Why Is Automation Essential for Poultry Producers? 

The poultry industry is growing fast. In 2026, it’s predicted that the global poultry industry will reach $493.21 billion (that’s a CAGR of 8.9%). This surge isn’t just about producing more—it’s about producing smarter. 

As demand rises, the pressure on hatcheries and integrated operations to deliver reliable, efficient, and scalable performance continues to mount. Manual processes, long dependent on highly trained labor, are proving unsustainable in today’s fast-paced environment. 

That’s where automation steps in. From egg handling to chick processing, automation is reshaping the sector—and sexing technologies, particularly for broilers, have emerged as one of the most impactful areas of transformation. 

Unlocking the Full Potential of Broilers 

Broiler sexing offers measurable gains—from improved feed efficiency to tighter flock uniformity and higher processing yields. But many producers still haven’t adopted it. Why? Because traditional sexing methods depend on specialized manual labor that’s becoming increasingly scarce. 

Around the world, hatcheries are struggling to recruit, train, and retain skilled chick sexers. Interest in these repetitive, high-pressure roles is declining—even in regions with lower wages. As a result, manual sexing often becomes the bottleneck, limiting throughput and consistency while increasing bird handling and biosecurity risks. 

That’s where automation is gaining traction. 

AI-powered sexing technologies deliver speed, accuracy, and reliability—without the limitations of manual teams. They’re helping producers scale, improve predictability, and fully capture the value of sexing across the entire operation. 

👋 Hello, WingScan™  

WingScan is TARGAN’s AI-powered chick sexing solution designed specifically for high-throughput commercial hatcheries. Using proprietary imaging systems, the platform scans each day-old chick to identify feather-based pattern—automatically classifying and sorting chicks with over 97% accuracy. 

Key system features include: 

• Up to 160,000 chicks per hour (depending on configuration) 

• Compact, modular design to fit any hatchery layout 

• Plug-and-play integration with existing operations 

• Built-in real-time data capture for better planning and performance tracking  

WingScan has now processed over 1 billion chicks worldwide across 40+ systems, making it the most established commercial solution of its kind. 

Addressing Labor Bottlenecks—Without Compromise 

Recruitment and retention of skilled chick sexers is a growing challenge across the industry, automation can address staff shortages, training time, and fluctuating performance levels — helping to make them things of the past. 

Unlike manual sexers, who may experience declining accuracy over long shifts, automated technology maintains peak performance at all times. This provides consistent results without fatigue, sick days, or human error. 

 Enhanced Welfare, Better Biosecurity 

 It's not just about speed and accuracy.  

Automated feather sexing also supports chick welfare and enhances hatchery biosecurity. Manual sexing involves direct manipulation of the bird, often requiring crews to handle each chick individually. This repeated handling can lead to stress, minor injuries, and compromise early chick performance. 

Automated systems reduce the need for manual contact, minimizing physical strain on the chicks and helping maintain overall quality. Fewer hands on the birds also means fewer opportunities for pathogen transfer, reducing biosecurity risks and helping safeguard the hatchery environment. 

Importantly, sexing crews can be reallocated to more valuable roles—focused on assessing chick quality, overseeing hatch window management, and supporting overall flock health. 

Fast Track to The Farm 

Early access to feed and water is essential for maximizing chick viability and long-term performance. When chicks are delayed at the hatchery due to manual feather sexing, extended holding times can disrupt this critical window—impacting hydration, nutrient absorption, and thermoregulation. 

By enabling high-throughput with consistent accuracy, automated sexing systems allow hatcheries to move birds more efficiently from the hatcher to the farm. The result is faster chick placement, stronger starts, and improved survivability. 

Producers implementing these systems are seeing measurable reductions in early mortality and better uniformity at placement—laying the groundwork for healthier, more productive flocks. 

Downstream Benefits Begin at the Hatchery 

Early, accurate chick sexing improves outcomes all the way through the supply chain: 

• Farm level: More uniform flocks mean more predictable growth, better FCR, and optimized nutrition programs. 

• Processing level: Tighter bird weight distributions enhance automation performance in scalding, evisceration, cut-up, and portioning lines. 

• Final product: Consistent sizing improves performance in further processing stages like breading, battering, and packaging—ensuring specifications are met and waste is minimized. 

The Future of Hatchery Efficiency 

Automation is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity for hatcheries looking to maintain efficiency, accuracy, and biosecurity. As labor shortages persist and demand for broiler meat grows, adopting AI-powered sexing solutions will be key to staying competitive. Hatcheries that transition to automation now will position themselves ahead of industry shifts, ensuring long-term success. 

To learn more about how automation can benefit your hatchery, email Info@targan.com  

Media Contacts:

Charlotte Baker
+44 (0)20 8647 4467
charlotte.baker@garnettkeeler.com

Carlos Bautista
Carlos.bautista@targan.com