The poultry industry is evolving rapidly, with a clear shift toward technologies that enhance efficiency, animal welfare, and sustainability. One of the most exciting advancements in this space is in-ovo sexing , a breakthrough that promises to change the way both broilers and layers are managed. While on-farm hatching has already proven its merits in broiler production, in-ovo sexing could extend these benefits to the layer sector as well.
This article explores how in-ovo sexing opens the door to on-farm hatching for layers, enhancing chick welfare, improving productivity, and offering a more sustainable approach to poultry farming.
What Is In-Ovo Sexing?
In-ovo sexing refers to the process of determining the sex of an embryo inside an egg before hatching. Traditional methods require chicks to be hatched and then manually sorted into males and females. This sorting often results in the culling of male chicks in the egg industry, a practice that has faced widespread ethical criticism.
In-ovo sexing technologies have emerged as a solution to this problem. By identifying the sex of the embryo early in incubation, it allows only female chicks to be hatched. This eliminates the need for culling and introduces opportunities for innovations such as **on-farm hatching**, where chicks hatch directly at the farm instead of a hatchery.
The Rise of On-Farm Hatching
Traditionally, eggs are incubated at hatcheries until around day 18, after which they are transferred to separate incubators for hatching. This process often leaves chicks without immediate access to food and water and subjects them to stress from handling, transportation, and post-hatch processing, such as sexing and vaccination.
On-farm hatching offers an alternative. By transporting eggs to farms at day 18 and allowing them to hatch directly in their rearing environment, chicks can feed and hydrate immediately after hatching. This leads to better overall welfare and higher productivity.
In broiler production, on-farm hatching has gained significant ground, especially in Europe, Canada, and Russia. Research shows that broiler chicks hatched on-farm display better feed efficiency, higher hatchability, and improved welfare indicators, such as reduced footpad dermatitis and lower stress levels.
The Application of On-Farm Hatching for Layers
In the layer industry, on-farm hatching has been slower to gain traction due to the complexities involved in managing laying hens, which must remain productive throughout their longer life cycles. However, with the advent of in-ovo sexing, the potential for on-farm hatching in layer production is becoming more viable.
Leading the charge in this area is Rondeel BV, an innovative egg farm in the Netherlands that prioritizes animal welfare. According to Peter Koelewijn, general manager at Rondeel BV, on-farm hatching has already yielded significant benefits for their flock. “We observed a 4% increase in hatchability and lower mortality rates after viral infections,” Koelewijn reports. He also notes improvements in the hens’ resilience to intestinal issues and an earlier start to egg-laying.
One particularly significant advantage is the reduced stress that comes from eliminating the need for chicks to be transported to the farm post-hatch. Chicks hatch in a clean, calm environment, with immediate access to food and water, and without the noise and handling stresses typically associated with hatcheries. This natural, less stressful start to life sets the foundation for healthier, more productive hens.
Case Study: Rondeel BV
Rondeel BV’s transition to on-farm hatching has provided valuable insights into the long-term benefits of this approach. In addition to the increased hatchability and earlier egg-laying, Koelewijn highlights several welfare improvements. The on-farm hatched hens displayed more natural behaviors, such as better distribution across their living space and less chance of smothering. These behavioral improvements make flock management easier for farmers, with fewer instances of feather pecking and aggression.
The on-farm hatched hens also retained better feather cover, which is often compromised in hens hatched in traditional hatcheries. Koelewijn notes, “The on-farm hatched hens still have perfect feather cover, which is not always the case with conventionally hatched hens.”
Although more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of on-farm hatching on layers, the early results are promising, and the industry is taking notice.
Scientific Research on On-Farm Hatching
Scientific studies support the growing adoption of on-farm hatching. Research conducted by the University of Bern’s Veterinary Public Health Institute, led by Dr. Michael J. Toscano, has examined the impact of different hatching environments on layer performance. Dr. Toscano points out that the hatchery environment can be stressful for chicks, contributing to welfare issues such as feather pecking, toe pecking, and aggression.
While on-farm hatching is relatively new for layers, the evidence suggests that the reduced stress levels in the early days of a chick’s life can lead to healthier, more resilient birds. However, Dr. Toscano cautions that more studies are needed to assess the long-term effects, particularly because layers have much longer lifespans than broilers.
The Role of Technology in On-Farm Hatching
Several companies are working to make on-farm hatching more accessible to farmers. Vencomatic Group and NestBorn are two leading innovators in this field. Vencomatic Group has developed solutions such as the Patio and X-Treck systems, which allow chicks to hatch directly onto litter beds or platforms within the barn. These systems are designed to improve the quality of day-old chicks by offering a clean, controlled environment for hatching.
NestBorn offers a mobile on-farm hatching solution that requires no modifications to the farm’s infrastructure. Eggs are placed directly onto the litter bed by a machine brought to the farm by the hatchery.
The Future of On-Farm Hatching and In-Ovo Sexing
As **in-ovo sexing** becomes more widely adopted globally, the opportunities for on-farm hatching and other innovative practices will continue to expand. In addition to improving welfare and productivity, in-ovo sexing could facilitate **in-ovo vaccination**, further streamlining chick management and reducing stress.
“In the beginning, in-ovo sexing was more about regulation, particularly regarding bans on male chick culling in Europe,” says Freek Leijten, product manager at Vencomatic Group. “Now, the industry sees the opportunities that in-ovo sexing will bring.”
Conclusion
In-ovo sexing is unlocking the potential for on-farm hatching in layer production, paving the way for a future where welfare, sustainability, and efficiency are harmonized. Early adopters like Rondeel BV are already seeing the benefits, from higher hatchability to healthier, more resilient hens.
While further research is needed to fully understand the long-term implications, the combination of in-ovo sexing and on-farm hatching promises to be a game-changer for the egg industry, offering a more ethical, efficient, and sustainable approach to poultry farming.
