News

In modern poultry production, efficiency and effectiveness in disease prevention are key to ensuring successful flock performance. One increasingly adopted approach is Hatchery Vaccination (HV). But what exactly is hatchery vaccination, and why is it considered essential? 

What is Hatchery Vaccination? 

Hatchery vaccination refers to the administration of vaccines to day-old chicks (DOC) before they are transported to farms or in embryonated eggs before hatching. This process is carried out at the hatchery, typically immediately after hatching, using a range of application methods such as coarse spray, subcutaneous injection, or in ovo injection (vaccine delivery into 18-day-old embryonated eggs). 

 Why is Hatchery Vaccination Important? 

• Early Disease Protection
  HV offers immediate protection against critical early-life diseases, including Newcastle Disease (ND), Infectious Bronchitis (IB), Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD), Coccidiosis, and Marek’s Disease. Early immunity is crucial for safeguarding chicks during their most vulnerable stage. 

• Consistency and Accuracy in Vaccine Administration
  Vaccines are administered by trained professionals using specialized equipment, ensuring uniform and precise application. This reduces the risk of improper dosing and minimizes the spread of pathogens by eliminating the need for external vaccinators to move between farms. 

• Cost and Labor Efficiency
  By shifting the vaccination process to the hatchery, producers can reduce labor, time, and in-farm vaccination costs. This makes HV an economically efficient solution, especially for large-scale operations. 

• Reduced Stress on Chicks
  Eliminating the need for early-life re-vaccination reduces handling stress that could negatively impact growth and development. As a result, farm management can focus more effectively on brooding and flock performance. 

While hatchery vaccination offers numerous advantages, its success depends on adhering to strict operational standards. These include proper vaccine handling and storage, the use of sterile equipment, well-trained personnel, precise dosing, and continuous monitoring of vaccine efficacy. Without these controls, vaccine performance may be compromised. 

Hatchery vaccination is more than just a trend—it is a strategic component of modern poultry health management. When implemented correctly, HV delivers significant value across the entire production chain by offering early protection to chicks, improving broiler performance, and supporting enhanced farm biosecurity and efficiency.