Iron Restriction (IRP) Technology

In the intestinal tract of the host bird, iron binds to proteins making it less available for growth of Salmonella. Salmonellas and other Enterobacteriaceae have iron-transfer mechanisms at the cell surface. These Iron Regulated Proteins (IRP) in the outer membrance enable them to absorb iron actively.

The immune system of the bird recognizes IRP as antigens and produces antibodies against them.

With vaccines produced under conditions of restricted iron availability, the growing organisms form IRP at the cell surface. The antibodies produced by the immune system in response to such a vaccine are the same as those produced from a natural infection. This provides better protection against Salmonella infection.

Antibodies produced are similar to those produced by a natural Salmonella infection