What Is an Embrex Machine and How Does It Work?

The Embrex Inovoject System is a technology that automates the process of in ovo vaccination. This Latin term, meaning “in the egg,” refers to the method of vaccinating poultry, primarily chickens, before they hatch. This equipment has become a standard fixture in large-scale commercial poultry hatcheries worldwide. Its core function is to precisely administer vaccines into eggs, preparing the birds with immunity at the earliest possible stage, providing a reliable and efficient alternative to manual post-hatch vaccination.

The In Ovo Vaccination Process

The process begins as large trays of eggs, typically at day 18 or 19 of their incubation period, are loaded onto the machine’s conveyor system. The trays then pass through a candling station. This step uses a high-intensity light source to illuminate the eggs from below, allowing sensors to detect and identify any eggs that are infertile or contain non-viable embryos.

Once identified, a removal system gently extracts the non-viable eggs from the trays. This ensures that vaccine is not wasted on eggs that will not hatch. The remaining viable eggs then proceed to the injection station, where a synchronized bank of needles descends upon the tray.

Each needle in the system delivers a precise, uniform dose of vaccine. The system uses a dual-needle design; an outer needle first punches through the shell, and a separate inner needle extends to deliver the vaccine into the amniotic fluid or directly into the embryo. After injecting an entire tray simultaneously, the needles retract and are submerged in a sanitation fluid to clean them before the next cycle, preventing any cross-contamination between eggs. The vaccinated eggs are then transferred to hatchery baskets to complete their incubation.

Purpose of In Ovo Vaccination

The widespread adoption of in ovo vaccination technology stems from its operational advantages over traditional methods. One of the main drivers is the gain in efficiency and the corresponding reduction in labor costs. A single machine can vaccinate up to 70,000 eggs per hour, a task that would otherwise require a large team to perform on thousands of individual chicks. This level of automation streamlines the hatchery workflow.

Beyond labor savings, the timing of the vaccination provides an immunological advantage. By administering the vaccine several days before hatch, the system helps chicks develop immunity before they are exposed to potential pathogens in the hatchery and farm environment. This early protection can help avoid a window of vulnerability when chicks’ maternal antibodies are declining but their own immune systems have not fully developed.

The machinery also ensures a high degree of consistency that is difficult to achieve manually. This mechanical precision eliminates the human error associated with manually injecting or spraying vaccines on newly hatched chicks, leading to more uniform protection across the entire flock.

Impact on Poultry Health and Welfare

In ovo vaccination has a direct impact on the health of poultry flocks. The technology is used to protect against common and economically damaging diseases, with Marek’s disease being a primary target. Early immunization is important to maintaining the health of an entire commercial flock, preventing widespread outbreaks and reducing mortality rates.

A benefit of this process is the reduction of stress on the birds. Traditional post-hatch vaccination involves handling, transporting, and sometimes crowding thousands of day-old chicks for manual injection. This experience is a stressor for the young animals.

From an animal welfare perspective, the process is considered a more humane alternative to post-hatch methods. The injection is rapid and precise, performed on an embryo that has an underdeveloped nervous system. This avoids the potential for stress and injury associated with manually catching and injecting a flock of mobile, newly hatched chicks. By eliminating a stressful event right after birth, the technology contributes to a better start for the birds.