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Active immunization with vasoactive intestinal peptide in turkey hens.
M E El-Halawani1, S E Whiting, J L Silsby
1Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul 55108, USA. elhal001@tc.umn.edu
Poultry Science
|March 29, 2000
Summary
Active immunization against vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in turkey hens significantly reduces incubation behavior while increasing egg production across both first and second cycles. This method offers a promising strategy for enhancing poultry farming efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Reproductive Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) plays a role in reproductive behaviors in birds.
- Previous studies indicated VIP immunization inhibits incubation and boosts egg production in second-cycle hens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of VIP immunization on first- and second-cycle turkey hens.
- To evaluate the impact of VIP immunization on egg production and incubation behavior over a 27-week period.
Main Methods:
- Turkey hens (first- and second-cycle) were immunized with VIP or a control antigen (KLH).
- Hens were subjected to a specific photoperiod to stimulate egg production.
- Plasma prolactin levels, nest visit frequency, and expression of incubation behavior were monitored.
- Weekly egg production was recorded for all treatment groups.
Main Results:
- VIP immunization significantly reduced plasma prolactin levels and daily nest visits in both first- and second-cycle hens.
- Expression of incubation behavior decreased from 50-52.6% in control hens to 5.2-11.1% in VIP-immunized hens.
- Average weekly egg production was comparable between VIP-immunized first- and second-cycle hens (approx. 3.6 eggs/hen/wk) and higher than in control hens.
Conclusions:
- Active immunization against VIP effectively suppresses incubation behavior in turkey hens.
- VIP immunization leads to comparable and increased egg production in both first- and second-cycle hens.
- This immunization strategy holds potential for improving reproductive efficiency in commercial turkey flocks.