AAT and SBA launch of Cheggy in-ovo sexing 
technology in Australia

Agri Advanced Technologies (AAT) and Specialised Breeders Australia (SBA) officially launched the Cheggy in-ovo sex determination system in the Australian market.
With the first Cheggy machine now fully installed and operational at SBA’s hatchery in Victoria, Australian egg producers can, for the first time, order chicks whose sex has been identified before hatching.
The companies jointly presented the technology to the wider industry at the PIX Food with Purpose Conference at the Gold Coast, QLD, during May 2026.
Cheggy is the world’s leading non-invasive in-ovo sexing solution for brown layer breeds.
Using advanced hyperspectral analysis, the system determines the sex of a developing chick at an early stage during development without opening the egg or compromising embryo health.
This breakthrough enables hatcheries to plan production more efficiently while supporting emerging welfare, sustainability, and transparency standards across the poultry supply chain.
“We are excited to bring Cheggy to Australia and to support a growing industry focus on animal welfare and resource efficiency,” said Jörg Hurlin, Managing Director of Agri Advanced Technologies.
“Cheggy combines high accuracy, speed and operational reliability, making it an ideal solution for the Australian market as producers look for scalable and economically sustainable approaches to early-stage chick management.”
With the system now running in Victoria, SBA becomes the first hatchery in Australia to offer commercially available in-ovo sexed chicks.
In addition, the new in-ovo sexing technology in the SBA hatchery was certified by a well-known independent nonprofit organization Humane Farm Animal Care to ensure animal welfare in a traceable and documented manner.
“Introducing Cheggy is an important milestone for SBA and for the national layer industry,” said Eugene Viljoen, Chief Executive Officer of Specialised Breeders Australia.
“At SBA, we see ourselves not only as a genetic leader, but also as a driver of biosecurity and animal welfare innovation for the benefit of the Australia layer industry.
“Being a first mover in the Asia-Pacific region reflects our commitment to shaping the future, and partnering with AAT enable us to bring this proven technology to Australia.
SBA could produce in-ovo sexed chicks as an additional product offering available from 01 June 2026.
“All in-ovo sexed chicks produced by SBA will contain the sought after ‘Certified Humane’ trademark, which is a special certification to have in our industry”.

A technology designed for modern egg production
Cheggy delivers high-speed, high-volume processing while integrating easily into existing hatchery workflows. As a fully non-invasive procedure, the technology mitigates contamination risks and ensures the safety of the 
embryo throughout the measurement and sorting process.

Additional advantages include:
• High throughput of 20,000 eggs per hour – capable of processing large volumes suitable for commercial hatcheries.
• Cost-efficient operation – no consumables, no single-use waste, and minimal maintenance requirements.
• Compact footprint – a small spatial requirement for easy integration into hatcheries of varying sizes.
• Improved sustainability – enabling early selection helps the industry address long-standing challenges related to male chicks in layer 
production.
The adoption of in-ovo sexing technologies is expanding globally as markets transition toward higher welfare standards and greater transparency.
With installations already operating across Europe, North America, and South America, the Australian launch marks another step in AAT’s international growth strategy.
AAT and SBA were present at the PIX Food with Purpose Show in the Gold Coast, QLD, in May 2026 to share information about CHEGGY, provide technical insights and respond to 
questions the attendees might have.

Australia’s first in-ovo sexed 
chicks delivered in commercial layer industry first
SBA has now successfully delivered the country’s first commercial in-ovo sexed day old chicks to McLean Farms.
The inaugural placement was made in June 2026, making McLean Farms the first commercial egg producer in Australia to receive chicks produced using in-ovo sex determination technology.
With the first commercial placement now complete, Australia joins a growing number of countries, including Germany, France, Brazil and the United States, where the technology is being used commercially.
In the EU, in-ovo sexing technology has reached 28% market penetration.
According to Innovate Animal Ag’s Australian consumer survey, conducted by Ipsos in August 2025 with 1,000 Australian consumers, there is strong market demand in Australia for eggs produced using in-ovo sexing.
84% of respondents expressed interest in purchasing in-ovo sexed eggs, and 66% were willing to pay a premium.
“The delivery of Australia’s first commercial in-ovo sexed chicks is a proud moment for SBA and a genuine milestone for our industry,” Mr Viljoen said.
“As Australia’s market-leading supplier of commercial layer genetics, we are investing in innovations that support the long-term needs of egg producers: our belief is that Australian producers deserve access to the best technology the world has to offer and should be able to produce new products in response to changing consumer expectations.”
Melinda Hashimoto, Chief Executive Officer of Egg Farmers of Australia, said “Australian egg farmers work tirelessly to produce high-quality eggs while also meeting the evolving expectations of consumers and the community.
“The commercial delivery of in-ovo sexed chicks is a positive development for our industry, that will provide greater, high-welfare product options for layers and the end consumer.
“We congratulate SBA and McLean Farms on this milestone.”