In 2016, the United Egg Producers made a groundbreaking commitment to advance the layer industry through the innovative practice of in-ovo sexing. But what exactly is this revolutionary technology? In-ovo sexing enables the determination of a chicken embryo's sex while it's still nestled in the egg, long before hatching ever occurs. This technique is not applied to the eggs you see in grocery stores, which are infertile, but rather to the eggs destined to become the hens that produce those consumer-ready eggs. Traditionally, when chicks are hatched, their sex is revealed, leading to the humane culling of male chicks. Laying-chicken male chicks cannot be used in U.S. egg production as they do not lay eggs, and their specialized genetics are unsuitable for meat production. The issue of male chicks is one of the most difficult aspects of egg production for America’s egg farmers, and one that the egg farming community is committed to addressing as swiftly as possible.

Why is the U.S. Industry Committed to This Technology?

The U.S. egg industry is deeply committed to adopting in-ovo sexing for two compelling reasons. First, it addresses the significant and difficult challenge for egg producers and the industry, the culling of male chicks. Second, by not incubating half of the eggs through hatching, it promotes environmental sustainability by conserving valuable resources.

Diverse Solutions

Though in-ovo sexing may appear straightforward, its implementation has posed significant technological challenges, demanding years of research and millions of dollars in investment. A variety of solutions have emerged, including imaging (feather color analysis, veinous imaging, etc.), PCR, and MRI, each with its unique advantages and drawbacks. Notably, all these methods currently require the incubation of eggs. There’s also the potential for genetic solutions that could facilitate the culling of male embryos prior to incubation, although consumer acceptance of such methods remains uncertain.

In-Ovo Sexing in the U.S.

In December 2024, in-ovo sexing technology was introduced to hatcheries in the United States, marking a pivotal moment for the industry. Currently, there are three hatcheries equipped with this groundbreaking technology, with plans to expand further in 2025 and 2026.

Barriers to Adoption

Despite the promise of in-ovo sexing, several barriers hinder its widespread adoption. The existing technology can be slow and relatively costly, and while eggs from hens hatched using this method became available in July 2025, it's still unclear whether consumers are willing to absorb the additional costs associated with this innovation. Moreover, at the current throughput speed, this technology isn't yet scalable enough to accommodate the demands of the entire U.S. egg industry. Significant technological improvements are necessary before we can enjoy a solution that can be effectively scaled nationwide.

The journey toward in-ovo sexing is a complex yet exciting evolution in the egg industry, promising ethical and environmental advancements that could reshape the future of poultry farming. Look for the Hatch Check logo, to ensure eggs purchased are verified as utilizing in-ovo sexing technology or raising the male chicks.