EMBRYOS IN EGGS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the disclosure relate to promoting production of female embryos of oviparous animals.

BACKGROUND

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. 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.

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. 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 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. 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.

In some embodiments, the transmitting is performed during incubation.

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. In some embodiments, the soundwave has a frequency ranging from about 100 Hz to 1200 Hz.

In some embodiments, the fertilized eggs are chicken eggs.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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. 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.

According to some embodiments, the term "production of female embryos" refer to hatching of female hatchlings. 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%.

According to some embodiments, the soundwave is transmitted or intermittently transmitted during incubation. According to some embodiments, the soundwave is transmitted or intermittently transmitted during the first 14 days of incubation.

According to some embodiments, the soundwave is transmitted or intermittently transmitted during one or more predetermined time periods within the incubation period.

According to some embodiments, the defined frequency of the soundwave may vary between the one or more predetermined time periods.

According to some embodiments, the defined frequency may be preselected, for example determined and varied according to a transmission protocol.

According to some embodiments, the defined frequency may be changed randomly during or between time periods.

According to some embodiments, transmitting the soundwave varies depending on an incubation day. According to some embodiments, transmitting the soundwave may include intermittently transmitting the soundwave on defined incubation days.

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. 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.

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%. According to some embodiments, the temperature ranges from 36° to 38°

Celsius, for example, about 37° Celsius. According to some embodiments, the temperature may be controllably changed during incubation.

More details and features of the current invention and its embodiments may be found in the description and the attached drawings. 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

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: Fig. 1 schematically depicts a system for promoting production of female embryos within eggs, according to an exemplary embodiment of the current invention;

Fig. 2 schematically depicts a system for promoting production of female embryos within eggs, according to an exemplary embodiment of the current invention;

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

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

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for promoting the development of female embryos in fertilized eggs by applying a soundwave to incubated fertilized eggs.

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.

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 (°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. 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. 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, 1 1 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. 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. 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). 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.

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.

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.

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°C to 24°C (e.g., in a refrigerator, or a storage room). 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°C and 38°C. Optionally, the temperature ranges between 36.5°C and 37.8°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°C to 37.5°C and the temperature during the last period (e.g., ranging from 1 to 5 days) of incubation ranges from 37°C to 38°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°C to 37.5°C, and for the last 3 to 5 days of incubation the temperature is raised, and ranges between 37°C and 37.8°C. 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.

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.

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.

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. Optionally, the fertilized eggs or hatchlings therefrom are removed from interior space 104 of incubator 102 upon conclusion of the incubation period (step 326).

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

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.

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°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. 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°C.

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 1. Hatching results of fertilized eggs

Example 2 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.

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 1 10 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. 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.

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.

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 subcombination 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.

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.

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.