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Check out this from the "Alberta Egg Producer Board":
Different Types of Eggs:
Organic - hens are fed a special feed having ingredients that were grown without pesticides, herbicides and commercial fertilizer so as to preserve the integrity of the soil. The nutrient content of these eggs is no different than the nutrient content of conventional eggs. Organic eggs, like conventional eggs, contain no antibiotics or hormones.
Vegetarian - hens are fed a special diet of feed containing ingredients of plant origin only.
Omega-3 - These eggs are created by including 10-20% of flax in the hen's diet, which in turn, results in these eggs being higher in omega-3 fatty acids than conventional eggs. (Omega-3 fatty acids may help lower blood triglyceride levels.)
Free Range/Free Run - true free-range eggs are those produced by hens who have access to nesting boxes, open floor space, perches and have access to outdoor runs. Due to climate conditions in Alberta, however, no commercial operations in Alberta produce free range eggs. Free run eggs are produced by hens allowed to roam freely in an enclosed facility (barn). Egg safety and quality can be more difficult to manage in these situations since hens and eggs can come in contact with droppings and dirt. The nutrient content of these eggs is no different than the nutrient content of eggs of hens raised in conventional cage operations.
Regardless of the types of eggs you buy - specialty or conventional, you want the eggs you and your family eat to be the safest possible. Remember to choose eggs that are clean and have no cracks, use them before the "Best Before" date on the carton, and, whenever possible, find out how they have been handled (ie. refrigeration) from the time they were laid.
Different Types of Eggs:
Organic - hens are fed a special feed having ingredients that were grown without pesticides, herbicides and commercial fertilizer so as to preserve the integrity of the soil. The nutrient content of these eggs is no different than the nutrient content of conventional eggs. Organic eggs, like conventional eggs, contain no antibiotics or hormones.
Vegetarian - hens are fed a special diet of feed containing ingredients of plant origin only.
Omega-3 - These eggs are created by including 10-20% of flax in the hen's diet, which in turn, results in these eggs being higher in omega-3 fatty acids than conventional eggs. (Omega-3 fatty acids may help lower blood triglyceride levels.)
Free Range/Free Run - true free-range eggs are those produced by hens who have access to nesting boxes, open floor space, perches and have access to outdoor runs. Due to climate conditions in Alberta, however, no commercial operations in Alberta produce free range eggs. Free run eggs are produced by hens allowed to roam freely in an enclosed facility (barn). Egg safety and quality can be more difficult to manage in these situations since hens and eggs can come in contact with droppings and dirt. The nutrient content of these eggs is no different than the nutrient content of eggs of hens raised in conventional cage operations.
Regardless of the types of eggs you buy - specialty or conventional, you want the eggs you and your family eat to be the safest possible. Remember to choose eggs that are clean and have no cracks, use them before the "Best Before" date on the carton, and, whenever possible, find out how they have been handled (ie. refrigeration) from the time they were laid.
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