Hatchery ‘Het Anker’ in The Netherlands installed SelEggt In-Ovo Sexing in 2024 — replacing manual day-18 candling and improving female layer output by 49%. We spoke with co-owner Rinie Vroegindeweij about the impact on day-to-day operations.

The challenge

Het Anker is a family-run layer hatchery producing 6 million day-old chicks per year for the Scandinavian and northern-European market. Like every layer operation, half of the incubated eggs traditionally produced male chicks with no commercial purpose. The team had been looking for a non-invasive way to determine sex earlier — without compromising hatchability or chick welfare.

The solution

In 2024, Het Anker became one of the first European sites to commission a full SelEggt In-Ovo Sexing line: SetGate for egg handling and day-9 candling, the DNA sampling circuit, conditioned cabinet and automated sorter. Installation took six weeks; full production followed within two months.

The results

One year on, the hatchery reports a 49% female yield from sexed eggs, a measurable drop in late-stage embryonic mortality, and an additional 15% incubation capacity unlocked by removing non-viable eggs early. Quality of female chicks at hatch is at parity with conventional incubation — confirmed by the customer’s own audits and HatchTech’s research team.

“We were sceptical about adopting in-ovo sexing this early. After one year with SelEggt, hatchability is intact, female yield is 49%, and our team has gained 15% capacity. We will install a second line.”

Rinie Vroegindeweij, Co-owner — Hatchery ‘Het Anker’

At a glance

Looking ahead

Het Anker is now evaluating a second double-line installation to serve growing demand from welfare-focused retailers across the Nordic market.