Israeli researchers develop gene-edited hens that could end male chicken slaughter
The JCDec 13, 2022
On Tuesday, researchers at the Israeli Agricultural Research Organization led by Dr. Yuval Cinnamon announced the development of genetically engineered hens that lay eggs that only hatch females — an advancement that scientists say may prevent the suffering of unwanted male chicks in the future.
The scientists genetically engineered the hens' — who carry Z and W chromosomes — Z chromosome. The eggs laid by the hens, called "Golda hens," are then exposed to blue light — activating the edited DNA. When exposed, the males — made up of two Z chromosomes — stop developing, while the female eggs continue on as normal.
As a result of the human cultivation of chickens and eggs, a stomach-turning seven billion male chicks are killed each year because they hold no commercial value. If genetically-engineered hens help prevent unnecessary loss of life and boost egg production, then it's the right route to take.
The process of genetic engineering is a moral double-edged sword. The opportunity to end the slaughter of innocent animals is undoubtedly a good thing. However, editing the genetic code of a living being is unnatural and could have unforeseen consequences.