Each year, up to 7 billion male chicks worldwide are culled after hatching, as they are 
unsuitable for either egg or meat production. SELEGGT, which is owned by the Respeggt Group, aims to put an end to this practice by providing a sustainable and ethical solution through its innovative in-ovo sexing technology, which identifies the sex of hatching eggs from day 8 of incubation. This approach ensures more responsible and sustainable egg production while maintaining industry efficiency.
SELEGGT, an established leader in the in-ovo sexing of hatching eggs, owes its reputation to a unique and proven DNA-based technology renowned for its exceptional precision. Initially founded as a joint venture with the German retail group REWE, which supported its early development, SELEGGT is part of the HatchTech Group and is headquartered in the Netherlands. Its breakthrough technology enables hatcheries to end the needless male chick culling while producing over 20 million female chicks per year.
Market-leading performance
SELEGGT solutions lead the market in accuracy, female chick yield, and operational versatility. Their DNA-based in-ovo sexing technology sets the highest industry standards and is currently the most reliable and efficient method to truly know what’s inside the egg because DNA simply does not lie.
The DNA test has an accuracy exceeding 99%, reliably identifying the sex of the embryo. As a result, approximately 49% of the eggs entering the system are identified as female. Its broad operational window starting from day 8 of incubation, combined with a largely automated process, ensures both efficiency and planning flexibility. The system supports all genetics, working seamlessly with both white and brown layers, and is fully automated to optimize operational productivity.
The SELEGGT technology
SELEGGT’s core success lies in its technology. To fulfill its commitment to “Free of Chick Culling,” SELEGGT has invested significant time and resources in developing a groundbreaking in-ovo sexing method. This patented technology utilizes cutting-edge techniques to distinguish between male and female embryos before hatching. By accurately identifying and removing male eggs early in the process, it eliminates the need for culling, enabling a more humane and ethical approach to egg production.
What sets SELEGGT apart from its competitors is its use of PCR testing and DNA analysis — currently the most precise method available to determine the sex of a hatching egg. The relevant DNA markers are identified in a sample of allantoic fluid.
Global compatibility and ongoing innovation
Designed for worldwide compatibility, SELEGGT’s system integrates smoothly into hatcheries without requiring specialized infrastructure or adjustments. This flexibility makes it a scalable option for producers across various regions. To date, the technology has been adopted in countries including Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and the United States.
Looking ahead, SELEGGT remains committed to continuous research and development, with the goal of becoming an integral part of automated hatchery operations. The company firmly believes that in-ovo sexing will increasingly merge with standard hatchery automation, as discarding half of the live-hatched animals is not a viable long-term practice. Today, in-ovo sexing equipment has already established its place within modern hatchery workflows. Beyond its ethical and environmental benefits, the technology also enhances operational efficiency – removing approximately 51% of the eggs midway through incubation frees up hatchery capacity and optimizes resource use.
Moreover, working exclusively with female chicks opens up new possibilities for the layer industry, aligning sustainable practices with economic viability. SELEGGT’s approach exemplifies how innovation can drive both ethical progress and productivity in the poultry sector.
