AI-Powered MRI: A New Tool for Hatchery Operations
Artificial intelligence (AI) combined with MRI technology now offers a non-invasive method to scan up to 24,000 eggs per hour with 99% accuracy. This technology can improve hatchability rates and optimize incubator space for broiler, layer, and turkey hatcheries.
Jennifer Volz, Head of Global Business Development at Orbem USA Inc., explains, “You get insights about the interior of the eggs without touching or harming them, allowing scanning at any stage of incubation.”
Optimizing Breeding Decisions and Hatchery Efficiency
With detailed imaging data, hatchery operations can make informed breeding decisions earlier in the process. This helps increase hatch success and better manage incubator capacity, resulting in higher operational efficiency.
Additionally, this technology supports the elimination of day-old male chick culling in the layer industry by enabling sex determination at 11 to 12 days of incubation. This advance addresses key animal welfare concerns while improving resource use.
Beyond Fertility Assessment
The AI-powered MRI system provides more than just fertility checks. It can detect blood and meat spots, analyze molecular content, and assess phenotypic traits—all without cracking the eggs. These detailed insights accelerate genetic improvement programs and boost production efficiency.
Having scanned over 100 million eggs and installed in 10 hatcheries worldwide, the technology has moved past the startup phase to a proven commercial solution. Orbem recently opened a U.S. office in Houston, Texas, to better serve American producers and adapt to regional production standards.
2025 Poultry Tech Summit: Learn More
The 2025 Poultry Tech Summit will take place November 3-5 at the Atlanta Airport Marriott, Georgia. This event gathers inventors, researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals to discuss solutions across the poultry supply chain.
New for 2025, the summit will be held in collaboration with the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Poultry and Eggs (US-RSPE) annual meeting on November 5. Registration is open now, with early bird discounts available until September 30.
- Poultry Tech Summit official website
- Complete AI Training – Explore courses on AI applications in agriculture and operations
Your membership also unlocks:
