Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for automatically injecting eggs with a desired fluid such as a medical vaccine. The inventon eliminates the pumping of fluids through conventional fluid handling systems and thereby increases the accuracy and precision of volume delivery while eliminating such of the possiblity of contamination of the fluid and the system.

Abstract: A method of treating birds by administering birds in ovo a T-cell growth factor comprising avian IL-2 is disclosed. The method is preferably carried out on chickens with 30K chicken IL-2 on about the eighteenth day of incubation. The method may be employed to increase the weight of treated birds after hatch. A vaccine may optionally be administered concurrently with the avian IL-2.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for using infrared radiation to distinguish between live and dead poultry eggs. The apparatus comprises a plurality of infrared sensors, means for moving a fixed array of eggs to a predetermined aligned position with respect to the infrared sensors. The apparatus records the infrared radiation emitted by each egg in the array, and calculates a threshold temperature from the individual temperatures for which 70 percent of the eggs measured in the fixed array are cooler. The apparatus includes means for removing dead eggs from the fixed array which are identified as having temperatures more than one degree Fahrenheit cooler than the threshold temperature.

Abstract: The invention is a method of distinguishing between live and dead poultry eggs. The method comprises monitoring the individual temperatures of the selected group of eggs and then using the monitored individual egg temperatures to determine a comparative egg temperature for the selected group. The difference between each individual egg temperature and the comparative egg temperature of the selected group is determined, and dead eggs are identified on the basis of the difference between their monitored individual temperatures and the comparative egg temperature of the selected group.

Abstract: The invention comprises a high speed automated injection system for avian embryos which can inject eggs with fluid substances. The device includes suction devices which lift eggs out of engagement with surfaces, rather than pushing them, before injecting them. By providing separate mechanisms and devices for first forming an opening in the egg shell and then injecting the avian enbryo or the surrounding environment with a fluid substance, the device avoids the undesirable mechanical compromise of using a single needle or punch to both puncture the shell of an egg and deliver fluid substances to the interior of the egg.

Abstract: Birds are induced to molt by administering them a LHRH receptor ligand. One preferred ligand for administration is the LHRH agonist [D-Trp.sup.6 ] LHRH. Suitable subjects for treatment are laying hens which are at or near the end of their egg laying cycle, which can be induced to molt and returned to egg production by the method provided.

Abstract: A high speed automated injection system for avian embryos is provided which can inject eggs with fluid substances while they are being transferred from setting trays to hatching trays. The device includes suction devices which lift eggs out of engagement with trays, rather than pushing them, before injecting them. By providing separate mechanisms and devices for first forming an opening in the egg shell and then injecting the avian embryo or the surrounding environment with a fluid substance, the device avoids the undesirable mechanical compromise of using a single needle or punch to both puncture the shell of an egg and deliver fluid substances to the interior of the egg.