The European Food Safety Authority report on the killing of poultry points out a number of hazards associated with the use of killing methods for male day-old chicks of laying hens breeds. Any method currently available has pros and cons and the EU legislation establishes a balance between the welfare of animals and available practices. The Commission is aware of the research on egg sexing; some of the ongoing projects being supported by the EU. However, at present, there is no alternative commercially available to the killing of day-old chicks. The Commission will continue to closely monitor future developments in this area and to fully support animal welfare policies with any relevant results from research and innovation activities.