Genus Focus Non-Invasive In-Ovo Sexing fully aligned with Animal Welfare Standards

Orbem and the Vencomatic Group are excited that a recent study commissioned by the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) confirms that the physiological neural activity of chick embryos does not start before day 13 of incubation — meaning pain cannot be processed before this time. This finding is crucial for animal welfare standards, as it provides scientific evidence to support the planned adjustment to the current German ban on chick culling after day 6 of incubation. The German federal cabinet (Bundeskabinett) has decided to draft an aid to adapt the prohibition for ending the incubation process of chick embryos after day 12, as of January 1st, 2024.

Dr. Maria Laparidou, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) at Orbem, veterinarian, and embryo development expert comments: “The results found in this latest study of pain perception in embryos are confirming that the Genus Focus non-invasive technology is the way forward when it comes to in-ovo sexing in the most animal-friendly way. A perfect match with our mission to develop technology that meets high standards of animal welfare and sustainability.”

About a year ago the two companies announced their strategic partnership for the Genus Focus: an in-ovo sexing solution that can detect the sex of poultry embryos before day 13 of incubation with MRI & Artificial Intelligence technology. The teams worked intensively to develop and install their modular trolley-to-trolley solution, combining Orbem’s Genus Focus technology with a newly developed Prinzen automated egg-handling system, allowing 24,000 eggs per hour to be scanned. Given the proposed adjustment of German regulations to allow in-ovo sexing on day 12 and also after 1. January 2024, the companies expect to soon deliver their first German installation.

To date, 6 Genus Focus modules are operational at French hatchery customers and already >10 million eggs have been scanned. This combined solution is versatile, accurate, can be utilized on any chicken breed, and does not affect hatchability as it is non-invasive and contactless. Customers are very satisfied with the high degree of automation and efficiency, as only 1 employee is needed to operate the entire process even when multiple modules are used in parallel. Moreover, the flexibility of adding more modules, allows hatcheries to increase their egg-scanning output, keeping up with growing market demand.

Dr. Lotte van de Ven, CEO of Vencomatic Group (VMG) and animal science expert comments: “This pain perception study confirms our belief that Orbem’s non-invasive solution is the best option for the poultry sector, for animal welfare and for biosecurity. The adjustments to the German regulation allowing in-ovo sexing up to and including day 12 opens up new opportunities, and not just in Germany but to hatcheries across the globe. We will continue to work closely with Orbem making the introduction of the system to any hatchery as straightforward as possible.”