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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #197170
Title: Detection of hatching and table egg defects using hyperspectral imaging

Author
item Smith, Douglas
item Lawrence, Kurt
item Heitschmidt, Gerald - Jerry

Submitted to: European Poultry Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/25/2006
Publication Date: 9/10/2006
Citation: Smith, D.P., Lawrence, K.C., Heitschmidt, G.W. 2006. Detection of hatching and table egg defects using hyperspectral imaging. European Poultry Conference Proceedings.

Interpretive Summary: An imaging system (hyperspectral) was used to view eggs to determine if defective hatching or table eggs could be sorted from good eggs. Hatching eggs without developing chicks, table eggs with blood spots, and table eggs with cracked shells were tested. Overall, the imaging system appears capable of detecting developing hatching eggs early into incubation. Blood spots in table eggs can readily be detected with at least a 90% accuracy rate. Cracked shells are difficult for the imaging system to detect. The hyperspectral imaging can be used for detecting hatching eggs development and to detect blood spots in table eggs, but does not work well for detecting cracked egg shells.

Technical Abstract: A hyperspectral imaging system was developed to detect problem hatching eggs (non-fertile or dead embryos) prior to or during early incubation and to detect table eggs with blood spots and cracked shells. All eggs were imaged using a hyperspectral camera system (wavelengths detected from 400-900mm) and a tungsten-halogen backlight. Hatching and table eggs with and without defects were imaged then broken out for confirmation of defects. Overall, the hyperspectral imaging system appears capable of detecting developing hatching eggs by Day 3 of incubation at a 91% rate for white shell eggs, and an 83% rate for brown shell eggs. Blood spots in table eggs can readily be detected with at least a 90% accuracy rate. Cracked shells are difficult for the hyperspectral system to detect under typical conditions. Hyperspectral imaging is capable of detecting hatching egg development during early incubation and blood spots in table eggs, but does not readily detect cracked shells.