Immunization of broiler chicks by in ovo injection of Eimeria tenella sporozoites, sporocysts, or oocysts

Immunization of chickens by in ovo injection of Eimeria tenella parasite stages was investigated. Fertile Hubbard x Petersen broiler chicken eggs were injected through the air cell on d 18 of incubation with sporozoites, sporocysts, or oocysts of E. tenella. Injected doses were in the range of 1 x 10(2) to 1 x 10(6) sporozoites, 2 x 10(5) to 2 x 10(7) sporocysts, or 1 x 10(2) to 5 x 10(6) oocysts per egg. Hatch rates were generally unaffected. Hatched chicks shed oocysts, with oocysts per gram of feces reaching a maximum at 3 d posthatch for chicks injected with sporozoites and at 7 d posthatch for chicks receiving oocysts or sporocysts, in ovo. After 2 wk in wire-floored cages or 3 wk on litter, birds were challenged with 2.5 x 10(4) sporulated oocysts of E. tenella. Chicks immunized by in ovo injection of parasite stages had significantly reduced lesion scores compared to their nonimmunized counterparts. The results demonstrate the feasibility of immunizing broiler chickens against E. tenella infection by in ovo injection of sporozoites, sporocysts, or oocysts.