Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods can be used for the automated production of dendritic cells (DC) from dendritic cell progenitors, such as monocytes obtained from peripheral blood, and the automated generation of immunotherapeutic products from those dendritic cells, all within a closed system. The invention makes it possible to obtain sufficient quantities of a subject's own DC for use in preparing and characterizing vaccines, for activating and characterizing the activation state of the subject's immune response, and to aid in preventing and/or treating cancer or infectious disease.

Abstract: The sex of embryos in eggs is influenced or controlled through the application of light having selected wavelengths and heat in order to promote the development of embryos of a selected sex. An incubating device is provided having an interior cavity that can be sealed from an outside, and having a plurality of lighting elements disposed in the interior cavity. Eggs are disposed on trays, and pre-determined environmental conditions are applied to the interior cavity to promote hatching of the eggs. Concurrently with the application of the environmental conditions, the eggs are irradiated according to pre-determined lighting conditions having wavelengths substantially concentrated in selected ranges In some embodiments, the temperature of the incubator is kept above or below the optimal incubation temperature.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method, which can comprise a plurality of activities, which can comprise automatically detecting the presence of a bird in a housing. The housing can be adapted to substantially surround the bird. The housing can define an aperture adapted for the bird to enter and exit the housing.

Abstract: A dissipation-based sensor includes a single resonator with a nano-structured surface. The sensor exhibits improved sensitivity, up to about 2 orders of magnitude higher than a single resonator without a nano-structured surface. The sensor operates by measuring and estimating the fluid friction per oscillation cycle, operating in normal conditions without vacuum (e.g., in air or other ambient gas) at room temperature. The sensor can provide measurement data at a speed that is orders of magnitude faster than pre-existing resonance-based methods, as it is based on measurements from a few cycles only. The dissipation-based sensor may be utilized in a broad range of fast, inexpensive, hand-held measuring devices. Additionally, the sensor is capable of operating at standard temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A method for incubating avian eggs, comprising: a. introducing avian eggs into an incubation chamber having an oxygen-containing atmosphere; b. subsequent to ‘a’, incubating said eggs in said incubation chamber for a period of time that is not less than 25% of the natural incubation period of said eggs; c. during said period of time of the incubating, changing an orientation of said eggs at a frequency of not less than once every two days; and d. during said period of time of said incubating, varying a temperature of said atmosphere in said incubation chamber at a frequency of not less than five times a day, the varying comprising: increasing the temperature of the atmosphere from a first temperature to a second temperature, the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature being not less than 1.0° C.; and reducing the temperature from the second temperature to a third temperature, the difference between the second temperature and the third temperature being not less than 1.0° C.

Abstract: A climate chamber and method for treating products, such as eggs to be hatched, with a conditioned gas stream. The climate chamber includes a substantially closed compartment having two opposing lateral walls provided with one or more passages, and a substantially closed channel which extends around the outside of the compartment and connects one of said lateral walls to the other of said lateral walls in order to form together with the compartment a substantially closed circuit. The product is placed in the climate chamber, and then the conditioned gas is circulating through the circuit. The direction in which the conditioned gas stream is circulated through the circuit is reversed repeatedly.

Abstract: A dynamic and noninvasive method of monitoring the adhesion and proliferation of biological cells through multimode operation (acoustic and optical) using a ZnO nanostructure-modified quartz crystal microbalance (ZnOnano-QCM) biosensor is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and a compartment within an incubator, capable of allowing chicks to feed during the hatching process without reducing hatchability or livability. Thanks to immediate post hatch nutrition, the development during the chicks first days is significantly improved, resulting in a significant improvement in their weight as well. Furthermore, the accessibility of feed for the chicks is enabled and improved immediately after their hatching thanks to suitable lighting and the use of feeding troughs with transparent walls.

Abstract: Provided is a method for the hatching of hatchery eggs including: (a) treating the egg shell surface with a coating composition including a coating agent, to form a coating on the surface of the egg's shell; and (b) incubating the egg under conditions to cause hatching to occur; wherein the yield of hatching of the hatchery eggs is improved as compared to control eggs not treated as defined in (a). Further provided is a composition for the treating of hatchery eggs prior to incubation, where the composition includes a coating agent, and where the composition improves the hatching yield of the hatchery eggs.

Abstract: A method and a compartment within an incubator, capable of allowing chicks to feed during the hatching process without reducing hatchability or livability. Thanks to immediate post hatch nutrition, the development during the chicks first days is significantly improved, resulting in a significant improvement in their weight as well. Furthermore, the accessibility of feed for the chicks is enabled and improved immediately after their hatching thanks to suitable lighting and the use of feeding troughs with transparent walls.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide for incubating a plurality of eggs at least partially at a primary incubation location and then incubating the plurality of eggs (e.g., a plurality of single sex eggs sorted from the plurality of eggs) at least partially during transport to a secondary location.

Abstract: A method and system for livestock breeding and management for use with a herd where each female animal carries a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The system comprises a herd management system and one or more breeding activity monitors to be carried by each male animal. Each breeding activity monitor is adapted to detect when the male animal is mounting a female animal based on the body position of the male animal, read identification data from the RFID tag carried by the mounted female animal, and generate breeding activity data including the identification data of the mounted female animal, mounting male animal and timing data for each mounting for output to the herd management system. The herd management system is adapted to process breeding activity data output from the breeding activity monitors to generate herd management data.

Abstract: Methods and systems for propagating game birds are disclosed including providing a transportable game bird brooder system comprising: a trailer frame; a climate controlled containment unit attached to a first portion of the trailer frame; and an open-air containment unit attached to a second portion of the trailer frame; placing less than week old game birds into the climate controlled containment unit and providing the game birds feed and water for approximately two weeks; after the game birds reach approximately three weeks old, permitting the game birds to access the open-air containment unit and providing the game birds feed and water for approximately two additional weeks; and releasing the game birds from the transportable game bird brooder system approximately four weeks after placing the less than week old game birds into the climate controlled containment unit. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the incubation of eggs and to a device for the incubation of eggs. The incubation device includes a cabinet provided with a climate control for regulating the atmospheric humidity and temperature of the air that is to be passed through the cabinet, and at least one frame. At least one stack of trays positioned vertically above one another is arranged in the frame, each tray having a multiplicity of egg positions for receiving an egg. To turn the eggs, the trays of the stack can pivot to and fro through a defined pivot angle about a horizontal axis with respect to the frame. The vertical distance between the trays positioned above one another thereby changes. In the method, the trays are periodically pivoted through the defined pivot angle and the magnitude of the defined pivot angle is variable.

Abstract: The insect inoculation system and method optimizes the conditions wherein host insect cadavers are infected by a selected parasite. Host insect cadavers are exposed to the selected parasite within the inoculation chamber. The inoculation chamber is configured to optimize the parasite infection and reproduction process. The insect parasites produce multiple offspring which remain in the infected insect cadavers. At the end of the inoculation process, the infected cadavers are removed from the chamber and the insect parasites are harvested and used in bio-pest control processes.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring, with infrared thermometers, temperatures of hatching eggs placed in nests of hatching trays which are arranged in an incubator, wherein, for a preselected number of trays, the temperature is measured of a predetermined number of eggs, wherein during the hatching period, each individual thermometer contactlessly measures the temperature around a corresponding individual egg arranged in the incubator according to a pre-entered measurement scheme, wherein the measuring signals obtained control a temperature control regulation.

Abstract: A climate chamber and method for treating products, such as eggs to be hatched, with a conditioned gas stream. The climate chamber includes a substantially closed compartment having two opposing lateral walls provided with one or more passages, and a substantially closed channel which extends around the outside of the compartment and connects one of said lateral walls to the other of said lateral walls in order to form together with the compartment a substantially closed circuit. The product is placed in the climate chamber, and then the conditioned gas is circulating through the circuit. The direction in which the conditioned gas stream is circulated through the circuit is reversed repeatedly.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide for incubating a plurality of eggs at least partially at a primary incubation location and then incubating the plurality of eggs (e.g., a plurality of single sex eggs sorted from the plurality of eggs) at least partially during transport to a secondary location.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide for incubating a plurality of eggs at least partially at a primary incubation location and then incubating the plurality of eggs (e.g., a plurality of single sex eggs sorted from the plurality of eggs) at least partially during transport to a secondary location.

Abstract: An edible bird's nests production facility comprising of: a wholly man made artificial caves system and/or converted natural relief such as caves, valleys, cliffs forming the nesting habitat and associated supporting facilities configured to breed swiftlets for their nests by means of a captive breeding program for swiftlets; commercialized-scientific farming methods; specialized apparatus, mechanisms and techniques; managed sustainable harvesting of nests; provision of a safe and secure nesting habitat and a conducive environment to maximize avian population by minimizing mortality rates; safe collection of nests by means of mechanized lifting systems and specialist mountaineering equipment.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a mixture of fatty acids or derivatives thereof derived from secretions of the uropygial glands of birds are disclosed. This composition, named an avian appeasing pheromone, can be used to decrease stress, anxiety and agressiveness in birds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cleaning an incubator and to an incubator designed for carrying out the method. The method involves disinfecting the incubator, or at any rate the climatic chamber and/or removable parts present in it during the incubation process, by means of a disinfecting heat treatment. Said heat treatment can comprise a step in which the incubator, or at any rate the climatic chamber, is heated to a temperature of at least 50° C., in particular a temperature of approximately 58° to 65° C. for at least 25 minutes. The invention further relates to an incubator, in which the temperature relating means used for the incubation process are further designed for carrying out a disinfecting heat treatment in the climatic chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for the incubation and hatching of premature eggs, in particular, surgically-derived premature eggs removed from a bird prior to transfer of the premature egg to the cloaca of a bird.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the incubation of eggs and to a device for. the incubation of eggs. The incubation device includes a cabinet provided with a climate control for regulating the atmospheric humidity and temperature of the air that is to be passed through the cabinet, and at least one frame. At least one stack of trays positioned vertically above one another is arranged in the frame, each tray having a multiplicity of egg positions for receiving an egg. To turn the eggs, the trays of the stack can pivot to and fro through a defined pivot angle about a horizontal axis with respect to the frame. The vertical distance between the trays positioned above one another thereby changes. In the method, the trays are periodically pivoted through the defined pivot angle and the magnitude of the defined pivot angle is variable.

Abstract: A swiftlet breeding facility, for use in creating and harvesting edible bird's nests. The facility includes sub-systems for injecting live insect and worm prey, and water, into an aerial enclosure to provide a feeding system imitative of a natural swiftlet feeding environment.

Abstract: A method for processing bioresponse signals coming from organisms living in a well-defined living space, which are each comprised in a microenvironment, wherein these signals are obtained in online measuring of bioresponse variables, and wherein these signals are at least real-time processed in a signal processor, wherein, on the one hand, these organisms are monitored in the said microenvironments, and wherein, on the other hand, these variables can be adjusted by corresponding signal control apparatuses in accordance with a living space control model, wherein the living space comprises an incubator for hatching out hatching eggs, wherein the bioresponse variables are measured and controlled in a physical and/or chemical manner, for instance in the form of optical, electrical, magnetic, acoustic or mechanical bioresponse signals, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A device for centrifugation and robotic manipulation of specimen samples, including incubating eggs, and uses thereof are provided. The device may advantageously be used for the incubation of avian, reptilian or any type of vertebrate eggs. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for holding samples individually, rotating them individually, rotating them on a centrifuge collectively, injecting them individually with a fixative or other chemical reagent, and maintaining them at controlled temperature, relative humidity and atmospheric composition. The device is applicable to experiments involving entities other than eggs, such as invertebrate specimens, plants, microorganisms and molecular systems.

Abstract: An IVF system for successfully utilizing spermatozoa separated into X-chromosome bearing and into Y-chromosome bearing population for insemination. The IVF system includes fertilization medium that can shorten the time from insemination to cleavage and a portable incubator for the transportation of maturing oocytes and inseminated oocytes comrprising a straw (19) and an incubation element (20) that can be sealed with a cap (22).

Abstract: The invention provides methods for integrating a heterologous polynucleotide into the genome of an avian cell. The methods deliver to an avian cell a polynucleotide and a source of integrase activity that mediates recombination between the polynucleotide and the genomic DNA of the avian cell. The invention provides modified avian or artificial chromosomes as vectors to shuttle transgenes or gene clusters into an avian genome. Another aspect of the invention are avian cells genetically modified with a transgene vector. One cell line for the delivery and integration of a transgene comprises a heterologous attP site and, optionally, a region for expressing the integrase. Methods are also included for the production of a heterologous polypeptide by transgenic avian tissue involve integrating a heterologous polynucleotide into the avian genome.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing exogenous and chimeric antibodies in avians. One aspect of the present invention is a method of producing avians or avian cells lacking endogenous immunoglobulin light chain and heavy chain loci, or portions thereof, and having at least a portion of at least one exogenous immunoglobulin locus. The present invention provides a method for obtaining an avian cell with a deletion in an endogenous immunoglobulin locus by by introducing a targeting construct comprising two regions of sequences which are homologous to the 5′ and 3′ flanking sequences of the region to be deleted in the wild-type locus. In addition, the invention provides methods for inserting exogenous immunoglobulin gene loci into the genome of an avian cell. A second aspect of the invention is the generation of transgenic avian species or transgenic avian cells for producing chimeric antibodies.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for selecting animals having a predicted level of immune response, disease resistance or susceptibility, and/or productivity based on an Estimated Breeding Value (EBV) of the animal's immune responsiveness, methods for producing groups of animals having a predicted level of immune response, disease resistance or susceptibility, and/or a predicted productivity based on the EBV; and methods of using such animals.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods of producing a transgenic avians which may include delivering a heterologous nucleic acid to oviduct tissue of an avian wherein the nucleic acid enters a cell of the oviduct tissue and is expressed.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a method of enhancing the fertility and/or growth rate of animals, particularly avians, by administering to a bird a composition comprising a heterologous protein comprising inhibin protein, or a fragment thereof, and a carrier protein, in an acceptable carrier. The present invention also relates to a method of enhancing the fertility and/or growth rate of avians, by administering to a bird a composition comprising a fusion gene product comprising a gene encoded for the expression of alpha-subunit avian inhibin protein, or a fragment thereof, and a gene encoded for the expression of a carrier protein, in an acceptable carrier. An effective amount of the heterologous protein or fusion gene product is administered to an animal such that an immunological response occurs in the animal against the heterologous protein.

Abstract: The present invention concerns products and methods particularly useful for activating and analyzing non-dividing cell nuclei. The featured products include activating egg extracts, cytostatic factor (CSF) extracts, kits containing these extracts, and a microchamber microscope slide useful in analyzing nucleus activation.

Abstract: The invention has a object to provide a G0 transgenic chimera bird which can efficiently accumulate the useful protein in eggs of a female bird in which the protein is expressed in an oviduct-specific manner and can accumulate even a toxic protein in eggs with no ill effect for birds, and a transgenic bird and a method of producing them. The above object can be attained by providing a G0 transgenic chimera bird and transgenic bird obtained by introducing a replication-defective retrovirus vector coding for a useful protein by an oviduct-specific expression promoter.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the administration of transposon-based vectors to the reproductive organs of animals and the creation of transgenic animals. Preferred methods involve administration of the transposon-based vectors to the lumen of the oviduct of an avian, expression of a vector derived transgene in the avian, and deposition of the resultant polypeptide in an egg. This invention allows for large amounts of protein to be deposited in the egg.

Abstract: Methods for preparing cells that contain artificial chromosomes, methods for preparation of artificial chromosomes, methods for purification of artificial chromosomes, methods for targeted insertion of heterologous DNA into artificial chromosomes, and methods for delivery of the chromosomes to selected cells and tissues are provided. Also provided methods for producing transgenic plants and animals using the artificial chromosomes and the resulting transgenic organisms are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides transgenic, non-human animals that include a transgene that encodes a fatty acid desaturase, e.g., stearoyl-CoA desaturase, and methods for producing such animals. The invention further provides an expression cassette that includes a coding region for a desaturase such as stearoyl-CoA desaturase, operably linked to a heterologous, tissue-specific animal cell promoter. The invention further provides methods of producing a food product, such as milk, meat, or eggs, using a subject transgenic non-human animal, as well as food products harvested from a subject transgenic non-human animal.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for generating transgenic animals and cells by the coinsertion of nucleic acid and a nucleus into an unfertilized oocyte. Preferably, the coinsertion is by microinjection and more preferably by piezo-electrically actuated microinjection. Transgene (tg) expressing embryos are here produced following coinjection of unfertilized mouse oocytes with sperm heads and exogenous DNA encoding either a green fluorescent protein (GFP) or &bgr;-galactosidase reporter. The microinjected oocyte may be allowed to develop into differentiated cells or stem cells; into an embryo in vitro prior to transfer into a host surrogate mother, or it may be transferred directly into a host surrogate mother. Embryonic development can occur to term, such that the offspring possess transgenic modifications that may alter their characteristics (phenotype) and are, in turn, transmitted to their offspring.

Abstract: A transgenic non-human animal of the species selected from the group consisting of avian, bovine, ovine and porcine having a transgene which results in disrupting the production of and/or activity of growth differentiation factor-11 (GDF-11) chromosomally integrated into the germ cells of the animal is provided. Also provided are methods for making such animals, and methods of treating animals, including humans, with antibodies or antisense directed to GDF-11. The animals so treated are characterized by increased muscle tissue and bone tissue.

Abstract: The development and growth of oviparous species such as birds is enhanced by in ovo administration of an enteric modulator such as HMB. The enteric modulator is administered into the amnion, where it is then orally ingested by the subject. The enteric modulator enhances the enteric development of the subject prior to hatch, and enhances the growth of the animal before and after hatch.

Abstract: Sperm, oocyte, and embryo survival and function is improved in vivo or in vitro by the use of a polysaccharide containing arabinose, galactose and/or hexuronic acid. In particular, a nonspermicidal lubricant containing such a polysaccharide (e.g., gum arabic, pectin, or galacturonic acid) increases the fertilization potential of the sperm during coitus, artificial insemination or sperm collection. Similarly, a freezing medium containing a polysaccharide containing arabinose, galactose and/or hexuronic acid enhances sperm, oocyte, or embryo viability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the temperature in a climate chamber (21), in which a flow of air is guided through the climate chamber (21), the temperature of which air flow is controlled with the aid of a heat exchanger, and the air flow is brought to the desired temperature with the aid of a first heat exchanger prior to or during the introduction of the air flow into the climate chamber, and in which method the air flow in the climate chamber (21) is forced past a second heat exchanger, during which process any heating or cooling of the air flow is negated. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the above method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a practical, reliable, high-speed, automated method for determining the sex of a fertilized chicken egg using threshold values obtained by measuring the shapes of a plurality of eggs of a given variety of chicken, determining the sex of the chicks actually hatched from the eggs, correlating the shape of the egg to the sex of the hatchling and extracting distinctive common features of the egg shape (regardless of size) to accurately and reliably determine the sex of fertilized eggs.

Abstract: This invention describes a novel method of agricultural animal production that provides animals with optimum growth characteristics in a reliable and cost-effective manner. The invention utilizes a novel combination of Nuclear Transfer (NT) and Embryonic Stem (ES) cell technologies that improves the efficiency of delivering optimized animals and facilitates the introduction of genetic modifications into farm animals.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated animal cell comprising an exogenous nucleic acid encoding a mutated phytase, wherein the cell produces phytase and secretes the phytase from the cell. The present invention also provides an animal having a phenotype not naturally occurring, characterized by secretion of phytase into the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract of the animal, the phenotype being conferred by a transgene contained in the cells of the animal, the transgene comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding phytase and methods of making said animal.

Abstract: A method of sex selection in non-human animals is disclosed which comprises transgenic manipulation of the male to modify, destroy or identify gametes having one of either the X or Y chromosome. A chimeric construct comprising a post-meiotic regulatory region in operative association with a sex selection gene is targeted to one of either a Y or X chromosome in the genome of a male animal. The post-meiotic regulatory region may be transition protein 1 promoter. The selection sequence may be a direct or indirect mediator, or a detectable marker. An example of a direct mediator is the Rnase, Barnase. An example of an indirect mediator is the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene, which forms a toxic metabolite in the presence of gancyclovir. Alternatively, a transcriptional activator protein may be linked to the post-meiotic regulatory element and the direct or indirect mediator may be linked to a promoter having a binding site specific for the transcriptional activator.

Abstract: Described is a water distribution system (1) with a continuous main line (10). Drinking cups (20) are placed on drinking segments (11) of the main line (10). Between the drinking segments (11) the main line (10) has intermediate segments (13), which are situated at a higher level than the drinking segments (11). The drinking cups are situated at a level suitable for drinking, and the intermediate segments are situated at a level suitable for allowing the birds to pass through unhindered underneath them. The complete line system can be cleaned by means of flushing, and has no dead-end branches. Top edges (22) of the drinking cups (20) are advantageously fixed to vertically directed line segments (13).

Abstract: This invention provides vectors and methods for the stable introduction of exogenous nucleic acid sequences into the genome of avians in order to express the exogenous sequences to alter the phenotype of the avians or to produce desired proteins. In particular, transgenic avians are produced which express exogenous sequences in their oviducts and which deposit exogenous proteins into their eggs. Avian eggs that contain exogenous proteins are encompassed by this invention. The instant invention further provides novel forms of interferon and erythropoietin which are efficiently expressed in the oviduct of transgenic avians and deposited into avian eggs.

Abstract: This invention provides vectors and methods for the stable introduction of exogenous nucleic acid sequences into the genome of avians in order to express the exogenous sequences to alter the phenotype of the avians or to produce desired proteins. In particular, transgenic avians are produced which express exogenous sequences in their oviducts and which deposit exogenous proteins into their eggs. Avian eggs that contain exogenous proteins are encompassed by this invention. The instant invention further provides novel forms of interferon and erythropoietin which are efficiently expressed in the oviduct of transgenic avians and deposited into avian eggs.