The egg industry practice of killing 7 billion male chicks annually, known as culling, may face federal regulation for the first time. This brutal practice involves disposing of male chicks within hours of hatching through methods like grinding them alive or gassing them. The proposed ban targets this practice directly and aims to push the industry towards using in-ovo sexing technology to determine a chick's sex before it develops the capacity to feel pain.

The industry is pushing back, citing concerns about the technology not being ready for widespread adoption and potential cost increases for consumers. However, the legislation could set a precedent for federal intervention in animal agriculture practices, signaling a potential shift in how these practices are regulated at the national level and prioritizing animal welfare over industry efficiency arguments. The impact of this legislation could have far-reaching implications for the future of animal welfare in the industry.