Poultry producers could see significant improvements in hatchery efficiencies thanks to advances in hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technology, according to researchers.
A high-tech method of taking images that capture and process hundreds of differences in colour, HSI can reveal the chemical composition of an object, such as an egg.
Scientists say HSI can help producers identify viable embryos early in the incubation process, helping hatcheries to improve hatching rates and productivity, whilst lowering costs and animal mortality.
In a study published in Smart Agricultural Technology, researchers at the University of Illinois said while HSI offers huge potential for detecting embryo viability in a non-invasive way, high costs and difficulty in operating the technology have delayed its adoption across the industry.
To address these barriers, researchers focused on developing ‘hyperspectral image reconstruction’ from standard RGB images, which capture basic colours including red, green and blue.
“This approach opens the door to affordable and scalable quality monitoring solutions,” the report’s authors wrote, saying that the technique has huge potential for producers and hatcheries.
Utilising machine learning
Using advanced algorithms, the study reconstructed images from standard RGB photos taken during the early incubation period. Once the hyperspectral images were generated, machine learning methods were applied to classify embryos as viable or non-viable.
The researchers said that for poultry producers, the technology could reduce costs by optimising the incubation process and minimising embryo mortality.
By identifying non-viable embryos earlier in the incubation cycle, hatcheries would be able to save on resources and space that would otherwise be used by unproductive eggs.
Once the technology has be optimised, the researchers said the technology could be easily integrated into modern hatcheries with few modifications to existing setups. Using a handheld device, producers could screen up to 20,000 eggs per hour, they added.
What’s more, improved embryo viability detection improves biosecurity and animal welfare by reducing the handling on non-viable eggs — an industry goal towards driving smarter, sustainable farming practices as part of agriculture 4.0.
Ongoing innovations
Though promising, research is still in its early stages, and further studies are needed to validate the technology for widespread industry use, the researchers said.
Ongoing innovations in hyper spectral image reconstruction could lead to additional applications in other farming sectors, they added, creating affordable, accessible and smart imaging that could benefit producers and consumers.
“Hyper spectral image reconstruction from RGB imaging has the potential to shift agricultural quality control practices, making cutting-edge monitoring accessible to operations of all sizes,” they wrote.
If these advancements continue, poultry farmers could benefit from a more precise, cost-effective way to monitor egg and embryo quality, ensuring a steady, sustainable supply of high-quality eggs to meet global demand, the research team said.
