PPT 14--Broiler Breeders Flashcards
how long are birds grown in rearing houses?
20-22 weeks
what is a pullet?
a sexually immature breeder hen
explain feeding program for pullets.
first 2 weeks full feed starter diet given.
weeks 3-23 restrict food to a every other day but twice the amount program. allow plenty of water.
When do you vaccinate a pullet?
before they go to the laying house
how do breeders control coccidiosis?
spray in the hatchery or make birds consume gel.
how much light a day do pullets receive after brooding period?
8 hours
what does the lighting do for developing birds?
supresses sexual maturity to improve uniformity in body weight and start of egg production.
what are some differences in the program for cockerels?
they are in a separate house, get their inside toenails trimmed(no injury during sex), and feeding program differences.
what are the 4 common things that make up a conventional breeder house?
2/3 slats, 1/3 litter floor, nests, and stirring fan
what are modern disease control and labor reducing mechanisms found in modern housing?
mechanical nesting, automated feeders, nipple drinkers, and ventilation control systems.
what are some important things done to the breeder feeding programs?
feed is restricted, there are separate male and female feeding systems and during lay trace nutrients are added to ensure good egg quality.
Are laying houses commingled?
yes
what does it mean if a rooster is dubbed?
the comb is clipped
during lay how many hours are the lights on?
14 hours a day, and may increase for more lay
when do pullets start to lay?
23-24 weeks
how many eggs are produced? and how many produce chicks?
155-170, 130-150 produce chicks.
how many roosters per 100 hens are placed in a laying house?
8-10
how many hens per nest?
5-6
how often are eggs collect to reduce contamination and breakage?
3-4 times a day(mechanically)
how are eggs placed in incubator flats?
large end up or air cell up(reduces hatch ability)
what is a cull egg?
eggs that cannot be used because they are cracked/misshapen/too large/small
should you sand eggs to remove things?
NO!! (allows bacteria an entrance)
what is the ideal egg volume per dozen eggs?
23-28 ounces
what does the dry bulb thermometer measure in a hatchery? the wet bulb?
the dry bulb thermometer measures temperature
the wet bulb measures humidity
