Respeggt’s in-ovo technology will be installed in a Hendrix Genetics hatchery in 2025.
The Nebraska facility plans to hatch the in-ovo sexed eggs, all from white Dekalb layers, at the end of February 2025. The chicks will be transferred to egg producer MPS Egg Farms, which works with Dutch egg company Kipster to produce carbon neutral eggs.
According to Hendrix Genetics director of sales and marketing Steve Welch, the technology works as early as nine days of incubation, however, Respeggt believes that it can reduce to eight days of incubation by the end of 2025.
The technology is the first in the U.S. that can identify the sex of embryos in both white and brown layers.
Welch said the eggs from hens that have been sex sorted using Respeggt’s system are expected to hit the U.S. market in July 2025. The eggs will primarily be available for purchase at Kroger stores under the Simple Truth and Kipster brand but will also be available at other stores such as Ralphs, Fred Meyer, City Market, Fry's and Smiths.
The genetics company said it will continue to monitor the U.S market demand for in-ovo sexed eggs and plans to scale up the technology in certain markets.
Additionally, Welch said Hendrix is collaborating with multiple customers for additional orders in both the white and brown egg markets. He added that the current demand in the U.S. for this type of egg is in the specialty markets, which are primarily brown egg markets.
"Our decision is based on the outstanding results that Respeggt has been achieving for years in Europe, particularly with the strong Dekalb White genetics," said Hendrix ISA General Manager Neal Martin.
Welch stated: “This technology is a game-changer for farmers, helping increase efficiency while adhering to the highest ethical standards. Our adoption of Respeggt Technology represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to improve the poultry industry.”
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Senior Director of Corporate Policy and Animal Science Nancy Roulston added, “Hendrix-ISA is the first hatchery to offer this animal welfare solution to both white and brown egg brands – putting the end of male chick culling in sight for the U.S. market.”
