Potential Performance Benefits & ROI of Using VAXXITEK^® HVT + IBD

Marek's disease and infectious bursal disease (IBD) are immunosuppressive diseases. When chickens’ immune systems are suppressed, they don't thrive—leading to economic loss in the poultry industry. VAXXITEK HVT + IBD aids in the prevention of these two diseases, helping strengthen birds' overall immune status. Numerous published research studies and rigorous industry field trials have demonstrated potential performance and productivity benefits derived from this strong immune foundation, suggesting that VAXXITEK HVT + IBD can be a valuable, cost-effective investment for many poultry businesses. Here's an overview and highlights from key literature reviewed through 2014.

Broiler productivity: improvement in growth-related parameters

Performance in broiler birds vaccinated with VAXXITEK HVT + IBD has been studied extensively. Data from published research across several countries show that the reduced disease burden and resulting immune health correlated with improvements across many growth-related parameters, including (but not limited to) the following:

PARAMETER INVESTIGATED	Philippines²	Colombia²⁴	Hungary²⁵	U.S.A³	China²⁶	Egypt²⁷
Lower rate of mortality^{1, 2, 24, 26}	X	X			X
Higher rate of daily weight gain &/or overall mean weight^{1-3 24, 25-27}	X	X	X	X	X	X
Lower feed conversion ratio and/or feed costs per bird^{2, 24, 26, 27}	X	X			X	X

These productivity improvements—which resulted in overall higher meat yield—demonstrated a strong return on investment with use of VAXXITEK HVT + IBD in broilers in these studies. As one example, the Philippines study² computed its cost advantage as ranging from $0.13 to $0.27 (USD) per bird across the three farms studied.

Broiler processing: lower condemnation rates, better uniformity

Several studies have demonstrated attributes in broiler flocks vaccinated with VAXXITEK HVT + IBD that are generally associated with improvements at the processing plant.

Carcass condemnation rate is an important factor that affects slaughterhouse profitability:

In Colombia, a large-scale follow-up study²⁴ of the poultry industry's 2007-2008 compiled monitoring data (73+ million chickens) showed decreased condemnation rates (as well as lower age of slaughter) in VAXXITEK HVT + IBD flocks
A 2011 study in Brazil⁴ analyzed the country's industry-wide condemnation recording system (18+ million chickens) and found lower overall mean condemnation rates and a calculated economic savings of about $175,000 (USD) with use of VAXXITEK HVT + IBD

Another 2011 broiler study in the U.S.³ investigated meat yields and flock uniformity, factors that generally affect processing plant efficiency. In the study, flocks treated with VAXXITEK HVT + IBD had higher yields across various meat parts, as well as more flock-wide uniformity (as measured by coefficients of variation).

Layers: increased egg production & growth parameters

The use of VAXXITEK HVT + IBD has been studied in layers birds¹¹ in comparative field trials:

In Mexico, one of the world's leading egg producers, a 2011 study²⁸ of more than 844,000 layer pullets found that the VAXXITEK HVT + IBD-treated group had 18.5% higher uniformity and 5 eggs more per bird
Similar results were seen in 2011 field experiments in Hungary²⁹, where the VAXXITEK HVT + IBD group produced 3.48 and 7.48 more eggs per hen at the two studied layer farms over the trial period

In addition, both studies showed improved growth parameters and lower mortality in layers vaccinated with VAXXITEK HVT + IBD.^{28, 29}

Better overall health may lead to reduced medication costs

Birds protected from IBD and Marek's disease have a stronger immune foundation and are thus less susceptible to secondary infections. Research has evaluated the potential effects of VAXXITEK HVT + IBD on medication costs:

The broiler studies referenced above in Colombia,²⁴ China,²⁶ and Egypt²⁷ all showed reduced medication costs per kilogram in birds treated with VAXXITEK HVT + IBD
The large-scale follow-up study published in 2013 used compiled monitoring data from the broiler industry and among many parameters investigated, it found a decreased need for antibiotics in VAXXITEK HVT + IBD flocks³⁰

Ongoing evidence of VAXXITEK HVT + IBD's value

To help our customers better understand the use and application of VAXXITEK HVT + IBD, our Veterinary Services group designs trials, publishes data, and reviews and summarizes findings from other investigators.

We invite you to contact us if you have questions about the literature or would like to discuss a possible trial at your business.

Referenced Publications

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1. Fernandez R, Rojo F, Garcia H, Sanchez P, Martinez H, Menendez A, Ruiz H et al. Field efficacy in broiler chickens in Latin America of vHVT-013, a Marek’s HVT vector vaccine expressing VP2 in infectious bursal disease virus. Oral presentation and abstract at the 15th congress of the World Veterinary Poultry Association, 2007; p199.

2. Atienza JC, Nagera AJ, Martinez PO, Baysac ND, Castillo MT, Damaso VR, Lemière S. Evaluation of a herpesvirus of turkey vector vaccine inducing protection against infectious bursal and Marek’s diseases (VAXXITEK^® HVT+IBD) under Philippines field conditions. Oral presentation. XXIII World Poultry Congress, Brisbane, Australia. 2008. Article wpc0801684, 9 p.

3. Garritty AT. The eff ect of vectored HVT+IBD (Vaxxitek^® HVT + IBD) vaccination on body weights, uniformity and virus shedding in commercial broilers. Abstract. International Poultry Scientifi c Forum, Atlanta, 2011; p31.

4. Godinho E, Pereira CJ, Fernandez A, Lemiere S. Case study of broiler chicken carcass condemnation in Brazil – Improved control using a herpesvirus turkey-infectious bursal disease (HVT-IBD) vector vaccine. Oral presentation. XVIIth Congress of the World Veterinary Poultry Association, Cancun, Mexico, 2011.

5. Hoerr FJ. Clinical Aspects of Immunosuppression in Poultry. Avian Dis., 2010; 54:2-15.

6. Naqi S, Thompson G, Bauman B, Mohammed H. The Exacerbating Effect of Infectious Bronchitis Virus Infection on the Infectious Bursal Disease Virus-Induced Suppression of Opsonization by Escherichia coli Antibody in Chickens. Avian Dis., 2001; 45:52-60.

7. Alonso Castro M, Merino Cabria D, Fernandez Garcia D, Torrubia Diaz J, Herreras Viejo R, Fernandez Revuelta J, Mateo Oyague J, Carvajal Uruena A. Evaluation of the effects of vaccination with a HVT-IBD vector vaccine on bursa Fabricii, production parameters and meat properties in broilers. Abstract. XVIIIth Congress of the World Veterinary Poultry Association, Nantes, France, 2013; in-press.

8. Devaud I, Herin JB, Trotel A, Pagot E, Voisin F. A field study in commercial layers to evaluate the effects of an HVT-IBD vector vaccine on production performances in comparison with a live IBD vaccine. Abstract. XVIIIth Congress of the World Veterinary Poultry Association, Nantes, France, 2013; in-press.

9. Lemiere S, Gauthier J.C., Kodjo A., Vinit L., Delvecchio A., Prandini F. Evaluation of the Protection against Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) Challenge in Progeny Born to Parents Having Received a Vaccination Program Using Herpesvirus of Turkey-Infectious Bursal Disease (HVT-IBD) Vector Vaccine. World J. Vaccines, 2013; 3:46-51.

10. Goutebroze S, Curet M, Jay ML, Roux C, Le Gros F-X. Efficacy of a recombinant vaccine HVT-VP2 against Gumboro disease in the presence of maternal antibodies. British Poultry Science, 2003;44:824-825.

11. Massi P, Tosi G, Fiorentini L. Experimental challenge trial with a «very virulent» strain of Infectious Bursal Disease virus (vvIBDV) in commercial pullets vaccinated with an IBD vectored vaccine or with three different modified live vaccines. Zootecnica International, November 2008;50-57.

12. Bublot M, Pritchard N, Le Gros F-X, Goutebroze S. Use of a vectored vaccine against infectious bursal disease of chickens in the face of high-titred maternally derived antibody. Journal of Comparative Pathology, 2007;137:81-84.

13. Ganapathy K, Wilkins M, Forrester A, Jones RC, Lemiere S. Protection and immune responses against virulent infectious bronchitis viruses in HVT-IBD recombinant or IBD-complex vaccinated broiler chicks. Abstract. 1st International Respiratory Disease Conference, Athens, United States of America, 2011; p15.

14. Lemiere S, Wilkins M, Forrester A, Jones R, Ganapathy K. Protection and immune responses against virulent infectious bronchitis (IB) viruses in herpesvirus turkey-infectious bursal disease (HVT-IBD) vaccinated broiler chicks. Poster presentation. XVIIth Congress of the World Veterinary Poultry Association, Cancun, Mexico, 2011.

15. Rautenschlein S, Lemiere S, Prandini F. Evaluation of the effects of an HVT-IBD vector vaccine on the immune system of layer pullets in comparison with two commercial live IBD vaccines. Abstract. XVIIIth Congress of the World Veterinary Poultry Association, Nantes, France, 2013; in-press.

16. Rosenberger JK, Cloud SS. Identification and characterization of variant infectious bursal disease variant viruses. Journal of American Veterinary Medicine Association, 1986;189:357.

17. Cheville NF. Studies on the pathogenesis of Gumboro disease in the bursa of Fabricius, spleen and thymus of the chicken. American Journal of Pathology, 1967;51:527-551.

18. Le Gros F-X, Dancer A, Giacomini C, Pizzoni L, Bublot M, Graziani M, Prandini F. Field efficacy trial of a novel HVT-IBD vector vaccine for 1 day-old broilers. Vaccine, 2009;27:592-596.

19. Prandini F, Bublot M, Le Gros F-X, Dancer A, Pizzoni L, Lamichhane C. Assessment of the immune response in broilers and pullets using two ELISA lits after in ovo or day-old vaccination with a vectored HVT+IBD vaccine (VAXXITEK HVT+IBD). Zootecnica International, September 2008;40-50.

20. Lemiere S, Wong YS, Saint-Gerand AL, Goutebroze S, le Gros FX. Compatibility of Turkey Herpesvirus–Infectious Bursal Disease Vector Vaccine with Marek’s Disease Rispens Vaccine Injected into Day-Old Pullets. Avian Dis., 2011; 55:113-118.

21. Richard-Mazet A, Goutebroze S, Duboeuf M, Le Gros FX, Lemiere S, Bublot M. Compatibility of fowlpox-avian influenza and herpesvirus of turkey-infectious bursal disease vector vaccines injected in ovo to embryonated chicken eggs. Article. XVIIth Congress of the World Veterinary Poultry Association, Cancun, Mexico, 2011; p852-857.

22. Jay ML, Bizzini S, Duboeuf M, Goutebroze S, Le-Gros FX. Compatibility of a novel vector vaccine HVT-Gumboro with Newcastle and infectious bronchitis vaccination at one day of age. Abstract. 16th congress of the World Veterinary Poultry Association, Marrakesh, Morocco, 2009; p341.

23. Lemiere S, Fernandez R, Pritchard N, Cruz-Coy J, Rojo F, Wong SY, Saint-Gerand AL, Gauthier JC, Perozo F. Concomitant Turkey Herpesvirus–Infectious Bursal Disease Vector Vaccine and Oil-Adjuvanted Inactivated Newcastle Disease Vaccine Administration: Consequences Compatibility of Turkey Herpesvirus–Infectious Bursal Disease. Avian Dis., 2011; 55:642-649.

24. Botero LA, Fernandez R, Rojo F, Orrego JC, Lemiere S. Colombian chicken meat industry performance further to the use of VAXXITEK HVT+IBD vector vaccine. Oral presentation. 16th congress of the World Veterinary Poultry Association, Marrakesh, Morocco, 2009; p169.

25. Körösi L, Povazsan J, Penzes L, Sari I. Field results of VAXXITEK HVT+IBD vaccination in coloured birds in Hungary. Poster. 16th congress of the World Veterinary Poultry Association, Marrakesh, Morocco, 2009; p339.

26. Tang SF, He SJ, Li WM, Lemiere S. Field experience of vaccination in day-old broiler chickens with a herpesvirus turkey-infectious bursal disease (HVT-IBD) vector vaccine in different systems of chicken production across China. Poster presentation. XVIIth Congress of the World Veterinary Poultry Association, Cancun, Mexico, 2011; p920-926.

27. Herrmann A, Negm H, Sultan H. Turkey herpesvirus infectious bursal disease (HVT-IBD) vector vaccine – Field experience in commercial broilers in Egypt. Article. XVIIth Congress of the World Veterinary Poultry Association, Cancun, Mexico, 2011; p556-563.

28. Ochoa R. Monitoring of safety and efficacy of a herpesvirus turkey-infectious bursal disease (HVT-IBD) in a commercial layer operation in Mexico. Article. XVIIth Congress of the World Veterinary Poultry Association, Cancun, Mexico, 2011; p770-774.

29. Korosi L, Povazsan J, Sari I, Penzes L. Comparative field study of the Vaxxitek® HVT-IBD vaccine in commercial layer flocks. Article. XVIIth Congress of the World Veterinary Poultry Association, Cancun, Mexico, 2011; p644-650.

30. Lemiere S, Rojo R, He S, Tang S, Li W, Herrmann A, Prandini F. Benefits of the Herpesvirus of Turkey vector vaccine of Infectious Bursal Disease in control of immune-depression in broilers and decrease of use of antibiotic medication. Abstract. XVIIIth Congress of the World Veterinary Poultry Association, Nantes, France, 2013; in-press.

31. Rautenschlein S, Lemiere S, Simon B, Prandini F. A comparison of the effects on the humoral and cell-mediated immunity between an HVT-IBD vector vaccine and an IBDV immune complex vaccine after in ovo vaccination of commercial broilers. Article. XVIIth Congress of the World Vet.

32. Lemiere S, Bublot M, de Saint-Vis B, Le-Gros FX, Dancer A, Bollart A, Carlotti A. Validation of VAXXITEK HVT+IBD vaccine intake in chickens using vHVT13-specifi c qPCR by processing different tissue samples. Oral presentation. 16th congress of the World Veterinary Poultry Association, Marrakesh, Morocco, 2009; p165.

33. Rautenschlein S, Simon B, Jung A, Pöppel M, Prandini F, Lemiere S. Protective efficacy of VAXXITEK HVT + IBD in commercial layers and broilers against challenge with very virulent infectious bursal disease virus. 16th congress of the World Veterinary Poultry Association, Marrakesh, Morocco, 2009.