Abstract: Methods of pooling or localizing the allantoic fluid present in avian shell eggs, so that the fluid may be sampled, assessed or injected, are described. The methods involve tilting the avian shell egg so that the major axis of the egg is from about 10 to 180 degrees from the vertically upright position, so that the allantois pools under the uppermost portion of the egg shell. The allantoic fluid may then be sampled, or a substance injected into the allantois, by a vertical needle or probe traveling in a downward direction.

Abstract: A method of introducing a beneficial material into the allantois of an avian egg through the shell thereof comprises the steps of orienting the egg to maximize a target area of the allantoic sac and directing the injection device through the shell and into the target area. The egg may be oriented with a major axis at an angle from about 10 to 45 degrees from vertical thereby causing the allantois to pool and the allantoic sac to expand immediately below the air sac on the downward side of the egg with injection occurring vertically downward through the air sac or from an angle below the air sac. Alternatively, the egg may be vertically inverted with the large end of the egg in the bottom position thereby causing the allantois to pool immediately above the air sac with injection occurring upwardly through the air sac or laterally between the air sac and the amnion. The beneficial material may be an anti-bacteria, anti-viral, anti-microbial, vaccine, growth hormone or the like.