In-ovo sexing is an innovative technique that promises to revolutionise the poultry industry by addressing the ethical problem of culling male chicks. However, as with any new technology, there are several challenges to overcome to ensure its use is effective, ethical and sustainable.
One of the main challenges is the accuracy of sexing. It is crucial that the techniques used are highly accurate to avoid errors that could lead to unintentional culling of female chicks or growth of male chicks, defeating the purpose of the process. Current techniques, such as the hyperspectral measurement used by CHEGGY technology, have shown promising results, but research continues to further improve reliability.
Another challenge is the economic aspect. With in-ovo sexing, the final cost of a laying chick has tripled. The cost of in-ovo sexing technology must be affordable for egg producers, otherwise it may not be adopted on a large scale. Furthermore, the initial investment for the purchase and installation of the necessary machines can be significant, requiring producers to take a long-term view of the economic and ethical benefits.
The timing of sexing is also a critical factor. The process must take place at a time that does not cause suffering to the embryo, thus meeting ethical standards. Currently, sexing is carried out in the second third of the incubation period, but research is underway to further advance this time.
In addition, there is the question of the treatment of male embryos once identified. It is necessary that the methods of disposal are in accordance with animal welfare and do not cause pain or suffering. STUNNY technology, for example, is an animal welfare-compliant stunning method developed to address this issue.
Finally, there is the challenge of public acceptance and transparency. Consumers need to be informed about the practices of the poultry industry and the technologies used. Education of the public and transparency on the part of producers are essential to gain consumer trust and to support the shift to more ethical egg production methods.
In conclusion, while in-ovo sexing offers a promising solution to improve animal welfare and address ethical concerns, the associated challenges require a concerted effort by researchers, producers and regulators to ensure that the technology is implemented in a responsible and sustainable manner. With continued progress and regulatory support, such as Italy’s planned ban on the culling of male chicks from 2027, the future of ovo sexing looks bright and full of potential.
The editorial staff of M.A.C.
