Hendrix-Genetics will commence gender determination of embryos of fertile eggs using the Orbem Genus Focus system developed by the University of Munich. The equipment based on non-invasive MRI technology, will be installed in a hatchery in France to determine the gender of embryos at 12-days of incubation.  The Orbem detection system will be combined with Vencomatic automation to achieve a throughput of 250,000 eggs per working day.  The installation will conform to the KAT (German Association for Controlled Alternative Animal Husbandry) requirements with respect to eliminating culling of live day-old cockerel chicks.

Gosse Veninga, Director Product Excellence at Hendrix Genetics Layers stated “The successful launch of in-ovo sexing technology in our operations is an important step in our vision to set the standard for sustainable animal breeding. The system delivers a high level of automation and efficiency to ensure that the process can be completed on a large scale in our commercial hatchery. The result is a key achievement in animal welfare and overall sustainability in the industry.”