The New Commercial Hatchery of Hendrix Genetics in Germany will be equipped with the Genus Focus for In-Ovo Sexing from Orbem and the Vencomatic Group

Genus Focus will enable Hendrix Genetics to offer in-ovo sexed day-old layer chicks to the German- and Dutch markets.

May 10, 2024

Hendrix Genetics DE_ Orbem_ In-ovo Sexing

Bad Bentheim, Hendrix Genetics, a leading player in the poultry industry, proudly announces the adoption of the cutting-edge non-invasive MRI technology: Genus Focus for in-ovo sexing. This revolutionary installation represents a fundamental step in Hendrix Genetics’ new layer hatchery in Germany, as they innovate the process of poultry egg sex determination while meeting German animal welfare standards and legislation.

“We chose Orbem and Vencomatic Group’s in-ovo sexing solution because of their proven record in ensuring operational efficiency while meeting the highest animal welfare standards.” Adri Mertens, operations manager HGL Deutschland GmbH.

The new hatchery in combination with the Genus Focus will enable Hendrix Genetics to offer in-ovo sexed day-old layer chicks to the German- and Dutch markets further enhancing its value proposition for the poultry industry.

“We are delighted with the new hatchery and Genus Focus in Germany. This will enable us to fulfill the 5*D approach and deliver German day-old chicks to our customers. The demand for our excellent brown and white products is very high, particularly Dekalb White.” said Alex Janssen commercially responsible for HGL Deutschland GmbH.

The Genus Focus is based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and offers a high-throughput, non-invasive method for sexing poultry eggs of all breeds. It combines advanced imaging and classification technology with expert automation equipment, enabling real-time sex determination of poultry embryos on day 12 of incubation and before.

Lotte van de Ven (Vencomatic Group, CEO) congratulates Vepymo for selecting Genus Focus as the contactless, highly automated solution for in-ovo sexing, reflecting the need of the industry to find the right balance between operational efficiencies and animal-friendly solutions.

Implementing this technology at Hendrix Genetics Layers Deutschland improves efficiency and aligns with current animal welfare regulations, including those set forth by KAT standards (the German Association for Controlled Alternative Animal Husbandry).

Dr. Pedro Gomez (Orbem, CEO) says, “HGL Deutschland’s adoption of the Genus Focus, our AI-powered MRI technology, marks a significant step forward for the poultry industry, showcasing the advantages of in-ovo sexing technology that is highly automated, contactless, and works for all breeds.”

About the hatchery

Hendrix Genetics is a leading multi-species animal breeding company with primary activities in layer-, turkey-, swine-, aquaculture -and traditional poultry breeding. Hendrix Genetics provides expertise and resources to animal protein producers in more than 100 countries, with operations and joint ventures in 25 countries and more than 3,000 employees.

Hendrix Genetics

Orbem’s customer for in-ovo sexing
in Bad Bentheim, Germany

About Orbem

At Orbem, we unleash AI-powered imaging for everything and everyone, transforming the poultry industry. Our contactless egg classification and analytics for all breeds enable data-driven decisions that optimize production, delivering value through non-invasive in-ovo sexing and beyond.

About Vencomatic Group

At Vencomatic Group, we have a 40-year legacy of providing innovative solutions along the entire Egg Way. Our commitment remains strong as we harmonize our values concerning animal welfare, sustainability, automation, and operational excellence to address the evolving demands of the global poultry industry.