Hendrix-ISA LLC the distributor of Hendrix Genetics has entered into an agreement with Respeggt to introduce in-ovo gender determination. The system involves abstraction of allantoic fluid from embryonated eggs for hormonal analysis to enable differentiation between eggs bearing male or female embryos from the eighth day of incubation. The system can differentiate between male and female embryos in either white or brown-feathered strains. Equipment will be installed in a Hendrix-ISA hatchery in Nebraska during the first quarter of 2025. Neal Martin, GM of Hendrix-ISA stated, “Our decision is based on the outstanding results that Respeggt has achieved for years in Europe, particularly with the Dekalb White strain.”
During the spring of 2025, Hendrix-ISA will supply MPS Egg Farms with Dekalb White strain pullets for the Kipster Farm eliminating the need to rear male chicks hatched concurrently with pullets.
The December 20th edition of EGG-NEWS reported on initiation of in-ovo sexing by Hy-Line North America using the Cheggy System. This applies hyperspectral illumination to enable separation of male and female embryos by feather color but therefore applicable to brown-feathered strains only.