Poultry Flashcards
What are the two types of poultry systems?
broiler and layers
are poultry monogastric?
Yes
What crop are poultry fed?
kernel of corn
What breeds is Cornish Rock made up of?
White cornish and white rock
Why are Cornish Rock chosen for broilers?
growth and lean meat production
How many days does it take from hatching to harvesting?
42 days
What is the # feed: # gain in broilers?
less than 1.75:1, very efficient
What is the predominant area for production in broilers?
Southeast US
What are the top two states that switch between #1 and #2 spot for top broiler producers?
Georgia and Arkansas
Where are chicks hatched?
incubators
What is the process of raising chicks in broiler production?
They are transported to barns shortly after birth, chicks are restricted to a small area of barn for the first part of growing, then have access to a 400 ft barn, more space to accumate to environment, mechanical ventilated, requirements go down with age
What are the advantages of pasture-raised chickens?
its cheaper and portable
What are the disadvantages of pasture-raised chickens?
predators, more labor, biosecurity
What is the incubation length in chickens?
21 days
What is the incubation length in turkeys?
28 days
What is the total length of broiler production?
9 weeks
What is the most common breed in layers?
White Leghorn
How can you tell what color eggs a chicken will lay?
By the color of earlobe
How much does a chicken weigh?
1.5 lbs
How many eggs per year do layers lay?
more than 270
At what age do layers start laying eggs?
20 weeks
What is the number one state of layers?
Iowa
What is a young female chicken called when she hasn’t laid?
pullet
How is housing set-up for layers?
Eggs, feed, chicken, and manure are all separated for cleanliness and safety; eggs are removed on a conveyor belt
What is the main problem in layer production?
salmonella
What kind of breeds lay brown eggs?
New Hampshire Red, Barred Red
What are hens called after several cycles of laying?
Spent hens
How are eggs graded?
mechanically and manually
What is candling?
shining light under egg and looking for blood spots
What are “hidden” eggs
Eggs used in food we eat
Why is turkey production considered seasonal?
whole turkeys are seasonal
How old are hens before harvesting?
14-16 weeks
What is the carcass weight for hens?
14-17 lbs
How old are toms before harvesting?
17-20 weeks
What is the carcass weight for toms?
26-32 lbs
What kind of feeding technique is used for turkey production?
split sex feeding
What are the top states for turkey production?
Minnesota and North Carolina
What is Iowa ranked for turkey production?
4th
What are young turkeys called?
poult or jake
When are turkeys artificially inseminated?
if made commercially
What are pin feathers?
Follicles on turkey’s feathers that make them look dusty
What kind of system do turkeys have?
vertical integration
