Abstract: A spray vaccination apparatus using a positive-displacement peristaltic pump to deliver vaccinating liquid to the spray nozzles. The vaccinating liquid is contained in a plastic bag similar to an IV bag, and a flexible plastic tube extends from the bag to the spray nozzles. A peristaltic pump engages this tube for positive-displacement pumping. The pump is actuated for a predetermined increment of time, whenever a tray of baby chicks is inserted into the spray vaccination apparatus, thereby spraying the chicks with vaccinating liquid for a predetermined interval. The spray nozzles preferably are equipped with valves which open only while the pump operates, providing a relatively abrupt onset and termination of spray. All elements of the liquid delivery system remain closed and sealed from the atmosphere, thereby maintaining a sterile condition throughout. These components preferably are disposable, eliminating the need to cleanse the system components periodically.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing appendage tissue from avian species such as domestic fowl and principally from commercial chickens and turkeys is disclosed. When the appendage is the beak, the method is known as debeaking and the invention is a method comprised of the step of burning and simultaneously cauterizing a hole through a portion of a bird's beak in order to damage the tissue and precipitate eventual rejection thereof outwardly from the point of damage, and apparatus which includes a face mask for positioning the bird's beak between and in contact with opposing electrodes projecting into the apparatus which effect the burning as aforesaid. A power source for the electrodes provides an open circuit voltage of sufficient magnitude to initiate current flow through the beak when opposing sides of the beak contact the electrodes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing appendage tissue from avian species such as domestic fowl and principally from commercial chickens and turkeys is disclosed. When the appendage is the beak, the method is known as debeaking and the invention is a method comprised of the step of burning and simultaneously cauterizing a hole through a portion of a bird's beak in order to damage the tissue and precipitate eventual rejection thereof outwardly from the point of damage, and apparatus which includes a face mask for positioning the bird's beak between and in contact with opposing electrodes projecting into the apparatus which effect the burning as aforesaid. A power source for the electrodes provides an open circuit voltage of sufficient magnitude to initiate current flow through the beak when opposing sides of the beak contact the electrodes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing appendage tissue from avian species such as domestic fowl and principally from commercial chickens and turkeys is disclosed. When the appendage is the beak, the method is known as debeaking and the invention is a method comprised of the step of burning and simultaneously cauterizing a hole through a portion of a bird's beak in order to damage the tissue and precipitate eventual rejection thereof outwardly from the point of damage, and apparatus which includes means adapted to position the bird's beak between and in contact with opposing electrodes projecting into the apparatus which effect the burning as aforesaid. A power source for the electrodes providing an open circuit voltage of sufficient magnitude to initiate current flow through the beak when opposing sides of the beak contact the electrodes.