#United States #animal welfare #NestFresh #Cheggy Technology #Cuero

NestFresh's Historic Achievement in Animal Welfare

NestFresh, a leader in ethically sourced eggs, recently achieved a groundbreaking milestone in the U.S. egg industry—the introduction of the first in-ovo sexed flock. This advancement is not just a technical marvel; it represents a significant progress toward improving animal welfare in the agricultural sector.

On December 17, 2024, the company announced that its first set of in-ovo sexed chicks has been successfully hatched and integrated into NestFresh farms located in Texas. This accomplishment is made possible through the innovative Cheggy technology, which allows for non-invasive gender determination of chicks in brown layer eggs before they hatch. With this technology, NestFresh plans to introduce the first eggs sourced from in-ovo sexed hens to the market by June 2025.

What is In-Ovo Sexing?

In-ovo sexing is a revolutionary process that determines the gender of chicks while they are still in their eggs. Traditionally, unwanted male chicks born in hatcheries faced euthanasia, raising ethical concerns among consumers and advocacy groups. Cheggy's method provides a solution to these issues by accurately assessing the chick's gender without harming the embryo. This approach not only upholds high standards of animal welfare but also promotes sustainability by greatly reducing the number of male chicks that need to be culled after hatching.

Cheggy technology, created by Agri-Advanced Technologies based in Germany, is significant for its efficiency, reportedly sorting up to 25,000 brown layer hatching eggs per hour. This rapid processing capability ensures that the technology can fit seamlessly into existing production lines, transforming the entire egg production process. Using hyperspectral measurement technology, Cheggy analyzes light spectra to infer the sex of the embryos based on feather pigmentation, without compromising egg integrity.

The Impact on Egg Production

The adoption of in-ovo sexing technology marks a turning point for the egg production industry. Jasen Urena, Executive Vice President at NestFresh, highlighted its importance, stating, "This is a transformative moment for the egg industry and animal welfare in the United States. We are addressing one of the most challenging ethical dilemmas in the industry, setting new standards for how we treat animals even before they are born."

It is this commitment to humane practices that solidifies NestFresh's reputation as a responsible leader in the marketplace. Furthermore, the implementation of Cheggy's technology aligns with the growing consumer demand for transparency and ethical sourcing in food production. The company has a long-standing history of providing cage-free eggs and is excited to bring this progressive approach to the U.S.

A Step Towards Sustainability

This milestone not only enhances animal welfare but has a positive environmental impact by promoting sustainable farming practices. Mike Sencer, Executive Vice President at NestFresh, expressed pride in this advancement by stating, "This is one more way we're keeping our promise to do the right thing when it comes to animal welfare and sustainability. For over 30 years, our consumers have trusted us to elevate farming practices, and Cheggy represents yet another leap forward."

The introduction of Cheggy's technology in the U.S. follows its success in Europe, where it has gained leadership status in the realm of in-ovo sexing. By embracing this advancement, NestFresh is poised to lead innovative changes in egg production—creating a more humane, ethical system that other companies in the industry can emulate.

In conclusion, NestFresh’s commitment to ethical practices and animal welfare through the use of in-ovo sexing technology not only improves the conditions for farm animals but also reinforces the company’s dedication to sustainable practices. With a growing number of consumers demanding humane treatment within food industries, NestFresh is not only responding to ethical concerns but is paving the way toward a responsible future in agriculture.

For more details about NestFresh and its sustainable practices, visit www.nestfresh.com.