The present disclosure relates to a device for delivering substances to specific embryonic structures, including heart and blood vessels, within a developing avian egg. The disclosure also relates to methods of using the device to produce enhanced avian embryos. Methods include administering to chicken embryos various substances, including vaccines, nutrients, and stem cells. Chickens resulting from enhanced avian embryos have advantages, including greater growth potential and resistance to pathogen infection/infestation.

The present invention relates to a method and device for automatically inspecting one or more eggs contactlessly. According to the invention, the following steps are carried out: a) a millimeter-wave radio-frequency signal is transmitted by a transmitter towards an egg, b) a millimeter-wave radio-frequency signal reflected by said egg is detected by means of a sensor (14), said sensor (14) being placed at distance from said egg, c) the intensity of the reflected millimeter-wave radio-frequency signal is analyzed as a function of the distance traveled by the reflected signal and the radar echo thus obtained is compared with one or more reference radar echoes each representative of one egg state, so as to deduce the egg's current state therefrom.

Provided is a biocontrol combination and method for improving quality of a shelled egg, for example, by reducing pathogen contamination. The combination may include at least one first component including particulate matter holding at least one natural oil and at least one second component including a cocktail of antagonistic bacteria. The first component and second component may be combined into a formulation prior to application onto the shelled egg surface. The method may additionally include applying the biocontrol combination onto shelled eggs. Also provided is a package including the biocontrol combination and instructions for use thereof.

Aspects of the present disclosure include a complete genomic analysis device and methods of use thereof for high throughput genomic analysis of biological samples.

An in ovo injection apparatus is provided. Such an in ovo injection apparatus includes an injection assembly having a plurality of injection devices, each injection device being configured to pierce a respective avian egg. A selectable peristaltic pump assembly is in fluid communication with the injection assembly. The selectable peristaltic pump assembly is configured to selectively supply a treatment substance from a fluid reservoir to the injection devices such that the injection devices are capable of selectively dispensing the treatment substance. An associated method is also provided.

A fluid delivery system implemented within an in ovo injection apparatus is disclosed. The fluid delivery system includes a fluid agitation system having a plurality of pump assemblies each in fluid communication with an injection delivery device. The pump assemblies include a membrane pump and a plurality of membrane valves interconnected by fluid channels. The membrane pump and membrane valves have a diaphragm configured in open and closed positions for agitating a fluid treatment substance by reversing flow of the fluid treatment substance within the fluid channels.

The present invention is directed to a method of treating poultry hatchlings in a hatchling tray. The method comprises of providing a soft gel form capable of being dispensed through a spray nozzle, providing a spray dispensing apparatus, the apparatus being capable of delivering a predetermined volume of the gel as a plurality of small beadlets through a plurality of nozzles, placing the hatchling tray containing the hatchlings beneath the nozzles of the dispensing apparatus, dispensing the predetermined volume of the soft gel containing the therapeutic agent as small beadlets into the hatchling tray and allowing the hatchlings to consume the beadlets. The present invention is also directed to a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a therapeutic agent in a soft gel into a hatchling tray of poultry hatchlings.

The present invention generally relates to a strain of Lactobacillus probiotic bacteria and a poultry vaccine for use in the in ovo vaccination of poultry, wherein said strain and said vaccine are administered to an embryonated poultry egg. Compositions suitable for use in an in ovo vaccination protocol for poultry comprising a strain of Lactobacillus probiotic bacteria and a vaccine diluent which is suitable for the poultry vaccine to be used in said vaccination protocol are also provided, as are suitable kits for use in the invention.

A system and method to promote biological responses within incubated eggs using lighting devices within an incubation chamber. A light supporting device is installed within the incubation chamber in spaced relation to an incubation device housing a plurality of eggs. The light supporting device is positioned to direct light at pre-determined wavelengths into the interior cavity of the incubation device to irradiate the plurality of eggs to promote a biological response within the eggs.

A system and method to promote biological responses within incubated eggs using lighting devices within an incubation chamber. A light supporting device is installed within the incubation chamber in spaced relation to an incubation device housing a plurality of eggs. The light supporting device is positioned to direct light at pre-determined wavelengths into the interior cavity of the incubation device to irradiate the plurality of eggs to promote a. biological response within the eggs.