Germany: ‘Only a few hatcheries will survive’

The German layer industry foresees a troublesome future. As from 1 January 2024, all male layer siblings must remain alive, which asks for great investments in in ovo sexing machines. Since 2021, the number of hatcheries has already shrunk from 20 to 8, and further restructuring is imminent. Chairman Henner Schönecke of the German branch organisation for the laying sector, Bundesverband Ei, is proud of the German laying sector, but he is concerned about its future. “In terms of poultry far