In-ovo sexing, a groundbreaking technology in poultry farming, is reshaping the industry by allowing producers to determine the sex of chicks while still in the egg. Initially designed to eliminate the controversial practice of male chick culling, this innovation is creating new opportunities for improving welfare, sustainability, and efficiency. Notably, it is paving the way for on-farm hatching in layer production, a concept previously limited to broilers.
This article explores the transformative potential of in-ovo sexing, the advantages of on-farm hatching, real-world case studies, and the challenges faced by this evolving technologies
The Basics of In-Ovo Sexing
In-ovo sexing allows producers to identify the sex of an embryo within the first few days of incubation. Eggs containing male embryos are removed early in the process, leaving only female embryos to continue developing. This eliminates the need for post-hatch sexing, traditionally done manually at hatcheries. The removal of male embryos not only prevents ethical dilemmas associated with male chick culling but also streamlines the production process.
As of now, it is estimated that 10–20% of the European layer industry has adopted in-ovo sexing, with capacity expanding monthly. This growing acceptance is driving the integration of on-farm hatching into the layer sector, previously unachievable due to manual post-hatch sorting requirements.
On-Farm Hatching: The Concept
Traditionally, fertilized eggs are incubated in a hatchery’s controlled environment until day 18, after which they are moved to specialized hatching incubators. The newly hatched chicks then undergo several processes, including sorting, vaccination, and transportation to the farm. This system presents several challenges:
Delayed access to feed and water: Chicks may remain unfed for hours, impacting their initial growth and health.
Stressful handling and transport: Loud noises, handling, and the journey to the farm create stress, negatively affecting the welfare and productivity of the birds.
Labour-intensive operations: Sorting, vaccinating, and packing chicks require significant human resources.
On-farm hatching addresses these issues by transporting eggs to the farm on day 18, allowing chicks to hatch directly in their rearing environment. This minimizes stress, ensures immediate access to food and water, and provides a more natural start to life.
Advantages of On-Farm Hatching
1. Enhanced Chick Welfare
Chicks hatched on the farm enjoy a cleaner, quieter environment. They avoid the stress of transport, loud hatchery noises, and unfamiliar handling. Immediate access to food and water promotes better health and growth rates.
2. Improved Productivity
Studies on broilers have shown that on-farm hatching results in higher weights and improved feed conversion ratios throughout their life cycle. For layers, early access to nutrition and a stress-free start could translate into better egg-laying performance.
3. Disease Resilience
Farms adopting on-farm hatching have reported increased resilience to intestinal diseases and viral infections. This could be due to reduced stress levels and exposure to a consistent, controlled environment.
4. Reduced Mortality Rates
Lower mortality rates have been observed in on-farm hatched birds, possibly because of reduced stress and better initial care. For example, Dutch egg producer Rondeel BV reported a 4% increase in hatchability and fewer losses during an outbreak of viral infection after transitioning to on-farm hatching.
Case Study: Rondeel BV’s Innovative Approach
Rondeel BV, a pioneering egg farm in the Netherlands, has been at the forefront of adopting on-farm hatching for layers. Known for its focus on animal welfare, the farm reported significant benefits after implementing this method:
Health Improvements: Birds were less prone to intestinal issues and began laying eggs earlier than conventionally hatched hens.
Behavioral Changes: On-farm hatched hens exhibited better feather cover, spread more evenly across the barn, and were less prone to smothering.
Stress Reduction: Chicks hatched in a clean, well-lit environment free of hatchery noise and stressors.
While still in its early stages, the farm’s experience highlights the potential of on-farm hatching to improve productivity and animal welfare.
Technological Innovations in On-Farm Hatching
Companies like Vencomatic Group and NestBorn are leading the charge in developing systems that facilitate on-farm hatching.
Vencomatic Group: Offers solutions like the Patio system, where vertically stacked platforms support hatching and rearing, and the X-Treck system, which suspends egg trays from the ceiling for easy cleaning and access.
NestBorn: Introduces a portable machine that gently places eggs on a farm’s litter bed, eliminating the need for facility modifications.
Both companies also integrate in-ovo sexing technologies to ensure that only female chicks are hatched.
Challenges and Considerations
While on-farm hatching shows promise, experts caution against potential long-term challenges. Dr. Michael J. Toscano from the University of Bern emphasizes the need to understand the behavioral and physiological impacts on layers, which must remain productive over their lifespan. He warns that overly shielding chicks from stress might leave them ill-prepared to handle challenges later in life.
Balancing low-stress environments with sufficient resilience-building experiences is critical for ensuring the long-term welfare and productivity of layers.
Future Prospects
In-ovo sexing is not just a solution to male chick culling but a gateway to numerous innovations in poultry farming. In-ovo vaccination, which administers vaccines directly to embryos, is one such possibility being explored. As this technology gains global traction, producers are likely to discover new ways to enhance efficiency, welfare, and sustainability.
Conclusion
The combination of in-ovo sexing and on-farm hatching marks a significant leap forward in poultry production. It aligns with ethical practices, reduces stress, and enhances productivity, making it a promising solution for the layer industry. However, further research is needed to address long-term behavioral and physiological impacts on birds.
Producers like Rondeel BV are already witnessing the benefits of these innovations, setting the stage for a more humane and efficient future in egg production. With continuous technological advancements and growing acceptance, in-ovo sexing and on-farm hatching may soon become the standard for layer farming worldwide.
