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
