#Japan #Fukuoka #Hitachi Solutions #Kyushu Institute #Egg Gender ID

Advanced Egg Gender Identification Technology

Hitachi Solutions Create, in collaboration with the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization and Kyushu Institute of Technology, has introduced an innovative gender identification technology for chicken eggs using image recognition AI. This joint endeavor aims to address a critical issue in animal welfare – the ethical implications surrounding the high number of male chicks culled each year.

Background and Challenges

Around 6.6 billion male chicks are culled shortly after hatching each year worldwide, primarily because only female chickens can produce edible eggs. This practice raises significant ethical and welfare concerns. To confront this challenge, the team sought to develop a pre-hatching egg gender determination technology that would allow for the identification of male eggs before they hatch, thereby preventing the birth of male chicks.

In Europe, similar technologies have been gradually implemented to achieve higher standards of animal welfare. By identifying the gender of eggs before hatching, it becomes possible to select male eggs and avoid the culling of male chicks, thereby promoting animal welfare practices.

The collaborative experiments by Hitachi Solutions and the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization began in 2019, with Kyushu Institute of Technology joining the efforts in 2023.

Developed Technology

Leveraging their respective expertise, Hitachi Solutions utilized image recognition AI techniques, while the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization provided biological insights regarding chicken eggs, and Kyushu Institute of Technology contributed optical technology.

1. Realizing Gender Identification through AI: Hitachi Solutions exploited a key research finding that revealed gender differences in embryos starting from the early hatching stages (days 2 to 6). By carefully cutting a small part of the eggshell, they managed to visualize the embryo and its surrounding environment, capturing images that would allow for AI-based gender differentiation.

Through collaborative experiments, an AI model was developed capable of discerning gender features that are typically indistinguishable to the human eye.

2. Non-Damaging Gender Identification on Day 3: The experiments revealed the capability to determine the gender of eggs with high precision on the third day of incubation, without causing any damage to the eggs. The team worked rigorously to find the optimal setup for establishing the eggs, employing proper camera and light source arrangements to achieve visibility through the eggshell.
Related patents have been obtained in Japan and the United States.

3. Achieving High Precision: The researchers endeavored to enhance the clarity of the captured images. By utilizing optical spatial frequency adjustment from Kyushu Institute of Technology, they aimed to reduce visual obstructions while emphasizing key areas necessary for distinguishing between genders. Coupled with Hitachi Solutions’ AI technology, the processing results yielded diverse datasets that allowed for high-accuracy identification under various conditions.
Currently, a related patent application is underway in Japan.

Confirmed Efficacy

It has been verified that the technology can distinguish between male and female eggs with up to 97% accuracy on day three of incubation without damaging the eggs.

Future Prospects

Hitachi Solutions aims to standardize this developed technology and work towards customizing models based on the environmental characteristics of incubation facilities. Establishing partnerships within the poultry industry is essential for the practical implementation of this innovative technology.

About Hitachi Solutions Create

As part of the Hitachi Group, Hitachi Solutions Create employs advanced IT solutions across diverse industries including finance, public infrastructure, and commerce. Their ongoing commitment to AI began in 2017, as they continually strive to assist clients in solving challenges with state-of-the-art technologies. Hitachi Solutions envisions contributing to a brighter future where everyone can experience safety and happiness through the power of innovation.

Visit their website

About the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization

The National Agriculture and Food Research Organization is Japan’s largest research institute focusing on agriculture and food. Aiming for the realization of 'Society 5.0,' they are dedicated to food security, industrial competitiveness, and sustainable development through extensive research across multiple domains including breeding, cultivation, livestock, and smart agriculture.

Visit their website

About Kyushu Institute of Technology

Founded in 1909, the National Institute of Technology, Kyushu College, is committed to nurturing skilled engineers with a strong moral character. As they advance towards their vision for 2040, they strive to instigate innovations that will impact industries worldwide.

Visit their website

Contact Information

• - Hitachi Solutions Create: For technical inquiries, contact the Business Promotion Office at Hitachi Solutions. Email: [email protected].
• - National Agriculture and Food Research Organization: Contact the Livestock Research Division’s External Affairs Team led by Maruo through their inquiry form.
• - Kyushu Institute of Technology: For research-related questions, reach out to Professor Lee at the Graduate School of Information Engineering. Email: [email protected].