A noninvasive optical technique that makes it possible to determine the sex of chicks while they are still in the eggs
An article published in the journal Newton, part of the Cell Press group, has studied the optics of chicken eggs using a noninvasive technique known as time-domain diffuse optical spectroscopy. This technique is used to determine the absorption and scattering properties of the material based on the distribution of photons within the shell. The study shows that photons bounce off the shell numerous times inside the egg, making it possible to inspect its interior, determine whether the eggs have been fertilized, and detect the sex of the embryos. According to the research team, this technique could prevent the current culling of millions of male chicks at birth—since they do not lay eggs and are not profitable for the industry.
Lourdes Ruiz - pollito
Lourdes Ruiz
Ph.D. in Security and Protection Sciences, and professor and researcher at Obuda University in Budapest (Hungary)
This study is highly relevant because it uses time-domain diffuse optical spectroscopy (TD-DOS) on intact chicken eggs. Its novelty lies in the discovery that eggshells function as natural integrating spheres, a factor that had not previously been considered in the optical analysis of eggs.
This study is highly applicable to the poultry sector, particularly for commercial hatcheries, which face serious operational challenges: infertile eggs and the production of male chicks that are currently culled (320 million per year in the European Union). This technique has the potential to evaluate eggs noninvasively and to identify changes during incubation. Furthermore, it offers significant advantages by accurately modeling the optical properties of eggs, compared to current techniques.
Damagatla et al.
- Research article
- Peer reviewed
