Israeli startup breeds hens which lay eggs of female-only chicksThe achievement by startup Huminn and the Israeli Agricultural Research Organization – Volcani Institute can help spare the killing of billions of chicks around the worldA hen developed by Israeli startup Huminn and the Israeli Agricultural Research Organization – Volcani Institute, is the first in the world to lay eggs from which only female chicks hatch, it was announced on Tuesday.The unique technology transfers a biological trait through the sex chromosomes, which prevents the development of male embryos.It eliminates any need for the sorting and destruction of approximately 7 billion day-old male chicks every year, which are considered an "unnecessary by-product" in the edible egg industry.In addition to solving the animal welfare issue, the substantial resources needed for hatching are reduced by almost half, and the costs of sorting and disposing of the male chicks are eliminated."In recent years, we have witnessed a change in awareness around the world regarding animal welfare, but on the other hand, no practical solutions have been identified to stop the unfortunate phenomenon of killing the male chicks,” said Dr. Yaarit Wainberg, CEO of Poultry by Huminn, which was established in collaboration with Huminn (formerly Impact NRS) and the Volcani Institute."