Systems and methods for promoting biological responses in incubated eggs

Abstract

A system and method to promote biological responses within incubated eggs using lighting devices within an incubation chamber. A light supporting device is installed within the incubation chamber in spaced relation to an incubation device housing a plurality of eggs. The light supporting device is positioned to direct light at pre-determined wavelengths into the interior cavity of the incubation device to irradiate the plurality of eggs to promote a. biological response within the eggs.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY[0001]This patent application claims benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 218,818, entitled “System and Method for Promoting Hatchability”, filed on Sep. 15, 2015, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 274,929, entitled “Incubating Devices and Methods”, filed on Jan. 5, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 297,322, entitled “Systems and Methods for Promoting Biological Responses in Incubated Eggs”, filed on Feb. 19, 2016, the benefit of priority of each of which is claimed hereby, and each of which are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]This document pertains generally, but not by way of limitation, to promoting biological responses in incubated eggs including survival of avian from eggs. More specifically, to a lighting system and method for promoting hatchability and sex selection in eggs.BACKGROUND[0003]Egg production, in avian such as chickens or turkeys has becom...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a method of using a light supporting device that lies in a single plane to promote biological responses in incubated eggs. By integrating the lighting elements and the circuitry onto the same substrate, the device is smaller and more space-efficient. The lighting devices provide a spectral output that matches the natural light given off by the incubation chambers, which can enhance the development of the eggs and improve their quality.

Problems solved by technology

While the rail element prevents the incubating devices from running into these auxiliary devices within the chamber, very little room remains between the rail element and auxiliary devices.

While the use of light has been seen as advantageous in certain instances, improper use of light has been shown to provide potentially negative results within a commercial hatchery.

Still, Coleman's fiber optic system is difficult to implement and full exposure of light on the egg was discouraged by Coleman causing complex design issues in a commercial setting.

Consequently, lighting typically is not used in the hatching process because lighting devices tend to produce significant amounts of heat that must be accounted for in the controlled hatching environment and in order to protect the incubated eggs, complex lighting systems where needed.

However, additional problems remain.

While improving hatchability and selecting sex in a lab setting is possible, adopting technologies to a commercial setting is problematic.

In addition, lighting devices produce heat that again can affect eggs within the incubation device and alter the environment in an incubation device.

Additionally, electricity remains expensive, even when energy efficient lighting is utilized, adding costs to egg production.

Further, current commercial hatcheries are not built to accommodate lighting therein.

This means eggs must be removed well in advance to hatching, decreasing the full incubation time and making the process longer and unpredictable.

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