Researchers in Israel have developed gene-edited hens that lay eggs from which only female chicks hatch, according to a report this week by the British Broadcasting Corp.
The breakthrough could prevent the yearly slaughter of billions of
unwanted male chicks which is why Compassion in World Farming, an animal
welfare group, helped fund the research.
“I am happy that we have developed a system that I think can truly
revolutionize the industry,” said Yuval Cinnamon, a scientist with the Volcani
Institute near Tel Aviv.
The gene-edited DNA in Gold hens stopped the
development of any male embryos in eggs they laid. The DNA is activated when
the eggs are exposed to blue light for several hours, he said.
