Replies – Forums – Vasanthi Jayakumar – Page 23

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Muddasar

Member
October 22, 2025 at 7:37 pm in reply to: Balance feed

Can balanced feed reduce sickness in poultry?
Muddasar

Member
October 22, 2025 at 7:33 pm in reply to: nutrition influence

Balanced nutrition strengthens immunity by supporting antibody production and gut health — especially through adequate vitamins (A, E, C), trace minerals (Zn, Se), and quality protein.
Muddasar

Member
October 22, 2025 at 7:32 pm in reply to: Small Farms sustainability

Great points, Gundu — using local resources efficiently and focusing on hardy breeds truly makes small-scale farming more sustainable.
Mohamed Hamada Nasser

Member
October 22, 2025 at 3:27 pm in reply to: Egg shell

1. Nutritional Imbalance

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Calcium & Phosphorus: Ensure the correct ratio (Ca:P ≈ 10:1). Use coarse limestone or oyster shell to sustain calcium release during the night when the shell forms.
Vitamin D₃ deficiency impairs calcium absorption and shell deposition.
Trace minerals (Mn, Zn, Cu, Se) are vital for shell matrix strength.

Solution: Use a layer premix with proper mineral bioavailability; check particle size of calcium sources.

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2. Physiological & Environmental Stress
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Heat stress reduces feed intake → less calcium consumed → thinner shells.
Sudden light changes or loud noises trigger stress hormones, disturbing shell gland function.

Solution: Maintain stable lighting, proper ventilation, and consistent feeding schedule.

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3. Disease & Health Issues
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Diseases affecting the oviduct or shell gland (like Infectious Bronchitis or Egg Drop Syndrome) can lead to chalky, misshapen, or soft-shelled eggs.

Solution: Follow a strict vaccination program and monitor flock for early respiratory or reproductive symptoms.

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4. Aging Flocks
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As hens age, calcium metabolism efficiency declines, leading to more cracks.

Solution: Increase dietary calcium by 0.5–1% and supplement vitamin D₃ for older layers.

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5. Management & Handling
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Even good shells can crack if eggs are dropped or roll too fast on conveyors.

Mohamed Hamada Nasser

Member

October 22, 2025 at 3:26 pm in reply to: In Ovo vs. Spray:

In Ovo vs. Spray Vaccination: Ensuring Uniform Immunity

Great observation, Muhammad. While both in-ovo and spray vaccinations share the same immunological goal — stimulating early, uniform immune response — they differ sharply in delivery precision, biological variability, and environmental control.

Below is a concise comparison highlighting the main challenges and solutions

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 1. Accuracy of Dose Delivery
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In Ovo:

Delivers a precise, controlled volume (usually 0.05–0.1 mL) directly into the amniotic cavity or embryo, using automated injectors.

Ensures each embryo receives the full dose — very high uniformity (≈ 98–99%).

Spray:

Relies on aerosol droplet size, distribution pattern, and chick behavior.

Uneven exposure occurs when droplet size varies, nozzle pressure fluctuates, or chicks crowd away from spray zones.

Solution: Calibrate spray nozzles regularly, ensure proper droplet size (80–120 μm for coccidiosis vaccines), and evenly distribute chicks in trays.

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 2. Biological Uptake and Immune Response
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In Ovo: Vaccine contacts embryonic immune tissues before hatch — leading to earlier antigen recognition and strong, systemic response post-hatch.

Spray: Depends on mucosal exposure (respiratory or oral route). Some chicks may not receive enough vaccine droplets on feathers or mucosa.

Solution: Maintain good chick activity and humidity (≥50%) during spray application — droplets must stay viable and adhere to down feathers.

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 3. Vaccine Viability
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In Ovo: Closed, sterile system — minimal contamination risk; vaccine kept cold and protected until injection.

Spray: Vaccine exposed to ambient air, light, and temperature fluctuations, which can reduce live organism viability (especially for E. coli and Eimeria vaccines).

Solution: Mix vaccines with stabilizers (e.g., skim milk or commercial stabilizing agents), maintain cool spray temperature (≤25°C), and use within 2 hours of reconstitution.

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 4. Hatchery and Chick Handling Factors
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In Ovo: Performed automatically at 18–19 days of incubation → no direct chick handling, reduces stress.

Spray: Applied post-hatch in chick boxes → handling stress, crowding, and uneven exposure if not properly managed.

Solution: Spray evenly across chick boxes; avoid excessive stacking; use blue dye to visually confirm coverage.

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 5. Monitoring and Verification
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In Ovo: Easy to track via machine calibration and hatchery data (vaccine volume, number of eggs injected).

Spray: Verification requires sampling chicks post-application and checking droplet distribution or dye staining uniformity.

Solution: Perform coverage audits — random sampling of chicks from different trays to confirm uniform staining and vaccine take.

Mohamed Hamada Nasser

Member

October 22, 2025 at 3:25 pm in reply to: In OVO feeding

Practical Alternatives to In-Ovo Feeding for Early Chick Nutrition

Great question, Muhammad. While in-ovo feeding delivers nutrients before hatch, small and medium farms can still achieve early nutrient intake through simple, low-cost management adjustments that stimulate the chick’s digestive and immune development right after hatch.

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1. Provide Immediate Access to Feed and Water
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No delay after placement: Every hour without feed or water increases early chick mortality and reduces lifetime weight gain.

Make sure feeders and drinkers are pre-filled before chicks arrive.

Feed on paper trays or chick paper across 60–70% of the brooding area for easy access.

Offer bright light (30–40 lux) for the first 24 hours to help chicks locate feed and water.

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2. Use High-Quality, Nutrient-Dense Pre-Starter Feed
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Choose a fine crumble or mini-pellet form for easy intake.

Include highly digestible protein (fish meal, soy protein concentrate) and readily available energy (oil/fat rather than excess starch).

Ensure adequate vitamins A, E, C, selenium, and probiotics to kick-start immunity and gut health.

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3. Early Water Supplementation
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Add glucose or dextrose (2–3%) in water for the first 24–48 hours — helps restore energy reserves depleted during hatch and transport.

Include electrolytes + vitamin C to prevent dehydration and stress.

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4. Maintain Ideal Brooding Conditions
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Temperature: 32–34 °C at chick level for the first 2–3 days, then gradually reduce.

Humidity: 60–70% to prevent dehydration.

Litter temperature should be warm and dry before placement — cold floors delay feeding.

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5. Encourage Early Gut Development
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Use prebiotics, probiotics, or acidifiers in early feed or water to seed a healthy gut microbiome.

Some producers use fermented feed or natural additives (like yeast derivatives or organic acids) for improved gut function.

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6. Reduce Transport and Hatchery Delays
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Coordinate logistics so that chicks reach the farm within 6–8 hours post-hatch.

Every extra hour of feed deprivation reduces 7-day growth and final body weight.Practical Alternatives to In-Ovo Feeding for Early Chick Nutrition

Great question, Muhammad. While in-ovo feeding delivers nutrients before hatch, small and medium farms can still achieve early nutrient intake through simple, low-cost management adjustments that stimulate the chick’s digestive and immune development right after hatch.

1. Provide Immediate Access to Feed and Water

No delay after placement: Every hour without feed or water increases early chick mortality and reduces lifetime weight gain.

Make sure feeders and drinkers are pre-filled before chicks arrive.

Feed on paper trays or chick paper across 60–70% of the brooding area for easy access.

Offer bright light (30–40 lux) for the first 24 hours to help chicks locate feed and water.

2. Use High-Quality, Nutrient-Dense Pre-Starter Feed

Choose a fine crumble or mini-pellet form for easy intake.

Include highly digestible protein (fish meal, soy protein concentrate) and readily available energy (oil/fat rather than excess starch).

Ensure adequate vitamins A, E, C, selenium, and probiotics to kick-start immunity and gut health.

3. Early Water Supplementation

Add glucose or dextrose (2–3%) in water for the first 24–48 hours — helps restore energy reserves depleted during hatch and transport.

Include electrolytes + vitamin C to prevent dehydration and stress.

4. Maintain Ideal Brooding Conditions

Temperature: 32–34 °C at chick level for the first 2–3 days, then gradually reduce.

Humidity: 60–70% to prevent dehydration.

Litter temperature should be warm and dry before placement — cold floors delay feeding.

5. Encourage Early Gut Development

Use prebiotics, probiotics, or acidifiers in early feed or water to seed a healthy gut microbiome.

Some producers use fermented feed or natural additives (like yeast derivatives or organic acids) for improved gut function.

6. Reduce Transport and Hatchery Delays

Coordinate logistics so that chicks reach the farm within 6–8 hours post-hatch.

Every extra hour of feed deprivation reduces 7-day growth and final body weight.

Mohamed Hamada Nasser

Member

October 22, 2025 at 3:24 pm in reply to: Heat stress management in poultry

Heat Stress Management in Poultry

Excellent point, Samuel. Rising temperatures demand proactive measures to protect flock health and performance. Along with using anti-stress supplements (vitamins and electrolytes), farmers can combine nutritional, environmental, and management strategies for stronger resilience

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1. Environmental Management
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Ventilation: Increase air exchange; add fans or exhaust systems to remove hot, humid air.

Cooling: Use foggers, misters, or evaporative pads during peak heat (but ensure good ventilation to avoid humidity buildup).

House Design: Insulate roofs, use reflective paint or shade nets, and orient houses east–west to reduce direct sunlight.

Reduce bird density during hot seasons to lower body heat load.

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2. Water Management
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Provide cool, clean water at all times — birds drink up to twice as much in hot weather.

Flush water lines during the day to prevent heating.

Add electrolytes + vitamin C to drinking water during peak heat stress periods.

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3. Nutritional Adjustments
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Feed during cooler hours (early morning or late evening).

Use high-quality, easily digestible feed ingredients — poor-quality protein increases body heat.

Supplement with vitamin E, C, selenium, betaine, and electrolytes to reduce oxidative stress.

Consider energy-dense diets with balanced amino acids to maintain intake when feed consumption drops.

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4. Management Practices
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Avoid catching, vaccination, or transport during the hottest hours.

Provide sufficient space per bird and clean litter to prevent suffocation or heat accumulation.

Observe for early signs of stress: open-mouth breathing, panting, wings spread, reduced feed intake, and increased water consumption.

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5. Long-Term Prevention
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Select heat-tolerant strains where possible.

Install temperature monitoring systems and maintain records for decision-making.Heat Stress Management in Poultry

Excellent point, Samuel. Rising temperatures demand proactive measures to protect flock health and performance. Along with using anti-stress supplements (vitamins and electrolytes), farmers can combine nutritional, environmental, and management strategies for stronger resilience 1. Environmental Management

Ventilation: Increase air exchange; add fans or exhaust systems to remove hot, humid air.

Cooling: Use foggers, misters, or evaporative pads during peak heat (but ensure good ventilation to avoid humidity buildup).

House Design: Insulate roofs, use reflective paint or shade nets, and orient houses east–west to reduce direct sunlight.

Reduce bird density during hot seasons to lower body heat load.

2. Water Management

Provide cool, clean water at all times — birds drink up to twice as much in hot weather.

Flush water lines during the day to prevent heating.

Add electrolytes + vitamin C to drinking water during peak heat stress periods.

3. Nutritional Adjustments

Feed during cooler hours (early morning or late evening).

Use high-quality, easily digestible feed ingredients — poor-quality protein increases body heat.

Supplement with vitamin E, C, selenium, betaine, and electrolytes to reduce oxidative stress.

Consider energy-dense diets with balanced amino acids to maintain intake when feed consumption drops.

4. Management Practices

Avoid catching, vaccination, or transport during the hottest hours.

Provide sufficient space per bird and clean litter to prevent suffocation or heat accumulation.

Observe for early signs of stress: open-mouth breathing, panting, wings spread, reduced feed intake, and increased water consumption.

5. Long-Term Prevention

Select heat-tolerant strains where possible.

Install temperature monitoring systems and maintain records for decision-making.

Mohamed Hamada Nasser

Member

October 22, 2025 at 3:22 pm in reply to: Fowl Pox Vaccine strategy

. Vaccine Type

Live Fowl Pox vaccine (usually chick embryo–origin or tissue culture–origin virus).

Administered by wing-web stab method.

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2. Recommended Schedule

Optional: If breeders are reared in endemic areas or under open housing where mosquito pressure is high, some programs add:

Pre-lay booster (around 18–20 weeks) or combined Fowl Pox + AE (Avian Encephalomyelitis) vaccination.

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3. Important Management Points
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Wing-web check: Always examine 50–100 birds 7–10 days post-vaccination for “takes” (small scab/swelling at the site). A good “take rate” = ≥95% of birds show a scab — confirming effective immunity.

Avoid stress (heat, feed changes, disease outbreaks) during vaccination.

Don’t vaccinate sick birds or during extreme temperature fluctuations.

Mosquito control: Vaccination complements, not replaces, vector management — as mosquitoes transmit fowl pox virus.. Vaccine Type

Live Fowl Pox vaccine (usually chick embryo–origin or tissue culture–origin virus).

Administered by wing-web stab method.

2. Recommended Schedule
Stage Age (in weeks) Vaccine Route Notes
Primary (1st) vaccination 8–10 weeks Fowl Pox (live) Wing-web stab Ensure birds are healthy and free from stress.
Booster (2nd) vaccination 16–18 weeks (before transfer to laying house) Fowl Pox (same type) Wing-web stab Confirms solid, long-term immunity during laying phase. Optional:
If breeders are reared in endemic areas or under open housing where mosquito pressure is high, some programs add:

Pre-lay booster (around 18–20 weeks) or combined Fowl Pox + AE (Avian Encephalomyelitis) vaccination.

3. Important Management Points

Wing-web check: Always examine 50–100 birds 7–10 days post-vaccination for “takes” (small scab/swelling at the site). A good “take rate” = ≥95% of birds show a scab — confirming effective immunity.

Avoid stress (heat, feed changes, disease outbreaks) during vaccination.

Don’t vaccinate sick birds or during extreme temperature fluctuations.

Mosquito control: Vaccination complements, not replaces, vector management — as mosquitoes transmit fowl pox virus.

Forum Replies Created

Muddasar

Muddasar

Muddasar

Mohamed Hamada Nasser

Mohamed Hamada Nasser

Mohamed Hamada Nasser

Mohamed Hamada Nasser

Mohamed Hamada Nasser

Mohamed Hamada Nasser

Mohamed Hamada Nasser

Amir

Amir

Amir

Amir

Amir