Management of Poultry Flashcards
What are the 3 stage of life in layers?
- Pullet chicks.
- Growing.
- Laying.
When does the pullet chick stage occur?
Day old-8 weeks.
What feed is provided during the pullet chick stage?
Chick mash.
When does the grower stage occur?
*-20 weeks or Point of cage (Week 12 to 14)-Point of lay (Week 14 to 16).
What feed is provided during the grower stage?
Grower’s mash.
When does the laying stage occur?
20-72 weeks
What feed is provided during the laying stage?
Layer’s mash or Layers crumble.
At how many weeks of age are birds transferred to laying quarters?
15-17 weeks of age.
When are birds normally transferred to laying quarters?
Morning or evening.
How many hours before transfer should feed be restricted?
4-6.
What are the 5 advantages of using a battery cage?
- More pullets can be kept/unit area if stacked 3 or more high.
- Broodiness is eliminated.
- Easier culling.
- Less feed/dozen eggs.
- Eggs can be collected less frequently.
What are 4 disadvantages of battery cages?
- Initial capital outlay is higher due to cost of cages and house construction.
- Higher % of blood spots in eggs.
- Internal egg quality drops off more quickly.
- Fly problems are more prevalent.
What do nest boxes allow for?
- Layers to be maintained in deep litter, while also being separated.
- Wood shavings protect the egg and keep it clean.
Where are nest boxes normally placed?
Near the side of a pen that is away from where the rays of the sun will fall.
What are the 3 signs of the onset of lay?
- Bird will start cackling/making throat noise without being stimulated to do so.
- Bright red comb and wattle.
- Birds stoop when touched.
How many times per day are eggs collected? Please specify times.
a. 3.
b. 8-9 a.m., 12-1 p.m., and 4-5 p.m. .
How should the collected eggs be stored?
- In trays or egg cartons with the small end down.
- Leakers, cracked eggs, and thin-shelled eggs should be kept separate.
- Should not be stored longer than 2 weeks at room temperature to avoid spoilage.
What are the 4 advantages of culling?
- Prevention of the spread of diseases.
- Increases in the quality of the stock/flock.
- More space for the remaining birds.
- Increase profits by reducing feed required/dozen eggs.
How is the pubic bone of a laying hen described?
Thin, spread apart (3-4 fingers in width).
How is the vent of a laying hen described?
Smooth, large, moist.
How is the abdomen of a laying hen described?
Full, soft, pliable.
How is the comb of a laying hen described?
Large, smooth, glossy, soft, and bright red.
How are the ear lobes and wattle of a laying hen described?
Smooth and soft.
How is the pubic bone of an inactive hen described?
Blunt, rigid, and close together (2 or less finger widths).
How is the vent of an inactive hen described?
Small, shrunken, and dry.
How is the abdomen of an inactive hen described?
Contracted, hard, fleshy.
How is the comb of an inactive hen described?
Shriveled, dry, scaly, dull.
Why is the breeding stock reared far apart from the commercial poultry stock(s)?
To prevent them from contracting disease(s) due to how valuable they are.
How are the ear lobes and wattle of an inactive hen described?
Rough and dry.
Where are breeders raised?
On the floor.
In breeder flocks, when are males and females introduced to one another?
At maturity.
What is the mating ratio for medium-sized birds?
1 male : 10 females.
What is the mating ratio for light birds?
1 male : 12 females.
What is the mating ratio for meat-type birds?
1 male : 8 females.
How old are chickens when they are revaccinated against infectious bursal disease?
14-16 weeks.
Why is it that the latest layers are moved is at 10-12 weeks of age?
- Prevents stress.
- Ensures possible breaks in Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae clean status.
What material should enclosures be made out of and why?
a. Wire netting.
b. So the birds can see each other and get use to the other birds.
When do roosters achieve peak fertility?
24-26 weeks of age.
When should the first eggs for incubation be collected?
At least 2 weeks after the onset of egg production.
*Eggs should be fumigated immediately after collection.
How much do hatching eggs weigh?
50-54g.
When are chickens switched to a breeders diet?
At maturity.
What are the %CP and Kcal/kg in a breeders diet?
a. 15%.
b. 2850.
When does a male reach maturity?
24 weeks of age.
When does a female reach maturity?
Point of lay.
Why do broiler chickens require higher ventilation?
Due to having a higher stocking density.
Why do broilers have a high stocking density?
- To ensure profit from floor space.
- To restrict extensive movement that allows for the wasteful dissipation of energy.
What % CP are broilers fed at 0-3 weeks?
23-24.
How many Kcal/kg ME are broilers fed at 0-3 weeks?
3200.
What % CP are broilers fed at 4-7 weeks?
20-22.
How many Kcal/kg ME are broilers fed at 4-7 weeks?
3200.
How many kg of feed does a broiler chicken consume?
2.5-4 or more kg.
What is the FCR in broiler chickens?
2:1 to 5:1.
*Food eaten:Weight gained.
What should the poultry mortality rate not exceed in broilers under good management?
5%.
What two reasons are turkeys primarily raised for?
- Meat.
- Breeders.
*Rarely eggs.
What is the stocking density of turkey?
0.12 sq meter.
*Take a facility of the same # of chickens and *2.
What is the snood?
The tubular, fleshy appendage near the front of the head of turkeys.
What is desnooding and why is it done?
a. The removal of the snood.
b. Done to prevent head injuries due to pecking and reduce the spread of erysipelas.
What vx do chickens receive that turkeys do not?
IBDV.
*Can be given, not necessary.
What disease are turkeys vaccinated against that chickens are not?
Blackhead disease or histomoniasis.
During what period of weeks are turkeys on a starter diet?
0-8 weeks.
During what period of weeks are turkeys on a grower diet?
8-16 weeks.
During what period of weeks are turkeys on a finisher diet?
16-20 weeks.
During what period of weeks are turkey on a roaster diet?
> 20 weeks.
What is the CP% of a starter ration in turkeys?
28%.
What is the CP% of a finisher ration in turkeys?
18-20%.