Causes of "fake hens" and preventive measures
Hair Styling Tools,Hot Air Brushes,Hair Dryer Brushes,Hot Air Hair Stylers,Hair Straightening Irons Ningbo Shuangtuo International Trade Co., Ltd. , https://www.nbst-sports.com
In some poultry farming scenarios, farmers might face a common issue: the replacement pullets are well-bred, with proper weight and uniformity. However, during egg-laying, these hens fail to reach peak production. Upon careful examination, it's discovered that some chickens are completely non-laying—essentially "male hens." This condition is typically caused by infection with infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) during the first 1–2 weeks of life, which leads to improper development or intermittent growth of the oviduct. These hens appear normal and may not show any symptoms until they enter the laying period. Once identified, antibiotics offer no relief.
The main causes of this condition include:
1. Infection with IBV within the first 1–2 weeks of age.
2. Lack of proper vaccination against infectious bronchitis.
3. Poor environmental control in the chicken house during the two weeks before brooding.
4. Secondary infections from E. coli or mycotoxins.
5. Presence of immunosuppressive diseases that weaken the immune response.
6. Inappropriate vaccination protocols for the local strain of the virus.
To manage and prevent this issue, the following strategies should be implemented:
1. Ensure proper vaccination schedules are followed.
2. Thoroughly clean and disinfect the chicken house before introducing chicks. Maintain strict hygiene throughout the rearing period, disinfecting both inside and outside the house daily to reduce viral load.
3. Pay close attention to the management of chicks during their first two weeks, ensuring stable temperatures and minimizing stress.
4. Prevent secondary diseases such as mycoplasma or E. coli infections, as well as mycotoxin exposure, which can lead to immune suppression.
Key points for effective bronchitis vaccination include:
1. **Timing of Immunity**: As soon as the chicks arrive at the farm, administer live vaccines immediately to build up mucosal immunity.
2. **Vaccine Selection**: Due to the high diversity of IBV serotypes and limited cross-protection between them, use multiple serotype vaccines to maximize protection. A recommended schedule includes: First dose (day 1) with H120 or MA5 strain; second dose (day 7) with H120 + 2880; third dose (day 17) with a combination of live vaccines (Mass and Coon strains) and an inactivated vaccine (New branch oil-based).
3. **Administration Method**: Typically, nasal drops or eye drops are used. For nasal inoculation, block one nostril and inject the vaccine into the other. For eye inoculation, hold the chicken on its side and drop one drop into the open eye. Allow the vaccine to be absorbed before releasing the bird.
By implementing these measures, farmers can significantly reduce the occurrence of non-laying hens due to reproductive infectious bronchitis and improve overall flock performance.