Non-Ruminant Flashcards
(169 cards)
1
Q
What broiler lighting programme is most effective for FCR improvement?
A
12L:12D
2
Q
What is the optimal time for insemination relative to ovulation?
A
8–10 hours before ovulation
3
Q
What is the ideal relative humidity range for broiler houses?
A
46–65%
4
Q
What is the recommended interval from weaning to first oestrus for parity 1 sows?
A
4–6 days
5
Q
What is the target birth weight of piglets for improved survival?
A
> 1.2 kg
6
Q
What percentage of piglet deaths occur in the first three days post-labour?
A
80%
7
Q
What percentage of piglet mortality typically occurs before weaning?
A
95%
8
Q
What does the Maternal Line Index (MLI) focus on in pigs?
A
Traits like born alive, feed intake, litter weight, and growth rate
9
Q
What is the typical feed conversion ratio (FCR) for broilers today?
A
1.4–1.45
10
Q
What is the ideal daily feed intake for a lactating sow with 16 piglets?
A
10 kg/day
11
Q
How much can weaning weight impact days to slaughter?
A
Each kg gain reduces slaughter time by 6.25 days
12
Q
Which gene mutation in pigs is associated with PSE and stress-related deaths?
A
Halothane gene
13
Q
Which breed of pig is renowned for both prolific litter sizes and growth rate?
A
Large White
14
Q
What is the recommended farrowing rate target in pig herds?
A
88%
15
Q
What is the function of xylanase in broiler diets?
A
Breaks down non-starch polysaccharides to improve nutrient absorption
16
Q
What is the average age and live weight of broilers at slaughter in Ireland?
A
33 days and 2.2 kg
17
Q
What pig breed is highly muscular but stress-prone and low in reproduction?
A
Pietrain
18
Q
What is the impact of poor insemination technique on reproductive performance?
A
Reduces farrowing rate and number born alive
19
Q
What is a key factor causing ascites in broilers?
A
Imbalance between oxygen supply and growth rate
20
Q
What does TLI (Terminal Line Index) emphasize in pigs?
A
Growth rate, feed intake, FCE, backfat, lean %
21
Q
What is the main concern with sow stalls in terms of welfare legislation?
A
Banned after 4 weeks of pregnancy since 2013 in the EU
22
Q
What is the minimum dry matter content for ideal broiler litter?
A
> 65%
23
Q
Which country produces over half the world’s pigs?
A
China
24
Q
Which pig breed is known for the highest intramuscular fat content?
A
Duroc
25
What is the ideal temperature range for newborn piglets?
~34°C
26
What is the risk of inseminating sows after ovulation?
Uterine infections and reduced fertility
27
How long does ovulated egg remain viable in pigs?
Approximately 6 hours
28
Which hormone is vital for the resumption of follicular growth in sows?
Luteinizing hormone (LH)
29
How many hours does it take for ejaculated sperm to capacitate in pigs?
6–8 hours
30
What is the primary determinant of sow feed requirement in gestation?
Backfat depth and body weight
31
What is the target protein intake for a pregnant sow per day?
13.5–14 g lysine/day for gilts
32
What impact does excess feed in early gestation have?
Decreases embryo survival due to low progesterone
33
What is the goal of flush feeding before mating?
Optimise ovulation rate in gilts
34
How many pigs per sow per year is considered world-class performance?
40–42 pigs
35
How many piglets does a modern sow wean on average in Ireland (2023)?
12.1 pigs
36
What is the minimum ventilation requirement for ammonia in broiler houses?
<10 ppm
37
What is the effect of wet broiler litter on animal health?
Increases ammonia, breast blisters, and footpad dermatitis
38
How does heat stress in sows affect lactation intake?
Reduces intake significantly; lowers weaning weights
39
How is feed conversion efficiency (FCE) calculated?
Feed intake divided by liveweight gain
40
What heritability estimate is associated with daily gain in pigs?
0.3–0.6 (moderately heritable)
41
What causes PSE (Pale Soft Exudative) pork?
Stress and halothane gene mutation
42
What is the role of BLUP in pig breeding?
Predicts genetic merit using individual and relative performance
43
Why is colostrum vital in first 24 hours post-partum?
Transfers immunity and supports thermoregulation
44
What is the target weaning age for piglets?
28 days
45
What is the advantage of hybrid vigour in crossbred sows?
Higher milk production, improved fertility, and survival
46
Which mineral is critical for skeletal development in sows?
Calcium and phosphorus (often from DCP)
47
How does feed intake impact LH levels in lactating sows?
Low intake → low insulin → low LH → delayed oestrus
48
What is the impact of light/dark programmes in broilers?
Improves FCR and reduces mortality and ascites
49
What does whole-house brooding mean?
The entire broiler house is heated uniformly
50
Which countries dominate broiler breeding genetics?
Cobb-Vantress and Aviagen
51
What causes footpad dermatitis in broilers?
Wet litter and poor hygiene
52
How does water temperature affect broiler intake?
Optimal: 10–14°C; <5°C or >30°C decreases intake
53
What is the effect of overfeeding sows in late gestation?
Reduces feed intake in early lactation
54
What does the term "terminal hygiene" mean in broiler production?
Final cleanout including disinfection before new chick placement
55
What is the minimum requirement for water flow to sows?
1.5 litres/minute
56
What is the most common cause of pre-weaning piglet mortality?
Starvation and crushing
57
Why are nurse sows used?
To manage large litters and reduce competition
58
What is the FCR target for Ross 308 broilers by day 35?
1.53
59
What enzyme is crucial for digesting NSPs in poultry diets?
Xylanase
60
What is the kill out % typically for pigs?
~76.5%
61
Why is creep feeding important in piglets?
Prepares digestive system for weaning
62
What does "ascites" refer to in broilers?
Fluid accumulation due to oxygen imbalance
63
What legislation controls sow housing post-mating in the EU?
Ban on stalls after 4 weeks since 2013
64
What is the function of androstenone in boar saliva?
Stimulates standing reflex in sows
65
What is the typical backfat depth used for feeding decisions in sows?
15–18 mm
66
What is the major welfare concern for indoor broiler production?
Stocking density and leg health
67
How many litters per sow per year is optimal?
~2.4 litters/year
68
How long does a typical pig gestation last?
114–115 days
69
What is the minimum legal ventilation for CO₂ in broiler houses?
<0.3%
70
What disease can high ammonia levels predispose broilers to?
Respiratory tract damage and poor growth
71
What is the typical liveweight of pigs at slaughter in Ireland?
~116–118 kg
72
What is the ideal daily gain for commercial broilers?
55–60g/day
73
Which country has the highest pork production in the EU?
Spain
74
What causes reduced progesterone concentrations with high early gestation feeding?
Increased hepatic blood flow
75
What type of heating uses hot water to warm floors in brooding?
Floor heating
76
What is the average crude protein % in sow lactation diets?
18–19%
77
What enzyme supplementation improves phosphorus availability in poultry?
Phytase
78
What is the main cause of variation in pig meat price globally?
Supply-demand imbalance and production costs
79
What is the risk of using open drinking systems in broiler houses?
Contamination and poor water hygiene
80
How much milk does a modern sow produce daily?
12–14 litres
81
What is the benefit of selecting for robustness in pigs?
Better resilience to stress and environmental variation
82
What is the typical litter size for Large White sows?
13–15 piglets
83
What trait is improved by hybrid sow breeding strategies?
Reproductive performance and litter uniformity
84
What feature characterizes the Duroc breed?
High intramuscular fat and robustness
85
What is a common source of dietary fat in broiler diets?
Soya oil
86
What is the primary sign of oestrus in sows?
Standing reflex to back pressure
87
Why is the pig industry a major consumer of cereals?
To convert cereals into high-value protein (pork)
88
Why are older sows at higher risk of stillbirths?
Reduced uterine efficiency and longer farrowing durations
89
What can cause shoulder sores in sows?
Low body condition and hard flooring
90
What is the function of oxytocin during sow mating?
Stimulates uterine contractions for sperm transport
91
What is the goal of using synthetic composite breeds in pigs?
Combine traits from multiple breeds for balance
92
What is the recommended number of sows per nipple drinker in broilers?
10 birds per nipple (or 12 for high-flow systems)
93
What is a key characteristic of synthetic meatline boars?
High lean yield and carcass quality
94
What ventilation method is used to check ammonia levels?
Drager tubes or smoke tests
95
Why is the Meishan pig not widely used in commercial systems?
Excessive fatness and slow growth
96
What % of piglet mortality is due to crushing?
20–30%
97
What is the primary energy source in typical broiler diets?
Wheat
98
What is the advantage of feeding high digestibility creep feeds?
Stimulates enzyme production pre-weaning
99
Why is phosphorus supplemented via enzymes in pig feed?
To improve mineral bioavailability
100
What is the legal sow capacity limit without a license in Ireland?
285 sows
101
Why are gilts mated at their 3rd oestrus?
To improve fertility and lifetime productivity
102
What is a key factor in determining sow lactation feed allowance?
Number of piglets suckling
103
How often should sows be served during oestrus?
Twice – first sign and 24 hours later
104
How many piglets per year can a Meishan sow produce?
~35–40 (due to large litters and early maturity)
105
What is the average protein % in a broiler starter feed?
23%
106
Why is enzyme supplementation essential in wheat-based poultry diets?
To degrade NSPs and improve digestion
107
What muscle is assessed for intramuscular fat in pigs?
Longissimus dorsi
108
What is the FCE goal in terminal line selection of pigs?
High FCE to maximize conversion of feed to lean meat
109
What is the effect of high ambient temperature on sow appetite?
Reduces voluntary feed intake
110
What is the common metabolic disease related to fast broiler growth?
Ascites
111
What feed restriction technique improves early lactation intake?
Undersupplying in late gestation
112
What is the reason for using nurse sows?
To allow fostering of surplus piglets in large litters
113
How many days is the typical suckling period for piglets?
28 Days
114
What is a major limitation of the halothane gene in pigs?
Higher mortality and stress susceptibility
115
What is the optimum broiler temperature during first 3 days?
32–34°C
116
What is the function of protease in poultry diets?
Improves protein digestibility
117
What is the typical birth weight of piglets from Meishan sows?
800g
118
What reproductive target does 27.5 pigs/sow/year reflect?
Irish average productivity
119
Which nutrient is most limiting in sow milk for piglets?
Iron
120
What is a typical lysine % in finisher broiler feed?
1.1%
121
What is the gestation length of a sow?
114–115 days
122
What is the main benefit of using genomic selection in pigs?
Increased accuracy of breeding values and reduced generation intervals
123
What is the most important factor influencing the number of pigs weaned per week?
Number of sows served
124
How much backfat is associated with a poor body condition score in sows?
9 mm
125
What percentage of piglets are expected to survive when weighing <900g at birth?
42%–50%
126
What does PSS stand for in pigs?
Porcine Stress Syndrome
127
What is the primary nutrient required for muscle development in piglets?
Protein
128
Why are loose farrowing crates being considered in the EU?
To improve sow welfare ahead of 2027 cage ban
129
Which muscle's fat content most affects pork tenderness?
Intramuscular fat in longissimus dorsi
130
What is the major health issue related to wet broiler litter?
Footpad dermatitis
131
Why is colostrum intake critical within the first 6 hours of life for piglets?
Gut closure begins and passive immunity declines after
132
How often should broiler litter be changed between flocks?
After each flock (with terminal hygiene)
133
What is the average FCR for finishing pigs?
2.4–2.6
134
What is the main source of fat in broiler diets?
Soya oil
135
What percentage of sow energy intake should come from maintenance?
Approximately 60%
136
What are signs of a chick being too cold?
Huddling, noisy, and clustered under heat source
137
What is one risk of overfeeding during early pig gestation?
Reduced embryo survival
138
What enzyme in creep feed supports piglet digestion?
Protease
139
Which week of lactation typically shows peak milk yield in sows?
Week 3
140
What is the average weaning weight of piglets in Ireland?
8.0 kg
141
What causes low blood pH and stillbirth in piglets?
Anoxia during farrowing
142
What is the maximum number of birds per nipple drinker (low flow)?
10
143
How long does the oestrus period typically last in sows?
1–3 days
144
Why are sow feeders sometimes adjusted post-mating?
To prevent excess body condition gain
145
What is the ideal ambient temperature for lactating sows?
15–20°C
146
What are the signs of piglet chilling?
Lethargy, poor teat competition, prone to crushing
147
How does parity affect return to oestrus after weaning?
Higher parity sows return faster than gilts
148
How long does it take for a pig’s digestive tract to adapt post-weaning?
About 10–14 days
149
What is the function of phytase in pig or poultry diets?
Improves phosphorus digestibility
150
What is the typical FCR target for pigs from weaning to slaughter?
2.3–2.6
151
What is the minimum crude protein % in broiler starter feed?
0.23
152
Why is providing light/dark cycles important in broiler houses?
Improves immunity and reduces stress
153
What causes variable birth weights in large pig litters?
Uterine crowding and limited placental efficiency
154
What is the common feed intake during mid-gestation for sows?
2.2–2.5 kg/day
155
What effect does low feed intake have on LH during lactation?
Suppresses LH, delaying follicular growth
156
What is the birth weight threshold associated with higher survival?
1.2 kg or more
157
Why is group housing of sows encouraged?
Improves welfare and reduces stereotypic behaviour
158
How often do sows let down milk during lactation?
Approximately once per hour
159
What mineral in excess can cause poor litter quality in broilers?
Sodium (via salt or imbalance)
160
What is the main driver of protein requirement in lactating sows?
Milk yield
161
Why are sows flushed before mating?
To increase ovulation rate and litter size
162
What feed component is reduced in booster diets for gilts?
Protein (to control lean gain)
163
What is a major welfare issue in fast-growing broilers?
Leg deformities due to poor bone strength
164
What happens to FCR as broilers age beyond 35 days?
FCR worsens due to slower growth
165
What percentage of preweaning mortality is due to starvation?
40–50%
166
Why is split-sex feeding used in broilers?
Males and females have different nutrient requirements
167
What is the recommended feed withdrawal time before broiler slaughter?
8–12 hours
168
What breed combination is typically used for F1 gilts?
Large White x Landrace
169
Why are electronic sow feeders used in group housing?
Allow individualized feeding in group pens
