via Leiden University
A staggering 6.5 billion chicks are killed worldwide every year. These are generally male chicks that are of no economic value. In Ovo has developed technology that can quickly determine the sex of a chick, to ensure that only female chicks are hatched. The first 150,000 chicks have now hatched in this animal-friendly process.
In Ovo has developed a machine – Ella – that quickly determines the sex of an egg. This gives hatcheries the option to only hatch females, which is a considerable improvement in terms of both animal welfare and sustainability. It is In Ovo’s mission to roll this technology out worldwide and thus end the cull of male chicks. The company signed a covenant in 2014 with the Central Organisation for Hatching Eggs and Chicks, Leiden University, Animal Protection and the government, and on this basis received funding to further develop its technology. The successful hatching of the first 150,000 chicks is the result of years of research and a crucial milestone in solving the problem.
The successful hatching of the first 150,000 chicks is the result of years of research
Ella, where bio and tech meet
Ella tests eggs early in the incubation process, works on brown and white eggs, and is quick and accurate. The technology was only possible thanks to a combination of technological breakthroughs. In Ovo found a new biomarker for sex in collaboration with Leiden University. And with the company Demcon it developed an automatic sampling method that can extract a minuscule sample from an egg, and was the first to use the world’s fastest mass-spectrometer, the Sciex Echo® MS, outside the lab. The result is the rapid, automated sexing of eggs on day nine of the incubation process, which means Ella can seamlessly be added to the existing process at commercial hatcheries.
Strong together
The culling of male chicks is a problem that affects the poultry sector, consumers, policymakers, NGOs and retailers. In Ovo received vital input and help from various stakeholders. It is pleased that Het Anker hatchery has implemented the technology, and that egg suppliers Kwetters, Interovo Egg Group en Gebr. Van Beek committed at an early stage to using the chicks. This group of partners is unique and makes it possible to scale up the technology.
The future: making an impact
In Ovo is growing fast and is ready to make more of an impact. To speed up the adoption of the technology, shareholders VisVires New Protein and Evonik Venture Capital have made a new investment of several million euros. One hundred and fifty thousand chicks is just the beginning. With the current Ella system, a hatchery will be able to hatch a million female chicks per year without culling day-old male chicks. To meet the high demand, the technology is constantly being improved. Within a few months a new Ella machine will be introduced with a capacity of five million hens per year, and the international roll out of this technology will begin.
Original Article: New technology could prevent the mass cull of male chicks
More from: Leiden University
The Latest Updates from Bing News & Google News
Go deeper with Bing News on:
In Ovo
- A new face, and new chapter, in R&B's unstoppable rap makeover
Dallas singer 4batz rose from obscurity to a breathlessly awaited debut in barely a year — but his arrival is part of a tense exchange between hip-hop and R&B more than a decade in the making.
- Al Green, Teddy Pendergrass Gain Boost In Streams After Kendrick Lamar’s Drake Disses
The back-and-forth has kept fans of both Lamar and Drake on the edge of their seats.
- Celebrities in Glasgow: Olivia Rodrigo spotted at popular Partick bar after Hydro gig
The Driving Licence singer had previously been spotted out and about in Glasgow during her visit along with boyfriend Louis Partridge as the pair stayed at the luxury Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel.
- Drake's Clothing Brand OVO's London Storefront Vandalized
Drake's clothing brand, OVO, has had its London storefront tagged by a graffiti artist with a reference to Kendrick Lamar's latest track. The viral beef between the two rap stars ...
- Martin Lewis issues urgent OVO energy warning as customers share horror stories
Martin Lewis has sounded the alarm over OVO Energy, expressing his shock on social media after hearing from customers who have struggled to get credit refunds. The money-saving expert and television ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
In Ovo
[google_news title=”” keyword=”In Ovo” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
Go deeper with Bing News on:
New biomarker for sex
- Feed has no items.
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
New biomarker for sex
[google_news title=”” keyword=”new biomarker for sex” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]