TechFocus_EGGS 0325 - Using Smart Eggs to Detect Hatchabili…

3/10

7.1/9

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Score: 5/10

Score: 9/10

Score: 4/10

Score: 8/10

Score: 3/10

Score: 7/10

Score: 2/10

Score: 6/10

Score: 1/10

Score: 4/10

Figure 1: Egg packer transfer head

Figure 2: Conveyor from nest to main conveyor

References: Van Mourik, S., Alders, B. P. G. J., Helderman, F., Van De Ven, L. J. F., & Koerkamp, P. G. (2017). Predicting hairline fractures in eggs of mature hens. Poultry science, 96(6), 1956-1962.

The example graphs above highlight the smart egg readings in g-forces from samples taken from the nest conveyor to the main conveyor (Figure 2), and the transfer head on the egg packer (Figure 1). With this smart egg, it reports a score out of 10, with the lower numbers detrimental and the higher numbers acceptable. In this case, clearly the egg packer in figure 1, was a major root cause for the damage. High risk areas to monitor for potential cracked eggs: • Automatic nest belts – movement on belts, eggs colliding together, vibration and jarring. • Cross-conveyors feeding the main conveyor belt, monitoring speeds and drops. • Egg baskets - manual collection and too many eggs in baskets. • Egg packing machine - staff pushing eggs towards the infeed, transfer head. • Traying area (if used) – do not put setter trays directly on worktops. Use another tray underneath (stacking them) or a raised platform to prevent eggs impacting and cracking on the worktop when placed in the setter tray. • Floors and surfaces – eggs may be jarred when moving in trolleys across uneven floors or surfaces. • Transportation – poor roads, driver awareness, loading and securing eggs.

About this author From 1982 to 1997 Mark worked at Sun Valley Poultry Ltd (Cargill Meats Europe) as a Hatchery Supervisor and progressed to the position of Hatcheries Manager for both chicken and turkey hatcheries for over 10 years, producing 1 million chicks per week. During this period he also spent time developing his knowledge in the broiler breeding department. In 1997 Mark moved to Grampian Country Food Group (Vion UK). He held the position of National Hatcheries Manager, responsible for nine hatcheries producing 4.25 million chicks per week. Mark joined Cobb Europe in 2004 as Technical Manager for UK and Ireland. From 2008 to 2013, he was given extra responsibilities as Account & Technical Manager for Africa, supporting distributors and their customers. In 2013, Mark became a Hatchery Specialist covering the EMEA region.