Zukunft der Geflügelindustrie

: Die Rolle der Technologien zur In-Ovo-Geschlechtsbestimmung und deren gesellschaftliche Implikationen

Abstract

This master's thesis examines alternatives to the culling of day-old male chicks in Austrian egg production with regard to technological, societal, ethical, and economic aspects, as well as the associated questions regarding public purchasing behavior and consumers' willingness to accept potential solutions and, if necessary, pay more for them. The starting point is the elimination of male chicks, which has been practiced for decades due to a lack of economic viability. This practice has been severely restricted by law in Austria since 2021 due to economic constraints and socio-ethical requirements. To analyze the acceptance and impact of various alternatives—including dual-purpose chickens, broiler rearing, the use of day-old male chicks as feeder chicks, and in-ovo-sex-determination—a comprehensive literature review, an online survey of Austrian consumers (n=550) and seven expert interviews were conducted. The theoretical analysis shows that each alternative has specific advantages and disadvantages: Dual-purpose chickens and brother roosters are ethically acceptable, but economically and ecologically less efficient. The use of male chicks as a feed source forms an ecologically sound cycle, but is socially controversial. In-ovo-sex-determination offers the greatest potential for eliminating chick culling, but, depending on the method, is not yet fully developed technically and involves significant financial expenditure. Furthermore, ethical considerations also speak against this approach. The currently marketable in-ovo-methods can only be applied after the embryos have already developed a sense of pain. The empirical results show that the majority of respondents reject chick culling and prefer in-ovomethods. The willingness to pay for humanely produced eggs exists, but remains questionable. Animal welfare, labeling, transparency, and education have a positive impact on purchasing decisions. The experts surveyed consider the current national solution, in the form of the three-pillar model, to be practical, transparent, and largely socially acceptable. However, they criticize potential EU-wide harmonization regarding chick culling, citing concerns that this could compromise national interests, ecological specificities, and the competitiveness of Austrian egg production.

Date of Award	2025
Original language	German (Austria)
Supervisor	Michael Duspiwa (Supervisor)