The Benefit of Maternal Antibodies

Chickens are most susceptible to Salmonella infection during the first weeks of life. Day-old chicks can become infected by only one or two cells of Salmonella Enteritidis. The infectious dose increases with age, this is probably due to the maturation of the intestinal microflora.

Maternal antibodies against S. Enteritidis in the progeny of vaccinated chickens protect them against infection.

The effect of maternally derived antibodies

Trial:

• 2 groups of day old chicks:
  Group 1: Chicks from 57 week old parents vaccinated with Nobilis Salenvac.
  Group 2: Chicks from unvaccinated parents
  
• Seeder birds inoculated with Salmonella Enteritidis were placed in contact with both groups of chicks.
  
• Clinical signs monitored for 21 days and post mortem done at 21 days of age.

Results:

Conclusion

Progeny of breeders vaccinated with Nobilis Salenvac are protected from S. Enteritidis infection for the first 21 days of life.