Automated micro-injection system for in-ovo vaccination on day 18: design, validation, and comparison with conventional methods

Resumen

Objective: To evaluate an automatic in ovo injection device based on a low-cost Cartesian robot.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The prototype integrates a motor-driven pressurized syringe, a graphical user interface for selecting injection volumes, and a laser photo-interrupter sensor that ensures needle centering and height relative to the egg.

Results: The device underwent 50 injection trials using saline solution and was compared with manual techniques, showing a significant reduction in variability of the administered volume compared to manual methods, thereby improving injection accuracy, operational efficiency, and overall prototype performance.

Limitations/Implications: The device still requires validation under real farm conditions, testing in high-demand environments, and enhancements such as the incorporation of multiple syringes and integration with conveyor or incubator systems.

Findings/Conclusions: The automated device represents a significant advancement in the automation of in ovo vaccination, providing a viable and low-cost alternative for small- and medium-scale poultry producers. Although certain technical and validation challenges remain, the proposed system offers an accessible solution that reduces operational risks, increases productivity, and facilitates the integration of automation technologies into the poultry sector.

The results show that the automated system reduced the mean absolute error by 45% and improved operational efficiency by 30% compared with manual vaccination (p < 0.05). These findings confirm the potential of the device as a cost-effective and highly precise option for vaccination processes in small- and medium-scale production environments.