METHOD OF INCREASING EGG PRODUCTION IN AVIAN SPECIES BY ACTIVE IMMUNIZATION AGAINST VASOACTIVE INTESTINAL PEPTIDE

摘要

The present method of increasing egg production in laying turkey hens includes actively immunizing the hens with vasoactive intestinal peptide. The peptide is conjugated to a protein to induce an antibody response in the hens. The resulting antibodies tie up vasoactive intestinal peptide naturally produced in the turkey. This lack of naturally produced VIP in the turkey in turn prevents the secretion of the hormone prolactin from the pituitary gland of the hens to eliminate the onset of broody behavior. The hens are immunized prior to the laying season and subsequently boosted with immunizations approximately once per month during the laying season.