Namakkal-based National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC) has maintained egg prices at last week's level of Rs 2.50 a piece and rates for its layer birds at Rs 42 a kg for the past ten days. Palladam-based Broiler Coordination Committee also has retained last week's Rs 52 a kg price level for live chicken, reports The Hindu Business Line.

The slowdown has been caused by a confluence of factors – lower offtake on domestic front (due to the onset of the austere “Purattasi” month), slack export demand and a dip in consumption in Karnataka and Maharashtra, major markets for Tamil Nadu's shell egg and broiler trade.

Dr P. Selvaraj, Zonal Chairman, NECC, said: “Layer rates remain unchanged as our main consumers - Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh - observe Dasara, the period of abstinence. We expect a rise in offtake and prices after Monday.” Moreover, stable feed prices are also holding prices of chicken and eggs flat, poultry sources said. Prices of soyameal – a key ingredient in poultry feed – ruled at Rs 18,200-18,300 a tonne as against Rs 18,600-18,800 last year.