Broiler Chick Care Program

Questions and Answers

What is the target air temperature for chicks at placement height?

70°F (21°C)

90°F (32°C)

80°F (30°C) (correct)

85°F (29°C)

What is the recommended litter temperature range for chicks?

70-75°F (21-24°C)

75-80°F (24-27°C)

80-86°F (27-30°C)

83-86°F (28-30°C) (correct)

What is the maximum allowable air speed to avoid wind chill effects on chicks?

10 ft/min (0.05 m/s)

30 ft/min (0.15 m/s) (correct)

40 ft/min (0.20 m/s)

20 ft/min (0.10 m/s)

Why is it important to check a sample of chicks 2, 12, and 24 hours after arrival?

To monitor the crop fill and ensure they found feed and water Signup and view all the answers

What should be the relative humidity range in the housing during the first 24 hours for optimal chick health?

60%-70% Signup and view all the answers

How should the drinking and feeding systems be positioned for chicks upon arrival?

Easily accessible within 3 ft (1 m) of each chick Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of pre-heating the house before chick arrival?

To stabilize temperature and humidity for chick comfort Signup and view all the answers

What may indicate that the temperature is correct for the chicks?

Chicks are resting comfortably spread out Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical characteristic of litter used for poultry that supports natural behaviors?

It must be clean, dry, and smooth. Signup and view all the answers

How much minimum surface area of a building should be covered with paper and feed for optimal feed intake?

50% Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideal feed consumption for a day-old chick on average?

17 g Signup and view all the answers

What is the optimal temperature range for broiler chicks during their first week of rearing?

40 to 42°C Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended stocking ratio for pan feeders in relation to broiler chicks?

100 birds to 1 linear meter Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical factor for efficient growth of broiler chicks in their first week?

Access to food and water Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if feeding lines need to be empty?

It should be done when chickens consume the least, such as during the day. Signup and view all the answers

During the first week of brooding, what ability do chicks lack in relation to temperature management?

Ability to respond to lower temperatures Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of distributing feed and water throughout the entire building?

To enhance feed intake and limit competition. Signup and view all the answers

What type of immunity is provided by maternal derived antibodies in birds?

Passive Immunity Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for monitoring air temperature in the chick rearing environment?

To ensure a constant and suitable environment Signup and view all the answers

From where are maternal antibodies transferred to bird progeny?

From hyper-immunized or naturally infected breeder hens through the egg. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions should litter fulfill for broiler chicks?

Clean, dry, and smooth Signup and view all the answers

How much weight can a broiler chicken gain in its first week of rearing?

Up to five times its starting weight Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal for broiler chicks at the end of their first week?

To achieve homogeneous growth and high viability Signup and view all the answers

Why is a thermally suitable environment critical in the first week of brooding?

It supports chicks in accessing essential resources. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Broiler Chick Rearing Overview

Importance of the first 24 hours post-arrival: critical for establishing feeding behaviors and ensuring hydration.
Maternal immunity is conferred through maternally derived antibodies (MDA), which are transferred from breeder hens via eggs.

Pre-Arrival Preparation

Ensure clean, bio-secure housing for chicks prior to arrival.
Equip housing for easy access to feed (sieved crumb, no dust) and water, with locations no more than 3 ft (1 m) away.
Pre-heat the environment to achieve floor temperatures of 83-80°F (28-30°C) along with stabilizing humidity levels.

Environmental Targets

Optimal air temperature at chick height is 80°F (30°C).
Litter temperature should reach 83-86°F (28-30°C) with relative humidity maintained at 60%-70%.
Monitor chick behavior for signs of thermal comfort and proper ventilation to avoid drafts.

Crop Fill Assessment

Proper feed and water access indicated by crop fill percentages:
- 2 hours post-placement: target 75% of chicks with full crops.
- 12 hours post-placement: target greater than 85%.
- 24 hours post-placement: target greater than 95%.
Gentle handling of chicks allows assessment of feeding progress.

First Week Rearing

Broiler chickens can gain up to five times their starting weight in the first week; typically one-third of their total lifespan.
Goals include promoting uniform growth, maximizing viability, and minimizing health issues like pododermatitis.

Environmental Management

Chicks require a thermally suitable environment to maintain body temperatures between 40-42°C.
First week crucial for monitoring air temperature and ensuring access to food and water for growth.

Litter Management

Well-managed litter is essential for performance and welfare, requiring cleanliness, dryness, and smooth texture.
Functions of litter include absorbing moisture and insulating against environmental extremes.

Nutritional Strategies

Day-old chicks average feed consumption is 17 g; ensure at least 50% of building surface area is covered with paper and feed.
Feeding configurations:
- Pan feeders: 100 birds per 1 linear meter.
- Chain feeders: 100 birds per 0.75 meters.

Feed and Water Distribution

Distribute feed and water evenly across the housing to reduce competition.
Monitor feeder and drinking point density for optimal performance.
Purge feeding and drinking systems during low-use periods to maintain hygiene and prevent biofilm formation.

Importance of Maternal Antibodies

Maternal antibodies provide critical passive immunity to chicks, aiding their early life health and resistance to diseases.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the essential aspects of broiler chick care, including feeding programs, maternal immunity, and biosecurity measures. It covers the preparations needed before chick arrival and evaluates the use of technology in broiler management. Test your knowledge on these critical areas of poultry care!