Switzerland Ends Chick Culling with Innovative AI Technology
In a groundbreaking move, Switzerland is set to eliminate chick culling by early 2025, thanks to the introduction of the Genus Focus for in-ovo sexing. This AI-based imaging technology, developed by Munich-based Orbem in partnership with Vencomatic Group, will enable hatcheries to determine the sex of chicken embryos before they hatch, marking a significant step forward in animal welfare and sustainable poultry farming.
This initiative, spearheaded by Swiss poultry stakeholders including GalloSuisse, Aviforum, and hatcheries Animalco and Prodavi, represents the first nationwide decision to end chick culling without the need for regulatory enforcement. The move follows years of exploration for ethical and operationally efficient alternatives to chick culling, with the Genus Focus emerging as the optimal solution.
The Genus Focus: A Technological Leap
The Genus Focus combines Artificial Intelligence (AI) with accelerated Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to analyze the internal structure of developing eggs during days 11 and 12 of incubation. This fully automated, non-invasive technology has proven to be effective across all chicken breeds and does not impact hatchability. It allows for a maximum throughput of 24,000 eggs per hour, making it a scalable solution for the entire poultry industry.
Since its launch, the Genus Focus has already scanned and classified over 60 million eggs in hatcheries across Europe, demonstrating its reliability and efficiency. The technology not only ends chick culling but also offers potential applications in other areas such as egg fertilization status detection and phenotyping, further contributing to sustainability and efficiency in the poultry sector.
Industry Leaders Praise the Initiative
The Swiss task force expressed their confidence in the Genus Focus, citing its innovative combination of MRI and AI, along with its seamless integration into hatchery production processes. "We are excited to tackle the end of chick culling with Orbem and to take a big step towards increased animal welfare," they commented, highlighting the importance of this initiative for responsible egg production in Switzerland.
Dr. Pedro Gómez, co-founder and CEO of Orbem, emphasized the significance of this sector-wide decision, stating, "The Swiss sector initiative marks a major move towards increased sustainability and shows that Switzerland is willing to invest in the future."
Lotte van de Ven, CEO of Vencomatic Group, also underscored the importance of finding solutions that enhance animal welfare while improving operational efficiency. "We are proud that the Swiss hatcheries have selected the Genus Focus to help them achieve their ambitious goals," she said.
This initiative not only sets a new standard for the poultry industry but also positions Switzerland as a global leader in animal welfare and sustainable farming practices. As the technology continues to evolve, the potential for further applications promises to transform the industry even further.
