In mid-August 2024, it was announced that a new in ovo sexing technology would be implemented in two egg sector hatcheries in the United States by the end of this year. This technology, known as Cheggy, has the ability to identify the sex of the embryo before hatching, using advanced hyperspectral imaging based on the embryo’s plumage colour. The system is capable of processing up to 25,000 eggs per hour, making it suitable for both small- and large-scale operations.
In ovo sexing has already been installed and is operational in seven hatcheries in European countries such as France, Germany and Italy, using various equipment, including Cheggy. In this case, for the US market, Cheggy has been developed by Agri Advanced Technologies (AAT), which belongs to the German animal genetics group EW Group.
Jörg Hurlin, founder and CEO of AAT, commented on this milestone: “The launch of Cheggy in two hatcheries in the United States represents a major step forward for non-invasive in ovo sexing technology. This innovative approach is aligned with the growing demand for animal welfare and sustainable practices within the poultry industry.”
Although in ovo sexing technology has not yet been used in the US egg sector, some companies are beginning to commit to adapting a portion of their production to this method, with firmer implementation plans for this year and the next.
One challenge to be faced will be consumer acceptance in the United States, as eggs produced using this technology could be more expensive. In the US, most large retailers have committed to selling a portion of their eggs — or even 100% — from cage-free hens by a given date. However, the majority of US consumers currently continue to choose eggs from caged hens due to their lower price.
Finally, regarding Cheggy technology, it should be noted that it is only applicable to the sexing of brown-shelled eggs, which have always represented a very small share of the North American market.