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Applied research on endocrine in ovo sexing of domestic chicken

Project


Project code: 2813303107
Contract period: 01.10.2014 - 31.12.2015
Budget: 200,997 Euro
Purpose of research: Experimental development

Millions of male layer-hybrids are culled each year; particularly with regard to animal welfare this issue is of high sociopolitical relevance. Therefore, practicable alternatives need to be developed urgently. A promising option is the in ovo sexing of incubated hen's eggs. Previous studies demonstrate that precise (98%) gender identification is possible at the beginning of incubation day 10 via endocrine analysis of the embryonic urine. Therefore, male individuals can be eliminated prior to the onset of embryonic pain perception and only the wanted female chicken hatch. Aim of the submitted project is the development of an industrially applicable early in ovo gender identification before the onset of embryonic pain perception. This includes the automation of both sample collection and analysis as well as the development of a fast-track assay to determine hormone concentrations in the embryonic urine. All of these aspects are essential for the intended area-wide implementation in commercial hatcheries. The work of the submitted project is to be conducted by the Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Veterinary Faculty, University of Leipzig in cooperation with the Institut für Mikroelektronik- und Mechatronik-System GmbH, Ilmenau. Initially, a reference device is to be developed, which allows an automated in ovo sampling of embryonic urine from the hen's egg as well as the ejection of the fluid into reaction tubes for further gender identification. Concurrently, a fast-track assay for the analysis of hormone concentrations in the embryonic urine that enables a precise gender classification is to be established. In a subsequent process the reference device and the fast-track assay are to be adjusted to each other and the technique tested on large scale.

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