What are Other Countries doing about Male Chick Culling?
The UK is falling behind on ending the cruel practice of male chick culling. Many other countries have already banned it, or are exploring the in-ovo technology that will end it.
With France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands already implementing a ban, and Norway and Italy to follow suit, the UK is now falling behind both international best practice and public opinion.
Category 1: Countries That Have Already Banned Male Chick Culling
Germany – first country in the world to ban male chick culling, with legislation in force since 2022
France – nationwide ban introduced from 2022/23 alongside mandatory adoption of in-ovo sexing technology
Austria – ban introduced in 2022 through legislation and industry transition measures
Luxembourg – restrictions introduced to phase out the practice nationally
Switzerland – major restrictions introduced, with industry-wide movement away from male chick culling
Category 2: Countries Transitioning Away from Male Chick Culling Through In-Ovo Sexing
Italy – national ban approved, due to come into force by 2026/27
Netherlands – government-backed roadmap to end male chick culling by 2026, with most hatcheries already equipped with in-ovo sexing technology
Norway – poultry sector transitioning towards in-ovo sexing and phasing out male chick culling voluntarily
Belgium – increasing commercial adoption of in-ovo sexing technology and political momentum towards a phase-out
Israel – committed to ending the practice subject to full technological deployment
Australia – One of the two main hatcheries has adopted in-ovo sexing technology
Category 3: Emerging International Adoption of In-Ovo Sexing Technology
Spain – growing use of in-ovo sexing within premium and welfare-focused egg production
Canada – pilot projects underway in partnership with European technology providers
United States – commercial pilot programmes and early adoption by egg producers
Let’s not let the UK fall behind the rest of the world.
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