EDITORIAL

After years of research, prototypes, and trials, in-ovo sexing has moved from a promise to a commercial reality. This technology, developed to determine the sex of the embryo before hatching, is progressively reshaping the egg supply chain. It is not only a response to the ethical debate on the culling of day-old male chicks, but also a structural shift that involves hatcheries, farmers, and consumers.

In Europe, where several countries have already banned the culling of male chicks at hatch, adoption of this technology has reached 28% of the layer population, with interest continuing to grow. Even in markets where no ban is yet in place – such as the United States, Brazil, and Switzerland – momentum is gathering, driven by consumers and retailers increasingly attentive to sustainability across the supply chain. The message is clear: demand for “cull-free” eggs, produced without killing male chicks, is rising fast.

In this month’s special section, we provide readers with a clear and up-to-date overview of the solutions currently available. Alongside the introductory article, which traces the global spread of this technology, we showcase the approaches of four companies active in Europe and beyond: Agri Advanced Technologies, Nectra, Orbem, and Seleggt. Each applies a different method — from hyperspectral imaging to allantoic fluid analysis to artificial intelligence — yet they all pursue the same goal: preventing the hatching of chicks otherwise destined for culling, while enhancing production efficiency. The adoption of in-ovo sexing is certainly a technical issue, but it also touches on the reputation of the entire sector. At a time when animal welfare is in the spotlight and production costs call for strategic choices, this technology offers a practical response for an industry striving to innovate while staying true to its core values.