HATCHERY VACCINATION 2.6 Spray Vaccination in the Hatchery In many areas, chicks are vaccinated with live vaccines using a spray cabinet that administers a defined amount of water-based vaccine to each box of chicks. The droplet size is carefully controlled, and vaccination can be visualized on the chicks as either moisture or dye. This method is typically used for respiratory vaccines (IBV, NDV) and live coccidiosis vaccines. Important points for spraying respiratory vaccines in the hatchery: Important points for coccidiosis vaccination by spray cabinet:
» Although the volume of vaccine delivered for most respiratory vaccines is about 7 to 21 ml per box, it is important to check with the specific vaccine manufacturer regarding the vaccine volume per box for their product. » Coccidiosis vaccines must be stirred or agitated gently and continuously to ensure that the oocysts stay in suspension. If oocysts are allowed to settle to the bottom, significant variation will occur in the actual oocyst dose delivered. » The water volume will change in respect to the vaccine type and spray equipment used.
COBB VACCINATION DIGITAL MANAGEMENT GUIDE » Coccidiosis vaccines are generally delivered with a fan pattern while respiratory vaccines are usually sprayed with a cone-shaped pattern. » Run an empty chick box through the spray cabinet to check for uniform spraying side to side and end to end. » A particle size of 100 to 300 microns in diameter is ideal for spray vaccination in the hatchery. Smaller droplets will move with air currents and will not settle evenly over the chicks. » Coccidiosis vaccines use a larger droplet size and the volume of vaccine delivered is approximately 21 ml per box.
» The reconstituted vaccine is dyed in order to stimulate preening post- vaccination, distribution and consumption of the vaccine. » The water used for vaccine reconstitution should be fresh, cool distilled water. Warm water may have a negative impact on vaccine viability and cold water will chill the chicks. Water should be no cooler than 16°C (60°F) and no warmer than 27°C (80°F). » After vaccination chick boxes should be placed in a warm, draft-free area with bright lighting for at least 30 minutes to stimulate chick activity and vaccine consumption by preening. Using lights will encourage chick activity, limit huddling, and promote health and welfare for the flock.
» Items to monitor include the air pressure, nozzle spray pattern, volume delivered per nozzle in every actuation, orientation of the nozzles, belt speed, height of the chick box, and trigger mechanism. Before vaccination: Place boxes on the conveyor gently so that chicks will be well-distributed in the box prior to spray vaccination. This will help ensure more uniform vaccination for all chicks in the box. ANIMAL WELFARE TIPS During vaccination: Chicks will naturally crouch down due to the noise and the moisture from the vaccine. After exiting the spray cabinet, chicks should be active and should immediately begin preening. Ensure chicks are placed in a warm, draft-free area. 11