Chick Sexing and In-Ovo Methods: Eliminating Male Chick Culling

The killing of 6-7 billion male chicks annually in the egg industry is one of the most significant welfare issues in food production, with in-ovo sexing technology offering solutions.

Key Facts

6-7 billion male layer chicks are killed at hatch globally every year
Macerators and gas are the two approved methods; both cause rapid death
In-ovo sexing technology (SELEGGT) allows sex determination before hatching
Germany became the first country to ban male chick killing in 2022

Welfare Considerations

While macerators and CO2 kill chicks rapidly, the scale of male chick culling — billions annually — represents an enormous aggregate welfare burden simply to maintain egg production economics. In-ovo sexing eliminates the need for post-hatch killing by identifying male embryos before the development of pain sensitivity. Legislative bans in Germany and commitments from retailers in France and Austria are driving rapid industry adoption of this welfare-positive technology.

What You Can Do

Choose eggs from brands committed to no male chick killing
Support Compassion in World Farming in-ovo sexing campaigns
Advocate for national legislation banning male chick culling following German example
Ask your supermarket about their timeline for adopting in-ovo sexing supply chains