Commercial Poultry to Backyard Flocks Flashcards
What role does the UK play in global poultry breeding
Breeding programmes for global genetic stock, including welfare traits like leg strength and behaviour
What is a poultry integrator system
Vertically integrated system controlling breeding, hatching, growing and processing of poultry under one company
What are key features of commercial hatchery
Automated, biosecurity, unidirectional airflow, temp/humidity control, regular audits
What is the difference between still air and forced air incubators
Still air 38.4 degrees, 60% humidity
Forced air: setters at 37.5-37.8 degrees, hatcher at 36.9-37.5 degrees, both at 60% humidity
Describe a typical commercial broiler site setup
Pan-feeders
Nipple drinkers
Concrete floor
More than 20 lux lights
What types of poultry are produced in UK beside chicken
Turkeys, ducks (mainly pekin), some backyard/exotic breeds
How does vet care differ for backyard flocks compared to commercial poultry
Backyard - lack infrastructure, records and access to licensed meds
Commercial - standardised and monitored
Why is medication challenging in backyard flocks
Most poultry medication are designed for large flocks, dosing and access impractical for smaller scale
What type of feed are used in commercial poultry
Starter crumbs
Pellets
Blended with wheat
How are vaccines administered in commercial setting
By spray
Drinking water - using distilled to avoid chlorine affect
What are the common management issues in backyard flocks
Hyperthermia, hypothermia, dehydration, emaciation, obesity
What makes backyard poultry medine difficult for vets
Few vets specialise in poultry, limited drugs are licensed, owners may not treat as livestock
What are key environment risks in backyard setups
Tin roofs , poor insulation, broken equipment, predation, poor brooding environemnt
List examples of fancy or traditional backyard poultry breeds
Fancy - silkie, serama
Traditional - sussex, maran
Modern hybrids: ISA brown, lohmann
What physical exam parameters are normal in healthy chicken
Temp - 40.6-43 degrees
HR - 250-300bpm
Respiration - 12-35bpm
What diagnostic methods can vets use in poultry
Clinical observation
Post mortem
Flock history
Sampling - blood, faeces, swabs
Why are hatcheries a potential disease flashpoint
Eggs come from up to 25 breeding sites, requiring tight biosecurity and routine disinfection
