to 1.05% so it can be a boon for heart and blood pressure patients. Health-conscious people can also pick it as a healthier choice.

4. Is Kadaknath chicken tasty?

Kadaknath chicken has a very subtle texture and taste. Though the curry prepared using this chicken adds an intense flavor that is unforgettable.

5. Is the Kadaknath egg black?

Unlike regular chicken, Kadaknath eggs are black. Also known as black chicken.

Resources

• Kadaknath: a popular native chicken breed of India with unique black colour characteristics(1)
• Carcass Characteristics, Meat Quality and Nutritional Composition of Kadaknath, a Native Chicken Breed of India(2)
• An attempt to valorize the only black meat chicken breed of India by delineating superior functional attributes of its meat(3)
• Studies on growth performance in Kadaknath breed of poultry(4)
• wikipedia.org(5)