HATCHERY VACCINATION 2.5 Subcutaneous (SC) or Intramuscular (IM) Injection at Day of Hatch Day-old vaccination is generally accomplished by giving 0.2 to 0.5 ml of vaccine subcutaneously under the skin at the back of the neck or intramuscularly in the leg. The automatic vaccination machines used in many parts of the world generally are designed for neck injection. A skilled operator can vaccinate about 1600 to 2000 chicks per hour. A dye is frequently mixed with the vaccine to allow visualization of the vaccine after the injection. Needles should be changed several times during the day. Burred or bent needles must be replaced immediately. Automated vaccinator checklist:
» Use personal protection equipment COBB VACCINATION DIGITAL MANAGEMENT GUIDE » Calibrate all vaccinators before vaccination for accuracy. » Verify the position of the needles. » Have an adequate supply of new sterile needles. » Check all vaccinators for dose accuracy. » Check the pneumatic pressure. » Evaluate the hygiene status of the machine. » Use a new needle with the bevel up towards the neck of the chick. » Verify that the vaccine diluent has the correct color (not yellow, not purple) and that it is not cloudy or has any kind of sediment or foreign particles. » Verify that the vaccine vials to be used have not been thawed.
Many hatcheries invert the vaccine vials to leave the frozen product on top. If the vaccine is thawed inverted, the vaccine will flow to the cap of the vial and become visible. 9