North Carolina State University

Embrex, Inc.

Catherine A Ricks

James N Petitte

Patricia V Phelps

Christopher John Williams

Sally E Spence

James M Petitte

A method of altering the phenotype of a bird comprises introducing a DNA sequence into somatic cells of a bird contained within an egg during in ovo incubation. The DNA sequence is selected to be effective to cause a change in phenotype, such as an increase in growth rate, feed efficiency, or both in the bird after hatch. A DNA sequence may further be selected to increase disease resistance or induce disease prevention by the expression of an antigen over a period of time.

Gene transfer in poultry by introduction of embryo cells in ovo

A method of altering the phenotype of a bird comprises introducing a DNA molecule into the muscle tissue of a bird contained within an egg during in ovo incubation. The DNA molecule is selected to be effective to cause a change in phenotype, such as an increase in growth rate, feed efficiency, immune response, or a combination of these and other phenotypes in the bird after hatch. A DNA molecule may further be selected to increase disease resistance, induce disease prevention, or neutralize maternal antibodies by the expression of an antigen over a period of time.

Gene transfer in chickens by introduction of DNA into muscle in ovo

A method has been developed for the injection of muscle tissue of an embryonic chicken in ovo. An apparatus for such injection in a plurality of eggs simultaneously has also been developed, where the apparatus is composed of a an engaging means for the eggs, an injection means to insert an elongate needle through the eggshell to a depth of about 7/8 inch to 1.5 inch into the shoulder or breast of the embryo, and a positioning means to position the needle about 1 to 5 degrees of offset of the long axis of the egg. The apparatus can delivery a variety of substances to the muscle tissue of the embryonic chicken in ovo.

Growing community of inventors

Raleigh, NC, United States of America

Catherine A Ricks