Agri Advanced Technologies (AAT), a provider of specialized poultry technology, and part of the EW Group, has introduced the Cheggy in ovo gender determination to the U.S. egg industry. The first advanced non-invasive system will deliver chicks from two American hatcheries by the end of 2024. The Cheggy system offers speed, efficiency, and sustainability to satisfy perceptions of flock welfare for specific markets.

According to Jörg Hurlin, founder and CEO of AAT, Cheggy determines the gender of embryos by applying advanced hyperspectral imaging to detect brown-pigmented feathers of pullet embryos. Embryonated eggs are screened in a closed measuring chamber illuminated from below with halogen lights. A hyperspectral camera captures the image of the eggs. Using a specified algorithm that is based on a parametric model, the computer automatically differentiates among ‘clear’ eggs, and either male or female embryos. Eggs containing female embryos are replaced on the setter tray and are incubated until hatch. Clear eggs and those with male embryos are rejected and collected for disposal. 

With the capability to process up to 25,000 eggs per hour, the Cheggy system is fast and accurate, and has a small footprint suitable for retrofitting in existing hatcheries. Twelve Cheggy installations are in operation in seven hatcheries in France, Germany, and Italy.