The aim of the project "Mini6Ei" is the practical validation, optimization and development of an automation concept for a new innovative minimally invasive measurement method for sex determination of chicken embryos up to the sixth day of hatching. The measurement process, for which a patent is pending, involves optical excitation of the egg membrane with a light beam that does not threaten or barely affects embryo vitality. The optical response of the egg membrane is then measured. The sex differences are represented in the recorded data. In order to determine the differences, data analysis is performed with specialized algorithms. The further research activities of the project focus on a non-invasive method using direct measurement on the calcareous shell. For validation of the method and further optimization, the underlying sex-specific structures will be identified by means of biochemical analyses.
In another presentation, Prof.'in Dörksen reported on the previous research project "Mob-ln-Ovo". The research team developed a mobile device that enables sex determination in fertilized eggs. The method uses substances that differ between male and female chicks in the egg. By passing a laser through a tiny hole in the egg shell, these substances are stimulated to glow. The sex of the embryo can be determined by he reflected light. With a machine learning algorithm system, the gender can be calculated based on the measurement data. The aim of the project was to further improve the hit rate of at least 98% so far for incubated eggs that are only a few days old. Prof.'in Dörksen was pleased: "We achieved this goal and were thus able to lay an important foundation stone for our new joint research project 'Mini6Ei'. "
That the chemistry between the project partners is right was evident at first glance, because even before the official welcome, the first technical discussions were held with regard to the joint research work.
Finally, the guests were able to gain an insight into the freshly inaugurated InnovationSPIN during a guided tour. The basic concept idea of the InnovationSPIN as a new exchange platform for education, science and business is already being lived in Lemgo. The guests were visibly impressed by the Innovation Campus Lemgo.