All of Zane Oberholzer's Comments + Replies
So the project is not looking to target the genes that code for egg-laying. We are testing regulatory sequences for their ability to selectively suppress the expression of the gene DMRT1 in gonadal tissue, resulting in the development of ovaries instead of testes. In other words, we are causing male-to-female sex reversal by targeting a single gene: DMRT1. There is the possibility, however, that a gene on the W chromosome either promotes ovary development or ovulation. We do not know this for certain.
The genetics of eggshell colour hasn't fully been elucid...
Well these are two different problems: 1). The practice of male chick culling and 2). The treatment of laying hens.
Although these two problems are linked, I don't think it's fair to say "it's better to kill day-old male chicks than allowing them to live horrible lives in cages". Both problems are equally grotesque and require intervention.
I think that both problems have "gone under the radar" so if they were discussed more and given more public attention, it will prompt other researchers to look into alternatives and solutions.
1. The various in-ovo sexing technologies to find the male eggs and destroy them before they hatch- Respeggt eggs are already available for sale in Germany, France, and The Netherlands and Open Phil has funded the Egg-Tech prize
The company respeggt GmbH has two projects:
- Seleggt’s in-ovo sexing technology is similar to a gender test. Allantoic fluid from eggs is extracted and the hormone content is analysed for sex-specific differences. The drawback is that the technology requires expensive machinery and currently the technology cannot meet
Dear Effective Altruism community,
It is my great pleasure to announce that this project has been fully funded.
A huge thank you to everybody who backed, shared, and showed interest!
If you are interested in following the developments/findings of the project, I will be posting lab notes on Experiment's platform (link: here).