Ethical concerns raised with in-ovo gender determination technology

Previous studies have indicated that in-ovo gender determination of incubated eggs can help to provide a solution for the mass culling of male chicks in layer hen production. However, the technology is raising ethical concerns relating to the sensitivity of the embryo, the use of rejected eggs and the accuracy of in-ovo screening itself.

In-ovo technology identifies male chicks within the egg during the incubation period. It’s expected this technology will be ready on a large scale in most countries where animal welfare is a priority, including the UK.

Dr Corrina Reithmayer, from the Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development in Germany, led a study for four months investigating consumer attitudes and found people were concerned about the ethicality of the technology specifically screening errors and conscious pain perception. Over 40% of respondents would only approve the technology if carried out, with certainty, before the onset of pain perception.

More work on this is clearly needed in our view and we will keep you updated.