Method for avian sex determination
AssigneePrinzen B.V.
InventorsEddy Decuypere, Frank Fey
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention relates to a method and apparatus for pre-hatch avian embryo sex determination. In particular, the invention relates to a non-invasive method and apparatus for in-ovo determining the sex of avian species while in the egg and allowing to sort the eggs into groups consisting primarily of either male or female embryos. The method comprises the steps of introducing into the egg an antibody designed to match with a sex specific antigen on the embryo, which antibody is labelled, allowing the labelled antibody to migrate to and bind with the sex specific antigen on the embryo, detecting binding of the labelled antibodies on the embryo using detection means positioned outside of the egg.
Claims28
A method for pre-hatch determination of the sex of an embryo in an avian egg, comprising the steps of
- a. introducing into the egg an antibody designed to match with a sex specific antigen on the embryo, which antibody is labelled,
- b. allowing the labelled antibody to migrate to and bind with the sex specific antigen on the embryo,
- c. detecting binding of the labelled antibodies on the embryo using detection means positioned outside of the egg.
A method for in-ovo measurement of labelled molecules comprising
- a. Providing an egg comprising labelled molecules, preferably sex specific molecules, more preferably sex specific antibodies, said molecules having a functional group detectable by in-ovo detection means, preferably a fluorescent group,
- b. in-ovo measurement of the concentration of the labelled molecules, preferably using a fluorescence spectrometer,
- c. evaluating the measured amounts of labelled molecules, preferably for determining the sex of an embryo in the egg.
Apparatus for pre-hatch determination of the sex of an embryo in an egg comprising
- a. Means for introducing into the egg a labelled molecule, preferably a labelled antibody, preferably micro-injection means using a needle or micro-fluid injection means using a high-pressure fluid jet,
- b. Means for in-ovo measurement of concentration of the labelled molecule, preferably a light source and a detector, more preferably a fluorescence spectrometer.
- c. Means for evaluating from the measured amounts of the labelled molecule the presence or absence of binding of the labelled molecule on the embryo.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.