The first in-oxo sexing machine in the U.S. has been installed in an Iowa hatchery.
The Cheggy machinery uses hyperspectral measurement technology and cameras that function in the visual and near-infrared spectrum to identify differences in the measured light spectra. This allows the machine to accurately determine gender based on feather color and separate out male chicks. Currently, the technology works on brown layers at day 13 of incubation.
Because the technology is non-invasive, it reduces the risk of contamination. The machinery can be integrated into existing production lines and sort up to 25,000 eggs per hour. Additionally, it produces no non-recyclable waste and requires less than 322 square feet of space.
Chicks from the hatchery are expected to go to NestFresh Eggs by December 13, 2024, putting in-ovo sexed eggs into the U.S. market by June 2, 2025.
The technology was created by German equipment manufacturer Agri Advanced Technologies (AAT). An unveiling event for the Cheggy machinery took place on December 10, 2024, and featured a live demonstration of the technology.
“We are thrilled to introduce this revolutionary non-invasive in-ovo sexing technology to the United States,” stated AAT Managing Director Jörg Hurlin. “The high accuracy rate and unparalleled efficiency of this machine will undoubtedly transform the egg production industry with growing demand for welfare and sustainability practices in the poultry industry.”
Jasen Urena, NestFresh Eggs Vice President, stated “The Cheggy technology is an innovative and exciting solution for an age-old challenge within the egg industry.”
Urena added, “Proudly known as a pioneer in humane and sustainable egg production, NestFresh is thrilled to be the first to implement this technology and bring in-ovo sexed eggs to the U.S. market.”
