The use of in-ovo sexing technology continues to expand rapidly across the egg industry, with an estimated 40% of the European Union's commercial layer flock now produced using the technology, according to a new market penetration report from Innovate Animal Ag.
This represents a 6 percentage point increase compared with 2025 and underscores the growing shift away from day-old male chick culling.
The report estimates that more than 281 million male embryos have been identified and removed before hatching globally since 2021, while approximately 740 million hatching eggs have been processed through in-ovo sexing systems over the past 5 years. Europe remains the leading market, with production capacity now exceeding the equivalent of 100 million female chicks annually.
Switzerland and Norway are leading the transition
Several countries are approaching full adoption. Switzerland has already reached an estimated 85-100% market penetration, while Norway has surpassed 50% and is on track to phase out male chick culling completely by 2027.
New markets emerging
Outside Europe, adoption is beginning to accelerate. The United States now has 6 commercial in-ovo sexing installations in operation, with egg producers representing more than 4% of the national layer flock committing to transition as existing flocks are replaced.
Australia and Brazil have also entered the market, signalling growing international interest in the technology.
Global outlook
Looking ahead, Innovate Animal Ag expects further growth driven by Italy's upcoming ban on male chick culling and increasing retailer and consumer demand for higher animal welfare standards. The organisation forecasts that in-ovo sexing could account for around 51% of the EU commercial layer flock by 2028.
"In-ovo sexing has moved from a niche innovation to a scalable commercial solution," the report concludes, pointing to improving economics, expanding hatchery capacity and growing regulatory support as key drivers of adoption.
