Pasture-raised egg production is gaining attention for its potential alignment with regenerative agriculture principles, emphasizing biodiversity, soil health, and ethical animal husbandry. These systems allow laying hens to forage on diverse plant species and insects, which can significantly improve the nutrient composition of eggs compared to conventional grain-based systems. However, the nutrient profile of pasture-raised eggs may fluctuate due to seasonal variation in forage availability, quality, and environmental conditions.This study aimed to evaluate how seasonal changes, specifically late spring through early winter, affect the nutrient density of eggs produced in a pasture-based system in Southern Ohio. Monthly collections of forage, soil, and eggs were conducted from May to December 2022. Nutrient composition of egg yolks was assessed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography, spectrophotometry, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Nutrients analyzed included carotenoids, vitamins A and E, total phenolics, and fatty acids. Findings revealed that forage quality, as measured by total digestible nutrients (TDN), peaked in October, aligning with increased deposition of omega-3 fatty acids and fat-soluble antioxidants in egg yolks during fall months. Vitamin E levels were highest in late fall, while vitamin A concentrations peaked in late summer. Carotenoid content followed a bimodal pattern, with elevated levels in midsummer and late autumn. Principal component and random forest analyses identified September to November as the separated time period yielding the most nutrient-dense eggs.These findings provide novel insight into how seasonal dynamics in regenerative pasture systems influence egg quality. This research supports the role of pasture-raised systems in delivering nutrient-rich animal products and highlights the need for seasonal considerations in both consumer education and on-farm management strategies.
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