Vaccination Schedule Guide
Complete vaccination timeline
A proper vaccination schedule is non-negotiable for poultry farming success. Vaccines protect against diseases that can wipe out entire flocks. Here is the standard broiler vaccination schedule followed across India.
Day 1 — Marek's Disease Vaccine (HVT): Administered at the hatchery before chick delivery. This protects against Marek's disease, a tumor-causing viral infection. Given as subcutaneous injection.
Day 5-7 — Newcastle Disease + IB (Lasota + IB Massachusetts): First dose given via eye drop or drinking water. This combined vaccine protects against Newcastle Disease (Ranikhet) and Infectious Bronchitis. Eye drop method ensures better individual coverage.
Day 12-14 — IBD (Gumboro) — Intermediate Strain: Given via drinking water. Protects against Infectious Bursal Disease which attacks the immune system. Ensure water is chlorine-free and use skimmed milk powder (2g/liter) to stabilize the vaccine virus.
Day 18-20 — ND + IB Booster (Lasota + IB): Second dose via drinking water. Booster vaccination ensures strong immunity against Newcastle and IB. Withhold water for 1-2 hours before vaccination to ensure birds drink quickly.
Day 24-26 — IBD Booster (Hot Strain): Second Gumboro dose via drinking water. The hot strain provides broader protection against field challenge. Use vaccine stabilizer in water.
Day 28-30 — ND Booster (Optional but Recommended): Final Lasota booster via drinking water for long-cycle broilers (beyond 35 days). This ensures sustained immunity through harvest.
Vaccination Best Practices: Always vaccinate during cooler hours (early morning). Use clean, chlorine-free water for drinking water vaccines. Calculate water consumption: approximately 5-7 ml per bird for day-old, increasing to 25-30 ml by 4 weeks. Maintain cold chain for live vaccines. Record every vaccination with date, brand, batch number, and route of administration.