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Questions and Answers
What symptom is associated with iron deficiency in broilers?
Which management practice is recommended to reduce feed wastage when using trough feeders?
What is the most appropriate alternative to mash feed for broilers?
What is the primary purpose of using antifungal agents in broiler feed?
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Which deficiency symptom is associated with copper in broilers?
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Which disease is referred to as Crazy Chick Disease?
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What is the purpose of maintaining farm records in broiler production?
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Which of the following is a key indicator of feed efficiency in broiler production?
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What does the Production Efficiency Factor (PEF) help assess in broiler farming?
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What are the operating and maintenance costs associated with in a broiler business?
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Which method can be used to determine the quality of broilers before market?
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What is an important factor in broiler marketing?
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Which factor is crucial when analyzing the costs in a broiler operation?
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What is the recommended height for the hover above newly arrived chicks?
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Which of the following materials is NOT suggested for use as brooder guards?
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How long can a 50-kg LPG cylinder provide heat for broiler chicks?
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What should be done before the arrival of the chicks in the brooding house?
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What is a key factor influencing survival rate and growth performance of broiler chicks during brooding?
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What is the purpose of using circular brooder guards?
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When should weak chicks be separated from active ones?
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What is one method some farms use to control temperature in the brooder house?
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What is the recommended action regarding dead chicks found in the boxes?
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How should the heating units be adjusted as broiler chicks grow older than 4 days?
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What factor has contributed to the rise in chicken meat importation since 1994?
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What is a consequence of cheaper imported chicken for local broiler farmers?
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What issue has led to unpredictable prices of broiler meat in the local industry?
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What has been a recent contributing factor to the reduction in chicken meat consumption?
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What was the local broiler production in 2004 compared to 2002?
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What was the annual growth rate of local broiler production from 2002 to 2004?
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What does the increase in imported chicken products primarily indicate about the local economy?
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What prompted large integrated commercial broiler producers to scale down production?
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Despite challenges, how much broiler meat did the local industry export to Japan in early 2004?
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What financial challenge is posed by the high costs associated with imported chicken products?
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What is the primary reason mash feed is recommended for use only during the first 2 weeks?
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At what age do broilers generally start to prefer starter pellets over other feed types?
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What percentage of total feed consumption is accounted for by prestarter feed?
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Which feed type is commonly recommended for broilers at about 4 weeks of age?
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Which type of feed is preferred over mash feed when available?
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What is the average daily weight gain of broilers from day-old up to 10 days old on mash feed?
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How does the average feed consumption change from day 11 to day 24?
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What is a key benefit of using mash feed during the early weeks?
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Which feed type is suggested for the growing period when crumbles or pellets are not available?
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Which age group of broilers shows the highest average daily weight gain according to the provided data?
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What is a potential cause of vaccination failure in chickens?
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Which practice should be avoided to ensure effective vaccination of chickens?
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Why is it important to manage maternal antibodies in young chicks during vaccination?
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What is a recommended practice for storing vaccines before use?
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Which of the following is crucial during the vaccination process to ensure effectiveness?
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What is the primary objective for a broiler breeder farm concerning bird production?
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At what age should the size of male birds be graded for a broiler breeding flock?
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What role do integrators play in the Philippine broiler industry supply chain?
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What percentage of locally produced dressed chickens in the Philippines is sold in wet markets?
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How do smaller companies differ from integrated firms in the broiler industry supply chain?
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Which of the following best describes the concept of 'viajeros' within the supply chain?
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What is one challenge faced by independent growers in the broiler industry?
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Which are the primary buyers for locally produced dressed chickens aside from wet markets?
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At what age do broilers commonly prefer starter pellets over mash or crumbles?
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What is a primary reason for the preference of pellets or crumbles over mash feed?
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How much does prestarter feed account for in total feed consumption?
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Which feed type is most commonly used during the entire growing period under local conditions?
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What is the average daily weight gain of broilers from day 11 to 24?
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Which feed type is recommended for broilers at about 4 weeks of age?
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What is easier to prepare and cheaper than crumbles or pellets?
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What percentage of total feed consumption is accounted for by finisher feeds?
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Which particle size is associated with broiler finisher pellets?
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What is the average feed consumption from day 1 to 10?
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What symptom is associated with a deficiency in Vitamin A?
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Which vitamin deficiency is characterized by soft and pliable beak and claws?
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A deficiency in which vitamin is most likely to result in delayed blood clotting?
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What is the primary symptom of selenium deficiency in broilers?
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Which of the following symptoms is associated with Niacin deficiency?
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What is a possible consequence of Vitamin B2 deficiency in broilers?
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What is a recommended strategy to ensure that feed remains fresh and palatable in trough feeders?
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Which deficiency is associated with enlarged thyroids in broilers?
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Which deficiency is linked to growth retardation and paralysis?
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What is one of the symptoms associated with Vitamin E deficiency?
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Why is the use of pelleted or crumbled feed recommended for broilers over mash feed?
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What is the function of antifungal agents in broiler feed?
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Which vitamin is essential for preventing leg weakness in broilers?
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Which symptom is indicative of copper deficiency in broilers?
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A significant symptom of Vitamin B6 deficiency includes which of the following?
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How should the brim of feeders be positioned in relation to the chickens?
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Which fatty acid deficiency can lead to liver fat buildup and respiratory disease susceptibility?
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What can excessive moisture content in grains lead to in broiler production?
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What is a potential consequence of not using the right size of feeders for broilers?
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What symptom indicates severe anemia in broilers due to iron deficiency?
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What impact did the implementation of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT-WTO) in 1994 have on the local chicken market?
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Why have many independent commercial broiler farmers stopped operations?
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Which recent problem has affected the local broiler industry and contributed to unstable prices?
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What was the change in local broiler production from 2002 to 2004?
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What challenge has faced the local broiler industry despite its recovery in 2004?
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What has influenced large integrated commercial broiler producers to modify their operations?
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What led to the extraordinarily high prices of broiler meat by the end of the first quarter of 2004?
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How much broiler meat did the local industry manage to export to Japan early in 2004?
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What is the common post-mortem lesion associated with Newcastle Disease (NCD) in poultry?
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Which of the following is a recommended preventive measure for controlling Newcastle Disease in poultry?
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What is the main characteristic of Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) affecting broiler chickens?
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Which practice should be followed if an outbreak of NCD is suspected in a poultry farm?
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What is an effective method to manage secondary bacterial infections in chickens during a Newcastle Disease outbreak?
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What major issue does the importation of low-priced leg quarters pose to local broiler production?
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Which region in the Philippines has the highest concentration of broiler farms?
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What classification of farms produces 100,000 or more broilers per harvest?
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What type of operation do integrated grower farms engage in?
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What classification covers farms producing not more than 1,000 broilers per harvest?
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What indicates the annual growth rate of the broiler population from 1995 to 2005?
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Which of the following factors contributes to problems faced by local individual broiler producers?
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What classification describes farms that contract to grow chickens for an integrator?
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As of 2005, what was the approximate broiler population in the Philippines?
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What impact does the importation of cut-up broiler meat have on local producers?
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What is the crude protein percentage in the medium formulation of Broiler Finisher Mash?
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Which ingredient has the highest percentage in the low formulation of Broiler Finisher Mash?
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What is the metabolizable energy (M.E.) value in kcal/kg for the high formulation?
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What is a recommended practice for catching broilers to minimize stress?
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In the high formulation, what is the percentage of crude fat?
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How can overheating drinking water negatively impact broilers?
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Which ingredient's percentage remains constant across all formulations of Broiler Finisher Mash?
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What is an important housing consideration for broiler production?
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Which amino acid shows the highest percentage in the high formulation of Broiler Finisher Mash?
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What is the recommended management action during warm weather regarding feed?
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What is the available phosphorus percentage in the medium formulation?
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What should be done before catching broilers to prepare for the process?
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Which ingredient varies the most between the low and high formulations?
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Which ingredient is considered beneficial as an energy source for broilers during hot weather?
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What is the total weight of ingredients in each formulation of Broiler Finisher Mash?
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What is the primary disadvantage of pelleting broiler feeds?
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What is the effect of overcrowding broilers inside a crate?
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What is a consequence of frequent handling of broilers?
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What is the ideal setup for nipple drinkers in broiler housing?
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What is a key feature of broiler housing to enhance their health and wellbeing?
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Which actions are recommended for catching and hauling broilers effectively?
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What is a recommended strategy to minimize stress in broilers during hot weather?
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What is an important management practice to ensure proper housing for broilers?
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How should broilers be handled during catching to avoid injuries?
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Which feeding practice is suggested during warm weather to enhance broiler performance?
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What is the primary reason for marketing broilers at the recommended age of 36–42 days?
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What should a farmer consider when selecting a strain of broiler?
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How does the availability of quality feeds and farm inputs impact a broiler project?
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What is a potential consequence of delayed marketing of broilers?
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Which factor is important for the selection of broiler stocks under Philippine conditions?
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Why is proximity to markets important for broiler farms?
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Which of the following is a suggested improvement for broiler production efficiency?
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What is the effect of community environmental policies on the location of broiler farms?
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What is the most commonly used material for constructing the main frame of broiler houses?
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Which roofing material is considered the most popular in Luzon due to the area's conditions?
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What common flooring material is used in local broiler houses?
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What is the recommended width of slats used in slatted-floor housing for broilers?
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Which material is currently favored over welded wire as an overlay for slatted floors?
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What type of housing is commonly used by local broiler raisers for better ventilation?
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Which benefit is associated with the use of tunnel ventilation in litter-floor type housing?
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What structural feature is essential for posts in the construction of broiler houses?
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In what orientation should broiler houses be constructed to minimize sunlight exposure?
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Which litter materials are commonly used in litter-floor type housing?
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What material can be used for making curtains to prevent drafts in the brooder house?
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Which of the following lighting options is best to help chicks locate feed and water in a brooder pen?
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What is a critical factor for ensuring successful brooding of chicks?
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Which of these animals is NOT typically considered a predator to chicks in a brooder?
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What is a cheap heat source suitable for broiler chicks?
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Which heating method is commonly used in large-scale poultry farms?
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How can electricity be utilized for heating in a brooder house?
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What should be done to ensure that a brooder house is secure from predators?
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What role does proper lighting play in brooder pens?
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Which of the following heating sources is typically NOT used for chicks?
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What is the primary indicator when choosing a strain of broiler chicks for beginners?
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Why is it important to purchase day-old broiler chicks from a reputable supplier?
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What is a significant factor in the design of broiler housing?
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What is a general recommendation for materials used in constructing a broiler house?
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Which of the following is NOT a recommended condition for broiler housing?
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What is the recommended time for delivering day-old chicks to optimize their success?
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Which factor is NOT important in the housing of broiler chickens?
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Why might a beginner find it beneficial to choose a strain of broiler chicks that performs well locally?
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What is a common practice regarding the construction of a broiler house?
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What should be considered when selecting a supplier for day-old broiler chicks?
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What is the maximum recommended withdrawal period for medications before slaughtering broiler chickens?
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Which of the following statements about cleaning and disinfection is true?
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At what age should anti-malarial preparations typically begin for broiler chickens if the disease is prevalent?
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Which method is considered most effective for cleaning poultry houses?
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What is a key characteristic of disinfectants intended for decontamination of buildings?
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What is the crude protein percentage in the high formulation of broiler starter mash?
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Which ingredient has the highest amount in the low formulation of broiler starter mash?
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In the medium formulation, what is the amount of crude coconut oil included?
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What is the metabolizable energy (M.E.) in kcal/kg for the low formulation?
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Which ingredient in the high formulation contributes 12.50?
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What percentage of crude fat does the medium formulation of broiler starter mash contain?
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What is a recommended action within the first 48 hours after the arrival of broiler chicks?
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What is the amount of available phosphorus in the high formulation?
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In terms of crude fiber percentage, which formulation of broiler starter mash has the highest value?
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How should brooder temperature be managed as broiler chicks grow?
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Which of the following amino acids has the highest percentage in the high formulation?
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What is an essential practice to prevent cannibalism in broiler flocks?
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What is the total weight of the broiler starter mash formulations?
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Which method is recommended for controlling cannibalism among injured broilers?
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What should be added to the drinking water of broiler chicks within the first few days to enhance their vigor?
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Why is it important to cull weak, deformed, and sickly chicks promptly?
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What is a common cause of cannibalism in broiler chickens?
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What is a recommended distance for placing waterers from feeders in a broiler setting?
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What deficiency is characterized by crusty dermatitis of the foot pod, eyes, and mouth, in addition to perosis and poor feathering?
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Which mineral deficiency is associated with soft bones and impaired feed utilization?
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What is a potential consequence of manganese deficiency in broilers?
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Which nutrient deficiency may lead to severe scaling of the skin and very poor feathering?
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What deficiency can result in increased urine value and rickets in broilers?
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Which vitamin deficiency is linked to macrocytic anemia and slow growth in broilers?
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What is a symptom associated with potassium deficiency in broilers?
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What are the symptoms of chlorine deficiency in broilers?
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Which deficiency would likely cause encrustations around the beak and eyes?
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What result is often seen with a deficiency in phosphorus among broilers?
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What is the main consequence of using feeder troughs that are too full?
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Why are pelleted or crumbled feeds preferred over mash feed for broilers?
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What deficiency symptom is typically observed with selenium deficiency in broilers?
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What is a critical condition for using mold inhibitors in broiler feeds?
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How should feeder height be adjusted to minimize feed wastage?
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What is a key benefit of using antifungal agents in broiler feed?
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What nutrient deficiency is characterized by severe anemia with reduced packed cell volume?
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Which of the following is not commonly used to enhance growth in broiler rations?
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What symptom is associated with copper deficiency in broilers?
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What management practice is essential for maintaining fresh and palatable feed?
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Study Notes
Broiler Production in the Philippines
- Despite the avian flu scare in 2004, the Philippine broiler industry recovered and exported 1.5 million kg of broiler meat to Japan.
- Local broiler production increased from 452,000.84 tonnes in 2002 to 493,000.72 tonnes in 2004.
- The broiler industry faces challenges due to unstable supply of broiler meat that leads to unpredictable prices, and the apparent reduction in chicken meat consumption caused by avian flu virus infections in some Asian countries.
Brooding Management
- The brooding house must be clean, repaired, and disinfected before chicks arrive.
- The heater should be turned on 4 hours before the arrival of chicks.
- The hover of the heating unit should be adjusted based on the age of the chicks, starting at 15 cm above the back of newly arrived chicks.
- Brooder guards are used to confine chicks near the heat source.
- Some poultry farms use cages with incandescent bulbs for brooding.
- Some farms use a "false ceiling" made of burlap curtain to control the temperature in the brooder house.
Handling Broiler Chicks
- Place chick boxes on the floor of the brooder with adequate air supply to prevent suffocation.
- Separate weak chicks from active ones.
- Remove and properly dispose dead chicks.
- Release active chicks into the brooder compartment and dispose empty boxes properly.
Broiler Feed
- Mash feed is recommended for the first 2 weeks but crumbles or pellets are preferred.
- Broilers prefer starter pellets at 2-3 weeks old and finisher pellets at 4 weeks old.
- Prestarter feed accounts for 15% of total feed consumption, starter feed for 35%, and finisher feeds for 50%.
- Broiler feed should be formulated to contain optimum nutrient concentration for growth and feed utilization efficiency.
- Feed additives such as antifungal agents are used to prevent fungal growth in stored ingredients and mixed feeds.
Broiler Housing
- Slatted-floor housing with tube feeders placed alternately with automatic waterers is a common and effective method for raising broilers.
Management Practices to Avoid Feed Losses
- Avoid filling feeders beyond one-third capacity.
- Use the right size of feeder for each age of chickens.
- Keep feeders level with the back of the chickens.
- Use pelleted or crumbled feed instead of mash feed.
Broiler Diseases
- Mycoplasma Gallisepticum or Chronic Respiratory Disease: This disease is characterized by respiratory distress, tracheitis, and sinusitis leading to poor performance and mortality.
- Mycotoxicosis: Mycotoxins are fungal toxins that can contaminate feed.
- Coccidiosis: This disease is caused by protozoan parasites known as Eimeria. It causes intestinal lesions, malabsorption, and blood in the feces.
- Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) or Flip-Over Disease: This syndrome is characterized by sudden death without obvious clinical signs. The exact causes are being studied.
Cost-and-Return Analysis
- Investment Costs: Include land, buildings, equipment, and initial inventory.
- Operating and Maintenance Costs: Cover feed, labor, utilities, and other consumables.
- The cost-and-return analysis for a 10,000-chicken capacity broiler farm provides insights into the financial feasibility of the operation.
Broiler Production in the Philippines
- The Philippines broiler industry is facing many challenges, including competition from imported chicken products, particularly legs, which are priced significantly lower than locally produced chicken meat.
- Despite the cheaper imported options, the local industry has achieved some sophistication and has even successfully exported broiler meat to Japan.
- The broiler population has increased significantly, with a 3.63% average annual growth rate between 1995 and 2005.
- Most of the broiler farms are located in Central Luzon, followed by Southern Tagalog, and Southern and Northern Mindanao.
- Broiler farms are categorized based on size and type of operation.
- Large commercial farms: produce 100,000 broilers or more per harvest
- Medium commercial farms: produce 21,000–99,000 broilers per harvest
- Small commercial farms: produce 1,000–20,000 broilers per harvest
- Smallhold/backyard farms: produce not more than 1,000 broilers per harvest.
- Broiler farms are also categorized by the type of operation.
- Integrated grower farms: breed, hatch, grow, and market their own products.
- Contract grower farms: grow chickens for an integrator under a contract.
Catching and Hauling Broilers
- Broilers should be caught at night when they are less active.
- Before catching, feeders and waterers should be removed.
- The flock should be divided into small groups.
- Broilers should be handled with care, as their skin, particularly on the breast, is easily bruised.
- Crates should not be overcrowded.
- Filled crates should be handled carefully.
Stress Management
- Long and narrow broiler houses allow for better ventilation.
- Nipple drinkers should be adjusted to supply the optimal volume of water.
- To prevent water heating, tanks should be insulated and located in the shade.
- Hot drinking water negatively affects broiler performance.
- Broilers perform better when provided with cold drinking water.
Feed Management and Nutrition
-
During warm weather:
- Pellets and crumbles are recommended to minimize dust and improve feed consumption.
- Fats should be included as an energy source, as they produce less metabolic heat than carbohydrates.
- A good quality and digestible phosphate source is important.
Broiler Finisher Mash
- Broiler finisher mash nutritional content includes:
- Crude Protein
- ME
- Crude Fat
- Crude Fiber
- Calcium
- Available Phosphorus
- Lysine
- Methionine
- Met + Cys
- Tryptophan
- Threonine
Newcastle Disease (NCD)
- A highly contagious disease affecting broiler chickens between 2 weeks and 6 weeks of age.
- Common post-mortem lesion is proventricular hemorrhages.
- Poultry flocks affected with NCD may show high mortality, acute onset with various respiratory and gastrointestinal lesions.
- Prevention measures include:
- Vaccination with live, attenuated vaccine
- Thorough cleaning and disinfection of farm equipment and premises.
- Keeping backyard chickens, fighting cocks, and exotic birds off the farm premises.
- Bird-proofing poultry houses.
- Quarantining the farm and isolating sick chickens from healthy ones.
- Using supportive medication with broad-spectrum antibiotics to prevent or reduce secondary bacterial infections.
- Depopulating and cleaning and disinfecting premises after an outbreak.
Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD)
- Highly contagious disease primarily affecting broiler chickens between 2 weeks and 6 weeks of age.
Broiler Production in the Philippines
-
Broiler Project Preparation:
- Essential Factors: Availability of quality feeds, feed supplements, medicaments, vaccines, water, electricity, and other farm inputs.
- Investment: Investing in improved facilities and equipment is crucial for high production efficiency.
-
Market Assurance:
- **Marketing Time Frame:**Broilers should be marketed at 36-42 days old and 1.6-2.0 kg liveweight.
- Delayed Marketing: Reduces profit or leads to losses, as older broilers consume more feed per unit weight gain and have lower market value.
- Disruption: Delayed marketing disrupts the farm production schedule.
-
Location and Accessibility:
- Proximity to Market and Raw Materials: Broiler farms should be accessible for easy delivery of raw materials and broilers for slaughter.
-
Environmental Policies:
- Designated Livestock Production Zone: Farms should be located in designated livestock production zones or at a reasonable distance from other farms and human settlements.
-
Stock Selection:
- Genetic Variation: Different broiler genetic stocks respond differently to various environments.
- Commercial Strains: Numerous commercial broiler strains are available in the local market, but performance varies significantly.
-
Strain Selection Parameters:
- Performance: Consistent production of more meat at the least cost possible.
- Adaptability and Availability: Broiler strains adapted to local conditions are more efficient.
- Reliability of Suppliers: Purchase day-old chicks from reputable and dependable suppliers.
- Delivery Timing: Delivering chicks during the cooler part of the day is crucial for success.
Housing and Facilities
-
Basic Design:
- No Single Best Design: Numerous factors like climate, topography, costs, and building materials influence the design.
- Requirements: Comfort, biosecurity, protection from elements, convenience for caretakers, strength and durability, and utilization of affordable local materials.
-
Materials and Structure:
- Conventional Housing: Use of durable, relatively cheap materials.
- Main Frame: Coconut lumber is commonly used, with good lumber as an ideal alternative.
- Roofing Materials: Galvanized iron sheets, asbestos, and aluminum are used, with GI sheets being the most popular.
- Regional Variations: Lighter materials like nipa and cogon are more common in areas with less frequent typhoons.
-
Types of Housing:
- Slatted-Floor: Offers better ventilation and convenient waste handling.
- Litter-Floor: Good option if provided with tunnel ventilation to minimize coccidiosis risk.
-
Housing Features:
- Orientation: Houses are generally long and narrow, oriented east-west to minimize direct sunlight exposure.
- Drafts: Burlap curtains on the walls help avoid drafts.
Brooding
- Lighting: Adequate lighting facilities are essential in the brooder compartment.
-
Brooding Temperature: Any cheap heat source that can provide the required brooding temperature can be used.
- Sources: Mother hen’s body (not practical commercially), electricity, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), charcoal, and rice hulls.
- Electricity: Incandescent bulb, infrared lamp, and hover-type heaters with resistant coils. Thermostats can regulate temperature.
- LPG: Popularly used in large-scale farms, efficient for heating large numbers of chicks.
Broiler Handling and Management
-
Catching and Hauling:
- Timing: Catch broilers at night when they are less active.
- Preparation: Remove feeders and waterers. Divide the flock into small groups.
- ** Handling:** Handle broilers with care, holding on the body or legs. Avoid crowding.
- Crate Handling: Handle filled crates carefully.
-
Stress Management:
- Stress Factors: Sudden weather changes, fear, diet changes, frequent handling, vaccination.
- Housing: Long and narrow houses provide better ventilation. Maintain good housing condition.
- Water: Adjust nipple drinker pressure, provide cold drinking water, and insulate water tanks.
- Feed Management: Provide pellets and crumbles in warm weather, restrict feed if needed.
Broiler Chick Management
- Check chicks' condition more frequently during the first 48 hours after arrival.
- Provide 5% sugar solution for drinking within 3 hours of arrival, followed by fresh feed and water.
- Add vitamin-mineral supplements with antibiotics to the water during the first 3-5 days to enhance chicks' vigor.
- Reduce brooder temperature by 3°C/week until chicks are 3 weeks old.
- Provide larger feeders and waterers as broilers grow, placing waterers 1 meter away from feeders.
- Choose proper feeder design and feeding management to minimize feed wastage.
- Vaccinate broilers against common poultry diseases such as Newcastle Disease, Infectious Bronchitis, and Infectious Bursal Disease.
- Cull and properly dispose of weak, deformed, and sickly chicks, burning or burying dead birds immediately.
- Consult a veterinarian if mortality and morbidity of the flock exceeds acceptable levels.
Cannibalism Prevention and Control
- Cannibalism is a harmful behavior in broilers, causing stress, decreased production efficiency, and carcass downgrading.
- Overcrowding, poor ventilation, inadequate feeders and drinkers, and unbalanced diets can contribute to cannibalism.
- Prevention measures include: Adequate floor space, proper ventilation, sufficient feeding and drinking spaces, and good quality balanced feed.
- Control measures include: Isolate injured broilers, treat wounds with pine tar or anti-peck solutions, and consider beak trimming if cannibalism persists.
Broiler Starter Mash
- A sample broiler starter mash formulation is provided, with varying proportions of ingredients for low, medium, and high nutrient levels.
- Nutrient content includes crude protein, M.E., crude fat, crude fiber, calcium, available phosphorus, and amino acids like lysine, methionine, and tryptophan.
Nutritional Deficiency Symptoms for Broilers
- Deficiencies in various nutrients like pantothenic acid, biotin, folic acid, choline, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, chlorine, magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron, copper, selenium, and iodine can lead to a range of symptoms.
- These include: Reduced growth, poor feathering, perosis, anemia, impaired bone development, muscular dystrophy, and more.
Management Practices to Avoid Feed Losses in Feeders
- Fill trough feeders to only one-third of their capacity to minimize waste.
- Use appropriately sized feeders for the chickens' age and provide guards or lids to prevent feed from being beaked out.
- Keep feeders level with the chickens' backs for easier access and reduced waste.
- Consider pelleted or crumbled feed instead of mash for reduced beak-out losses and superior palatability.
Feed Additives
- Feed additives are incorporated into broiler rations to support digestion, nutrient absorption, and protect nutrients from destruction.
- Commonly used additives include: Antifungal agents to prevent mold growth, anti-stress preparations, coccidiostats, and anti-malarial preparations.
Sanitation
- Proper sanitation is crucial in intensive poultry production to minimize disease buildup.
- Cleaning and disinfecting poultry houses, premises, and equipment reduce microbial challenge, enhancing the effectiveness of vaccinations.
- Cleaning is essential before disinfection as organic matter can reduce the effectiveness of disinfectants.
- Use pressure hoses with or without detergents for cleaning, allowing sufficient time for disinfectant action.
- Ideal disinfectants should penetrate deeply, work in the presence of organic matter, be compatible with detergents, safe for building materials, and non-toxic to animals and humans.
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This quiz covers important aspects of broiler production in the Philippines, including industry recovery and challenges faced. It also discusses crucial brooding management techniques necessary for the healthy growth of chicks. Test your knowledge on these vital components of poultry farming!