Abstract: Described is a non-invasive method of determining one or more properties of an avian egg, in particular a chicken egg, and/or one or more properties of an avian embryo, in particular a chicken embryo, inside the egg, using near IR spectroscopy. More specifically, it is described herein a non-invasive method of determining the sex of an avian embryo, in particular a chicken embryo, inside the egg. Furthermore described herein is a system for non-invasively determining one or more properties of an avian egg, in particular a chicken egg, and/or one or more properties of an avian embryo, in particular a chicken embryo, inside the egg, as well as the use of a spectrometer selected from a Multi Channel Spectrometer, a Compact Grating Spectrometer and a Monolithic Miniature Spectrometer, in a system described herein.

Abstract: The invention provides a device, a system and a method for handling, grading and vaccinating living birds, wherein the device comprises a main member; a receiving member rotatably attached to the main member and configured to receive and hold the birds by their scapula-humeral joints in a first position and to release the birds in a second position; and a locking member movably attached to the main member and configured to lock the receiving member in the first position and to release the receiving member to rotate from the first position to the second position to release the birds.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a method and an apparatus are provided for creating an opening in the calcified shell of an incubated bird egg containing an embryo, in the region of the blunt end of the incubated bird egg. Within the region of the blunt end there is an outer membrane and an inner membrane with an air cell located therebetween. The apparatus comprises a holder on which the incubated bird eggs are stored with their pointed ends facing downwards, wherein the embryo adjoins the inner membrane, a first detection device configured to detect the position and geometry of the air cell, and an opening device configured to create an opening in the calcified shell at the blunt end of the incubated bird egg above the taut inner membrane. Due to the open calcified shell, the sex of the embryo may be determined in a reliable way.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for delivering substances to specific embryonic structures, including heart and blood vessels, within a developing avian egg. The disclosure also relates to methods of using the device to produce enhanced avian embryos. Methods include administering to chicken embryos various substances, including vaccines, nutrients, and stem cells. Chickens resulting from enhanced avian embryos have advantages, including greater growth potential and resistance to pathogen infection/infestation.