Abstract: The present invention provides methods for increasing the hatchability of eggs by contacting an avian egg with a solution that includes a halide, preferably chlorine.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for administering an agent to an avian species by in ovo delivery of an implant releasably containing the agent. In one embodiment, the method is particularly advantageous for stimulating an immune response in a bird by in ovo administration of a biocompatible implant releasably containing an immunogen. The implant can provide for sustained or delayed release of the immunogen or both. The amount of immunogen that is released from the implant into the bird is preferably sufficient to effectively stimulate a primary immune response to the immunogen. Other agents which can be administered according to the method of the invention are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for exposing an avian embryo to light during incubation. The methods may be used to increase a bird's weight, increase muscle weight in a bird, and decrease the mortality rate of a bird.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions including siderophore receptor polypeptides and porins from gram negative microbes, and preferably, lipopolysaccarhide at a concentration of no greater than about 10.0 endotoxin units per milliliter. The present invention also provides methods of making and methods of using such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions including siderophore receptor polypeptides and porins from gram negative microbes, and preferably, lipopolysaccarhide at a concentration of no greater than about 10.0 endotoxin units per milliliter. The present invention also provides methods of making and methods of using such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions including siderophore receptor polypeptides and porins from gram negative microbes, and preferably, lipopolysaccarhide at a concentration of no greater than about 10.0 endotoxin units per milliliter. The present invention also provides methods of making and methods of using such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for exposing an avian embryo to light during incubation. The methods may be used to increase a bird's weight, increase muscle weight in a bird, and decrease the mortality rate of a bird.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for administering an agent to an avian species by in ovo delivery of an implant releasably containing the agent. In one embodiment, the method is particularly advantageous for stimulating an immune response in a bird by in ovo administration of a biocompatible implant releasably containing an immunogen. The implant can provide for sustained or delayed release of the immunogen or both. The amount of immunogen that is released from the implant into the bird is preferably sufficient to effectively stimulate a primary immune response to the immunogen. Other agents which can be administered according to the method of the invention are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions including siderophore receptor polypeptides and porins from gram negative microbes, and preferably, lipopolysaccarhide at a concentration of no greater than about 10.0 endotoxin units per milliliter. The present invention also provides methods of making and methods of using such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions including siderophore receptor polypeptides and porins from gram negative microbes, and preferably, lipopolysaccarhide at a concentration of no greater than about 10.0 endotoxin units per milliliter. The present invention also provides methods of making and methods of using such compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides a vaccine for immunizing poultry and other animals against infection by a gram-negative bacteria, and a method of immunizing an animal using the vaccine The vaccine may contain purified siderophore receptor proteins derived from a single strain or species of gram-negative bacteria or other organism, which are cross-reactive with siderophores produced by two or more strains, species or genera of gram-negative bacteria. The invention further provides a process for isolating and purifying the siderophore receptor proteins, and for preparing a vaccine containing the proteins. Also provided is a method for diagnosing gram-negative sepsis.

Abstract: The invention provides a vaccine for immunizing poultry and other animals against infection by a gram-negative bacteria, and a method of immunizing an animal using the vaccine. The vaccine may contain purified siderophore receptor proteins derived from a single strain or species of gram-negative bacteria or other organism, which are cross-reactive with siderophores produced by two or more strains, species or genera of gram-negative bacteria. The invention further provides a process for isolating and purifying the siderophore receptor proteins, and for preparing a vaccine containing the proteins. Also provided is a method for diagnosing gram-negative sepsis.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of priming an immune response in the presence of maternal antibody in a young animal by administering to a 1-90 day old animal, a biocompatible and non-toxic solid phase implant containing an immunogenic agent. A preferred implant according to the invention is one that becomes gradually disintegrated in situ the animal. The implant provides for extended sustained delivery of the immunogenic agent into surrounding tissue fluids in the presence of circulating maternal antibodies to provide a priming dose of the immunogenic agent to stimulate substantially immediate antibody production for active immunity against a pathogen when passive protection is no longer provided by circulating maternal antibodies.

Abstract: The invention provides a vaccine for immunizing poultry and other animals against infection by a gram-negative bacteria, and a method of immunizing an animal using the vaccine. The vaccine may contain purified siderophore receptor proteins derived from a single strain or species of gram-negative bacteria or other organism, which are cross-reactive with siderophores produced by two or more strains, species or genera of gram-negative bacteria. The invention further provides a process for isolating and purifying the siderophore receptor proteins, and for preparing a vaccine containing the proteins. Also provided is a method for diagnosing gram-negative sepsis.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of priming an immune response in the presence of maternal antibody in a young animal by administering to a 1-90 day old animal, a biocompatible and non-toxic solid phase implant containing an immunogenic agent. A preferred implant according to the invention is one that becomes gradually disintegrated in situ the animal. The implant provides for extended sustained delivery of the immunogenic agent into surrounding tissue fluids in the presence of circulating maternal antibodies to provide a priming dose of the immunogenic agent to stimulate substantially immediate antibody production for active immunity against a pathogen when passive protection is no longer provided by circulating maternal antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for purifying high yields of IgG immunoglobulins from an egg yolk by a single phase separation step using a nonionic detergent.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for cyclically controlling a poultry barn environment. It coordinates stimulation such as illumination, ventilation, sprinkling and temperature. At the commencement of the cycle, the lights are turned off, the ventilation is reduced to a normal rate and heaters are turned on to provide an optimum environment for the poultry's inactive phase. During the dark, inactive phase, a massive purge is implemented to reduce ambient dust. At the end of the dark phase, the lights are turned on, sprinklers are turned on and the temperature in the barn is reduced. The lights stimulate activity by the fowl. The sprinkling removes still more dust from the air.The reduction in temperature stimulates feeding. At the end of the illuminated, active phase, the lights are turned out and the cycle is repeated. By coordinating the stimulation, a healthier fowl and greater growth rate are thereby produced.

Abstract: A ridge ventilating device that allows for the passive ventilation of agricultural buildings and the like, and which device resists the affects of snow or ice and allows for regulation of the flow of air from the building. Pairs of hinged door panels which operate by opening and closing coincidentally with each other, thereby covering and uncovering an elongate ridge passage cut into the ridge or peak of the roof structure. The doors are hingedly attached along the outside edges of the passage so that they open away from each other and create an unobstructed opening in the roof for the air to exhaust through. Each door is pivotally attached to a connecting link which connecting links are in turn connected at a common pivot point to the shaft of a dual-acting air cylinder. The air cylinder thus provides the motion for opening and closing the doors.