EXHIBIT 23(a)

                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the  reference  to our firm under the caption  "Experts"  in the
Registration Statement (Form S-8) pertaining to the Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. 1993
Stock Option Plan and related Prospectus and to the incorporation by reference
therein of our report  dated July 22, 1996 (except for Note 13 as to which the
date  is  October  3,  1996),  with  respect  to  the  consolidated  financial
statements and schedule of Cal-Maine Foods,  Inc. included in its Registration
Statement  on Form S-1 (File No.  333-14809),  filed with the  Securities  and
Exchange Commission.


                                                             ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Jackson, Mississippi
January 17, 1997