#$%^&*AU2013231038A120131003.pdf#####Abstract The invention provides an improved method of rearing a bird of specified germ-free status. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a method for increasing the hatchability and viability of surgically derived eggs of germ-free status when obtained from a parent bird. The method comprises housing a bird as a parent bird, determining the position of a premature egg in the reproductive tract and stage of development of the premature egg in terms of shell formation and calcification, surgically removing an egg in its shell from the parent bird prior to transfer of the egg to the cloaca in the parent bird, incubating the egg and hatching the egg to produce a laying bird. The invention also relates to the production of avian eggs of specified germ-free status and uses thereof.
