Accurate point down setting matters!

Whether managing 20,000 or 100,000 hens, setting each egg point-down is essential for high hatchability rates.

Every correctly placed egg counts.

All Prinzen hatchery and breeder packers place eggs into setter trays with 99.7% point-down accuracy. This enhances hatchability rates, increases automation—reducing manual labour—and contributes to cleaner operations.

What are the key benefits of correct point-down setting?

Maximizes Hatchability
Embryos develop best when the egg is positioned with the air cell (blunt end) up and the pointed end down. This orientation supports proper respiration and positioning of the chick for hatching. A 99.7% accuracy rate ensures nearly every egg is set correctly, directly improving hatch rates and chick viability.

Reduces Manual Corrections
With such high precision, the need for manual inspection and repositioning of eggs is virtually eliminated. This saves time, reduces labor costs, and minimizes handling stress on the eggs.

Minimizes Damage and Contamination
Incorrectly positioned eggs are more prone to cracking or contamination during incubation. Accurate setting reduces the risk of hairline cracks and cross-contamination, protecting both egg quality and hatchery hygiene.

Enhances Operational Efficiency
High points-down accuracy means fewer disruptions in the incubation process, more predictable outcomes, and better planning for downstream operations like chick processing and delivery.

Proven Performance at Every Scale
From compact single-house setups to high-capacity hatcheries, our systems deliver the same trusted precision.

Builds Trust in Automation
Achieving 99.7% accuracy demonstrates the reliability of Prinzen’s technology. It gives hatchery managers confidence that automation can match—and even exceed—manual precision, making it easier to scale operations.

2018 Points down setting (3)

Point down accuracy enables reliable in-ovo vaccination

Prinzen point down setting (drawing)

It isn’t just about hatchability—it’s also a critical enabler for in-ovo vaccination. When eggs are consistently oriented the right way:

Vaccination is more precise– Automated systems can reliably target the correct injection site inside the egg.
Contamination risk is reduced– Fewer misaligned eggs mean fewer manual interventions and cleaner operations.
Workflow stays uninterrupted– No need to stop or slow down for manual corrections, keeping your vaccination line efficient.
Compliance and consistency improve– High accuracy supports traceability and quality assurance in hatchery processes.