Poultry 3

Question 1

Why is feed restricted in broilers?

Answer 1

To control body weight gain (they grow rapidly)

To promote fertility

Question 2

Why is feed restriction a welfare concern?

Answer 2

Leads to:
- hunger, frustration, stereotypies, pecking
BUT:
- improved immunity
- less skeletal problems
- reduced mortality

Question 3

What are some broiler breeders strategies for improving welfare?

Answer 3

Scatter feeding
- increase feeding time, reduced competition
Environmental enrichment
- encourages non-destructive pecking, reduces drinking and improved litter quality
Bulked up feeding
- provide more food with lower energy

Question 4

What are the key factors that directly influence productivity and profitability in broiler production?

Answer 4

Birds:
- genetics of stock, chick quality
Health
- stable health program, biosecurity
Diet
- nutritional input-phase feeding
Environment
- correct temp, humidity, ventilation, lighting
- stocking density and litter quality

Question 5

What are some problems associated with incorrect nutrition?

Answer 5

Fall off growth rate
Excess abdominal and carcass fat
Reduction in breast meat
Increased late mortality

Question 6

Why is litter quality so important?

Answer 6

Poor litter can cause hock burn, foot dermatitis, breast necrosis, and blisters

Question 7

What are the qualities you want in a good litter?

Answer 7

Absorptive
biodegradable
Low dust levels
Comfortable
Obtained from biosecure source

Question 8

How should catching at the end of ‘growing out’ period be handled?

Answer 8

Need to be caught carefully and quietly

Question 9

What are the main welfare issues affecting broilers?

Answer 9

Leg disorders –> lameness
Cardiovascular problems- ascites
Behavioral restriction

Question 10

What are the key steps involved in turkey production?

Answer 10

Turkey breeders (send fertile eggs) –> hatchery (day old poults) –> grower farms (14-22wks) –> culled and processed

Question 11

How are turkeys bred?

Answer 11

We have bred male turkeys too bid to mate without hurting the females, so AI is used

Question 12

What are the adantages of AI?

Answer 12

Less damage to females
Better fertility rates
Fewer males needed per females

Question 13

What are the three different kinds of housing used for turkey?

Answer 13

Controlled environment- broiler sheds
Pole barn- open sided with fixed windows
Free Range (pole barn but outside access)

Question 14

How long is the incubation period for a turkey egg?

Answer 14

28 days