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Intrayolk Sac Delivery of Viral Vaccines to Broilers

Department of Poultry Science, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762-9665

Correspondence: pthaxton@poultry.msstate.edu, E-mail: pthaxton{at}poultry.msstate.edu

The intrayolk sac (IYS) vaccination method differs from accepted methods (i.e., in ovo and s.c. vaccinations). The major difference is that the IYS method ensures simultaneous delivery of several vaccines and biologics in a single injection into the yolk sac of the newly hatched chick. The mechanism of action is as the yolk is absorbed over 7 to 10 d after hatching, vaccines are metered continuously into the chicks. With in ovo and s.c. methods, antigens are presented to immune recognition cells for only a short period.

Experiment 1 was a typical university broiler grow-out study. One-day-old broilers received commercial vaccine for Marek's disease (MD) by s.c. or IYS vaccination. Nonvaccinated chicks were negative controls. Results of production during a 43-d grow out, indicated IYS vaccinated chicks performed as well as birds vaccinated by the s.c. method. Experiment 2 was a commercial field study. Broilers were vaccinated by hatchery personnel and reared in commercial houses. Production results of the IYS vaccination alone were compared with results from a combination of s.c. and spray vaccinations followed by field booster vaccination. IYS involved a single IYS inoculation of commercial vaccines for MD (both HVT and SB1 strains), infectious bursal disease (IBDV), tensynovitis, Newcastle disease, and infectious bronchitis. The s.c. scheme involved giving hatch mates a single s.c. inoculation of the same commercial vaccines for MD, IBDV, tensynovitis, and, within 1 h, spray vaccination for Newcastle disease and infectious bronchitis. Finally, the s.c. birds were given a booster vaccination for IBDV and infectious bronchitis via drinking water at 18 d of age. Gentamycin was added to the IYS and s.c. inoculums. The birds that received only IYS vaccinations did not receive field boosts. Birds remained in commercial houses until 62 d of age. Live production results, as well as plant condemnation results, did not differ between the 2 vaccination programs.

Key Words: yolk sac • vaccination • virus • newly hatched chick