Methods for determining the sex of chicks

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for determining the sex of a bird within a plurality of eggs, the method including a first test and a second test distinct from the first test, wherein each of the first and second tests includes inspecting the bird egg and determining the sex of the bird within the egg. The method further includes determining a test utility value for each individual egg of the plurality of eggs, determining a test sequence for each individual egg based on the test utility value, the test sequence including one or both of the first and second tests, and sorting the plurality of eggs into at least first and second subsets of eggs based on gender.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for determining the sex of birds within a plurality of eggs, particularly in high volume processing situations such as millions of eggs in a supply chain involving laying hens and ultimately consumer eggs. [Background technology]

[0002] Commercial egg-laying birds are typically sexed after hatching. Sexing has long been, and still often is, performed manually, typically by visual inspection. This manual process is time-consuming, tedious, and inaccurate. Since failure to properly sex birds can cause problems in poultry or egg production, it would be extremely useful to have a reliable means for sexing birds without the need for visual inspection of the birds. Accordingly, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003 / 0096319A1 discloses a method for determining the sex of birds in an egg. In the method of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003 / 0096319A1, the presence or absence of elevated levels of sex-related hormones in the extraembryonic fluid of avian eggs is detected, and the sex of the bird in the egg is then determined from the presence of elevated levels of the sex-related hormones in the extraembryonic fluid. However, known methods for determining the sex of birds in an egg are not sufficiently accurate to make a viable business case. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The present invention aims to provide a method for determining the sex of birds within a group of eggs, which method provides more accurate results.

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a method for determining the sex of birds in eggs of a plurality of eggs, which at least partially overcomes the problems of known methods.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide an alternative method for determining the sex of birds within a group of eggs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present invention, there is provided a method for determining the sex of a bird within an egg of a plurality of eggs, the method including a first test and a second test distinct from the first test, wherein each of the first and second tests includes inspecting the bird egg and determining the sex of the bird within the egg. The method further includes determining a test utility value for each individual egg of the plurality of eggs, determining a test sequence for each individual egg based on the test utility value, the test sequence including one or both of the first and second tests, and sorting the plurality of eggs into at least first and second subsets of eggs based on gender.

[0007] Because the method includes a first and second test, it provides the ability to optimize the test or test sequence for each individual egg, and the step of determining the test utility value helps determine the test sequence for each individual egg. As a result, the accuracy of the results is improved, for example, accuracy better than 98%, or even better than 99.5%, whereas known methods have an accuracy less than 98%, for example, in 95% to 98% of cases. The accuracy of the results is crucial to making a viable business case. Furthermore, determining the sex of birds in eggs typically involves processing large quantities of valuable fertilized eggs, making the accuracy of the results even more important.

[0008] Based on the test utility value, an initial decision can be made to start with the first test or the second test. If starting with the first test, the first test results can also provide the basis for the test utility value, but can also provide an updated test utility value for each egg based on the first results. According to the updated test utility value, a decision can be made to perform a second test or not to perform any further tests. If a decision is made not to perform any further tests, the respective egg will be assigned an indeterminate or fail status.

[0009] The second test being separate and different from the first test means that the first and second tests are separated in time and usually also in space from the perspective of the individual eggs being tested. The first and second tests also differ in their principles of operation.

[0010] The claim requirement that "each of the first and second tests includes inspecting the avian eggs and determining the sex of the bird within the eggs" does not preclude the first and second tests from having common method step(s). However, it must be clear that the first and second tests each result in a respective first and second result (the first and second results being independent).

[0011] In practice, in industrial practice of the present invention, all viable eggs will be tested for sex. However, the requirement to determine a test utility value for each individual egg of a plurality of eggs does not preclude the possibility that some eggs may not be tested for sex or may not have a test utility value determined. In practice, however, all eggs of a plurality will always be tested.

[0012] The step of separating the plurality of eggs into at least first and second subsets of eggs based on sex may occur immediately after the step of determining the sex of the birds within the eggs, although it will be apparent that the step of separating the eggs into subsets based on sex may occur spatially and temporally separated from the actual determination of the sex of the birds within the eggs.

[0013] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the first and second tests differ at least in their operating principles, which further improves the accuracy of the results of the method.

[0014] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the step of determining a test utility value for each egg precedes the first test and the second test, and a decision to perform the first test or the second test or to reject the individual egg is made based on the utility value. Alternatively, the step of determining a test utility value for each egg precedes the second test, and a decision to perform the second test or to reject the individual egg is made based on the utility value. This saves testing capacity by avoiding unnecessary performance of the first test or the second test. The test utility value is sometimes referred to as the "suitability for use" of an egg for a particular test that provides test results with acceptable accuracy.

[0015] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, a first test provides a first result, a second test provides a second result, and the step of determining a test utility value for each egg is based on at least the first result, and a decision on whether to perform the second test is made based on the utility value. The use of the first test result to determine the test utility value improves the quality of the utility value, which in turn can provide the possibility of better utilization of test capacity.

[0016] In an embodiment of the method, determining a test utility value for each individual egg of the plurality of eggs includes evaluating the individual egg to provide an egg rating, and the test utility value for the individual egg is based at least on the egg rating. Using the egg rating to determine the test utility value further improves the quality of the utility value. It will be apparent that evaluating the individual egg to provide an egg rating differs from the first and second tests in that at least no determination of the sex of the bird in the egg is obtained from the egg rating. The sole purpose of the egg rating is to contribute to the quality of the test utility value for the individual egg. As a result, better decisions can be made about the testing sequence for the individual eggs.

[0017] In an embodiment, the method includes updating the test utility value to a more recent test utility value based on the results of the first and / or second test, thereby providing the possibility of even better utilization of test capacity, since unnecessary execution of at least the second test can be avoided.

[0018] In embodiments of the method according to the present invention, the step of evaluating individual eggs comprises one or more of colorimetering, weighing, temperature measurement, imaging, candling, and eggshell thickness measurement. In this way, the integrity of the eggs is maintained and the usefulness of the first and second tests can be determined in a more accurate manner without requiring egg intrusion in connection with egg evaluation. It will be apparent that the imaging step may involve the use of electromagnetic waves inside and / or outside the visible spectrum of the human eye.

[0019] In an embodiment, a method according to the present invention includes sorting eggs based on test sequences and performing different test sequences in parallel. Sorting eggs based on test sequences facilitates performing different test sequences in parallel. Performing different test sequences in parallel then improves the throughput of eggs being tested. Furthermore, this facilitates maintaining single-stage egg batches, i.e., eggs at the same developmental stage.

[0020] In embodiments of the method according to the present invention, the first and second tests differ in one or more of cost, consumables, cycle time, and lead time. In particular, the first test may be a fast, low-cost test, while the second test may be slower and more expensive. This provides a viable business case even if it is predicted that only the first test will be sufficient for the majority of the eggs, e.g., more than 90% of the eggs.

[0021] In an embodiment of the method, the first test and / or the second test includes one or more of spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and image analysis.

[0022] In an embodiment of the method, the first test comprises spectroscopy and the second test comprises a PCR test. At least the first test may also involve imaging techniques, and it will be apparent that any suitable test method, i.e., operating principle, for the first and second tests is contemplated.

[0023] In an embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the first and / or second test comprises detecting the presence or absence of an elevated level of a sex-associated component in the avian egg and determining the sex of the bird in the egg from the presence of said elevated level of the sex-associated component in the egg. In particular, the presence or absence of an elevated level of the sex-associated component is determined in the extraembryonic fluid of the avian egg. It will be apparent that any suitable egg compartment or component is contemplated. The component may be a hormone or any other suitable substance that has a clear and consistent relationship with the sex of the bird in the egg.

[0024] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the first and / or second test comprises testing the DNA in the egg to determine the sex of the bird. The DNA can be tested in any suitable way, for example based on optical testing methods and / or using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

[0025] In an embodiment, the method according to the present invention includes the step of sampling an egg to provide a certain amount of extraembryonic fluid, and using the certain amount for a first and a second test. If the second test is not required, the sample can be used only for the first test. And, although the first and second tests are different, it is still conceivable that one and the same sample can be used, or partially used, for both the first and second tests. In this way, the integrity of the egg is maintained as much as possible. The certain amount of extraembryonic fluid can be taken from the allantoic fluid, although any suitable liquid will suffice.

[0026] In an embodiment, the method according to the present invention includes synchronizing the test sequences, preferably the total lead time of all test sequences, to maintain a batch of eggs before and after the method. Maintaining a batch of eggs is beneficial to ensure a predictable hatching period for a batch of eggs, since eggs at a similar developmental stage are likely to hatch together. The hatching period is the period during which all eggs in a batch hatch, and is typically about 48 hours. In this regard, three test sequences are possible: a first test, a first and second test, and only a second test. To synchronize the total lead time of the test sequences, it is conceivable to introduce a buffer for temporarily storing eggs.

[0027] In an embodiment, a method according to the invention comprises hatching a batch of eggs, the batch containing each egg subjected to a different respective test sequence.

[0028] In an embodiment, the method according to the invention comprises carrying out the method with embryonated eggs after the fourth day of their development, in particular at about the ninth day of their development, thereby improving the accuracy of determining the sex of the bird inside the egg and at the same time avoiding the bird inside the egg from perceiving pain when disposing of rejected eggs.

[0029] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the first test and the second test are performed at different times in the development of the avian egg, and in particular in the case of chicken eggs, the first test is performed before day 11 of the development of the chicken egg and the second test is performed after day 11. Performing the first test and the second test at different times in the development of the avian egg makes it possible to optimize the accuracy of both the first test and the second test.

[0030] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the second test is carried out after the 16th day of development of the chicken eggs, in particular after the 18th day of development of the chicken eggs. This makes it possible to further optimize the accuracy of at least the second test. Furthermore, this also makes it possible to combine the second test with a step of handling the chicken eggs, for example a step of transferring the eggs to an incubator for hatching them.

[0031] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the first test and the second test are carried out at different times in the development of the avian egg, and the time lapse between the first test and the second test is more than 24 hours, which makes it possible to optimize the precision of both the first test and the second test.

[0032] In an embodiment, the method according to the invention includes acclimatizing the test environment to climatic conditions, including maintaining the test environment at a temperature of about 35°, to avoid as much as possible any adverse effects on the development of the avian eggs.

[0033] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the method according to the invention; [Figure 2] 2 shows a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the method according to the invention. [Figure 3] 3 shows a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the method according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a method according to the present invention. Method 1 is shown for determining the sex of the bird within a plurality of eggs 2. Method 1 includes a first test 3 and a second test 4. Second test 4 is separate and distinct from first test 3. Importantly, first test 3 and second test 4 each include inspecting bird eggs 5 and determining the sex of the bird 13 within the eggs 5. Thus, first test 3 and second test 4 independently provide respective first and second results, both of which are indicative of the sex of the bird 13 within the tested eggs.

[0036] The method can be carried out with embryonated eggs after the fourth day of their development, particularly at about the ninth day of their development. If the results of the first test 3 are not satisfactory and a second test 4 is required, it is contemplated that the first test 3 and the second test 4 are carried out at different times in the development of the avian egg 5. For example, the time lapse between the first test 3 and the second test 4 can be more than 24 hours. In another example, in the case of chicken eggs 5, the first test is carried out before the eleventh day of the development of the chicken eggs 5, and the second test is carried out after the eleventh day.

[0037] Method 1 is carried out during the development of a plurality of embryonic embryonic eggs 2. Accordingly, the method may include acclimating the test environment to climatic conditions that are beneficial to the development of the plurality of eggs 2, including maintaining the test environment at a temperature of about 35°C.

[0038] The first test 3 and / or the second test 4 may be based on one or more of spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and image analysis. The image analysis may relate to the appearance of the egg 5 being tested. However, the internal structure of the egg 5 being tested may also be subject to image analysis and contribute to the test result. The first test 3 and the second test 4 differ in one or more of cost, consumables, operating principle, cycle time, and lead time. In this case, the first test 3 is a low-cost, fast test based on spectroscopy, while the second test 4 is based on a relatively slow PCR process, which is also more expensive due to the consumables required.

[0039] Method 1 may further include sampling an egg 5 in connection with first test 3 and / or second test 4. Sampling an egg 5 provides a quantity of extraembryonic fluid, in particular allantoic fluid. The quantity of fluid associated with the egg may be used for one of first test 3 and second test 4. However, if the test sequence includes both first test 3 and second test 4, it is also contemplated that the quantity of extraembryonic fluid may be used for both first and second tests 4.

[0040] The first test 3 and / or the second test 4 may comprise detecting the presence or absence of elevated levels of sex-related components in the avian egg 5. In particular, a certain amount of extraembryonic fluid in the avian egg 5 can be used to detect the presence or absence of elevated levels of sex-related components in the avian egg 5. As a result, the sex of the bird 13 in the egg 5 can be determined from the presence of elevated levels of said sex-related hormones in the certain amount of extraembryonic fluid.

[0041] The first test 3 and / or the second test 4 may include testing DNA to determine the sex of the bird 13 within the egg 5. In particular, a certain amount of extraembryonic fluid from the bird egg 5 may be used to test DNA to determine the sex of the bird 13 within the egg 5. It will be apparent that any suitable egg component is contemplated for purposes of determining the sex of the bird 13 within the egg 5.

[0042] Method 1 further includes the step 6 of determining a test utility value for each individual egg 5 of the plurality of eggs 2. Step 6 of determining a test utility value for each individual egg of the plurality of eggs 2 includes rating the individual egg to provide an egg rating 11. In other words, the test utility value of an individual egg is based on at least the egg rating 11 of that individual egg.

[0043] Here, the test utility value is applied to the first test 3 and the second test 4. This means that the suitability of the eggs being tested for the first test 3 and the second test 4 can be determined based on the test utility value.

[0044] Method 1 further includes a step 7 of sorting the plurality of eggs 2 into at least a first subset of eggs 8 and a second subset of eggs 9 based on sex, where the first subset 8 contains female chicks and the second subset 9 contains male chicks, where a third subset 10 is formed from eggs 5 for which the sex of the respective chicken embryos could not be determined.

[0045] In this case, the step 6 of determining a test utility value for the individual egg precedes the first test 3. A decision is then made to conduct the first test 3 or the second test 4 based on the test utility value. Here, the step of determining a test utility value for the individual egg precedes both the first test 3 and the second test 4, and a decision is made based on the utility value to conduct the first test or the second test or to fail the individual egg. This makes it possible to proceed directly to the second test 4 without the need for the first test 3.

[0046] The method 1 may include a step 11 of evaluating individual eggs 5 to provide an egg rating. Subsequently, a step 6 of determining a test utility value for the individual eggs 5 is based at least on the egg rating.

[0047] Here, a step 11 of evaluating individual eggs 5 is shown to precede the first test 3. The step 11 of evaluating individual eggs 5 includes one or more of color measurement, weighing, temperature measurement, imaging, candling, and eggshell thickness measurement.

[0048] The method 1 includes determining, for each individual egg 5, a test sequence including one or both of a first test 3 and a second test 4. The determined test sequence depends on a test utility value. Based on the test utility value, an initial decision is made to start with the first test 3 or the second test 4. The method 1 includes sorting eggs based on the test sequence and performing different test sequences in parallel. Sorting eggs after egg evaluation 11 based on the test sequence facilitates performing different test sequences in parallel. Performing different test sequences in parallel then increases the throughput of a plurality of eggs 2 to be tested.

[0049] When different test sequences are performed in parallel, method 1 usefully includes synchronizing the test sequences, preferably the total lead time of all test sequences. In this way, it is possible to maintain batches of eggs before and after the method. These egg batches can then be incubated 12 as a single-stage process, meaning that the eggs are maintained at the same or similar developmental stage. Hatching of the eggs 5 can then still occur within an acceptable incubation period, typically about 48 hours.

[0050] When different test sequences are performed in parallel, synchronizing these test sequences results in the incubation 12 and hatching of batches containing eggs each subjected to a different respective test sequence.

[0051] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the method according to the invention. In principle, only the most important differences from Figure 1 are highlighted.

[0052] In this case, the test sequence starts with the first test 3. In other words, step 6 of determining a test utility value for each egg does not precede the first test 3. Instead, the results of the first test provide the basis for the test utility value. According to the test utility value, a decision is made to perform a second test 4 or to perform no further tests at all. If a decision is made to perform no further tests at all, an indeterminate or fail status will be assigned to the respective egg.

[0053] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the method according to the invention. In principle, only the most important differences from Figure 1 are highlighted.

[0054] In this case, the test sequence starts with egg evaluation 11. Step 6 of determining a test utility value for each egg therefore precedes the first test 3 and the second test 4, as appropriate. Instead, the result of the first test provides the basis for the test utility value. According to the test utility value, a decision is made to perform the first test 3 or not to perform any further tests. If a decision is made to not perform any further tests, the respective egg will be assigned an indeterminate or fail status. If the first test 3 does not yield satisfactory results in terms of the accuracy of the outcome, the result of the first test can likewise provide the basis for the test utility value. In that case, the test utility value is processed based on the first result into an updated test utility value 6' for each egg 5. According to the updated test utility value, a decision is made to perform the second test 4 or not to perform any further tests. Thus, step 6' of determining an updated test utility value for each egg is also based on the first result. If a decision is made to not perform any further tests, the respective egg will be assigned an indeterminate or fail status.

[0055] The present invention has been described above with reference to several exemplary embodiments as shown in the drawings. Modifications and alternative implementations of several parts or elements are possible and fall within the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A method for determining the sex of a bird within an egg of a plurality of eggs, the method including a first test and a second test separate and distinct from the first test, wherein each of the first and second tests includes inspecting a bird egg and determining the sex of the bird within the egg, the method further including the steps of: determining a test utility value for each individual egg of the plurality of eggs; determining a test sequence for each individual egg based on the test utility value, the test sequence including one or both of the first and second tests; and sorting the plurality of eggs into at least first and second subsets of eggs based on gender.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first and second tests differ in at least one operating principle.

3. 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of determining a test utility value for the individual egg precedes the first test and the second test, and a decision to perform the first test or the second test or to reject the individual egg is made based on the utility value; or the step of determining a test utility value for the individual egg precedes the second test, and a decision to perform the second test or to reject the individual egg is made based on the utility value.

4. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the first test provides a first result and the second test provides a second result, and wherein determining a test utility value for the individual egg is based on at least the first result, and a decision whether to perform the second test is made based on the test utility value.

5. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein determining a test utility value for each individual egg of the plurality of eggs comprises evaluating each individual egg to provide an egg rating, the test utility value for the individual egg being based at least on the egg rating.

6. The method of claim 5 , further comprising updating the test utility value to a more current test utility value based on the first result and / or the second test result.

7. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the step of evaluating the individual eggs comprises one or more of color measurement, weighing, temperature measurement, imaging, candling, and eggshell thickness measurement.

8. 8. The method of claim 7, including sorting eggs based on test sequences and performing different test sequences in parallel.

9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the first and second tests differ in one or more of cost, consumables, cycle time, and lead time.

10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the first test and / or the second test includes one or more of spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and image analysis.

11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the first test comprises spectroscopy and the second test comprises PCR.

12. 12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the first and / or second test comprises detecting the presence or absence of elevated levels of sex-related components in the avian egg, in particular in the extraembryonic fluid of the avian egg, and determining the sex of the bird within the egg from the presence of elevated levels of the sex-related hormones in the extraembryonic fluid.

13. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first and / or second test includes testing DNA to determine the sex of the bird within the egg.

14. 14. The method of claim 13, comprising sampling the egg to provide a volume of extraembryonic fluid, and using said volume for the first and second tests.

15. 15. The method of claim 14, including synchronizing the total lead time of a test sequence to maintain batches of eggs before and after the method.

16. 16. The method of claim 15, comprising hatching a batch of eggs, the batch containing each egg subjected to a different respective test sequence.

17. 17. The method according to claim 16, comprising carrying out the method with embryonated eggs after the fourth day of their development, in particular at about the ninth day of their development.

18. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first test and the second test are performed at different times in the development of the avian egg, in particular in the case of chicken eggs, the first test being performed before day 11 of the development of the chicken egg and the second test being performed after day 11.

19. 19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the second test is carried out after the 16th day of development of the chicken eggs, in particular after the 18th day of development of the chicken eggs.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the first test and the second test are performed at different times in the development of an avian egg, and in one embodiment, the time lapse between the first test and the second test is greater than 24 hours.

21. 21. The method of claim 20, including acclimatizing the test environment to climatic conditions, including maintaining the test environment at a temperature of about 35°.

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