U.S. patent application number 16/603682 was filed with the patent office on 2020-04-16 for devices and methods for promoting production of female embryos in eggs.
The applicant listed for this patent is N.R SOOS TECHNOLOGY LTD.. Invention is credited to Mohamad HAJ' NASHAT.
Application Number | 20200113157 16/603682 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63792427 |
Filed Date | 2020-04-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200113157 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HAJ' NASHAT; Mohamad |
April 16, 2020 |
DEVICES AND METHODS FOR PROMOTING PRODUCTION OF FEMALE EMBRYOS IN
EGGS
Abstract
There is provided herein a system and a method for promoting
production of female embryos in eggs. The method comprises the
steps of: incubating a plurality of fertilized eggs to promote
hatching of the fertilized eggs; and transmitting a soundwave
having a frequency ranging from 100 Hz to 1200 Hz to the fertilized
eggs, thereby promoting production of female embryos in the
fertilized eggs.
Inventors: |
HAJ' NASHAT; Mohamad;
(Kaukab Abu al-Hija, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
N.R SOOS TECHNOLOGY LTD. |
Kaukab Abu al-Hija |
|
IL |
|
|
Family ID: |
63792427 |
Appl. No.: |
16/603682 |
Filed: |
April 12, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
April 12, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IL2018/050419 |
371 Date: |
October 8, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62485025 |
Apr 13, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 41/023 20130101;
A61D 19/00 20130101; A01K 41/04 20130101; A01K 41/00 20130101; A01K
45/007 20130101; A01K 41/06 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01K 45/00 20060101
A01K045/00; A01K 41/04 20060101 A01K041/04; A01K 41/02 20060101
A01K041/02 |
Claims
1.-22. (canceled)
23. A method for promoting production of female embryos in eggs,
the method comprising the steps of: incubating a plurality of
fertilized eggs to promote hatching of the fertilized eggs; and
transmitting a soundwave having a defined frequency to the
fertilized eggs, thereby promoting production of female embryos in
the fertilized eggs.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein said fertilized eggs are
chicken eggs.
25. The method of claim 23, wherein said incubating is performed
for a duration of about 21 days.
26. The method of claim 23, wherein the soundwave is transmitted or
intermittently transmitted during incubation.
27. The method of claim 23, wherein the soundwave is transmitted or
intermittently transmitted during the first 14 days of
incubation.
28. The method of claim 23, wherein the soundwave is transmitted or
intermittently transmitted during one or more predetermined time
periods within the incubation period.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein the defined frequency of the
soundwave varies between the one or more predetermined time
periods.
30. The method of claim 23, wherein transmitting the soundwave
varies depending on an incubation day.
31. The method of claim 23, wherein transmitting the soundwave
comprises intermittently transmitting soundwaves on defined
incubation days.
32. The method of claim 23, wherein the defined frequency ranges
from about 100 Hz to 1200 Hz.
33. The method of claim 32, wherein a frequency during a first
predetermined time period ranges from 600 Hz to 700 Hz.
34. The method of claim 33, wherein a frequency during a second
predetermined time period ranges from 500 Hz to 600 Hz.
35. The method of claim 34, wherein a frequency during a third
predetermined time period ranges from 500 Hz to 700 Hz.
36. The method of claim 23, wherein a duration of a predetermined
time period ranges between 10 minutes to 5 hours.
37. The method of claim 23, wherein a pause between two successive
predetermined time periods ranges between 1 hour to 5 days.
38. The method of claim 23, wherein said incubation is performed
under at least one controlled environmental condition selected from
humidity and temperature.
39. The method of claim 38, wherein the humidity ranges from 50% to
80%.
40. The method of claim 38, wherein the temperature ranges from
36.degree. to 38.degree. Celsius.
41. The method of claim 23, wherein the resulted percentage of
female hatchlings is over 75%.
42. A system comprising: an incubator for incubating fertilized
eggs under predetermined environmental conditions to promote
hatching of the fertilized eggs; a soundwave transmitter configured
to transmit a variable frequency ranging from about 100 Hz to 2000
Hz during incubation to promote production of female embryos in the
fertilized egg; and a controller configured to operate the
transmitter.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Embodiments of the disclosure relate to promoting production
of female embryos of oviparous animals.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In animal production markets such as the poultry market, the
ability to control or affect the sex of the animals may enhance
production and efficiency of production.
[0003] For example, in egg laying operations only hens or females
are desired. Thus, when a flock of birds is born, only female birds
are retained, and often male birds are euthanized or otherwise
disposed of. Because males and females are born at an approximate
50/50 sex ratio, approximately half of all avian born at such
operations are thus lost and unproductive or provide a diminished
production.
[0004] There is thus a need in the art for controlling, promoting,
or otherwise influencing the sex of the birds before hatching in
order to selectively produce more male or female birds, and thereby
increase production and decrease waste and costs.
[0005] The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations
related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not
exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become
apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the
specification and a study of the figures.
SUMMARY
[0006] The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described
and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods
which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in
scope.
[0007] According to some embodiments, there is provided a method
for promoting production of female embryos in eggs, the method
comprising the steps of incubating a plurality of fertilized eggs
to promote hatching of the fertilized eggs; and transmitting a
soundwave to the fertilized eggs, thereby promoting production of
female embryos in the fertilized eggs.
[0008] In some embodiments, the transmitting is performed during
incubation.
[0009] In some embodiments, the incubation period is defined as the
time period that begins upon laying of an egg, preferably a
fertilized egg, and ends upon hatching thereof. The incubation is
typically about 21 days.
[0010] In some embodiments, the soundwave has a frequency ranging
from about 100 Hz to 1200 Hz.
[0011] In some embodiments, the fertilized eggs are chicken
eggs.
[0012] In some embodiments, the incubating step is performed for a
duration of about 21 days. In some embodiments, the incubation is
performed under at least one predetermined environmental condition
selected from humidity and temperature. In some embodiments, the
humidity ranges from 70% to 80%. In some embodiments, the
temperature ranges from 36 to 38 degree Celsius.
[0013] In some embodiments, the soundwave is transmitted during one
or more predetermined time periods. In some embodiments, each of
the one or more predetermined time periods ranges from 7 to 10
days. In some embodiments, the frequency of the soundwave varies
between the one or more predetermined time periods.
[0014] In some embodiments, a wave frequency during a first
predetermined time period ranges from 700 Hz to 800 Hz. In some
embodiments, a wave frequency during a second predetermined time
period ranges from 500 Hz to 600 Hz. In some embodiments, a wave
frequency during a third predetermined time period ranges from 700
Hz to 800 Hz.
[0015] In some embodiments, transmitting the soundwave includes:
transmitting a frequency ranging from about 700 Hz to 800 Hz during
a first week of incubation; transmitting a frequency ranging from
about 500 Hz to 600 Hz during a second week of incubation; and
transmitting a frequency ranging from about 700 Hz to 800 Hz during
a third week of incubation.
[0016] According to some embodiments, there is provided a system
comprising: an incubator for incubating fertilized eggs under
predetermined environmental conditions to promote hatching of the
fertilized eggs; a soundwave transmitter configured to transmit a
variable frequency ranging from about 100 Hz to 2000 Hz during
incubation to promote production of female embryos in the
fertilized egg; and a controller configured to operate the
transmitter. According to some embodiments, the controller is
further configured to control the temperature and/or the humidity
during incubation.
[0017] According to some embodiments, there is provided a method
for promoting production of female embryos in eggs, the method
comprising the steps of: incubating a plurality of fertilized eggs
to promote hatching of the fertilized eggs; and transmitting a
soundwave having a defined frequency to the fertilized eggs,
thereby promoting production of female embryos in the fertilized
eggs.
[0018] According to some embodiments, the fertilized eggs are
chicken eggs. According to some embodiments, the incubating is
performed for a duration of about 21 days.
[0019] According to some embodiments, the term "production of
female embryos" refer to hatching of female hatchlings.
[0020] According to some embodiments, the percentage of female
hatchlings, applying the methods and/or system disclosed herein, is
over 70%, for example, over 75%, between 75% to 95%, over 80%, over
85%, over 90% or over 95%.
[0021] According to some embodiments, the soundwave is transmitted
or intermittently transmitted during incubation.
[0022] According to some embodiments, the soundwave is transmitted
or intermittently transmitted during the first 14 days of
incubation.
[0023] According to some embodiments, the soundwave is transmitted
or intermittently transmitted during one or more predetermined time
periods within the incubation period.
[0024] According to some embodiments, the defined frequency of the
soundwave may vary between the one or more predetermined time
periods.
[0025] According to some embodiments, the defined frequency may be
preselected, for example determined and varied according to a
transmission protocol.
[0026] According to some embodiments, the defined frequency may be
changed randomly during or between time periods.
[0027] According to some embodiments, transmitting the soundwave
varies depending on an incubation day.
[0028] According to some embodiments, transmitting the soundwave
may include intermittently transmitting the soundwave on defined
incubation days.
[0029] According to some embodiments, the defined frequency ranges
from about 100 Hz to 1200 Hz, for example, 500 Hz to 600 Hz, 550 Hz
to 650 Hz, 600 Hz to 700 Hz, 600 Hz to 800 Hz.
[0030] According to some embodiments, the sound having determined
frequency is transmitted during discrete (optionally,
predetermined) time periods within the incubation period. According
to some embodiments, the frequency during a first predetermined
time period ranges from 600 Hz to 700 Hz. According to some
embodiments, the frequency during a second predetermined time
period ranges from 500 Hz to 600 Hz. According to some embodiments,
the frequency during a third predetermined time period ranges from
500 Hz to 700 Hz. According to some embodiments, the duration of a
predetermined time period ranges between 10 minutes to 5 hours, for
example, about 10 minutes to 60 minutes, 30 minutes to 60 minutes,
30 minutes to 120 minutes, 45 minutes to 90 minutes, 1 hour to 2
hours, 2-3 hours or 3-5 hours. According to some embodiments, a
pause between two successive time periods ranges between 1 hour to
5 days for example, 1-4 hours, 2-6 hours, 3-8 hours, 6-12 hours,
1-2 days, 2-5 days.
[0031] According to some embodiments, the incubation is performed
under at least one controlled environmental condition selected from
humidity and temperature. According to some embodiments, the
humidity ranges from 50% to 80%. According to some embodiments, the
humidity is about 55%.
[0032] According to some embodiments, the temperature ranges from
36.degree. to 38.degree. Celsius, for example, about 37.degree.
Celsius. According to some embodiments, the temperature may be
controllably changed during incubation.
[0033] More details and features of the current invention and its
embodiments may be found in the description and the attached
drawings.
[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although
methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described
herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present
invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. In
case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions,
will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are
illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0035] Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures.
Dimensions of components and features shown in the figures are
generally chosen for convenience and clarity of presentation and
are not necessarily shown to scale. It is intended that the
embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered
illustrative rather than restrictive. The figures are listed
below:
[0036] FIG. 1 schematically depicts a system for promoting
production of female embryos within eggs, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the current invention;
[0037] FIG. 2 schematically depicts a system for promoting
production of female embryos within eggs, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the current invention;
[0038] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of the steps of a method for
promoting production of female embryos within eggs, in accordance
with some embodiments; and
[0039] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of the steps of another method for
promoting production of female embryos within eggs, in accordance
with some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] Disclosed herein are systems and methods for promoting the
development of female embryos in fertilized eggs by applying a
soundwave to incubated fertilized eggs.
[0041] Throughout the following description, similar elements of
different embodiments of the device are referenced by element
numbers differing by integer multiples of 100. For example, an
incubator of FIG. 1 is referenced by the number 102, and an
incubator of FIG. 2, which corresponds to incubator 102 of FIG. 1,
is referenced by the number 202.
[0042] Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which is a block diagram
showing a system 100 that may be used to promote development of
female embryos in fertilized eggs, in accordance with an
embodiment. System 100 includes an incubator 102 having an interior
space 104 for housing fertilized eggs (not shown); and a
transmitter 106 for transmitting soundwaves. Transmitter 106 may be
located inside interior space 104 of incubator 102 or outside of
incubator 102 (as shown in FIG. 1), such that the soundwaves are
directed to incubator 102. Incubator 102 may further include one or
more cells 108 (e.g. trays) denoted by way of example as 108a-108d,
disposed within interior space 104, for holding the fertilized
eggs. In a non-limiting example, eggs are held by trays, each tray
include a plurality of slots, and each slot configured to stably
hold one egg. A control unit 110 may be configured to control
operation of system 100 and/or any of its components, such as to
regulate environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity.
Optionally, interior space 104 is insulated from external
environment. A suitable temperature within interior space 104 may
range from 36 to 38 degrees Celsius (.degree. C.). A suitable
humidity percentage within interior space 104 may range from 70% to
80%. In some embodiments, the humidity percentage ranges from 50%
to 85%, 55% to 85%, 60% to 85%, 65% to 85%, 70% to 85%, 75% to 85%,
50% to 80%, 55% to 80%, 60% to 80%, 65% to 80%, 70% to 80%, 75% to
80%, 50% to 75%, 55% to 75%, 50% to 70%, 55% to 70%, 60% to 70%,
65% to 70%, 50% to 65%, 55% to 65%, 50% to 60%, or 55% to 60%. Each
possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present
invention.
[0043] Transmitter 106 may be operated to transmit soundwaves of
varying predetermined frequencies on a continuous and/or time
varying basis to eggs housed in one or more cells 108 within
interior space 104. Transmitter 106 is operatively coupled to
interior space 104. Control unit 110 may be configured to control
the operation of transmitter 106, for example, to control a
frequency of the soundwaves and/or a duration of the transmission
of the soundwaves. Control unit 110 may operate transmitter 106 on
a continuous, a periodic or a time varying duration. Transmitter
106 may also have a separate control unit for controlling the
above-mentioned operations, which is separated from Control unit
110, or alternatively may be integrated within control unit
110.
[0044] Transmitter 106 may transmit in recurrent cycles.
Optionally, each of the cycles has a duration of between an hour
and two weeks. Optionally, the duration is about 1 day, 2 days, 3
days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 8 days, 9 days, 10 days, 11
days, 12 days, 13 days, or 14 days. Each possibility represents a
separate embodiment of the present invention. Optionally, the wave
frequency at each cycle is constant. Alternatively, the wave
frequency at each cycle may vary.
[0045] Control unit 110 may activate/de-activate each component
(e.g., transmitter 106, heater/cooler/thermostat 114, humidifier
116, etc.) of system 100, and may further regulate the operation of
any one of the components of system 100 to reach a pre-determined
temperature, humidity, or the like. In some embodiments, control
unit 110 includes or is electrically coupled to sensors (not shown)
located in interior space 104 to receive information on current
environmental conditions including level of sound, frequency of
sound, temperature, humidity, and the like. In some embodiments,
control unit 110 is operative to control any one of the components
of system 100 according to a pre-determined schedule. Optionally,
control unit 110 may operate a heater and/or cooler 114 for
controlling a temperature level within interior space 104 of
incubator 102. Optionally, control unit 110 may operate a
humidifier and/or de-humidifier 116 for controlling a level of
moisture within interior space 104 of incubator 102.
[0046] Optionally, system 100 is further provided with an actuator
(not shown) to continuously or periodically move one or more cells
108 during incubation of one or more eggs. In a non-limiting
example, the actuator is operative to rotate or tilt one or more
cells 108 between a horizontal position and angled positions (not
shown).
[0047] Optionally, system 100 is further provided with a light
source (not shown) to emit light within interior space 104 of
incubator 102. Control unit 110 may be further operative to control
a wavelength of light emitted by the light source.
[0048] Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which is a block diagram
showing a system 200 that may be used to promote development of
female embryos in fertilized eggs, in accordance with some
embodiments. System 200 is substantially similar to system 100
described in FIG. 1, with some differences. A notable difference is
that an interior space 204 of an incubator 202 is thermally
insulated from the external environment by a surrounding insulating
layer 205. Non-limiting examples of a suitable insulating material
include steel wool, fiberglass, mineral wool, cellulose,
polyurethane foam, polystyrene or any other thermal insulating
material. Further, some components of system 200 such as a heater
and/or cooler (thermostat) 214, a humidifier 216, and a transmitter
206 may be disposed within interior space 204 of incubator 202.
Interior space 204 may further include an air filter 218 for
filtering air contained within interior space 204. Any commercially
available air filter may be suitable. Optionally, air filter 218 is
an ionic air filter (Ionizer') which ionizes and filters air.
Humidifier 216 may include a source of water 216a (e.g., water
tank) disposed within interior space 204. Humidifier 216 may add
moisture to the filtered air contained within interior space 204
from source of water 216a to generate humidified filtered air
contained within interior space 204. Non-limiting examples of
suitable humidifiers include: an ultrasonic humidifier, an
evaporative humidifier, a vaporizer, and an impeller humidifier.
Optionally, a control unit 210 may be configured to receive data
from one or more sensors (e.g., sensors 207, 217) located in
interior space 204. The received information is indicative of
current environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity,
level of sound, frequency of sound, and air pollution). A humidity
sensor 217a (or multiple humidity sensors 217a) may be disposed
within interior space 204 and transmit information on current
humidity level to control unit 210. A temperature sensor 217b (or
multiple temperature sensors 217b) may be disposed within interior
space 204 and transmit information on current temperature to
control unit 210. A receiver 207 may be disposed within interior
space 204 and transmit information on level of sound and/or
frequency of sound to control unit 210. Control unit 210 may
provide one or more control signals computed from the information
received from any of the components of system 200.
[0049] Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which is a flow chart of
the method for promoting production of female oviparous (such as
avian) embryos within eggs, operative, for example, in accordance
with the system of FIG. 1.
[0050] Fertilized eggs (not shown) may be disposed for example
within an incubator, such as within interior space 104 of incubator
102 (step 320). Optionally, the fertilized eggs are held within one
or more cells 108 (e.g. trays), disposed within interior space 104.
Prior to disposition within interior space 104, the fertilized eggs
may be kept for 1 to 21 days at a temperature ranging from
4.degree. C. to 24.degree. C. (e.g., in a refrigerator, or a
storage room).
[0051] Incubation of the fertilized eggs under pre-determined
environmental conditions is initiated (step 322). Optionally, the
pre-determined environmental conditions include humidity and/or
temperature. Optionally, the humidity ranges between 70% and 80%.
Optionally, the temperature ranges between 36.degree. C. and
38.degree. C. Optionally, the temperature ranges between
36.5.degree. C. and 37.8.degree. C. Optionally, the temperature may
vary during incubation. Optionally, the temperature increases
during incubation. In a non-limiting example, the temperature
during a first period of incubation (e.g., ranging from 15 to 19
days) ranges from 36.degree. C. to 37.5.degree. C. and the
temperature during the last period (e.g., ranging from 1 to 5 days)
of incubation ranges from 37.degree. C. to 38.degree. C. In another
non-limiting example, during incubation of fertilized chicken eggs,
the humidity ranges from 70% to 80% and the temperature ranges from
36.5.degree. C. to 37.5.degree. C., and for the last 3 to 5 days of
incubation the temperature is raised, and ranges between 37.degree.
C. and 37.8.degree. C.
[0052] Optionally, the predetermined environmental conditions
further include movement/actuation of one or more cells 108. The
environmental conditions may be applied according to a
pre-determined multi-day schedule, such that different
environmental conditions can be applied on different days and/or at
different times during each day. A skilled artisan will appreciate
that the environmental conditions are generally selected to promote
hatching of the fertilized eggs. The fertilized eggs may be
incubated for a predetermined incubation period. The predetermined
incubation period may range from 21 to 24 days, 21 to 23 days, 21
to 22 days, 20 to 24 days, 20 to 23 days, 20 to 22 days, 20 to 21
days, 19 days to 24 days, 19 days to 23 days, 19 days to 22 days,
or 19 days to 21 days. Each possibility represents a separate
embodiment of the present invention. Optionally, the predetermined
incubation period is about 21 days.
[0053] Pre-determined soundwaves are transmitted to the fertilized
eggs (step 324). The frequency and duration of soundwaves are
selected to promote production of female embryos in the fertilized
eggs. In some embodiments, soundwaves of a plurality of frequencies
may be transmitted. A skilled artisan will appreciate that
frequencies and durations of the transmitted soundwaves may be
selected according to, for example, a target oviparous animal, or
environmental conditions (e.g., incubation period, temperature,
humidity, etc.). The transmitted soundwaves may have a frequency
ranging, for example, between 1 Hertz (Hz) to 200 Mega Hz (MHz).
Optionally, the transmitted soundwaves have a frequency ranging
from 20 Hz to 20 kilo Hz (kHz). Optionally, the frequency ranges
from 100 Hz to 1200 Hz. Optionally, the frequency ranges from 200
Hz to 1000 Hz. Optionally, the frequency ranges from 400 Hz to 900
Hz. Optionally, the frequency ranges from 200 Hz to 800 Hz. In some
embodiments, the sound is an ultrasound. In such embodiments, the
frequency is more than 20 kHz. In some embodiments, the sound is an
infrasound. In such embodiments, the frequency is less than 20 Hz.
The soundwaves may be transmitted according to a multi-day
schedule, such that different soundwave frequencies may be applied
for different periods of time and/or at different times during each
period in accordance with environmental conditions applied over the
multi-day schedule. The soundwaves may be transmitted during one or
more predetermined time periods. Optionally, each of the one or
more predetermined time periods ranges from 7 to 10 days. Steps 322
and 324 may be performed simultaneously. Additionally or
alternatively, each of steps 322 and 324 may be initiated in an
interchangeable order.
[0054] In one non-limiting example, the transmission of the
pre-determined soundwaves to the fertilized eggs is initiated upon
initiation of incubation and continues during at least part of the
incubation period. In another non-limiting example, the
transmission of the pre-determined soundwaves to the fertilized
eggs is initiated prior to initiation of the incubation and
continues during at least part of the incubation period.
[0055] In another non-limiting example, for an incubation period of
three weeks, the transmitter is operated to transmit a soundwave
frequency ranging from 600-800 Hz for the first week of incubation,
a soundwave frequency ranging from 400-600 Hz for the second week
of incubation, and a soundwave frequency ranging from 600-800 Hz
for the third week of incubation.
[0056] Optionally, the fertilized eggs or hatchlings therefrom are
removed from interior space 104 of incubator 102 upon conclusion of
the incubation period (step 326).
[0057] Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which is a flow chart of
another method for promoting production of female oviparous (e.g.,
avian) embryos within eggs, operative, for example, in accordance
with the system of FIG. 1. The method of FIG. 4 is substantially
similar to that of FIG. 3. However, the transmitted frequencies of
soundwaves in steps 424a-424c of FIG. 4, which correspond to step
324 of FIG. 3, vary per each period for at least three consecutive
periods. Optionally, the transmitted frequencies of soundwaves in
steps 424a-424c vary per each week for three consecutive weeks.
Soundwaves having a frequency ranging from about 700 Hz to 800 Hz
are transmitted to the fertilized eggs during a first period (e.g.,
a first week) of incubation (step 424a). Soundwaves having a
frequency ranging from about 500 Hz to 600 Hz are transmitted to
the fertilized eggs during a second period (e.g., a second week) of
incubation (step 424b). Soundwaves having a frequency ranging from
about 700 Hz to 800 Hz are transmitted to the fertilized eggs
during a third period (e.g., third week) of incubation (step 424c).
Optionally, steps 424a, 424b and 424c, are performed in a different
order. Optionally, each of steps 424a, 424b and 424c may be
performed for about a week. Optionally, each of steps 424a, 424b
and 424c may be performed for 7 to 10 days.
EXPERIMENTAL EXAMPLES
Example 1
[0058] The methods and systems described herein above, were
experimentally tested for promoting production of female embryos
within fertilized eggs. Specifically, a percentage of female
hatchlings resulting from incubation of fertilized eggs in the
incubating system and under the conditions disclosed herein to
promote production of female embryos, was compared to a percentage
of female hatchlings resulting from incubation of fertilized eggs
in a standard incubating system under standard hatching conditions.
Experimental tests were conducted using fertilized eggs of two
distinct breeds of chickens: a broiler breed (Ross flock) and a
layer breed (Lohmann flock). For each breed, 200 fertilized chicken
eggs were divided into two groups: a test group and a control
group. Fertilized chicken eggs of the test group (`test group
eggs`) and fertilized chicken eggs of the control group (`control
group eggs`) were simultaneously incubated for a period of 21
days.
[0059] The test group eggs were incubated in an incubating system
which includes a transmitter for transmitting soundwaves, such as
incubating system 100 which includes transmitter 106. During the
incubation period the humidity ranges were 70% to 80%, and the
incubation temperature was approximately 37.degree. C. The
transmitter was operated to transmit soundwaves during the
incubation period. The wave frequency was altered every week: a
frequency ranging from 700 to 800 Hz was transmitted during the
first week, a frequency ranging from 500 to 600 Hz was transmitted
during the second week, and a frequency ranging from 700 to 800 Hz
was transmitted during the third week.
[0060] The control group eggs were incubated in a standard
incubator. During the incubation period of the test group eggs the
humidity ranges were 70% to 80%, and the incubation temperature was
approximately 37.degree. C.
[0061] Following hatching of the eggs from the test group and the
control group, the sex of the hatchlings was determined. As
demonstrated in Table 1, the test group eggs of both breeds
resulted in a higher percentage of female hatchlings. These results
indicate that the method and system described herein may be
utilized to promote production of female embryos in fertilized
eggs.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Hatching results of fertilized eggs Breed
Ross Lohmann flock Test group Control group Test group Control
group Total eggs 100 100 100 100 Hatching rate 60% 60% 60% 40%
Female 75% 51% 89% 50% percentage
Example 2
[0062] Further experiments are conducted in industrial hatchers
examining 3000 fertilized eggs of a laying chicken breed (Lohmann).
A test group of about 3000 fertilized eggs is incubated in an
industrial hatcher under standard conditions. A test group of 3000
fertilized eggs is incubated in the industrial hatcher, utilizing
the method and the system, such as system 100, described herein
above. To this end, control over the operation of a transmitter,
such as transmitter 106, is integrated into the computer system of
the industrial hatchery.
[0063] Following an incubation period of 21 days, the hatching
percentage and percentage of female hatchlings in both the control
and test group is determined. Next, the health and laying potential
of the hens of the test group is compared to that of hens resulting
from standard incubating. To this end, pullets, which hatched from
fertilized eggs of the test group, are placed in a standard poultry
house and kept under standard conditions, for 110 days until they
reach sexual maturity and become hens. Next, the hens are moved to
a laying poultry house. The mortality rate of the pullets and the
hens of the test group is monitored and compared to the mortality
rate of control pullets and hens which are simultaneously grown in
the same poultry houses (about 60,000). Further the average egg
yield per hen of the hens in the test group as well as the laying
period are compared to hens of the control group.
[0064] While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have
been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize
certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations
thereof. It is therefore intended that the following appended
claims and claims hereafter introduced be interpreted to include
all such modifications, permutations, additions and
sub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope.
[0065] In the description and claims of the application, each of
the words "comprise" "include" and "have", and forms thereof, are
not necessarily limited to members in a list with which the words
may be associated.
[0066] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention,
which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate
embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single
embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which
are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment,
may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination
or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention.
Certain features described in the context of various embodiments
are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments,
unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.
Aspects of the present invention are described herein with
reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of
methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products
according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood
that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block
diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations
and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable
program instructions.
[0067] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate
the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible
implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products
according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this
regard, each block in the flowcharts or block diagrams may
represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which
comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the
specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations,
the functions noted in the block may occur in a different order
than the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown
in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently,
or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order,
depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted
that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart
illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams
and/or flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by special
purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions
or act or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and
computer instructions.
[0068] Although the invention has been described in conjunction
with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many
alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to
those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace
all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall
within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. All
publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this
specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by
reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each
individual publication, patent or patent application was
specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein
by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any
reference in this application shall not be construed as an
admission that such reference is available as prior art to the
present invention.
* * * * *