Published on Nov. 1, 2018
The Eggxaminator, Advancing Egg Grading and Egg Quality Assessment with Precision
The Eggxaminator is a brand-new piece of technology that will enhance egg quality data collection even further than before. Created in collaboration with Hendrix Genetics Innovations and a tech partner from the Netherlands, this egg grading machine uses Machine Vision technology to examine and collect data on exterior egg phenotypes with a high level of accuracy and consistency.
Innovations in the field of animal breeding not only apply to genetic methods and models used in our daily evaluations but also play a vital role in one of the most essential aspects of running a breeding program: accurate data collection. Whether using traditional selection or Genomic selection methods, you need precise data on an individual or family level to calculate (Genomic) breeding values that drive performance traits for our customers.
This strong need for reliable data is exactly why we’re excited to announce the upcoming implementation of our new egg grading robot, known as the Eggxaminator. Developed in collaboration with Hendrix Genetics Innovations and a high-tech partner from the Brainport Eindhoven region (home to companies such as Philips, ASML, and VDL), the Eggxaminator can automatically grade and inspect eggs based on ten different exterior egg quality traits.
So, how are eggs graded using this technology? The Eggxaminator relies on Machine Vision, a method that enables imaging-based automatic inspection and analysis. By adopting this approach, we are eliminating human error and subjectivity, generating consistent and objective data on egg inspection. This allows us to better understand and assess the grades of eggs, enhancing our selection processes.
The Eggxaminator was recently installed in our egg lab, and we are preparing for full-scale implementation in our laying hen breeding program. By improving how we assess egg quality and select for traits, our customers will benefit from more first-quality eggs during the bird’s production cycle—with specific gains towards the later stages of laying.
If you’ve ever wondered what are the grades of eggs or how technology can influence egg grading, the Eggxaminator is a powerful example of innovation in action. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development in egg quality assessment!
