Apparatus for inspecting in-hatch egg, system for producing chick, method for inspecting in-hatch egg, and production method

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to classify birds having a characteristic part from other birds by using a high-speed non-invasive method at a commercial hatchery. The present invention is provided with: a movement means for moving the position of an embryo inside an in-hatch egg; and a detection means for detecting, from the outside of the egg shell of the in-hatch egg in a non-destructive manner, a characteristic part of the embryo that has been moved by the movement means.

Description

Inspection device for hatching eggs, chick production system, inspection method for hatching eggs, and production method

[0001] The present invention relates to an egg inspection device after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of incubation, a chick production system, a method for inspecting eggs during hatching, and a production method.

[0002] As shown in Figure 1, eggs produced at breeding chicken farms are called hatching eggs. They are first collected in an egg storage area, then undergo a process called pre-warming before being placed in an incubator at a hatchery. After approximately 21 days of warming, the eggs hatch into chicks. In the case of egg farms, male chicks have little economic value. Not only are they unable to be used for egg production, but even if they are used for meat production, their meat-producing ability is inferior to that of broiler chickens. Therefore, hatched male chicks are discarded after sexing. In Japan, more than 100 million male layer chicks are discarded annually, accounting for approximately half of the total. This not only represents an economic loss due to the incubation costs of male chicks, but is also problematic from a bioethical perspective.

[0003] Therefore, a method is desired that can select a group of eggs that have a high probability of hatching chicks of a specific sex, and various attempts have been made to determine the sex of chicks before they hatch (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for determining the sex of birds based on the eye color of each egg in a group of avian eggs. The method uses an eye pigment expression gene on the Z chromosome, an avian sex chromosome, to change the eye color of male and female birds, and determines the sex of the birds based on this. It describes eye pigments such as eumelanin (brown to black) or pheomelanin (yellow to red). It also discloses that the eye pigment of one of the male and female birds is suppressed to make it transparent, and that the eye development period in chickens is approximately 72 hours (approximately 3 to 4 days) of incubation.

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses a method for determining the sex of birds in a group of avian eggs based on a marker gene in each egg within the group. This method utilizes a fluorescence detection system in which male avian embryos constitutively express, for example, green fluorescent protein. Fluorescent proteins emit fluorescence when irradiated with light of a specific wavelength, and the presence of the protein can be confirmed by detecting this fluorescence. It is disclosed that detection is possible within one or two days after egg laying.

[0006] Patent No. 7493194 Patent No. 7493940

[0007] When distinguishing between birds using the eye features and embryo features containing fluorescent proteins, non-destructive testing is difficult. As a result of intensive research, the inventors discovered a new problem: when non-destructively testing bird features, blood vessels and egg yolk can have a significant effect.

[0008] The egg contains a yolk in the center, and a germinal disc on top of the yolk. As incubation begins, cleavage progresses, and the embryo and surrounding blood vessels begin to form. By the time distinctive features of a bird, such as eyes, feathers, or embryos containing fluorescent proteins, have formed, blood vessels have grown around those features, and most of the yolk remains.

[0009] The present invention aims at at least at commercial hatcheries to classify birds with distinctive features from other birds in a fast and non-invasive manner.

[0010] The device for inspecting eggs in the process of hatching of the present invention is characterized by comprising a moving means for moving the position of an embryo inside an egg in the process of hatching, and a detecting means for non-destructively detecting a characteristic part of the embryo moved by the moving means from the outside of the eggshell of the egg in the process of hatching.

[0011] As used herein, the term "embryo" refers not only to the actual "embryo" but also to the "blastocyst" and "blastoderm" from which the embryo develops. In the case of a fertilized egg, embryonic development proceeds from this blastocyst.

[0012] As a specific embodiment of the moving means, it is considered that the moving means has a posture changing mechanism that changes the posture of the egg during hatching, thereby moving the position of the embryo.

[0013] As another specific embodiment of the moving means, it is considered that the moving means has a rotation mechanism that rotates the egg in the middle of hatching to move the position of the embryo.

[0014] The in-hatching egg inspection device of the present invention comprises an illumination means, an identification means, and a classification means. The illumination means irradiates eggs with light from the outside after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of incubation. The identification means non-destructively identifies the yolk and / or blood vessels within the irradiated eggs, distinguishing them from characteristic bird features. The classification means classifies the eggs based on the characteristic features.

[0015] The chick production system of the present invention is characterized by comprising an inspection device for the hatching eggs and a sorting means for sorting the hatching eggs that will hatch as female chicks based on information about the embryos obtained by the observation device, and hatching the hatching eggs sorted by the sorting means.

[0016] The method for inspecting a hatching egg of the present invention is characterized in that it involves moving the position of an embryo inside a hatching egg and non-destructively inspecting a characteristic part of the moved embryo from the outside of the eggshell of the hatching egg.

[0017] The chick production method of the present invention is characterized in that the eggs in the process of hatching that will hatch into female chicks are selected based on information about the characteristic parts of the embryos obtained by the method for observing the eggs in the process of hatching, and the selected eggs in the process of hatching are hatched.

[0018] The present invention allows commercial hatcheries to classify birds with distinctive features from those without in a fast and non-invasive manner.

[0019] The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0020] 1 is a flow diagram showing the chick production process in a typical hatchery. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a measurement device used in a verification experiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing relative transmittance spectra from day 0 to day 8 of incubation. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the time change in relative transmittance for each specific wavelength. FIG. 5 is a graph showing the absorbance spectrum of egg yolk alone used in a verification experiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a system of a first embodiment (head retraction position). FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a system of a first embodiment (head measurement position). FIG. 8 is a diagram showing simultaneous measurement of multiple eggs of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a system of a modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a chick production system of a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing eggs placed in a setter tray. FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing eggs immediately after changing their position from the setter tray. FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing eggs after a certain time has passed since changing their position. FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of an inspection device of the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an image of an egg captured by the imaging means of the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flow diagram showing the chick production process of the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of an inspection device of a first modified example in the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of an inspection device of a second modified example in the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing eggs held in a setter tray of a third modified example in the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of an inspection device of a third modified example in the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing eggs held in another setter tray of the third modified example in the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of an inspection device of a fourth modified example in the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of an inspection device of a fifth modified example in the second embodiment.

[0021] First, wavelengths related to a system 100 shown in a first embodiment, which will be described later, will be described.

[0022] Figure 2 is a diagram related to a verification experiment, and shows a schematic diagram of the process in which light from a halogen lamp light source is irradiated onto an egg from the side, and the light transmitted through the egg is separated by a spectroscope to measure the spectral data of the transmitted light. Transmittance can be converted to absorbance by calculating the common logarithm of its reciprocal.

[0023] The spectral spectrum of an egg is a spectrum of transmittance or absorbance. Figure 3 shows the relative transmittance spectrum of an egg from Day 0 to Day 8, calculated in 1 nm increments over the wavelength range of 500 nm to 900 nm by dividing the spectral data of the egg by the spectral data of a mock egg made from a synthetic resin block, using the synthetic resin block as a reference. For eggs with developing embryos inside, the waveform of the relative transmittance spectrum changes daily.

[0024] Before being placed in an incubator, eggs have a yolk in the center, which is surrounded by egg white, and then the eggshell surrounds the outside to protect it. On top of the yolk is the embryonic disc, and as incubation begins, cleavage progresses and the embryo and surrounding blood vessels eventually form.

[0025] In this specification, the term "embryo" refers not only to the actual "embryo" but also to the "blastodisc" and "blastoderm" that are the basis for embryonic development. The blastodisc is whitish and has a lower specific gravity than the yolk, so it always faces upward inside the egg. In the case of a fertilized egg, embryonic development begins from this blastodisc.

[0026] First, from Day 3, blood vessels begin to form around the yolk's germinal disc. As these blood vessels grow each day, the amount of hemoglobin, a component of blood, increases. This increases light absorption near the peak wavelengths of hemoglobin's absorption (see Figure 4). The peak wavelengths of hemoglobin absorption are known to be around 578 nm, 540 nm, and 410 nm in the visible range. Figure 5 also shows the absorbance spectrum of the yolk alone.

[0027] On the other hand, the absorbance of melanin pigment decreases as the wavelength increases.

[0028] Note that the illustration of the air cell, scutellum, embryo, blood vessels, etc. is omitted in the figure, and although the yolk and characteristic parts described below are shown schematically, their positions and sizes are not limited to those shown in the figure.

[0029] First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 6 to 8. A system 100 of this embodiment identifies the eyes of birds, which are an example of a bird's characteristic part C, from eggs E after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of incubation, predicts the sex of chicks that will hatch from the pigment in the birds' eyes, and non-destructively extracts a group of eggs E that have a high incidence of chicks of the undesired sex. Specifically, this system 100 is an inspection device for in-hatching eggs (hereinafter referred to as "eggs E") and includes an irradiation means 101, a light-receiving means 102, an identification means 103, and a classification means 104.

[0030] This embodiment further includes a moving means (not shown). The moving means moves the position of the embryo inside the egg E. The moving means is the same as or equivalent to that described later in the second embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here. The light receiving means 102 of this embodiment is an example of a detecting means, and non-destructively detects a characteristic portion of the embryo moved by the moving means from outside the eggshell of the egg E.

[0031] This system 100 is used for eggs E on a setter tray (hereinafter simply referred to as "tray T") transported by a transport mechanism 105. The eggs E to be irradiated may be inspected while still placed on the tray T or the like, or may be inspected after being removed from the tray T as described below, or may be inspected while being transported on a carrier or the like. System 100 of this embodiment is capable of simultaneously inspecting multiple eggs E placed on a tray T when the eggs E arrive at sensing unit 106, which has irradiation means 101 and light receiving means 102.

[0032] The tray T has a plurality of egg seats Tx on which eggs E are placed. The bottom of each egg seat Tx is open downward and has a protrusion Ty that holds the eggs E. Each egg seat Tx is configured so that there is nothing blocking light in the vertical direction other than the protrusion Ty.

[0033] The irradiation means 101 irradiates the eggs E with light from the outside. The irradiation means 101 irradiates light having a wavelength that is absorbed by the characteristic part C of the bird. Specifically, the wavelength that is absorbed by the characteristic part C of the bird is a wavelength that is absorbed by eumelanin or pheomelanin. The irradiation means 101 is disposed, for example, below the eggs E. Specifically, the irradiation means 101 has a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that are provided corresponding to a plurality of eggs E placed on a tray T that is at the detection position.

[0034] The irradiation means 101 may be disposed above or to the side of the egg E. The irradiation means 101, for example, irradiates the egg E to be inspected with light of multiple wavelengths. For example, the irradiation means 101 may be configured to guide light from a halogen lamp light source or a xenon lamp through an optical fiber to irradiate the egg E, or may use a laser light source. The irradiation means 101 may also use an infrared light source that irradiates infrared light. The irradiation means 101 may also irradiate the egg E to be inspected with light of a specific wavelength.

[0035] The light receiving means 102 receives transmitted light that has been irradiated by the irradiation means 101 and has passed through the inside of the eggs E. The light receiving means 102 is, for example, a photodiode (PD). Each PD is housed in an independent suction cup 102a made of a black, light-blocking, flexible material, and is fixed to the head 102b together with each suction cup 102a. The head 102b is moved by an elevation mechanism (not shown) between a measurement position where the suction cups 102a come into close contact with the eggs E, and a retracted position where the head is moved upward from the measurement position and the tray T is transported.

[0036] The light-receiving means 102 is disposed, for example, above the egg E. The light-receiving means 102 may also be disposed below or to the side of the egg E. The light-receiving means 102 is provided so as to face directly opposite the irradiation means 101. The irradiation means 101 and the light-receiving means 102 may not face directly opposite each other, for example, the irradiation means 101 may be disposed above and / or below the egg E and the light-receiving means 102 may be disposed to the side of the egg E, or the irradiation means 101 may be disposed to the side of the egg E and the light-receiving means 102 may be disposed above and / or below the egg E.

[0037] The light receiving means 102 may include a spectroscopic means. In the case of the light receiving means 102 not including a spectroscopic means, the light receiving means 102 may obtain data by sequentially emitting light in a time series from the irradiation means 101 such as a monochromatic LED or laser having different wavelengths.

[0038] Furthermore, the light receiving means 102 may use a diffuse reflection method or an interaction method in addition to the transmission method.

[0039] The identification means 103 distinguishes and identifies the yolk E1 and / or blood vessels in the egg E from the bird's characteristic portion C within the irradiated egg E. The identification means 103 identifies the bird's characteristic portion C based on the intensity of light transmitted through the egg E. The identification means 103 estimates the degree to which the bird has the bird's characteristic portion C, in this case, the degree to which the bird has pigments (eumelanin or pheomelanin) conventionally present in the eyes of birds, using the light intensity signal (e.g., voltage value) output from the PD, which is the light receiving means 102, and calculates the estimated value. For example, using the technology of Patent Document 1, if the eye color of a male bird is dark and the eye color of a female bird is clear or reddish, the dark color of the eye is identified as the characteristic portion C.

[0040] The identification means 103 determines the voltage value at a first time point from the start of incubation (e.g., the fourth day of incubation; the same applies hereinafter) as the estimated value of bird's eye pigment. Note that the first time point is not limited to the fourth day of incubation, but may be before or after that (e.g., any one of the third to sixth days of incubation), or may be the seventh day or later. As another example, the estimated value may be calculated using the ratio of the voltage value at the first time point from the start of incubation to the voltage value at a second time point different from the first time point. In this case, in addition to the influence of the instrumental difference and the type of tray T, the influence of the attributes of the eggs E, such as the size and color of the eggs E, can be reduced.

[0041] The classification means 104 classifies the eggs E based on the characteristic portion C. When classifying into two groups, male and female, if the estimated value is equal to or greater than a threshold (if the degree of bird eye pigmentation is high), the eggs are classified into a group with a high probability of hatching male chicks, and if the estimated value is less than the threshold (if the degree of bird eye pigmentation is low), the eggs are classified into a group with a high probability of hatching female chicks. Note that multiple thresholds may be set to classify into three or more groups, male / female / unknown. Specifically, the eggs can be classified into a group with a high probability of hatching male chicks, a group with a possibility of hatching both male chicks and female chicks, and a group with a high probability of hatching female chicks. In addition to the sex of the chicks, the eggs may also be classified into groups based on the condition of the eggs, for example, whether they are alive or dead.

[0042] The identification means 103 and the classification means 104 are configured by a dedicated or general-purpose computer including a CPU, internal memory, an input / output interface, an AD conversion unit, etc. The functions of the identification means 103 and the classification means 104 are fulfilled by the cooperation of the CPU and other peripheral devices in accordance with a program stored in the internal memory. Furthermore, the identification means 103 and the classification means 104 may be configured by a physically integrated computer, or may be configured by physically separate computers.

[0043] After classification by the classification means 104, predetermined eggs E are removed by a rejection means (not shown) based on the data obtained by the classification means 104. The rejection means, for example, acquires position information of egg loci Tx in tray T for eggs classified by the classification means 104 as a "group with a high rate of male chicks hatching." The rejection mechanism lifts the eggs E from the tray T based on the position information. The eggs E remaining in the tray T are placed back into the incubator, where incubation continues.

[0044] As described above, system 100 according to this embodiment comprises irradiation means 101 that irradiates eggs E with light from the outside after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of incubation, identification means 103 that non-destructively identifies the yolk E1 and / or blood vessels within the irradiated eggs E and distinguishes between the bird's characteristic part C and the bird's yolk E1 and / or blood vessels, and classification means 104 that classifies eggs E based on the characteristic part C. In other words, by focusing on a new issue that non-destructive inspection of bird's characteristic parts is significantly influenced by the blood vessels and yolk, as well as by the embryo other than the characteristic part (the bird's eyes in this embodiment), it is possible to provide system 100 that can quickly and non-invasively classify birds having characteristic part C from other birds in a commercial hatchery.

[0045] The present invention is not limited to the first embodiment described above.

[0046] 9 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a system 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or corresponding parts as those in the above-described embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0047] This system 100 comprises an irradiation means 101 that irradiates light, an imaging means 107 that photographs the egg E through which light has passed, an identification means 103 that distinguishes between the yolk E1 and / or blood vessels in the egg E and the characteristic part C of the bird based on the shade of a component image of only a specific wavelength range obtained by the imaging means 107 or a composite image using component images of multiple different specific wavelength ranges, and a classification means 104 that classifies the egg E based on the characteristic part C.

[0048] This system 100 further includes a moving means (not shown). The moving means moves the position of the embryo inside the egg E. Since the moving means is the same as or equivalent to that described later in the second embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted here. In addition, the imaging means 107 of this system 100 is an example of a detecting means, and non-destructively detects characteristic parts of the embryo moved by the moving means from outside the eggshell of the egg E.

[0049] FIG. 9 is a view of the imaging unit 107 as viewed from the conveyance direction. The imaging area where the imaging unit 107 captures images of the eggs E includes a lift unit 71 that lifts the eggs E arranged in a predetermined row, and an irradiation unit 101 that irradiates the eggs E lifted by the lift unit 71 with light. The lift unit 71 is provided below the conveyance path and is movable up and down relative to the tray T on the conveyance path. When the tray T is stopped in each imaging area on the conveyance path, the lift unit 71 moves from below to above the tray T, contacting the bottoms of the eggs E arranged in a predetermined row on the tray T and lifting the eggs E. Specifically, the lift unit 71 includes support units 72 provided corresponding to each of the eggs E, a connecting member 73 to which the support units 72 are attached, and an actuator 74 that moves the connecting member 73 up and down. The actuator 74 is, for example, an air cylinder. The actuator 74 is controlled by a control unit 75 to move the support units 72 up and down relative to the tray T.

[0050] The irradiation means 101 irradiates each of the multiple eggs E arranged in a row with light from above and below. That is, two irradiation means 77, 78 are provided for one egg E. The upper irradiation means 77 is provided above the egg E lifted by the lift unit 71. The upper irradiation means 77 is provided with a cap portion 79 that surrounds and contacts the upper end of the egg E lifted by the lift unit 71. The cap portion 79 is made of an elastically deformable material to absorb variations in the shape of the egg E. The upper irradiation means 77 irradiates the interior of the egg E from above via the cap portion 79. The lower irradiation means 78 is provided inside the support portion 72 of the lift unit 71. The lower irradiation means 78 irradiates the interior of the egg E from below via the contact portion 70 of the support portion 72. In Figure 9, arrows indicate the light irradiated onto the egg E from the upper and lower irradiation means 77, 78.

[0051] The lift unit 71 is configured to lift the eggs E and rotate the eggs E by a predetermined angle (for example, 90 degrees) while the eggs E are sandwiched between the support unit 72 and the cap unit 79. Then, while the rotation transmission unit 76 rotates the eggs E, the imaging means 107 acquires images at four different angles. After the imaging means 107 has captured images at the four different angles (four directions), the control unit 75 lowers the lift unit 71 and returns the multiple eggs E that it had been lifting to the tray T. The control unit 75 transmits each image to the identification means 103.

[0052] As described above, in this embodiment, imaging means 107 such as a camera can be used instead of a PD as the light receiving means 102 described above. In this case, by using a light source of an appropriate color (for example, selecting a complementary color) so that the bird's characteristic portion C appears darker than the yolk E1 portion and blood vessels in the transmission image of the egg E, or by making the bird's characteristic portion C appear brighter than the yolk E1 portion and blood vessels, it is possible to identify the bird's characteristic portion C based on the shading of the transmission image of the egg E. The image captured by the camera may be a transmission image, or may be a reflection image captured from the same direction as the light source.

[0053] In order for the identification means 103 to distinguish between the yolk, blood vessels, embryo, etc. in the egg and the characteristic parts of the bird, the illumination means may use, for example, a means that emits red light. As another method, images illuminated with multiple colors for one egg may be used. For example, the identification means may use an image illuminated with green light and an image illuminated with red light, and compare these images to distinguish between the yolk, blood vessels, embryo, etc. in the egg and the characteristic parts of the bird.

[0054] The imaging means 107 may be one that takes an image of the eggs E in a state where they have been removed from the tray T, or may be one that takes an image of the eggs E in a state where they are contained in the tray T. The imaging means 107 may be one that takes an image of the eggs E one by one, or may be one that takes an image of a plurality of eggs E all at once.

[0055] The identification means 103 may be a system in which rules for identification are manually created, or a learning model generated using machine learning. Machine learning, for example, uses a neural network including an input layer, one or more intermediate layers, and an output layer to perform learning using a learning dataset including images and labels in a learning mode, and then makes a judgment in a prediction mode using the parameters. Machine learning may be supervised learning or unsupervised learning.

[0056] A hyperspectral camera can be used as the imaging means 107. In this case, light from a multi-wavelength light source such as a halogen lamp is irradiated as the light source, and a transmission image of the egg E is acquired by the hyperspectral camera. The hyperspectral image data is then decomposed into component images for each wavelength band, whereby characteristic parts C of the bird can be identified and classified based on the shading of the component images for specific wavelength bands.

[0057] The characteristic part C of a bird may be a feather other than the bird's eyes. The type of bird is not limited to chickens and can be changed in various ways. Furthermore, using the technology of Patent Document 1, the eye color of female birds may be black and the eye color of male birds may be clear or reddish, and in this case, the black color of the eyes may be specified as the characteristic part C.

[0058] The positional relationship between the irradiation means 101, the light-receiving means 102 / image-capturing means 107, and the egg E is not limited to the above and can be varied in various ways. In particular, the positional relationship between the yolk E1, the embryo within the egg, and the light-receiving means 102 / image-capturing means 107 is important. Research by the inventors has shown that the embryo is difficult to observe with the light-receiving means 102 and image-capturing means 107 when it is in the shadow of the yolk E1. Furthermore, the location at which the embryo develops varies from egg to egg. For example, the embryo may develop on the air cell side of the yolk E1 or away from the air cell. In the present invention, it is preferable to observe the embryo including the characteristic portion C at a location where the light-receiving means 102 / image-capturing means 107 are in close proximity. For example, the egg may be positioned such that the air cell faces upward, downward, or to the side during measurement. For example, the egg may be observed in each of these positions with the light-receiving means 102 / image-capturing means 107. The identifying means 103 may identify the characteristic portion C from data of one orientation that is easy to identify, or may identify the characteristic portion C comprehensively from data of multiple orientations. Furthermore, as in the modified embodiment described above, the egg E is observed in one orientation from multiple directions by the light receiving means 102 / image capturing means 107, and the identifying means 103 may identify the characteristic portion C from data of one orientation that is easy to identify, or may identify the characteristic portion C from data of multiple directions.

[0059] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0060] The chick production system S of this embodiment identifies the bird's eyes (embryo's eyes B1), which are an example of a characteristic part of the egg E, from the eggs E after a predetermined period of time has passed since the start of incubation, predicts the sex of the chicks that will hatch from the pigment in the bird's eyes, and non-destructively extracts a group of eggs E with a high incidence of chicks of the undesired sex.

[0061] 10, the chick production system S according to this embodiment includes an inspection device 1 for incubating eggs (hereinafter referred to as "eggs E"), a sorting means 16, and a generating means (not shown). Specifically, the inspection device 1 for eggs E includes a removal means 10, a moving means 11, a warming means 12, an irradiation means 13, an imaging means 14, and an identification means 15.

[0062] The imaging means 14 of this embodiment is an example of a detection means, and detects characteristic parts of the embryo moved by the moving means 11 from outside the eggshell of the egg E in a non-destructive manner.

[0063] The removal means 10 removes eggs E from the setter tray T1 after incubation has begun. The setter tray T1 has a plurality of egg seats on which the eggs E are placed. The egg seats have a bottom that opens downward and a protrusion that holds the eggs E. The removal means 10 is, for example, a transfer device equipped with a holder (e.g., a suction cup) that holds the eggs E on the setter tray T1 from above. The removal means 10 also transfers the eggs E removed from the setter tray T1 to an observation tray T2. As shown in FIG. 11 , on the setter tray T1, the eggs E are placed vertically with their sharp ends facing downward and their air chambers A facing upward. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12 , on the observation tray T2, the eggs E are placed horizontally with their sharp ends facing horizontally and their air chambers A facing horizontally.

[0064] The moving means 11 moves the position of the embryo B inside the egg E. In this embodiment, the moving means 11 includes a position-changing mechanism that changes the position of the embryo B relative to the air cell A or the eggshell by changing the position of the egg E, and a holding mechanism that maintains that position for a predetermined period of time. In this embodiment, the transfer device described above corresponds to the position-changing mechanism, and the observation tray T2 corresponds to the holding mechanism. That is, the position-changing mechanism in this embodiment changes the position of the egg E to a horizontal position. When the egg E is in a vertical position, the embryo B floats at the top and is located near the air cell A. On the other hand, after the egg E is turned horizontally, the embryo B gradually begins to move, and after waiting for about 10 minutes to 30 minutes, the embryo B floats upward. The embryo B leaves the air cell A (the end side of the egg E) and moves upward in that position, that is, toward the eggshell around the body, as shown in FIG. 13 .

[0065] The warming means 12 maintains a constant temperature of the eggs E. In this embodiment, the eggs E are warmed at a temperature similar to that of an incubator after their position has been changed by the position-changing mechanism. The warming means 12 may be configured to place the holding mechanism in a casing like an incubator, or a cover may be provided around the egg E holding mechanism to create a temperature environment different from that of the outside air.

[0066] The irradiation means 13 externally irradiates the egg E with light. The irradiation means 13 irradiates light having a wavelength that allows distinguishing between the bird's characteristic features. As shown in FIG. 14 , the irradiation means 13 is disposed, for example, below the egg E. Specifically, in order to distinguish between the bird's characteristic features and the yolk, blood vessels, embryo B, and other components within the egg E, it is preferable to use a wavelength that is absorbed by the bird's characteristic features (a wavelength that is absorbed by eumelanin and pheomelanin contained in the embryo's eye B1) and that is not easily absorbed by the yolk, blood vessels, and embryo B. The irradiation means 13 may be, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED) that emits red light. In this embodiment, the irradiation means 13 irradiates the light from the light-emitting diode (LED) using an optical fiber, but optical fiber is not required. At wavelengths around 550 nm, it is difficult to distinguish between the embryo B and blood vessels and the embryo's eye B1, while at wavelengths between 600 nm and 800 nm, it is easy to distinguish between the embryo B and blood vessels and the embryo's eye B1. The irradiation means 13 preferably uses a wavelength that is more easily absorbed by the embryo's eye B1 than by the embryo B or blood vessels.

[0067] The imaging means 14 takes images from outside the eggshell in a non-destructive manner. As shown in FIG. 14 , the imaging means 14 is placed above the egg E and is directed toward the position of the embryo B moved by the moving means 11. The imaging means 14 is a camera that takes a transmission image P of the egg E (see FIG. 15 ). For example, the imaging means 14 is configured so that the characteristic parts of the bird appear darker than the yolk and blood vessels in the transmission image P of the egg E. Therefore, the characteristic parts of the bird can be identified based on the shading of the transmission image P of the egg E. The camera that is the imaging means 14 may be a color camera or a monochrome camera. When an imaging means such as a camera is used as the imaging means 14 in this way, the inspection device 1 of this embodiment can be called an observation device.

[0068] The identification means 15 non-destructively identifies the position of the embryo's eye B1 based on an image P captured by irradiating the egg E with light from outside the eggshell after incubation has begun. The identification means 15 estimates the position of the embryo's eye B1, which is a characteristic feature of a bird, along with the yolk, blood vessels, embryo B, etc. within the egg E. In this case, the position of the pigment (eumelanin or pheomelanin) traditionally found in bird eyes. For example, using the technology described in Patent Document 1, if male birds have black-based eyes and female birds have clear or reddish-based eyes, the black-based color of the eyes is identified as the characteristic feature. When classifying birds into two groups, male and female, if the position of the embryo's eye B1 can be identified, the group is classified as one with a high rate of male chicks hatching. If the position of the embryo's eye B1 cannot be identified, the group is classified as one with a high rate of female chicks hatching. Note that multiple thresholds may be set to classify the birds into three or more groups: male, female, and unknown. Specifically, the eggs can be divided into a group that is likely to hatch male chicks, a group that has the possibility of hatching both male chicks and female chicks, and a group that is likely to hatch female chicks. In addition to the sex of the chicks, the groups can also be divided by the state of the eggs E, for example, whether they are alive or dead.

[0069] The identification means 15 identifies the position of the bird's eye having pigment based on the transmission image P at a first time point from the start of incubation (for example, the fifth day of incubation, the same applies hereinafter). The first time point is not limited to the fifth day of incubation, but may be before or after that (for example, any one of the third to sixth days of incubation), or may be the seventh day or later. Furthermore, as another example, the identification means 15 may compare the transmission image P at the first time point from the start of incubation with the transmission image P at a second time point different from the first time point.

[0070] Before being placed in an incubator, eggs E have a yolk in the center, surrounded by albumen, and then surrounded by a protective eggshell. A blastocyst lies on top of the yolk. As incubation begins, cleavage progresses, and eventually, the embryo B and its surrounding blood vessels begin to form. First, blood vessels begin to form around the yolk's blastocyst from the third day of incubation. The embryo's eye B1 forms from the fourth day of incubation onward, and the eye becomes black from the fifth day of incubation onward. The illustration omits the blastocyst, blood vessels, yolk, etc., and although the air cell A, embryo B, and characteristic features (embryonic eye B1) are shown schematically, their positions and sizes are not limited to those shown.

[0071] The identification means 15 may be a system in which rules for identification are manually created, or a learning model generated using machine learning. Machine learning, for example, uses a neural network including an input layer, one or more intermediate layers, and an output layer to perform learning in a learning mode using a learning dataset including an image P and a label, and then makes a judgment in a prediction mode using the parameters. Machine learning may be supervised learning or unsupervised learning.

[0072] The identification means 15 is configured by a dedicated or general-purpose computer including a CPU, internal memory, input / output interface, AD converter, etc. The CPU and other peripheral devices work together in accordance with a program stored in the internal memory to perform the functions of the identification means 15. The identification means 15 may be configured by a physically integrated computer, or may be configured by physically separate computers.

[0073] The sorting means 16 sorts eggs E that will hatch into female chicks based on information obtained from the characteristic parts of the embryos B. Eggs E that have been determined to be female by the identification means 15 are loaded into a setter tray T1 using a transfer device or the like. On the other hand, eggs E that have been determined to be male are not returned to the incubator.

[0074] The hatching means hatches the eggs E selected by the selecting means 16 to produce chicks. Eggs E that are determined to be female continue to be incubated in an incubator.

[0075] Next, a chick production method using the chick production system S of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 14 and 16. Figure 16 shows the flow from the "hatching egg farm" to "hatching," but below, portions related to this embodiment will be referenced as appropriate.

[0076] First, after the "egg setting operation" in FIG. 16 is performed and incubation begins, in this embodiment, a 5-day-old egg E is removed from the setter tray T1. At this time, the orientation of the removed egg E is changed using the orientation change mechanism. For example, by holding the egg E using a suction unit, the egg E that was placed vertically in the setter tray T1 (see FIG. 11) is transferred horizontally onto the observation tray T2 (see FIG. 12). After that, without changing the orientation of the egg E, the egg E is kept warm by the warming means 12 and left for 30 minutes ("embryo position movement" in FIG. 16). This moves the position of the embryo B inside the egg E toward the girth (see FIG. 13).

[0077] Next, as shown in Figure 14, the irradiation means 13 irradiates the eggs E with light from below, and the imaging means 14 photographs the eggs E from above. One irradiation means 13 is provided for each egg E, and the imaging means 14 photographs a plurality of eggs E at once. The irradiation means 13 may be provided for only one row of the holding mechanism, and the imaging means 14 may photograph one row at a time.

[0078] Thereafter, the position of the eye B1 of the embryo inside the egg E after incubation has started is identified from the outside of the eggshell using identification means 15. If the eye position is identified and the part is black, the embryo is male, and if the part is transparent or reddish, the embryo is female. In other words, if the position of the eye B1 of the embryo can be identified, the embryo is classified into a group with a high rate of male chicks hatching, and if the position of the eye B1 of the embryo cannot be identified, the embryo is classified into a group with a high rate of female chicks hatching ("egg candling" on Day 5 in Figure 16).

[0079] After classification, eggs E that will hatch into female chicks are selected based on information obtained from the characteristic parts of the embryos B ("Sex Sorting" in Figure 16). Specifically, eggs E that have been classified into a group with a high rate of hatching into female chicks are transferred from the holding mechanism to a setter tray T1. They are then placed back into the incubator, where the selected eggs E are hatched to produce chicks ("Hatching" in Figure 16).

[0080] As described above, the inspection device 1 of this embodiment removes an egg E from the setter tray T1 after incubation has started and moves the position of the embryo B inside the egg E. The inspection device 1 is equipped with an imaging means 14 that non-destructively inspects (takes an image in this embodiment) the egg shell from the outside toward the position of the embryo B moved by the moving means 11. Therefore, classification is possible based on the image P captured by the imaging means 14.

[0081] The method for inspecting eggs E includes a removal step of removing eggs E from setter trays T1 after incubation has begun, and a movement step of changing the orientation of the removed eggs E to move the position of embryos B inside the eggs E. This makes it possible to perform inspections such as observing characteristic parts of embryos B without the need for a complex mechanism.

[0082] The inspection device 1 of this embodiment includes an identification means 15 that non-destructively identifies the position of the embryo's eye B1 based on an image P captured by irradiating light onto an egg E from outside the eggshell after incubation has started. The inspection method of this embodiment also includes an identification step that non-destructively identifies the position of the embryo's eye B1 within the egg E from outside the eggshell after incubation has started. Therefore, when inspecting bird's characteristic parts non-destructively, it is possible to classify birds having characteristic parts from other birds in a fast and non-invasive manner at commercial hatcheries, without being significantly affected by blood vessels or egg yolk, or by parts of the embryo B other than the characteristic parts (bird's eyes in this embodiment).

[0083] The chick production system S of this embodiment includes an egg E inspection device 1 and a sorting means 16 that selects eggs E that will hatch into female chicks based on information about characteristic parts of embryos B obtained by the inspection device 1, and hatches the eggs E selected by the sorting means 16 to produce chicks. The chick production method also includes a sorting step that uses an egg E inspection method to select eggs E that will hatch into female chicks based on information about characteristic parts of embryos B obtained by the inspection method, and a development step that hatches the selected eggs E to produce chicks. Therefore, the eggs can be sorted by sex and hatched at a relatively early stage of incubation.

[0084] The present invention is not limited to the second embodiment described above. In the modifications shown in Figures 17 and 18, parts that are the same as (or equivalent to) those in the above embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated unless necessary.

[0085] <Modification shown in Figure 17> The moving means 11 may be as shown in Figure 17. Figure 17 uses a conveying device (roller) as the holding mechanism that can continuously convey a plurality of eggs E. It is preferable that this conveying device does not rotate the eggs E. The eggs E removed from the setter tray T1 are transferred onto this conveying device. The eggs E are placed sideways on the conveying device. The conveying device is covered with a cover, which is heat retention means 12, and the temperature of the eggs E is adjusted so that it does not drop too much. Irradiation means 13 and imaging means 14 are provided downstream of the conveying device. With this arrangement, the eggs E can be processed continuously. The irradiation means 13, imaging means 14, and sorting means 16 may be provided on the same roller as the moving means 11, or may be provided on a separate conveying mechanism.

[0086] <Modification shown in Fig. 18> Another example of the moving means 11 may be as shown in Fig. 18. The moving means 11 applies force to the egg E taken out from the setter tray T1 to move the position of the embryo B in the egg E.

[0087] The moving means 11 moves the position of the embryo B inside the egg E. In this embodiment, the moving means 11 is equipped with a rotation mechanism that rotates the egg E to move the position of the embryo B relative to the air cell A or the eggshell. The rotation mechanism of this embodiment rotates the egg E around the long axis of the egg E. The long axis of the egg E is an imaginary axis connecting the sharp end and blunt end of the egg E. The rotation mechanism of the moving means 11 rotates the egg E around the long axis while keeping the egg E in a vertical position. Before rotation, the embryo B floats at the top of the egg E and is located near the air cell A (near the long axis). On the other hand, when the egg E is rotated, the embryo B is subjected to centrifugal force. This causes the embryo B to move, moving away from the long axis and to the side. The embryo B leaves the air cell A (towards the end of the egg E) and moves to the side in that position, i.e., towards the eggshell around the body.

[0088] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing the process of candling eggs E lifted from a setter tray T1. The setter tray T1 is transported from the front side to the back side of the page, and transportation stops when it is lifted. The system includes a lift unit 71 that lifts multiple eggs E arranged in a predetermined row in the photography area, and irradiation units 77 and 78 that irradiate the multiple eggs E lifted by the lift unit 71 with light. The lift unit 71 is provided below the transport path and is movable up and down relative to the setter tray T1 on the transport path. While the setter tray T1 is stopped in each photography area on the transport path, the lift unit 71 moves from below to above the setter tray T1, contacting the lower portions of the multiple eggs E arranged in a predetermined row on the setter tray T1 and lifting the multiple eggs E it has come into contact with. Specifically, the lift unit 71 includes support units 72 provided corresponding to each of the multiple eggs E, a connecting member 73 to which the support units 72 are attached, and an actuator 74 that moves the connecting member 73 up and down. The actuator 74 is, for example, an air cylinder. The actuator 74 is controlled by the control unit 75 and moves the plurality of support parts 72 up and down relative to the setter tray T1.

[0089] The irradiation means 77, 78 irradiate each of the multiple eggs E arranged in a row with light from above and below. That is, two irradiation means 77, 78 are provided for one egg E. The upper irradiation means 77 is provided above the egg E lifted by the lift unit 71. The upper irradiation means 77 is provided with a cap portion 79 that surrounds and contacts the upper end of the egg E lifted by the lift unit 71. The cap portion 79 is made of an elastically deformable material to absorb variations in the shape of the egg E. The upper irradiation means 77 irradiates the interior of the egg E from above via the cap portion 79. The lower irradiation means 78 is provided inside the support portion 72 of the lift unit 71. The lower irradiation means 78 irradiates the interior of the egg E from below via the contact portion 70 of the support portion 72. In Figure 18, arrows indicate the light irradiated onto the egg E from the upper and lower irradiation means 77, 78.

[0090] The lift unit 71 is configured to lift the egg E and rotate the egg E while it is sandwiched between the support unit 72 and the cap unit 79. The moving means 11 applies force (rotational force in this embodiment) to the egg E to move the position of the embryo B within the egg E. When the rotational force is applied to the egg E, the resulting centrifugal force causes the embryo B to move toward the side of the egg E. That is, the embryo B moves away from the air cell A (the end side of the egg E) and moves toward the eggshell around the body due to the centrifugal force. Then, while the rotation transmission unit 76, which is the moving means 11, rotates the egg E, the photographing means 14 acquires images P at predetermined timing. After the photographing means 14 has captured images P at multiple angles, the control unit 75 lowers the lift unit 71 and returns the multiple eggs E that it had been lifting to the setter tray T1. The control unit 75 transmits each image P to the identifying means 15.

[0091] The imaging means 14 photographs the egg E by rotating the egg around its long axis. The imaging means 14 may photograph the egg E while it is rotating, or may photograph the egg E after changing the rotation speed. Alternatively, the imaging means 14 may photograph the egg E after it has stopped rotating. The imaging means 14 may photograph multiple sides of the egg E while it is rotating. When utilizing the centrifugal force caused by such rotation, it is not necessary to position the egg E sideways, nor is it necessary to keep it in that position for a predetermined period of time. The position of the imaging means 14 may be to the side as shown in the figure, or diagonally downward.

[0092] <Modifications shown in FIGS. 19, 20 and 21> Other examples of the moving means 11 may be those shown in FIGS. 19 and 20.

[0093] The removal means of this embodiment removes eggs E from the setter tray T1 after the start of incubation. Eggs E are stored in the setter tray T1 with their air chambers A facing up. An inverted setter tray T3 (a tray for observation) is placed on top of this setter tray T1. The eggs E are sandwiched between the setter tray T1 and the inverted setter tray T3, and then inverted so that the inverted setter tray T3 is on the bottom. The removal means transfers the eggs E removed from the setter tray T1 to the inverted setter tray T3. Transfer to the inverted setter tray T3 may be performed by a dedicated machine or manually. On the setter tray T1, the eggs E are placed vertically (upright) with their sharp ends facing downwards and their air chambers A facing up. On the inverted setter tray T3, the eggs are placed vertically (inverted) with their sharp ends facing upwards and their air chambers A facing down. The inverted setter tray T3 may have the same structure as the setter tray T1, or may have a shape that faces the setter tray T1 to form a pair. For example, a structure such as that shown in Figure 21 can be used to prevent collisions of eggs during rotation. The inverted setter tray T3 is provided with walls T4 that prevent adjacent eggs E from coming into contact with each other when they are transferred from the setter tray T1. A plurality of walls T4 are provided around the storage section in which the eggs E are stored.

[0094] The moving means 11 moves the position of the embryo B inside the egg E. In this embodiment, the moving means 11 includes a position-changing mechanism that inverts the position of the egg E and a holding mechanism that keeps the egg in that position for a predetermined period of time. In this embodiment, the inverting device described above corresponds to the position-changing mechanism, and the inverted setter tray T3 corresponds to the holding mechanism. When the egg E is upright, the embryo B floats at the top and is located near the air cell A. After the egg E is inverted, the embryo B gradually begins to move, and after waiting for several seconds to several minutes, the embryo B gradually moves along the outside of the yolk. The embryo B leaves the air cell A and moves to the side or top of that position, that is, near the eggshell around the body.

[0095] The imaging means 14, lift unit 71, support unit 72, rotation transmission unit 76, irradiation means 77, 78, etc. are similar to the configuration of the modified example in Figure 18, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted. The imaging means 14 rotates the egg E around its long axis as an axis to image the egg E. The imaging means 14 may image the egg E while it is rotating, or may image the egg E after changing the rotation speed. Alternatively, the imaging means 14 may image the egg E after it has stopped rotating. The imaging means 14 may image multiple sides of the egg E while it is rotating. In this way, it is possible to use egg rotation together with a posture change mechanism that changes the posture of the egg E and a holding mechanism that keeps it in that posture for a predetermined period of time.

[0096] <Modification shown in Figure 22> After the moving means 11 has moved the embryo B while the egg E is in a horizontal position, as shown in Figure 22, an image may be taken by the imaging means 14 before the egg E is again moved vertically and the embryo B is again moved.

[0097] <Modification shown in Fig. 23> Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 23, after the embryo B has been moved by the moving means 11 with the egg E tilted, an image may be taken from above by the imaging means 14. The egg E may be tilted by utilizing the egg turning mechanism of the incubator.

[0098] As another method, it is also possible to use images P illuminated with multiple colors for one egg E. For example, the identification means 15 may use an image P illuminated with green light and an image P illuminated with red light, and compare these images P to distinguish the yolk, blood vessels, embryo B, etc. in the egg E from characteristic parts of the bird.

[0099] The inspection device of the second embodiment is an observation device that uses a camera (imaging means) as the detection means, but in addition to the imaging means, a detection means (for example, a light receiving means such as a photodiode) that non-destructively detects characteristic parts of the embryo moved by the moving means 11 from outside the eggshell of the egg E may also be used.

[0100] The characteristic part of the bird may be a feather other than the bird's eyes. The type of bird is not limited to chickens and can be changed in various ways. Furthermore, using the technology of Patent Document 1, the eye color of female birds may be black and the eye color of male birds may be clear or reddish, and in this case, the black color of the eyes may be specified as the characteristic part.

[0101] <Modifications regarding embryos having a marker gene> The characteristic portion may be a part or all of an embryo having a marker gene. For example, constitutively expressed green fluorescent protein may be detected as the marker gene using eggs produced using the technique of Prior Art Document 2. Since the characteristic portion of a male bird embryo emits fluorescence and the characteristic portion of a female bird embryo does not emit fluorescence, the fluorescence of the embryo may be identified as the characteristic portion.

[0102] The inspection device for identifying the fluorescence of an embryo includes, for example, a moving means for moving the position of the embryo inside the egg during hatching, and a detecting means for non-destructively detecting a characteristic part of the embryo moved by the moving means from the outside of the eggshell of the egg during hatching. The moving means is the same as or equivalent to the above-described embodiment, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0103] The detection means may be a spectroscopic analysis means that performs spectroscopic analysis of at least one of transmitted light and reflected light, the above-mentioned light receiving means (e.g., a photodiode), or the above-mentioned imaging means (e.g., a camera). The detection means detects fluorescence from characteristic parts of the embryo from the egg illuminated by the illumination means. The detection means detects / images green fluorescence (light with a wavelength different from that of the excitation light) excited by the excitation light. The detection means is preferably positioned as close as possible to the embryo moved by the moving means.

[0104] Depending on the age of the embryo, it always faces upward in the egg, especially in the blastodisc state, where its specific gravity is lighter than that of the yolk and it always faces upward in the egg. The position of the egg at the time of detection may be any of the following: vertical (upright, with the sharp end facing downward and the air cell facing upward), vertical (inverted, with the sharp end facing upward and the air cell facing downward), oblique, and horizontal (with the sharp end facing horizontal). The day of embryonic development at which detection is performed can be determined in accordance with the method described in Patent Document 2.

[0105] The irradiation means irradiates the egg with excitation light. The irradiation unit of this embodiment irradiates, for example, ultraviolet light as the excitation light. The excitation light includes a wavelength that can excite electrons in a characteristic portion of the embryo (e.g., green fluorescent protein) within the eggshell. For example, it is an ultraviolet LED that emits light with a peak wavelength around 400 nm. The irradiation means may be provided adjacent to the detection means (e.g., both the irradiation means and the detection means are arranged above the egg), or may be arranged opposite the detection means across the egg (e.g., the irradiation means is arranged below the egg and the detection means is arranged above the egg).

[0106] Note that the excitation light may contain wavelengths that can excite electrons in the eggshell pigment (protoporphyrin), so the influence of the eggshell pigment must be taken into consideration when non-destructively detecting the fluorescence inside an egg. Specifically, when excited by ultraviolet light, an eggshell emits red fluorescence with emission peaks at wavelengths of 600 nm to 700 nm, specifically around 610 nm and 670 nm. Therefore, a light adjustment unit that distinguishes between light emitted by characteristic parts of the embryo inside the egg upon excitation with the excitation light and light emitted by the eggshell surface upon excitation with the excitation light, among the light traveling from the egg side to the detection means side, is preferred. Even more preferably, the light adjustment unit distinguishes between light emitted by characteristic parts of the embryo inside the egg upon excitation with the excitation light, light emitted by the eggshell surface upon excitation with the excitation light, and light at the wavelength of the excitation light.

[0107] Furthermore, since eggshell pigments have unique absorption spectra (for example, wavelengths around 412 nm, 557 nm, and 601 nm in the case of protoporphyrin), it is preferable that the light emitted by the characteristic parts of the embryo inside the egg upon excitation by the excitation light has an absorption spectrum different from that of the eggshell pigments.

[0108] The embodiments disclosed herein are examples and are not intended to be limiting. The present invention is defined not by the scope of the above description but by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of the claims.

[0109] The present invention can be used in commercial hatcheries to sort birds that have the characteristic feature from those that do not in a fast and non-invasive manner.

[0110] S...Chick production system 1...Detection device 10...Removal means 11...Transfer means 12...Insulation means 13...Irradiation means 14...Image capture means 15...Identification means 16...Sorting means 71...Lift section 72...Support section 73...Connecting member 74...Actuator 75...Control section 76...Rotation transmission section 77...Upper irradiation means 78...Lower irradiation means 79...Cap section 70...Contact section E...Egg T1...Setter tray T2...Observation tray T3...Inverted setter tray A...Air cell B...Embryo B1...Eye of embryo

Claims

1. An inspection device for a hatching egg, comprising: a moving means for moving the position of an embryo inside the hatching egg; and a detection means for non-destructively detecting a characteristic part of the embryo moved by said moving means from the outside of the eggshell of the hatching egg.

2. The device for inspecting eggs in the process of hatching as described in claim 1, wherein said moving means has a posture changing mechanism that changes the posture of said eggs in the process of hatching to thereby move the position of said embryos.

3. An inspection device for a hatching egg as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the moving means has a rotation mechanism that moves the position of the embryo by rotating the hatching egg.

4. A chick production system comprising: an inspection device for hatching eggs as set forth in claim 1, 2 or 3; and a sorting means for selecting the hatching eggs that will hatch as female chicks based on information about characteristic parts of the embryos obtained by said inspection device; and hatching the hatching eggs selected by said sorting means.

5. A method for inspecting a hatching egg, comprising: moving the position of an embryo inside the hatching egg; and non-destructively inspecting a characteristic part of the moved embryo from the outside of the eggshell of the hatching egg.

6. A method for producing chicks, comprising selecting the in-hatching eggs from which the chicks to hatch will be female based on information about the characteristic parts of the embryos obtained by the in-hatching egg observation method described in claim 5, and hatching the selected in-hatching eggs.

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