1. Introduction – A concrete revolution in hatcheries
Grimaud Frères has developed an in-ovo sexing technology called LUNIX™ that identifies the sex of the embryo inside the egg without invasive intervention. This innovation is based on cutting-edge techniques and addresses ethical and animal welfare challenges while maintaining productive efficiency.
Long regarded as a technological feat, in-ovo sexing of ducks is now an industrial reality.
Grimaud Frères, a pioneer in this field, has integrated LUNIX™ technology into a comprehensive approach aimed at structuring, mechanising and streamlining the entire process, profoundly transforming traditional hatching practices.
2. A paradigm shift for teams
LUNIX™ makes it possible to determine the sex of the embryo as early as the first third of the incubation cycle, without opening the egg or disrupting its development.
In hatcheries, the integration of LUNIX™ has enabled a complete reorganisation of production lines. Production rates now reach 10,000 eggs per hour, with a sexing accuracy of nearly 95%.
This advance eliminates the need for manual post-hatching sexing, a repetitive and time-consuming operation, as well as the candling procedure (checking the fertility of the egg). By eliminating the need for these tasks, LUNIX™ contributes to better workflow organisation and reduced drudgery. This translates into a lower risk of injury for operators and improved working conditions.
3. Technology that fits into a comprehensive approach
Thanks to sexing, eggs are sorted according to sex before hatching, thus avoiding the destruction of viable ducklings. Although all eggs must be incubated before their sex can be identified, this method facilitates the organisation of flows and reduces the handling of ducklings, which improves their vitality and also helps to reduce their stress, thereby enhancing their welfare.
LUNIX™ is part of a broader animal welfare strategy promoted by Grimaud Frères. It complements other innovations such as laser treatment of beaks and claws, and is part of a strategy to reduce interventions in breeding.
4. Towards continuous optimisation of working environments and workflows
The industrial deployment of LUNIX™ also paves the way for new projects. Continuous improvement in reading reliability, productivity, technical performance and streamlining of workflows remain priority areas of focus. The reorganisation of hatchery sites is essential in order to integrate tools adapted to the new flows of ducklings that have already been identified. These developments will not only make it easier for employees to do their work, but will also improve the conditions in which the animals are kept, in line with a philosophy of sustainable performance and respect for living creatures.
5. Innovation serving the industry and people
With LUNIX™, deployed on an industrial scale, in-ovo sexing has moved from the prototype stage to a fully operational and proven solution. Grimaud Frères has supported this transformation by providing concrete tools designed to meet the realities on the ground, societal expectations and employee health and safety requirements.
Discussions on adapting infrastructure and optimising flows are continuing this momentum and paving the way for future developments.
For Grimaud Frères, this transformation marks a major step towards more ethical, sustainable, efficient and people-friendly poultry farming.
Author: Sarah BILLAUD