According to a Company release Hendrix Genetics will cooperate with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO)  of Australia to develop technology to identify eggs containing male embryos at or shortly after initiation of incubation.

Apparently CSIRO has identified a biomarker protein associated with male embryos but the release did not provide details of the detection technology.

Johan van Arendonk, Chief Innovation and Technology Officer at Hendrix Genetics, stated “This new technology has the potential to address ethical animal welfare concerns and to contribute to a more sustainable egg industry.  We are proud of our involvement in studying this potentially ground-breaking innovation to keep the health of our animals as top-priority.”

This announcement is made at a time when table eggs are marketed in Germany from hens that were gender-sorted, obviating disposal of their male hatchmates.