Abstract: A method of hatching of hatchery eggs that includes: (a) treating the egg shell surface with a coating composition comprising a coating agent, to form a coating on the surface of the egg's shell; and (b) incubating the egg under conditions to cause hatching to occur. The hatching yield of the hatchery eggs is improved as compared to control eggs not treated as defined in (a). Also discloses is a composition for treating of hatchery eggs prior to incubation. The composition includes a coating agent, and the composition improves the hatching yield of hatchery eggs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for analyzing and/or treating a fertilized egg and a system able to implement said method. According to the invention, the method comprises a step of puncturing and/or injecting substance into the albumin sac of the egg, said egg having between 5 and 19 days of incubation and said step of puncturing and/or injecting being achieved by piercing a hole in the shell next to the pointed end of the egg and passing a hollow needle in said hole such as to lead the distal end of said needle into the albumin sac.

Abstract: An injection method for injecting a substance into eggs, and an injection head for implementing said method. The method generally includes piercing the shell and at least the shell membrane of an egg by moving a needle, and then injecting the treatment substance via said needle, said piercing step comprising a first movement of the needle to pierce the shell with a first penetration force and then a second movement of the needle to pierce at least the shell membrane with a second penetration force lower than the first penetration force.

Abstract: Method and device for injecting at least one product in an egg for treating the embryo. The method includes perforating a shell and an outer shell membrane on a large end of the egg, and injecting the product into an air chamber of the egg under pressure sufficient for the product to reach the amniotic fluid after passing with pressure through an inner shell membrane.

Abstract: Provided is a method for the hatching of hatchery eggs including: (a) treating the egg shell surface with a coating composition including a coating agent, to form a coating on the surface of the egg's shell; and (b) incubating the egg under conditions to cause hatching to occur; wherein the yield of hatching of the hatchery eggs is improved as compared to control eggs not treated as defined in (a). Further provided is a composition for the treating of hatchery eggs prior to incubation, where the composition includes a coating agent, and where the composition improves the hatching yield of the hatchery eggs.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated egg injection machine includes a sealed frame structure with a pair of in line parallel tracks through an injection section and a transfer section in series. An injection assembly includes a plurality of injectors gripped in a support plate to simultaneously inject vaccine into the same injection region irrespective of egg height and orientation. Fluid delivery systems meter prescribed vaccine dosages to the injecting needles with reduced turbulence, friction, heat and residence time to increase the delivered titer to the injected eggs. A transfer assembly lifts the injected eggs by causing a reduced pressure around the injection hole while maintaining the injection hole at atmospheric pressure. The injection assembly is sprayed with a sanitizing solution at the same time that the injected eggs are moved from the injection section to the transfer section.

Abstract: Egg candling methods and apparatus are provided wherein black rot eggs can be identified and removed. A method of identifying live eggs includes illuminating eggs in a carrier with light from a light source; receiving light passing through each egg at a light detector; generating an output signal that corresponds to light received at a light detector for each respective egg; analyzing the output signal for each egg to determine opacity of each egg; removing eggs having an opacity less than a first opacity value; and removing eggs having an opacity greater than a second opacity value that is different from the first opacity value.

Abstract: An edible bird's nests production facility comprising of: a wholly man made artificial caves system and/or converted natural relief such as caves, valleys, cliffs forming the nesting habitat and associated supporting facilities configured to breed swiftlets for their nests by means of a captive breeding program for swiftlets; commercialized-scientific farming methods; specialized apparatus, mechanisms and techniques; managed sustainable harvesting of nests; provision of a safe and secure nesting habitat and a conducive environment to maximize avian population by minimizing mortality rates; safe collection of nests by means of mechanized lifting systems and specialist mountaineering equipment.

Abstract: Differential illumination systems and methods selectively provide light having different spectrums in an aviary system for housing animals located within an enclosure, and in the enclosure. A first light source produces light with a first spectrum, and illuminates an internal volume of the aviary system. A second light source produces light with a second spectrum different from the first spectrum, and illuminates the enclosure outside of the aviary system. The first spectrum can have a higher red component than the second spectrum to encourage chicken to lay eggs inside of the aviary system, and the second spectrum can have a higher blue component than the first spectrum to discourage chicken from laying eggs outside of the aviary system.

Abstract: An automatic egg injection machine comprises a separate injector support grid and injector locking device. The injector locking device is attached to the body of the egg injection machine to prevent motion during the vaccination process. Individual air tubes are inserted into slots in the injector locking device, and are inflated with compressed air to lock the injectors in place during the injection process, thereby minimizing the possibility of injector movement. Both the injector support grid and injector locking device can be exchanged for other components with different egg configurations so that one egg injection machine can be used for more than one sized incubator egg flat.

Abstract: A method and a compartment within an incubator, capable of allowing chicks to feed during the hatching process without reducing hatchability or livability. Thanks to immediate post hatch nutrition, the development during the chicks first days is significantly improved, resulting in a significant improvement in their weight as well. Furthermore, the accessibility of feed for the chicks is enabled and improved immediately after their hatching thanks to suitable lighting and the use of feeding troughs with transparent walls.

Abstract: A distribution system for distributing dosed amounts of a treatment substance to a plurality of injectors of an egg injection device, and to an injection device equipped with such a distribution system. The distribution system comprises at least one syringe pump comprising an actuator for actuating the piston of a syringe, a discharge tube connected to the outlet orifice of the syringe, feed tubes connected in parallel to the discharge tube via a valve system, each feed tube being intended to be connected to an injector, and a controller capable of controlling the actuator and the valve system for distributing dosed amount of substance contained in the chamber through the feed tubes, to injectors.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for the incubation and hatching of premature eggs, in particular, surgically-derived premature eggs removed from a bird prior to transfer of the premature egg to the cloaca of a bird.

Abstract: This invention is a new disinfecting and immunizing system for fertilized and unfertilized avian eggs that, by manipulating the ambient air pressure, creates an environment that causes the pores of the eggshells to open, allowing disinfectants and inoculants to be delivered to the eggs in such a manner that the liquid material penetrates through the pores into the shell to a specified depth but does not go beyond the shell to the embryo. The system is designed such that it performs similar but separate processes for disinfection and immunization; each process includes changing the air pressure, spraying appropriate product, and returning the air pressure to initial condition.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated egg injection machine includes a sealed frame structure with a pair of in line parallel tracks through an injection section and a transfer section in series. An injection assembly includes a plurality of injectors gripped in a support plate to simultaneously inject vaccine into the same injection region irrespective of egg height and orientation. Fluid delivery systems meter prescribed vaccine dosages to the injecting needles with reduced turbulence, friction, heat and residence time to increase the delivered titer to the injected eggs. A transfer assembly lifts the injected eggs by causing a reduced pressure around the injection hole while maintaining the injection hole at atmospheric pressure. The injection assembly is sprayed with a sanitizing solution at the same time that the injected eggs are moved from the injection section to the transfer section.

Abstract: An in-ovo egg injection machine has a transversely or laterally movable supporting structure which is mounted beneath and adjacent the injector assembly and enables the operator to move egg trays into and out of the injection area from the side of the machine. The supporting structure includes two longitudinally extending opposed support rails that are mounted on a movable member so that the longitudinal support rails are spaced from one another at a set distance to define a support cradle. The movable member is supported on two transversely extending guide rails that are approximately twice the width of the injection area in length so as to allow the support cradle to be moved, preferably by hand, to an injection position directly under the injector assembly and then, by moving the support cradle in a lateral direction on the guide rails, to a loading/unloading position horizontally spaced from the injection area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for hatching of hatchery eggs comprising: (a) treating the egg shell surface with a coating composition comprising a coating agent, to form a coating on the surface of the egg's shell; and (b) incubating the egg under conditions to cause hatching to occur; wherein the yield of hatching of said hatchery eggs is improved as compared to control eggs not treated as defined in (a). The invention additionally relates to a composition for treating of hatchery eggs prior to incubation, wherein said composition comprising a coating agent, and wherein said composition improves the hatching yield of said hatchery eggs.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring, with infrared thermometers, temperatures of hatching eggs placed in nests of hatching trays which are arranged in an incubator, wherein, for a preselected number of trays, the temperature is measured of a predetermined number of eggs, wherein during the hatching period, each individual thermometer contactlessly measures the temperature around a corresponding individual egg arranged in the incubator according to a pre-entered measurement scheme, wherein the measuring signals obtained control a temperature control regulation.

Abstract: Following exposure to an external light source, determining: 1) the fertility of an avian egg by measuring the photon intensity (photons per second) of the egg's biophoton and luminescence; and 2) the gender of an avian egg by measuring the photon spectrum of the egg's biophoton emission and luminescence. The external light source is either an incandescent, fluorescent, LED, (pulsed or continuous wave) monochromatic or dichromatic laser light source. The detector of the photon intensity is either a low light sensing photomultiplier tube (PMT), silicon based photon counting sensor, or Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode detector. The detector of the photon spectrum is a spectrometer. Following exposure to the referenced light sources, fertile avian eggs will exhibit a higher intensity of photons than that of unfertilized avian eggs, and avian eggs of the female gender will emit a different spectrum of photons than will avian eggs of the male gender.

Abstract: An in-ovo egg injection machine generates and transmits vibration to an incubating egg tray to align the egg axes prior to injection. The mechanism can be used independently of the in-ovo egg injection machine and is suitable for use with an egg candling machine. With the eggs positioned on the incubating tray and held by egg tray posts with their large ends facing upward for the purposes of incubation, vibration is applied to the tray. The vibration allows the eggs to ‘float’ in their restricted locations in the egg tray. Since the eggs are naturally bottom-heavy, the heaviest portion of each egg moves down as the tray is vibrated. The eggs therefore self-align their axes into an orientation corresponding with the established vertical axes of the injectors, respectively, with no contact with the eggs being required.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated egg injection machine includes a sealed frame structure with a pair of in line parallel tracks through an injection section and a transfer section in series. An injection assembly includes a plurality of injectors gripped in a support plate to simultaneously inject vaccine into the same injection region irrespective of egg height and orientation. Fluid delivery systems meter prescribed vaccine dosages to the injecting needles with reduced turbulence, friction, heat and residence time to increase the delivered titer to the injected eggs. A transfer assembly lifts the injected eggs by causing a reduced pressure around the injection hole while maintaining the injection hole at atmospheric pressure. The injection assembly is sprayed with a sanitizing solution at the same time that the injected eggs are moved from the injection section to the transfer section.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an injection method for injecting a substance into eggs, and an injection head for implementing said method. The method generally includes piercing the shell and at least the shell membrane of an egg by moving a needle, and then injecting the treatment substance via said needle, said piercing step comprising a first movement of the needle to pierce the shell with a first penetration force and then a second movement of the needle to pierce at least the shell membrane with a second penetration force lower than the first penetration force.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a poultry selection method to improve the egg production rate, the method comprises steps of collecting protein samples and egg productivity information of multiple poultry groups, transforming these information into multiple scores, ranks, and their corresponding codes; the next step is to combine the corresponding codes to form regional codes, and compare the matching rate; and select the poultry with the required egg production.

Abstract: An automatic egg injection machine comprises a separate injector support grid and injector locking device. The injector locking device is attached to the body of the egg injection machine to prevent motion during the vaccination process. Individual air tubes are inserted into slots in the injector locking device, and are inflated with compressed air to lock the injectors in place during the injection process, thereby minimizing the possibility of injector movement. Both the injector support grid and injector locking device can be exchanged for other components with different egg configurations so that one egg injection machine can be used for more than one sized incubator egg flat.

Abstract: The methods and compositions provide for increasing the productivity of quality hatchery eggs by applying a coating to the outer surface of the eggs. The liquid coating compositions and methods described herein facilitate mechanical enforcement of the shell, protection against adverse environmental conditions, prevention of contamination, differentiation of egg parentage and allow for appropriate gas exchange during storage or shipping periods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for injecting at least one fluid substance into an egg, of the type that comprises an injector body equipped with a protruding piercing needle for injecting said substance into the amniotic liquid of said egg and/or into the embryo contained therein, the body being connected with external means for supplying said substance, characterized in that drivable means are integrated in the body for expelling towards said needle one or more adjustable variable and parametered amounts of substance from said supply means. The invention also relates to equipment including a plurality of such devices.

Abstract: An injector for injecting at least one substance into eggs, comprising an injection body that can be moved between a raised position and an injection position, and equipped with an injection conduit, an injection needle, a guiding and protection tube of the needle subject to elastic stress by elastic means to an idle position and capable of being moved towards a retracted position by pressing its distal end against an egg when the injector is in the injection position. The injector is equipped with control means for controlling the supply of said injection conduit with at least one substance, said tube cooperating with said control means to disable the supply of said injection conduit when said tube is in the idle position and to enable the supply of said conduit when said tube is in the retracted position.

Abstract: An automatic vaccinator of eggs, consisting of a system for applying vaccine with a vaccine chamber in which vaccine bags are hung and with an air bag that, when expanded, forces the vaccine from the bags and through tubing to a distribution manifold and the injectors, so that the vaccine is delivered to the eggs, is disclosed. A pressure sensor is installed in the distribution manifold and connected to a regulator, measuring the pressure in the distribution manifold at the point farthest from the vaccine chamber and controlling the pressure in the air bag to maintain a uniform quantity of vaccine being injected into the eggs and turning off the vaccinator if the pressure falls below a critical level, signaling that the vaccine bags are empty. The mechanical unit includes a system to support, align and secure the injectors over the egg tray, composed of two plates that work independently, a support plate and an alignment plate.

Abstract: A rotating egg container is disclosed having a body and an internal rotating unit for storing a plurality of eggs. The internal rotating unit has a plurality of egg holding sections joined to two opposing tracks defining a pathway through which the egg holding sections can be moved.

Abstract: An injection apparatus for injecting and/or removing substances from subjects, such as avian eggs, includes an injection needle having a body portion and a tapered portion that terminates at a tip. A tube is attached to and extends around the injection needle in substantially concentric relationship therewith. The tube has an end portion positioned a predetermined distance from the needle tip. The tube end portion acts as a stop to limit the distance the needle tip can be inserted into a subject, such as an egg, through a membrane of the subject. A detector may be utilized to measure force exerted on a membrane of an egg by a stop attached to a needle. Force exerted on a membrane by a needle and/or by a needle and a stop attached to the needle may also be measured.

Abstract: An in-ovo egg injection machine has a transversely or laterally movable supporting structure which is mounted beneath and adjacent the injector assembly and enables the operator to move egg trays into and out of the injection area from the side of the machine. The supporting structure includes two longitudinally extending opposed support rails that are mounted on a movable member so that the longitudinal support rails are spaced from one another at a set distance to define a support cradle. The movable member is supported on two transversely extending guide rails that are approximately twice the width of the injection area in length so as to allow the support cradle to be moved, preferably by hand, to an injection position directly under the injector assembly and then, by moving the support cradle in a lateral direction on the guide rails, to a loading/unloading position horizontally spaced from the injection area.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method of rearing a bird of specified germ-free status. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a method for increasing the hatchability and viability of surgically derived eggs of germ-free status when obtained from a parent bird. The method comprises housing a bird as a parent bird, determining the position of a premature egg in the reproductive tract and stage of development of the premature egg in terms of shell formation and calcification, surgically removing an egg in its shell from the parent bird prior to transfer of the egg to the cloaca in the parent bird, incubating the egg and hatching the egg to produce a laying bird. The invention also relates to the production of avian eggs of specified germ-free status and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a poultry selection method to improve the egg production rate, the method comprises steps of collecting protein samples and egg productivity information of multiple poultry groups, transforming these information into multiple scores, ranks, and their corresponding codes; the next step is to combine the corresponding codes to form regional codes, and compare the matching rate; and select the poultry with the required egg production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of avian reproduction. In particular, the present invention provides a method of activating an egg in a shell. The invention also provides a method of activating an egg in a shell, whereby a live chick is hatched.

Abstract: An improved needle design is cut diagonally from two sides to form a sharpened cutting edge, rather than a point. The needle has an external diameter and wall thickness sufficient to provide the rigidity necessary to punch the egg shell while the sharpened edge provides a sharp cutting edge able to sever the underlying membrane cleanly and penetrate an embryo if necessary. The needle's penetrating edge design prevents needle tip fold-over and the resulting formation of a hook which can lead to cross-contamination of eggs and shortened needle life.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided that automatically determine whether or not eggs designated for removal from an egg carrier have been removed by an egg removal apparatus. Light is emitted along a path above and across an egg carrier. An egg picker is moved from a first location overlying the carrier to a second location in contacting relationship with an egg in the carrier and back towards the first location, and is configured to engage the egg when in the second location and remove the egg from the carrier when moved from the second location towards the first location. The length of time that the light path is blocked when the egg picker is moved from the first location to the second location and back towards the first location is measured. A signal that indicates whether or not the egg has been removed from the carrier based on the length of time the light path is blocked is generated.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated egg injection machine includes a sealed frame structure with a pair of in line parallel tracks through an injection section and a transfer section in series. An injection assembly includes a plurality of injectors gripped in a support plate to simultaneously inject vaccine into the same injection region irrespective of egg height and orientation. Fluid delivery systems meter prescribed vaccine dosages to the injecting needles with reduced turbulence, friction, heat and residence time to increase the delivered titer to the injected eggs. A transfer assembly lifts the injected eggs by causing a reduced pressure around the injection hole while maintaining the injection hole at atmospheric pressure. The injection assembly is sprayed with a sanitizing solution at the same time that the injected eggs are moved from the injection section to the transfer section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of avian reproduction. In particular, the present invention provides a method of activating an egg in a shell. The invention also provides a method of activating an egg in a shell, whereby a live chick is hatched.

Abstract: In ovo injection methods and apparatus are provided wherein multiple substances, particularly incompatible substances such as oil-based and aqueous-based substances, can be injected without reducing efficacy of the substances and without requiring complex mechanical injection devices. Injection of multiple substances may occur simultaneously or sequentially.

Abstract: Methods of non-invasively locating blastoderms within avian eggs are provided. An opening is formed in the shell of an egg at a location under which a blastoderm is positioned based on the orientation of the egg; an image of an exposed inner shell membrane and underlying material is acquired; the acquired image is processed to enhance visibility of a blastoderm in the image; and the blastoderm is located in the image. A material may be applied to the egg to enhance transparency of the inner shell membrane prior to acquiring the image. Locating the blastoderm in the image may include determining location coordinates of the blastoderm in the image. These location coordinates may be transmitted to egg processing equipment for subsequent processing of the egg.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to methods and apparatus for metering and dispensing selected materials. Selected materials may correspond to liquids, suspensions, emulsions and solids, and in selected embodiments may correspond to treatment compositions directed to the treatment of poultry eggs. Certain embodiments provide selective dispensing of selected metered material upon detection of the presence of an object to be treated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system of automatic vaccination of eggs, developed for the purpose of vaccinating large quantities of fertile eggs in order to reduce the costs and labor involved, reduce embryonic mortality by increasing protection from diseases and reduce the stress in the first day of life of poultry chicks by eliminating the process of manually vaccinating each chick. The invention comprises an automatic system controlled by a PLC (programmable logic controller), using an injector that has a cylindrical body and cap made from high density non-corrosive plastic and together they form a pneumatic chamber, the cap containing an electronic contact sensor to signal empty egg spaces and avoiding wasting vaccine. The injector's pneumatic chamber contains a plasticized fiber sleeve to permit smooth movement of the pneumatic plunger.

Abstract: An injection apparatus for injecting and/or removing substances from subjects, such as avian eggs, includes an injection needle having a body portion and a tapered portion that terminates at a tip. A tube is attached to and extends around the injection needle in substantially concentric relationship therewith. The tube has an end portion positioned a predetermined distance from the needle tip. The tube end portion acts as a stop to limit the distance the needle tip can be inserted into a subject, such as an egg, through a membrane of the subject. A detector may be utilized to measure force exerted on a membrane of an egg by a stop attached to a needle. Force exerted on a membrane by a needle and/or by a needle and a stop attached to the needle may also be measured.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated egg injection machine includes a sealed frame structure with a pair of in line parallel tracks through an injection section and a transfer section in series. An injection assembly includes a plurality of injectors gripped in a support plate to simultaneously inject vaccine into the same injection region irrespective of egg height and orientation. Fluid delivery systems meter prescribed vaccine dosages to the injecting needles with reduced turbulence, friction, heat and residence time to increase the delivered titer to the injected eggs. A transfer assembly lifts the injected eggs by causing a reduced pressure around the injection hole while maintaining the injection hole at atmospheric pressure. The injection assembly is sprayed with a sanitizing solution at the same time that the injected eggs are moved from the injection section to the transfer section.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated egg injection machine includes a sealed frame structure with a pair of in line parallel tracks through an injection section and a transfer section in series. An injection assembly includes a plurality of injectors gripped in a support plate to simultaneously inject vaccine into the same injection region irrespective of egg height and orientation. Fluid delivery systems meter prescribed vaccine dosages to the injecting needles with reduced turbulence, friction, heat and residence time to increase the delivered titer to the injected eggs. A transfer assembly lifts the injected eggs by causing a reduced pressure around the injection hole while maintaining the injection hole at atmospheric pressure. The injection assembly is sprayed with a sanitizing solution at the same time that the injected eggs are moved from the injection section to the transfer section.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for increasing the hatchability of eggs by contacting an avian egg with a solution that includes a halide, preferably chlorine.

Abstract: Egg candling methods and apparatus are provided wherein non-live eggs, inverted egg, and side air cell eggs can be quickly identified. A method of candling eggs includes exposing a plurality of incubated eggs to an environment having a temperature different from a temperature at which the eggs were incubated; obtaining a thermal image of the eggs; and analyzing the thermal image to obtain surface temperature information for each egg. The surface temperature information is utilized to designate each egg as live/non-live, inverted, or having a side air cell.

Abstract: An injection apparatus for injecting eggs of varying sizes and different orientations in an incubating tray that includes a substantially horizontal support plate with vertical openings therethrough, and vertical injectors resting in the openings and able to slide therein with respect to the plate such that the injectors can move vertically in the openings while remaining engaged with the support plate so as to maintain their vertical orientation throughout an injection sequence. For each opening, an expandable ring is positioned in the plate and pneumatically expanded to tighten around its respective injector after the injector has adjusted vertically in its respective opening to the height of an associated egg in order to maintain the injectors in their vertical orientation for injection of their associated eggs.

Abstract: Identifying live eggs includes: a) illuminating eggs with light; b) receiving light passing through each egg at a light detector; c) generating an output signal that corresponds to light received at a light detector for each respective egg; d) analyzing the output signals to identify an indication of an external disturbance; e) analyzing the output signal for each egg to identify the existence of an embryo heart rate and/or embryo movement; and f) designating an egg as a live egg in response to identifying embryo heart rate and/or embryo movement. Steps a) through d) are repeated if output signals from a predetermined number of eggs contain an indication of an external disturbance to the eggs. Steps a) through f) are repeated if the number of eggs designated as live exceeds an expected number, or if embryo movement occurs at about the same time in a predetermined number of eggs.

Abstract: An in ovo jet injection apparatus and related methods for treating live eggs. The jet injection apparatus includes one or more jet injection delivery devices configured to deliver one or more treatment substances to predetermined areas of eggs using a high pressure stream of the treatment substance(s). Multiple treatment substances can be delivered so that they are spatially and/or temporally separate. The devices and methods of the invention enable the effective use of a plurality of treatment substances, including those that are effective when used alone but can be noxious if mixed. The methods and apparatus for the jet injection of substances into embryonic chicks reduce the risk of mechanical injury to the developing birds that would be caused by injection needles. The methods and apparatus of the invention can also reduce the introduction of an infection into the chicks.