Most Expensive Chicken Egg: Have you ever wondered how rich an egg can make you? No no. We are not talking about the common white or brown eggs available in the market for Rs 10-15. There is such a breed of hen in the world that even the good ones get shocked after hearing the price of its eggs. This is not an ordinary egg, but is called the ‘king of eggs’. This hen and its egg are not just a food, but a status symbol and a living investment.
Meet Ayam Semani, the world’s most expensive and rare breed of chicken. This Indonesian chicken is known for its extraordinary beauty and mysterious black color. The surprising thing is that its color is not limited to its feathers only. Its beak, bones, flesh and even internal organs are as dark as coal. This rare genetic condition is called fibromelanosis. This unique feature makes this chicken so valuable.
So, now let’s talk about the price of eggs. Even though Ayam Semani’s meat and chicken are sold for thousands to lakhs of rupees, its eggs are relatively cheap, but much more expensive than normal eggs in the market. Where one chick of this hen can be sold for up to 200 dollars (about Rs 16,500). At the same time, one fertile (consumable) egg is sold for 30 to 50 dollars (about Rs 2,500 to 4,100) in the American and European markets. Remember, this price is for one piece only, as its rarity and genetic purity is very difficult to maintain. The breeds whose eggs are sold the most expensive in the world are usually very rare and with claims of health benefits. The reason for being so expensive is that their demand is more than the limited supply.
Eyam Semani remains an enigma because of its extraordinary black color.
The secret of Ayam Semani’s color
Ayam Semani is the only chicken in the world that remains an enigma due to its extraordinary black color. It is considered auspicious, powerful and associated with magical powers. That is why it is also called ‘Lamborghini of poultry’. This means that rearing it is a hobby and a symbol of prosperity. Blackening of every part of a chicken’s body is caused by a rare genetic condition. This is a genetic mutation that causes excessive production of a pigment called melanin in the body tissues.
but its egg is white
Despite having such a deep black color, it is surprising to know that the egg of Ayam Semani hen is not black. Its color is typical creamy-white, often resembling brown hens’ eggs. This is the reason why the price of its ordinary eggs is not very high in the market. That means those eggs which are used for eating. However, fertile eggs, which are used to hatch chicks, command a higher price due to their rarity. As far as its meat is concerned, Ayam Semani meat is very popular due to its special texture and distinct taste. Experts believe that its taste is mildly sweet and gamey compared to normal chicken meat. Also, it is traditionally believed that its meat is rich in iron and protein, which adds to its cultural and medicinal importance.
Ayam Semani is also called the ‘Lamborghini of poultry’.
Religious and cultural significance
In Indonesia, especially on the island of Java, these chickens have special cultural and spiritual significance. According to local beliefs, they are considered a symbol of prosperity, good fortune, and power. Some people use its black flesh in traditional medicines. Semani chickens are used in special religious and mystical rituals, especially to ward off negative energy.
These chickens are also expensive
Apart from Ayam Semani, there are many other breeds whose prices are very high among hobbyists and breeders. After Ayam Semani, Dong Tao breed dominates among the most expensive chickens in the world. Dong Tao chickens are known for their heavy, rough legs and their price in Vietnam can reach up to Rs 1,66,660. After this comes the Deathlayer cock, whose price is more than Rs 20 thousand. It is popular due to its excellent egg laying ability. Other expensive chicken breeds include breeds like Lees Fighter, Orpington, Olandsk Dwarf and Swedish Black, whose prices range between Rs 8,000 to Rs 12,500. All of them are known for their beauty, rarity or fighting ability.
The eggs of India’s Aseel breed are also considered very expensive because of traditional claims of being a medicine and enhancing strength. These are sold for about Rs 100 per egg, which is many times more than normal eggs. Indigenous fighting breeds like Aseel lay less eggs in a year (about 60–70). Their eggs are traditionally considered medicinal, which increases the price per egg.
