#United States #Iowa #In-Ovo Sexing #Cheggy #Agri Advanced

Revolutionary In-Ovo Sexing Technology

In a historic move for the United States egg industry, an Iowa hatchery has become a pioneering site, presenting the nation’s first automated in-ovo sex determination technology. The innovative solution, referred to as Cheggy, is set to significantly improve both operational efficiency and sustainability within the sector.

This groundbreaking machine, capable of determining the sex of chicks before they hatch, has already been successfully introduced at a hatchery in Texas as well. The first batch of chicks from this Iowa facility is expected to be delivered to NestFresh Eggs by December 13, 2024, with products made from in-ovo sexed hens available to consumers by June 2, 2025.

A Game Changer for Poultry Industry

Cheggy represents the first non-invasive process to assess chick gender pre-hatching, merging high accuracy with efficiency in a manner that seamlessly fits into existing production workflows. The adoption of this technology, designed by Agri Advanced Technologies (AAT), a company based in Germany, is anticipated to radically reshape egg production practices in the U.S.

Jörg Hurlin, Managing Director of AAT, expressed excitement about launching this innovative solution in the U.S. market. He emphasized how the high accuracy rate and efficiency of this technology are pivotal in meeting the growing demands for welfare and eco-friendly practices in poultry farming.

Innovative Technology at Work

The Cheggy machine utilizes hyperspectral measurement technology to differentiate between chick genders based on their feather color. Its non-invasive nature eradicates contamination risks, ensuring that embryos remain safe and of high quality during the sorting process—a key advantage over existing in-ovo sexing solutions in the market.

Unveiled on December 10, 2024, the demonstration of Cheggy drew attention from industry leaders and stakeholders alike, showcasing real-time sorting capabilities. The machine boasts an impressive capacity, sorting up to 25,000 brown layer hatching eggs per hour, which dramatically enhances productivity levels for hatcheries.

AAT's journey began in 2019 in Germany and France, establishing its leadership in the in-ovo sex determination market for brown layer lines in Europe, where it operates 12 units across seven countries.

Sustainable Practices for the Future

Sustainability is integral to the Cheggy technology—consuming no expensive consumables and generating zero non-recyclable waste, it offers a cost-effective approach for hatcheries. The compact design requires less than 322 square feet, making it the perfect fit for modern hatchery operations.

This advancement marks a significant step towards modernizing egg production while fostering more humane practices in the industry. The current challenge where male chicks from layer lines present no utility in egg or meat production can be addressed through in-ovo sexing.

As Jasen Urena, Vice President of NestFresh Eggs, noted, the Cheggy technology presents an exciting solution to longstanding challenges embedded in the egg industry. He emphasized NestFresh’s commitment to humane and sustainable production, heralding this as a transformative step forward.

For more comprehensive insights and updates on the Cheggy technology, you can visit cheggy.com. If further inquiries are needed, feel free to reach out for interviews and additional information.