AAT Installs New Cheggy In-Ovo Sexing System at Novoponte SAS in Juigné-sur-Sarthe
High-capacity system processes up to 25,000 eggs per hour and brings AAT’s total French installations to seven Cheggy systems across three hatchery sites
Juigné-sur-Sarthe, France – Agri Advanced Technologies (AAT) announced the successful installation of a new Cheggy in-ovo sex determination system at the Novoponte SAS hatchery in Juigné-sur-Sarthe, France. The system was installed at the end of July and is capable of processing up to 25,000 eggs per hour, making it one of the highest-capacity Cheggy installations currently in operation. With this installation, AAT now operates seven Cheggy systems across three hatchery sites in France, underlining the country’s position as one of the company’s most established markets.
Cheggy is AAT’s non-invasive in-ovo sexing solution for brown layer breeds. Using hyperspectral analysis, the system determines the sex of a developing chick at an early stage of incubation without opening the egg or affecting embryo viability. By identifying chick sex before hatch, the technology allows hatcheries to plan production more efficiently while supporting the poultry industry’s growing focus on animal welfare, sustainability, and supply chain transparency.
“France remains one of the most important markets for Cheggy, and this new installation at Novoponte underlines the continued momentum we are seeing across the country,” said Jörg Hurlin, Managing Director of Agri Advanced Technologies. “With seven systems now running across three sites, we are proud to support French hatcheries as they scale up sustainable, welfare-focused production.”
Novoponte SAS supplies Novogen genetics to egg producers across France. The addition of Cheggy at its Juigné-sur-Sarthe site allows Novoponte to offer in-ovo sexed chicks as part of its production capabilities, supporting growing customer demand for early-stage sex determination and welfare-certified supply chains.
A Technology Designed for Modern Egg Production
The new system at Juigné-sur-Sarthe integrates easily into existing hatchery workflows while delivering high-speed, high-volume processing. Additional advantages include:
- High throughput of up to 25,000 eggs per hour – suitable for large-scale commercial hatchery operations.
- Fully non-invasive procedure – no impact on embryo health or hatch outcomes.
- Cost-efficient operation – no consumables, no single-use waste, and minimal maintenance requirements.
- Compact footprint – straightforward integration into hatcheries of varying sizes.
The installation in Juigné-sur-Sarthe is part of AAT’s continued expansion across France, where the company has built one of its strongest networks of Cheggy installations. AAT’s technology is also in operation across Europe, North America, Brazil, and Australia, reflecting the broader industry shift toward in-ovo sexing as a standard practice in modern egg production.