In the dynamic world of poultry farming, success hinges not just on feed and management but also on health. And at the heart of health is vaccination—a powerful, science-driven shield that safeguards flocks from devastating diseases, enhances productivity, and secures farmer profits. At AgriNutri Ventures Ltd, we believe that vaccination is not an option — it is a necessity.
Why Vaccinate?
Poultry, like all animals, are vulnerable to a host of infectious diseases. In Kenya and across Africa, pathogens such as Newcastle Disease, Infectious Bursal Disease (Gumboro), Fowl Pox, Marek’s Disease, Avian Influenza, and Infectious Bronchitis continue to threaten poultry health and farmer livelihoods. These diseases can:
- Causes high mortality (up to 100% in some outbreaks).
- Reduce growth rates and feed efficiency in broilers.
- Severely impair egg production, shell quality, and fertility in layers.
- Trigger secondary infections, requiring costly antibiotic treatments.
- Undermine biosecurity and food safety.
Broilers: Vaccinating for Fast Growth and Low Mortality
Broilers are reared for a short period, typically 5–7 weeks. This tight timeline makes it critical to protect them early and effectively.
Core Vaccines for Broilers:
- Day 1: Marek’s Disease (administered at the hatchery)
- Day 5–7: Newcastle + Infectious Bronchitis (eye drop or drinking water)
- Day 14: Gumboro (drinking water)
- Day 21: Booster for Newcastle and Gumboro
Fast-growing broilers are highly susceptible to immunosuppressive diseases like Gumboro. A single lapse in vaccination can cost the entire batch. Proper vaccine storage, administration, and timing are non-negotiable.
Layers: Building Long-Term Immunity for Productivity
Unlike broilers, layers are long-term investments. They require robust and well-timed vaccination schedules to protect them through pullet growth, onset of lay, and peak production.
Core Vaccines for Layers (Pullets):
- Day 1: Marek’s Disease
- Day 5–7: Newcastle + Infectious Bronchitis
- Day 14–18: Gumboro
- Week 4: Fowl Pox (wing stab) + IBD booster
- Week 6: ND Lasota (drinking water)
- Week 8: Fowl Typhoid (injection)
- Weeks 10–12: Newcastle + Infectious Bronchitis (injection or spray)
- Week 16: ND + IB booster before the point of lay
During Laying:
- Every 6–8 weeks: Newcastle (Lasota) booster
- Every 3 months: Infectious Bronchitis booster (if risk is high)
Properly vaccinated layers maintain higher egg production, experience lower mortality, and have fewer veterinary interventions.
Best Practices for Effective Vaccination
- Cold Chain Integrity: Keep vaccines between 2°C–8°C from source to administration.
- Clean Water: For drinking water administration, avoid chlorine and provide clean water.
- Correct Dosage: Don’t underdose or overdose—follow label instructions strictly.
- Timing: Administer vaccines based on a planned schedule, not guesswork.
- Record Keeping: Document every vaccination event to monitor flock health trends.
- Staff Training: Ensure workers understand how and why to vaccinate correctly.
AgriNutri Ventures Ltd: Your Partner in Poultry Health
At AgriNutri Ventures Ltd, we are committed to supporting poultry farmers with:
- Custom vaccination programs tailored to regional disease pressures.
- Training on vaccine handling, administration, and biosecurity.
- Reliable cold chain logistics for vaccine delivery.
- Technical support for disease diagnosis and response.
Our aim is simple: to make every bird count, every dose count, and every farmer thrive.
Final Thoughts
In an age of rising input costs and disease challenges, vaccination is the most cost-effective investment you can make in your poultry business. Whether you are rearing fast-finishing broilers or long-cycle commercial layers, a solid vaccination program is your frontline defence — and AgriNutri Ventures Ltd is here to guide and support you every step of the way.
