A new hatchery in Norway is to use in-ovo sexing technology.
The hatchery, which will be operational by the beginning of 2025, is being build in Sirevåg, and will use Genus Focus sexing technology, which enables eggs to be sexed prior to hatching, removing the need to cull day old male chicks.
The system soon to be installed by Sirevåg Hatchery was developed by the Munich-based company Orbem. Its in-ovo sexing solution is based on MRI scanning and image analysis of the egg, a process that is supported by artificial intelligence. Orbem is working on the hatchery with the Vencomatic Group, an automation and equipment distributor in the poultry industry.
Andreas Salte is chief executive of Sirevåg Rugeri AS, the firm behind the hatchery. “We are very pleased to have agreed with Orbem and the Vencomatic Group to deliver a solution for in-ovo sexing for our new hatchery. This will contribute to more sustainable egg production, replacing the culling of day-old male chicks with eggs sexed during the hatching process,” he said.
“We have long followed the technological development of sexing of the hatching egg, and the Genus Focus has had an impressive development over the past few years. Many in the egg industry welcome this technology. We really look forward to being able to offer this solution for in-ovo sexing to our customers.”