Abstract: A transfer assembly for transporting eggs is provided. Such a transfer assembly includes a distribution plate having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface has at least one projection extending therefrom. At least one egg picking pad is coupled to the at least one projection. A throughhole extends through the distribution plate, the at least one projection and the at least one egg picking pad. A flexible bellows is coupled to the second surface of the distribution plate. Associated systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A vaccination system for delivering a vaccine substance to avian pullets is provided. Such a system includes a vaccine delivery assembly configured to perform a vaccine delivery procedure for delivering a vaccine substance to the avian pullets. A plurality of positioning devices is provided, with each positioning device receiving an avian pullet for presentation to the vaccine delivery assembly. Each positioning device is transported to individually mate with the vaccine delivery assembly to deliver the vaccine substance during the vaccine delivery procedure. Associated methods, devices, and assemblies are also provided.

Abstract: A vaccination system for delivering a vaccine substance to avian pullets is provided. Such a system includes a vaccine delivery assembly configured to perform a vaccine delivery procedure for delivering a vaccine substance to the avian pullets. A plurality of positioning devices is provided, with each positioning device receiving an avian pullet for presentation to the vaccine delivery assembly. Each positioning device is transported to individually mate with the vaccine delivery assembly to deliver the vaccine substance during the vaccine delivery procedure. Associated methods, devices, and assemblies are also provided.

Abstract: A vaccination system for delivering a vaccine substance to avian pullets is provided. Such a system includes a vaccine delivery assembly configured to perform a vaccine delivery procedure for delivering a vaccine substance to the avian pullets. A plurality of positioning devices is provided, with each positioning device receiving an avian pullet for presentation to the vaccine delivery assembly. Each positioning device is transported to individually mate with the vaccine delivery assembly to deliver the vaccine substance during the vaccine delivery procedure. Associated methods, devices, and assemblies are also provided.

Abstract: An egg flat identification system for identifying an egg flat among a collection of egg flats is provided. Such a system includes a first measurement device configured to determine a first measurement of a plurality of eggs carried by an egg flat. A processor is in communication with the first measurement device. The processor is configured to receive the first measurements from the first measurement device. A second measurement device is configured to determine a second measurement of the eggs in the collection of egg flats. The second measurement device is in communication with the processor such that the processor is capable of receiving the second measurements. The processor compares the second measurements with the first measurements so as to identify a respective egg flat among the collection of egg flats.

Abstract: A positioning device for presenting an avian bird is provided. Such a positioning device includes a frame and a plurality of positioning assemblies engaged with the frame. The positioning assemblies are configured to entirely support and restrain an avian bird in a flight-replicated position such that the avian bird is presented for various reasons, such as undergoing a vaccine delivery procedure, evaluation, or any other process. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: An egg flat identification system for identifying an egg flat among a collection of egg flats is provided. Such a system includes a first measurement device configured to determine a first measurement of a plurality of eggs carried by an egg flat. A processor is in communication with the first measurement device. The processor is configured to receive the first measurements from the first measurement device. A second measurement device is configured to determine a second measurement of the eggs in the collection of egg flats. The second measurement device is in communication with the processor such that the processor is capable of receiving the second measurements. The processor compares the second measurements with the first measurements so as to identify a respective egg flat among the collection of egg flats.

Abstract: A needle for delivering a treatment fluid to a target site of an avian bird is provided. Such a needle includes a shaft defining a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end and a distal end. Discrete grooves are defined by the shaft and extend partially along a length thereof. A needle tip extends from the shaft at the distal end thereof. A reservoir assembly includes a body defining first and second holes for receiving the needle therethrough such that the body supports the needle along the length thereof. The reservoir assembly defines a reservoir adapted to receive a treatment fluid through which the grooves pass to carry the treatment substance to the target site. An associated assembly and method are also provided.

Abstract: A vaccination system for delivering a vaccine substance to avian pullets is provided. Such a system includes a vaccine delivery assembly configured to perform a vaccine delivery procedure for delivering a vaccine substance to the avian pullets. A plurality of positioning devices is provided, with each positioning device receiving an avian pullet for presentation to the vaccine delivery assembly. Each positioning device is transported to individually mate with the vaccine delivery assembly to deliver the vaccine substance during the vaccine delivery procedure. Associated methods, devices, and assemblies are also provided.

Abstract: A positioning device for presenting an avian bird is provided. Such a positioning device includes a frame and a plurality of positioning assemblies engaged with the frame. The positioning assemblies are configured to entirely support and restrain an avian bird in a flight-replicated position such that the avian bird is presented for various reasons, such as undergoing a vaccine delivery procedure, evaluation, or any other process. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A vaccine spraying apparatus for vaccinating day-old chicks that includes a vaccine container with an agitation mechanism for mixing vaccine and diluent through controlled agitation. Vaccine is drawn from the container by a volumetric pump and dispensed through a plurality of spray nozzles mounted over a conveyor. Chicks contained in trays are moved along the conveyor to pass under the spray nozzles. The volume and orientation of the vaccine spray is controlled by a digital micro-control unit receiving data from a tracking device adjacent the conveyor that senses the position and speed of the trays.