Poultry 1 Flashcards
What is the basic structure of the UK poultry industry?
Describe the structure of poultry breeding programmes
Nucleus/elite stock (distinct pure strains) –> breed and make grandparent stock –> broiler breeders/parent stock –> broiler or commercial layer (hybrid)
What characteristics are commercial layers selected on?
Good liveability/resistance to disease
Good feathering
Extended laying season
Docile temperment and absence of broodiness (urge to sit on egg)
Slow growth rate and light mature weight
Efficient food conversion
*Ability to produce healthy, viable chicks*
What characteristics are broiler chickens selected by?
Good liveability/resistance to disease
Good feathering
Rapid growth
Good leg health
Efficient food conversion
Good conformation
Correct flesh coloring
*Ability to produce healthy, viable chicks (weight can pose an issue)*
What characteristics are turkeys selected by?
Not as highly selected:
- Fast growth rate
- Good food conversion ratio
- Correct flesh coloring
- Good conformation
- Resistance to disease
What are the key stages involved in the production of table eggs?
Layer parent stock (25-70wks)
Fertile egg production
Day old chicks are sexed and graded at hatchery
- DO females to rearing farms, males culled
Brooding and rearing period (18wks) in cage or floor
- Transfer to pullets
Production unit: cages, barns, free-range
- Production of >300 eggs (18-72wks)
What are the stages involved in the production of meat (broilers)?
Broiler breeders laying farms (fertile egg production) –> Hatchery (DO chicks) –> Grower farms broilers (<45 days old) –> culled and processed
What are the key stages involved in turkey meat production?
Turkey breeders (fertile egg production) –> hatchery (DO chicks called poults) –> grower farms (14-22wks) –> culled and processed
What are the different production systems (environment) for layers?
Controlled environment
- furnished cages
- barn
- aviary
- perchery
- free-range (including organic)
What are the different production systems (environment) for broilers?
Controlled environment
- floor based systems
- free-range
What are the different production systems (environment) for parent stock?
Controlled environment
- Floor based systems
What are the different production systems (environment) for turkeys?
All year round (AYR) verses seasonal
- floor bases system (AYR)
- pole barn
- free-range
What are some of the keys to successful commercial poultry production?
Large flocks
Strict biosecurity and all in all out systems of management
How is productivity/success measured in poultry farming?
Measured at flock level rather than at individual level
What are three general welfare concerns in poultry production?
Genetic selection:
- inherent problems (leg weakness, metabolic disorders, behavioral problems
Low Individual value:
- Less care/vigilance per animal
- Financial implications (individual is less finanaciall important)
Limited public awareness/concern
- Intensive production/confinement
What are some of advantages of battery cages?
Less labour intensive
Control over environment
Reduced risk of disease and easier control
Reduced damage due to agression, feather pecking and cannibalism
Low mortality rate compared to other systems
No predation
What are the disadvantages of battery cages?
Barren environment
Prevention of normal behavior expression
Lack of exercise = weak bones
Cages cause damage to feathers and feet
Inability to escape- feather pecking
Stocker worker can’t inspect bird well
What are some welfare considerations with layers?
Confinement
Bone fractures- non caged systems
Feather pecking and cannibalism- beak trimming
What are some welfare considerations with broilers?
Feed restrictions
Leg and foot health and metabolic disease
