Counting eggs

Once the eggs have been successfully re-hydrated, acclimatized, and disinfected, the counting should be carried out.

Counting eggsOnce the eggs have been successfully re-hydrated, acclimatized, and disinfected, the counting should be carried out. There are several methods of estimation of eggs, but the most recommended is the Von Bayer trough method, as it is quick, simple and utilizes a trout egg measuring trough, easily made but also available from Troutlodge on request. The trough measures 30.5cm (12") length (inside dimension), with a 45º bend and a depth of approximately 3.5cm (1.4").On the following pages, Von Bayer estimation method can be found, including:

First sizing the eggs

Then counting the eggs

Number of Eggs per 12" Trough	Diameter of Eggs (Inches)	Diameter of Eggs (mm)	Number of Eggs per Liquid Quart	Number of Eggs per Liter	Number of Eggs per Liquid Ounce
35	0.343	8.712	1,677	1,772	52
36	0.333	8.458	1,833	1,937	57
37	0.324	8.230	1,990	2,103	62
38	0.316	8.026	2,145	2,267	67
39	0.308	7.823	2,316	2,448	72
40	0.300	7.620	2,606	2,754	81
41	0.292	7.417	2,690	2,843	84
42	0.286	7.264	2,893	3,057	90
43	0.279	7.087	3,116	3,293	97
44	0.273	6.934	3,326	3,515	104
45	0.267	6.782	3,556	3,758	111
46	0.261	6.629	3,806	4,022	119
47	0.255	6.477	4,081	4,313	128
48	0.250	6.350	4,331	4,577	135
49	0.245	6.223	4,603	4,864	144
50	0.240	6.096	4,895	5,173	153
51	0.235	5.969	5,214	5,510	163
52	0.231	5.867	5,490	5,802	172
53	0.226	5.740	5,862	6,195	183
54	0.222	5.639	6,185	6,536	193
55	0.218	5.537	6,531	6,902	204
56	0.214	5.436	6,905	7,297	216
57	0.211	5.359	7,204	7,613	225
58	0.207	5.258	7,630	8,063	238
59	0.203	5.156	8,089	8,548	253
60	0.200	5.080	8,459	8,939	264
61	0.197	5.004	8,851	9,354	277
62	0.194	4.928	9,268	9,794	290
63	0.191	4.851	9,712	10,264	304
64	0.188	4.775	10,184	10,762	318
65	0.185	4.699	10,638	11,242	332
66	0.182	4.623	11,225	11,863	351
67	0.179	4.547	11,799	12,469	369
68	0.177	4.496	12,203	12,896	381
69	0.174	4.420	12,846	13,574	401
70	0.171	4.343	13,533	14,302	423
71	0.169	4.293	14,020	14,816	438
72	0.167	4.242	14,529	15,354	454
73	0.164	4.166	15,341	16,212	479
74	0.162	4.115	15,916	16,820	497
75	0.160	4.064	16,621	17,565	519
76	0.158	4.013	17,157	18,132	536
77	0.156	3.962	17,825	18,837	557
78	0.154	3.912	18,528	19,580	579
79	0.152	3.861	19,270	20,365	602

Table 1. Von Bayer Chart for the estimation of the number of eggs

Sizing the eggs

Eggs during transit can become dehydrated and slightly smaller in size so it is important to rehydrate the eggs in flowing water.

Fill your Von Bayer trough with a single row of eggs.

Use a non-sharp pointed object (pencil) to discard extra eggs from the trough. Do not force the eggs into the trough. The eggs should fit side-by-side, just touching, but there should not be any spaces.

Count the number of eggs that fill the trough.

Refer to the Von Bayer chart below, to determine the size of the eggs (eggs per litre or liquid ounce).

Counting the eggsOther egg counting methods include: Volumetric methodThis consists of measuring 10 ml of eggs by water displacement, counting the number of eggs and repeating the procedure to get the average number of eggs in that 10 ml. Then multiply this number by 100 to calculate the number of eggs per liter. Next, determine the total volume of eggs. The final estimated number of eggs will be equal to the number of eggs calculated per liter multiplied by the total volume of eggs in liters. If you have trained staff available, you can do the same with 20 ml or more. This takes more time and handling but will give you a more accurate number.Egg weighted using an egg counting palletIn this method, eggs are individually placed on a tray with a specific number of egg-sized holes. This quantity of eggs is then weighed to get an average weight per egg. Finally, the total number of eggs is weighed and then divided by the average weight per egg to get an approximation of the total amount of eggs.

The general workflow would be:

Place an empty egg tray on the scale.
Tare the weight of the egg tray. We must make sure that the weight is now zero.
Put a sample of eggs on the tray. The more the better.
The eggs in the tray must be perfectly counted. It is ideal to use an egg counting pallet to ensure the accuracy of the counting.
Take note of the total weight of the eggs in the sample.
Return the eggs from the sample to the trays with the other eggs.
Weigh and record the weight of all egg trays keeping the tared weight of the empty tray. This will throw out the weight of the eggs only and not the tray.
Add the weight of all the eggs.
Perform a simple rule of three to calculate the total number of eggs.

Finally, remember that this method is an estimate of the total number of eggs. That is, it is not exact, it is an approximation. For this reason, it is recommended to average the value of the estimate with the value of another estimate such as the Von Bayer method.

Counting Eggs- Q-sorter

In the past, Troutlodge has depended on volumetric measurements, such as the Von Bayer Method, to numerate eggs for both internal and external purposes. As with many of our operations, technology and modern manufacturing has brought forth new equipment to make methods more accurate and efficient. In 2016, Troutlodge incorporated the use of an automatic, counting and sorting machine for trout eggs: Q-sorter, as part of our egg processing and shipping operations.

Description:

It processes eggs in a developmental stage of 200-250 degree days, and separates them based on three characteristics: viable, non-viable, and by size.

In the process, the eggs are transported mechanically and hydraulically without suffering damage or stressful processes.

In addition to classifying and counting, the Q-sorter can generate an accurate graph of size distribution for an entire lot of eggs.

Q-sorter has the ability to sort eggs at a rate of 1,500,000 eggs per hour.

Third party testing has confirmed the Q-sorter numeration to be accurate to 99.989%

Note: "Tamaño" means "Size"

Counting and Sorting- Maximum Accuracy and Reliability.Counting eggs has to be not only gentle but accurate; we have that with the implemented technology based on computing vision. This technology ensures that no egg can “escape” the machine's "eyes". Every single egg is visualised by high definition cameras thanks to a sophisticated mechatronic device that holds and transports the embryonated eggs through the inspection zone. So, every single egg is identified, therefore counted and the data is sent to the sorting system, which is then able to separate the good eggs (eyed egg) from the bad eggs (non-embryonated or dead).

The operator visualizes at real time, at a speed of approx. 1.5M eggs/hr., how many eggs are being counted and so, the machine is able to stop when the desired quantity is reached (e.g.: 1.7M Eggs). The system has been engineered and manufactured in order to provide the highest level of reliability, accuracy, processing speed, and gentle manipulation of the eggs. The whole process of counting and sorting is totally automatized and a log is generated after every batch to ensure traceability. Even so, the counting is periodically tested in order to ensure a product totally free of counting error. We are proud to state that the technology in use is the most accurate and fast technology on the market.