Raising male and female broilers separately is becoming more prevalent in chicken farming, especially due to advances in automated feather sexing technologies. This novel approach paves the path for improved management procedures, resulting in improved performance and uniformity in broiler production. Historically, the chicken business relied on manually sorting chicks by sex, which is time-consuming and error-prone. However, new advances in automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming this process, resulting in unparalleled efficiency and precision.
In the European laying sector, automated in-ovo sexing has become the norm over the past few years. This method identifies the sex of embryos around ten days into the 21-day hatching process, eliminating the need to kill male chicks post-hatch. This approach not only addresses societal concerns but also optimizes hatchery operations. Building on this foundation, similar technology is now being developed for broilers. At the recent EuroTier event, two innovative systems for post-hatch broiler sexing were showcased. These systems—one by Targan and another by Ceva Genesys—utilize cameras and AI to identify the sex of chicks based on feather patterns. The process involves capturing high-resolution images of chicks’ spread wings on a conveyor belt, with AI algorithms quickly analyzing the images to determine their sex.
The capacity of these systems is impressive. Targan’s Wingscan can process up to 40,000 chicks per hour, while Ceva Genesys boasts a capacity of 60,000 chicks per hour. Both systems have a reliability rate of approximately 98%, significantly outperforming manual methods, which often see accuracy drop to 80% over extended shifts. This leap in efficiency and reliability makes automated feather sexing a game-changer for the poultry industry.
Globally, the adoption of these systems is expected to transform broiler farming. Targan is focusing its efforts primarily in the United States, while Ceva Genesys targets markets in Italy, Spain, and France, with plans to expand to Thailand, Brazil, and the US. The cost of automated sexing is remarkably low, ranging from €15 to €20 per 1,000 chicks in Western Europe—less than two euro cents per chick. Ceva anticipates even lower costs in regions like Thailand, where the technology is expected to be particularly cost-effective. Over time, these advancements are likely to influence the entire structure of broiler farming, including breeding organizations and supply chains.
The benefits of raising male and female broilers separately extend beyond hatchery operations. Male and female broilers have different growth rates and nutritional requirements. By tailoring management and feeding practices to each sex, producers can achieve better growth performance, improve feed efficiency, and enhance uniformity at processing plants. Additionally, the ability to separate broilers by sex aligns with consumer and societal demands for more ethical and sustainable farming practices.
Ceva anticipates that within four years, the majority of broiler chicks will be sexed using automated systems. With existing relationships with over 1,000 hatcheries that already use its vaccines and equipment, Ceva sees significant potential to promote the adoption of this technology. By positioning itself as a knowledge partner in the industry, Ceva aims to not only drive the uptake of automated sexing but also boost sales of its core products, such as vaccines.
The rapid advancements in automated feather sexing technology are reshaping the poultry industry, making the separate rearing of male and female broilers a viable and efficient practice. This shift promises to enhance productivity, meet ethical standards, and pave the way for a more sustainable future in broiler production.
