“Are your chicks vaccinated?”: this is one of the most frequently asked questions posed to the NEXTEKCI team. The answer deserves more than a yes or no, as it depends on the breed and type of vaccine. Let’s take stock of Marek disease and the vaccination policy of the Agnibilékrou hatchery.
Marek Disease in Brief
Marek disease is a viral disease of poultry. Its particularity, in terms of prevention, is that vaccination is carried out right from the hatchery, at the very beginning of the chick's life — this is when it is effective. This is why the question “vaccinated or not?” arises as soon as chicks are purchased, and not later on the farm.
At NEXTEKCI: Brown Layers are Vaccinated at the Hatchery
The hatchery's policy is clear and transparent:
- Brown Layer: vaccinated against Marek disease right from the hatchery, with a certificate available upon request. It makes sense: a layer is a long-term investment, intended to produce eggs for months.
- Other Breeds (white broiler, red broiler, barred grey, hybrid, white cockerel): they are not vaccinated at the hatchery. They do not receive any vaccination at the hatchery: vaccination is done on the farm, according to the protocol of your local veterinarian.
This distinction follows the practices of the sector: broilers, raised in short cycles, do not follow the same health programme as layers.
The Traceability Behind the Vaccine
A vaccine is only valuable if we know which batch received it. At NEXTEKCI, batches are tracked from hatching, the vaccination history is recorded, and each box of 50 chicks leaves with complete identification. The Marek vaccination certificate for layers is provided upon simple request — do not hesitate to ask for it, it is your right as a farmer.
And After Receipt: Prophylaxis on the Farm
The Marek vaccine from the hatchery does not replace the health programme on the farm. For broiler breeds, vaccination is done at your place, upon the arrival of the chicks. Two recommended reflexes:
- See your local veterinarian before receipt: he is the one who sets the vaccination protocol, according to the diseases present at your location. For any other questions: WhatsApp Info +225 05 44 83 27 79.
- Maintain biosecurity daily: dedicated shoes, hand washing, limited visitors, dry and non-toxic litter. Health prevention starts with the hygiene of the chick rearing area, not just with the syringe.
The Right Questions to Ask Any Supplier
Wherever you buy your chicks, demand clear answers: which breeds are vaccinated, against what, at what stage, and is a certificate available? A serious hatchery responds precisely. At NEXTEKCI, this information is public, published on the website and confirmed by the advisors.
In Summary
Brown Layers: Marek vaccinated at the hatchery, certificate upon request. Broiler breeds and cockerels: no vaccination at the hatchery, vaccination on the farm according to the protocol of your local veterinarian. In all cases, each chick leaves Agnibilékrou manually sorted, fed from hatching, and tracked by batch — because a good health start is primarily a vigorous chick.