Consumers’ perception and preference for Japanese quail and the commercial chicken eggs in Akinyele local government area of Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Consumers’ preference and perception as well as the organoleptic characteristics of Japanese quail eggs compared with the commercial chicken eggs were studied. A set of structured questionnaire was randomly administered to 200 respondents in Akinyele Local Government, Area, Ibadan, Oyo State. Results showed that 87.0% of the respondents were Yoruba, 10% Igbo and 3.0% Hausa; 60.5% were male and 39.5% female. In the study area, commercial chicken egg was more preferred, consumed and accessible compared with Japanese quail egg. However, quail egg was considered more palatable. The effect of increased income on egg consumption was significant (p<0.05) χ²= 6.575 (P=0.087)^. Most consumers perceived quail egg to be healthier, difficult to come by and tastier. The sensory panelists rated quail eggs taste (4.15) and overall acceptability (4.15) significantly higher (P<0.05) compared to chicken eggs with the corresponding values of 3.55 and 3.70, respectively. Consumers' preference for egg types whether quail or chickens was evidently based on perception and not necessarily on nutritive or health information