Food Control (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2025.111233"> A line-scan hyperspectral imaging system for sex determination in eggs: (a). Overall system setup for image acquisition, (b). Sample during scanning in the dark room, (c). RGB image of an egg in the Spectronon Pro software. Credit: Food Control (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2025.111233

Eggs and poultry provide important sources of protein globally, driving a major industry with large economic impacts. Challenges to hatchery operations include embryo mortality, fertility, sex determination, and eggshell characteristics. These features have a substantial impact on production, but they are difficult and time-consuming to estimate.

A University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign research team has conducted multiple studies using near infrared (NIR) and hyperspectral imagery (HSI) to evaluate chicken eggs, potentially leading to more efficient, safe, and humane production methods.…