An innovative gender-typing technology could revolutionize the poultry industry by eliminating the need to cull day-old male chicks while boosting efficiency and profits.
In Ovo, a Netherlands-based agri-tech company, has developed a high-capacity egg gender-typing platform called Ella. This platform can determine the sex of an embryo at day nine of incubation, allowing for the removal of male-determined eggs before hatching.
Martin Enderink, In Ovo’s global sales director, explained the technology at the recent Poultry Innovations Conference in London, Ont., highlighting its ethical implications and adoption in European countries.
Male chick culling is a common practice in the laying hen industry but has raised significant animal welfare concerns. By gender-typing embryos before hatching, the need for culling can be eliminated. Research shows that removing male-determined eggs at day nine of incubation does not cause harm to the embryos.
The Ella platform screens eggs using a gender-biomarker, mass spectrometry, and candling, enabling the identification of male chicks and non-viable eggs. This process increases incubation capacity for both brown and white egg operations while minimizing the impact on hatchery processes.
In Ovo aims for 98.99% accuracy with the platform, ensuring minimal errors. Early adopters like Het Anker in the Netherlands have successfully scaled the technology, leading to cull-free facilities and increased demand for certified no-cull layer chicks.
Despite the initial investment required, In Ovo values smaller operations and works to make the technology accessible. The screened eggs also create value-added products for the pet food industry, further enhancing profitability.
Apart from ethical benefits, the technology offers environmental advantages by reducing the carbon footprint associated with raising male layers. European countries are leading in animal welfare legislation, with some banning the killing of day-old male chicks entirely.
In Ovo’s recent loan agreement with the European Investment Bank aims to expand the technology further and develop new innovations for the industry. Ultimately, such advancements can lead to a more sustainable and humane poultry sector, addressing consumer concerns and optimizing the entire value chain.
