Taking advantage of the IPPE trade show and with in ovo sexing and automated chick sexing among the headline topics, a consortium of Canadian companies, Canadian Egg Technologies and MatrixSpec Solutions, have publicly announced at this event that their HyperEye technology offers accurate in ovo gender determination of the embryo for both white and brown eggs from as early as the fourth day of incubation.
If this technology works and its commercial application proves viable, it would undoubtedly mark a new milestone in the capabilities for identifying embryo sex in commercial hatchery operations.
Canadian Egg Technologies is a collaboration between Egg Farmers of Ontario and Egg Farmers of Canada, organisations that, within the framework of this collaboration, have partnered with MatrixSpec Solutions to develop and bring to market this new patented technology and offer an effective solution to the global egg sector. The system is based on a combination of hyperspectral imaging and artificial intelligence, constituting a non-invasive method that has been validated in commercial hatcheries, leaving the eggshell intact, thereby protecting both hatchability and egg integrity.
HyperEye determines chick embryo sex from the fourth day of incubation
The developers of HyperEye state that, being a standalone technology, it can be integrated into the processes of a typical hatchery. The system’s compact size makes it ideal for facilities of any scale, and the current design allows for straightforward technological upgrades.
Roger Pelissero, Chair of the Environmental Sustainability Expert Group at the IEC (International Egg Commission), has commented on this significant advance, which would position it as the earliest in ovo sexing technology available: “As egg farmers, we understand first-hand the need to continue evolving in our approach and to use new innovations to address the challenges we face“, stated Pelissero, who also serves as co-chair of the Canadian Egg Technologies consortium. “HyperEye provides a unique solution for hatcheries around the world and can help accelerate our collective efforts to address a complex area of our supply chain“.
Roger Pelissero
Chair of the Environmental Sustainability Expert Group at the IEC (International Egg Commission)
Roger Pelissero is a third-generation laying poultry farmer and chair of Egg Farmers of Canada. He is passionate about sustainability and a champion of evidence-based research that supports progress and innovation.
Roger participates in several industry-led sustainability initiatives, is a founding member of the Global Coalition for Sustainable Egg Supply, and recently co-chaired the Canadian Poultry Sustainability Value Chain Roundtable. He is also a member of the Advisory Board of the Egg Industry Center at Iowa State University.
“If this technology works and its commercial application proves viable AND COST-EFFECTIVE, it would undoubtedly mark a new milestone in the capabilities for identifying embryo sex in commercial hatchery operations.”
Following trials conducted in commercial hatcheries, Canadian Egg Technologies and MatrixSpec claim that this technology has demonstrated its effectiveness and they are already engaging with industry leaders to implement this innovative technology in key markets. “Working directly with egg farmers and hatcheries has allowed us to understand the complexities of the egg supply chain, addressing animal welfare concerns and delivering a practical tool designed to integrate seamlessly within them“, said Michael Ngadi, CEO of MatrixSpec.
About Egg Farmers of Ontario
Egg Farmers of Ontario represents more than 500 egg producers and pullet growers in Ontario. It is an independent, autonomous organisation, funded entirely by egg and pullet producers, that works to provide consumers with a guaranteed supply of safe, high-quality eggs at the most reasonable prices possible. This is achieved through the efficient management of egg production, research, product promotion and ongoing marketing activities.
About Egg Farmers of Canada
Now in its sixth decade as one of Canada’s leading agricultural organisations, Egg Farmers of Canada manages the national egg supply and promotes egg consumption, while representing the interests of more than 1,200 regulated egg producers and poultry farming families from coast to coast.
About MatrixSpec
MatrixSpec Solutions Inc. is an artificial intelligence company focused on providing non-destructive solutions for optimised and efficient processes, leading to superior product quality and safety. MatrixSpec leverages innovative, cutting-edge artificial intelligence, machine learning and hyperspectral imaging technology to deliver groundbreaking solutions to industry, particularly the food and agri-food sector.
For more information about these companies:
-. Official website of MatrixSpec Solutions
-. Press release: Canadian technology sets new benchmark with world’s earliest non-invasive gender determination for white and brown eggs. January 28th, 2025
-. Canada’s next-gen egg farmers hatching new ideas for the sector. Dec. 16, 2024
-. Egg Farmers of Ontario
-. Egg Farmers of Canada