In a significant leap for animal welfare and sustainability, NestFresh has introduced In OVO sexing technology, making it the first egg producer in the US to implement ‘Cheggy technology’.
What is In OVO sexing and how does it work?
Male chick culling is an unfortunate reality in the egg industry. Each year, 400m male chicks are euthanised in the US because they do not lay eggs and are not suitable for meat production. In OVO sexing offers a solution, with the technology able to identify the sex of a chick early in the incubation process, long before the egg hatches.
“We’re using a technology called Cheggie, which uses hyperspectral light and image analysis to examine the eggshell and determine the gender of the chick,” explained Jasen Urena, vice president of NestFresh.
“Male eggs are removed from the process before they hatch, while females continue to develop into hens that will produce eggs.”
This pre-hatching sex determination is made possible through advanced imaging techniques that scan the eggs to detect subtle differences between male and female embryos. The male eggs are then discarded, avoiding the need to hatch and euthanise them.
A solution rooted in animal welfare
For Urena, the motivation behind adopting In OVO sexing was deeply personal.
“Animal welfare has always been a priority for us at NestFresh,” he said. “One of the things that really drove us to this technology was a story from my mentor, Mike Sensor. His daughter once asked him what happens to the male chicks, and when she learned about the culling, she was horrified. That question has stuck with Mike for years.”
The desire to eliminate the practice of male chick culling is a driving force behind the company’s embrace of this innovative technology. By introducing In OVO sexing to its operations, NestFresh is not only improving animal welfare but also providing consumers with a product they can feel better about purchasing.
A commitment to innovation and overcoming skepticism
While In OVO sexing has been used in Europe for years, it’s a relatively new concept in the US.
Urena recalls the initial skepticism when NestFresh decided to adopt the technology: “There were people who said it wouldn’t work here, that the scale of US egg production would make it impractical. But we’ve always believed in pushing boundaries, whether it’s with cage-free eggs, pasture-raised systems, or now, regenerative organic farming. Innovation is part of who we are.”
NestFresh has a history of introducing groundbreaking practices. As the first US egg company to implement regenerative organic farming, the company is no stranger to overcoming resistance. The businesses commitment to sustainability and animal welfare resonates with consumers who are increasingly concerned with how their food is produced.
Communicating values to consumers
With the rise of consumer awareness and demand for transparency in food production, NestFresh is taking steps to ensure customers understand the significance of their innovations. Urena notes that educating the public about In OVO sexing and its benefits is a key priority.
“We recently rebranded our products, relaunched our website, and are launching a certification programme with Certified Humane for In OVO Sexing. We want consumers to understand the ‘why’ behind what we’re doing,” he said.
Urena acknowledges the challenges of educating consumers in the crowded and often confusing landscape of food labeling. Terms like ‘free-range’, ‘cage-free’, and ‘pasture-raised’ can be overwhelming, making it difficult for consumers to differentiate between brands and their true commitments to sustainability and animal welfare. By aligning its products with clear values and ensuring transparency, NestFresh hopes to make it easier for consumers to choose ethically produced eggs.
Sustainability and regenerative organic farming
Beyond animal welfare, sustainability is at the heart of NestFresh’s mission. The company was the first to introduce regenerative organic eggs in the US, a farming practice that restores soil health, improves water retention, and sequesters carbon. Urena believes that regenerative organic farming could play a significant role in reversing climate change.
“Some studies suggest that if more farms adopted regenerative practices, it could help reverse the impacts of climate change,” Urena added. “It’s about improving the land we farm on and ensuring that our practices are sustainable for future generations.”
The potential for regenerative farming to influence other areas of agriculture is something Urena is passionate about: “Agriculture has the potential to make a huge impact on climate change. I hope other farms will adopt regenerative practices, and we can make a collective difference.”
Meeting the growing consumer demand for ethical practices
As consumer demand for ethical and sustainable food continues to grow, NestFresh remains committed to staying ahead of the curve. Urena explains that consumers are becoming more conscious of where their food comes from and how it’s produced.
“They want transparency,” he said, “and they’re asking tough questions about animal welfare and sustainability.”
NestFresh’s commitment to higher welfare practices, such as pasture-raised eggs and regenerative organic farming, is resonating with consumers who are willing to pay a premium for ethically produced eggs.
“Even with the added costs, eggs remain the cheapest source of protein compared to other animal proteins like beef or chicken. Consumers are willing to support these higher welfare practices because they believe in the value of what we’re doing.”
The road ahead: In OVO sexing and the future of egg production
Looking ahead, NestFresh is on a path to integrate In OVO sexing technology across all its operations. By 2026, all the company’s eggs will be In OVO sexed, marking a major milestone in the egg production industry. However, the implementation of the technology is not without its challenges.
“It takes time,” Urena noted. “The process from hatching to producing usable eggs is about six months, and we need to align hatch schedules with flock replacements. It’s a big undertaking, but we’re committed to making it work.”
The introduction of In OVO sexing technology at NestFresh is just the beginning. Urena sees this innovation as part of a broader movement toward more sustainable and ethical practices in food production.
“We’re proud to lead the charge, but we also hope that others will follow suit. Ultimately, this is about doing the right thing for the animals, the environment, and the people who eat our eggs.”
As consumers continue to demand more ethical and sustainable food options, NestFresh’s commitment to innovation and animal welfare is setting a new standard for the egg industry. With In OVO sexing, regenerative organic farming and a focus on transparency, the company is helping to shape a more sustainable and humane future for food production.
As Urena puts it: “You can’t stop progress. And we’re excited to be part of that progress.”
