Poultry Breeding Management Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the recommended floor space for egg-type birds in the breeding house?

7.2 birds/m²

3.6 birds/m²

5.4 birds/m² (correct)

4.8 birds/m²

Why is wire flooring generally unsuitable for meat-type breeders?

It is too expensive to maintain.

It makes cleaning difficult.

It reduces mating efficiency. (correct)

It causes leg injuries.

How many nests should be provided for meat-type birds in the breeding house?

One for each five pullets

One for each four pullets (correct)

One for each two pullets

One for each three pullets

What is the suggested male to female ratio for egg-type birds on litter?

8♂ / 100♀ Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference in trough space for meat-type feeders compared to egg-type feeders during production?

Meat-type requires 15.0 cm and egg-type requires 9.4 cm. Signup and view all the answers

What must be avoided in male birds regarding body weight?

Excessive body weight at maturity Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to cull males frequently in a breeding system?

To ensure higher quality mating choices Signup and view all the answers

What type of flooring is recommended as a replacement for wire in breeding houses?

A plastic material for improved fertility Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended duration of continuous light for chicks during their first 2 days?

24 hours Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the light day is less than 11 to 12 hours per photoperiod for chicks?

Sexual maturity and egg production are retarded Signup and view all the answers

Which light colors are most effective for increasing egg production in layers?

Red and orange Signup and view all the answers

What is the adequate light intensity suggested for light-tight houses during the light period?

0.5 foot-candle Signup and view all the answers

During the laying cycle, what is recommended about the length of the light day?

It must not be reduced Signup and view all the answers

How does light impact the pituitary gland of layers?

It stimulates hormone secretion necessary for egg production Signup and view all the answers

What effect does delaying sexual maturity have on early egg size?

First eggs are larger Signup and view all the answers

What practical level of light is used in cages for optimal egg production?

1 foot-candle Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of delaying egg production in meat-type breeders?

To produce eggs of larger size Signup and view all the answers

At what age should egg-type breeder pullets reach 5% egg production?

23-24 weeks Signup and view all the answers

How does decreasing the length of the light day affect pullets?

It increases the age at which they reach sexual maturity Signup and view all the answers

What is one result of delaying the onset of egg production through controlled lighting?

An increase in the size of the first laid egg Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum delay possible for pullets to reach sexual maturity when adjusting the light cycle?

3 weeks Signup and view all the answers

What aspect should be managed during the growing period to optimize egg production timing?

Light duration Signup and view all the answers

Why is feed restriction important for meat-type breeders?

To maintain a reduced body weight Signup and view all the answers

What effect does a longer light day have on sexual maturity in pullets?

Accelerates sexual maturity Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for keeping males and females separated during the early growing period?

To decrease stress and establish social order Signup and view all the answers

Which growing program for breeders results in the least pecking among birds?

Growing males separate from females until 4 weeks Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a top priority for managing a flock of breeders during the growing period?

Controlling body weight Signup and view all the answers

What potential issue arises when males and females are mixed after 20 weeks of age?

Heightened stress due to established social orders Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a male is unable to mate in a group of birds?

Females will not mate with another male until he is removed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended approach for body weight management of egg-type breeders?

Control feed during growing and laying periods without drastic reductions Signup and view all the answers

What consequence can result from growing males separate from females until 10 weeks?

More pecking when sexes are later mixed Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended when handling males carefully?

Catch them by both legs and a wing. Signup and view all the answers

Why is biological isolation necessary in breeder management?

To prevent disease outbreaks such as Salmonella and Mycoplasmas Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern with replacing old males in a flock?

The procedure is costly and not typically recommended. Signup and view all the answers

How does egg production in breeder lines compare to commercial egg production?

It is significantly lower than in commercial production. Signup and view all the answers

What is a drawback of growing males separate from females until 20 weeks?

May create stress when introducing sexes due to established social orders Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical total hen-day egg production for meat-type birds over 44 weeks?

209 eggs Signup and view all the answers

What factors influence the age at which meat-type pullets can start egg production?

The length of the light day and feed intake. Signup and view all the answers

What age range is mentioned for bringing meat-type pullets into egg production?

20 to 22 weeks Signup and view all the answers

What complicates the decision of keeping a pullet out of egg production for 28-30 weeks?

The additional cost versus the increased number of hatching eggs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of lower light intensity on semen production in males during the breeding season?

It decreases the volume of semen produced. Signup and view all the answers

How long should pullets be provided with artificial light in light proof houses?

8 hours each day until they are 20 weeks old or 22 weeks old depending on the strain. Signup and view all the answers

What is the total time required for egg formation in the uterus?

20 hours Signup and view all the answers

At what age should laying pullets be abruptly exposed to an increased light duration of 13 hours?

20 weeks Signup and view all the answers

What is one common characteristic of a mature ovary?

It consists of numerous developing follicles. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor that influences hatchability on the farm?

Breeder Nutrition Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action for handling poor hatching eggs?

Remove and discard them. Signup and view all the answers

How should the internal temperature of the egg be managed prior to incubation?

It should drop below 70°F temporarily. Signup and view all the answers

What condition must be avoided to prevent early hatching chicks from dehydration?

Permit oscillation above and below physiological temperature. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum light duration that should be provided to meat-type strains by the end of their light exposure period?

15 hours Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Breeder Management - Fertility & Hatchability

Lecture presented by Dr. Mohammad Q. Al-Natour, DVM, MPH, Ph.D.
Department: Pathology and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
University: Jordan University of Science and Technology
Location: Irbid, Jordan
Contact: [email protected]

Housing for Breeder Broilers

Source: J. Sell, Iowa State University
Images of chicken houses/buildings provided
Housing is critical in breeder management for optimal fertility.

Breeder Flock Flowchart

Shows a flowchart starting with breeder flock
Leading to fertile eggs, hatcheries, broiler chicks, then broiler grow out
And finally, processing to reach the ready-to-cook broiler stage

Breeder Management Practices

Biological Isolation: Crucial for avoiding pathogens like Salmonella (Pullorum disease) and Mycoplasmas.
Separation of Breeding Birds: Birds should be separated by sex (males and females) for a number of weeks to minimise pecking and disputes. Separating by sex for periods of 4, 9, or 20 weeks are discussed.
Decreasing Stress: Separating by sex helps reduce stress in breeders

Importance of Weight During Growing

Managing body weight (body wt) during the growing period is a high priority for successful breeder flocks
Egg Type Breeders: Egg-type birds do not put on excess weight like meat-type strains. Feed restriction is often recommended during the growth and laying periods for egg-type strains of leghorns and medium-sized eggs.
Meat Type Breeders: Maintaining optimal body weight is extremely important for broiler breeders. Overfeeding during the growing period of meat-type crosses leads to too much weight for optimal egg production later.
Monitoring Weight: Body weight should be checked as early as 3 weeks of age.

How to Weight Breeders

A representative sample of 5 birds should be weighed every 6 weeks.
Controlling growth weight leading to sexual maturity, with good fleshing but minimal excess fat, improves body weight uniformity, delays the start of egg production, and increases the size of developing eggs.
This yields greater production in the laying cycle and reduces laying house mortality.
Decreasing the cost of producing eggs.
Improving the hatch rate for eggs.

Housing Practices for Breeding Birds

Brood-Grow-Lay System: The same breeding quarters are used for both rearing and breeding.
Brood-Grow System: Egg-type strains often stay in the same house until 18-21 weeks of age when they are moved to a specific breeding area.
Grow-Lay System: This method keeps birds in a brooding house for their first 10 weeks and then moves them to a grow-lay house

Breeder House Specifications

Floor Space: All birds need ample space, with different standards for leghorn, meat-type, mini leghorn, and meat type standards. More space than laying birds is needed.
Floor Type: Consideration of wire floors is not recommended for meat-type birds, as this may affect the fertility rate; a solid floor is often better.

Nests and Lighting

Nests: There should be one nest provided for every 4 pullets.
Lighting: Adequate hours of light are necessary for maximum egg production and hatchability. Lighting programs should exist for different types of breeder birds. This also affects their maturation

Feeder Space for Breeders

Feeder space for breeders is generally wider than for laying pullets.
Exact trough specifications are given for egg-type and meat-type birds

Ratio of Males to Females

Breeder birds need specific ratios of males to females to optimise mating. This is different for many different lines of birds

Importance of Male Body Weight

Males should be at the right weight for high quality.
Excess weight is detrimental.

Handling Males

Males should be handled carefully to avoid injury

Replacing Males in a Pen

Replacing old males with younger males improves fertility, but it can be costly.
The cost of replacing males should be considered

Egg Production Standards for Breeders

Standards exist for hen-day, hen-housed egg production, percentage of hatching eggs, and overall hatchability.
Egg production is typically lower for breeder birds compared to commercial egg-laying birds.
Exact figures are given for different types

Best Age for First Eggs from Meat-Type Breeders

Timing egg production for meat-type breeds can increase the size of the egg and increase overall production. This involves adjusting lighting, feed and breeding to optimize these traits

Best Age for First Eggs from Egg-Type Breeders

Egg-type breeders attain 5% egg production when approximately 22 weeks old if breeding is optimised. This is then adjusted to 23-24 weeks when these birds are shifted.

Light Effects During Growing

Light length significantly affects the age of sexual maturity in pullets.
Decreasing the light day during the grow phase increases the time it takes until eggs start to be produced
Increasing the light day decreases the time it takes for egg production to start

Results of Light Control

Controlled lighting procedures impact sexual maturity and other production elements
Increasing/decreasing the length of the light day in controlled phases will shift the time it takes to reach sexual maturity for better egg quality.

Light Threshold

Sexual maturity and egg production rates can be impacted if the light day length is below 11 to 12 hours.

How Light Stimulates the Layer

Light falling on the chicken's eye stimulates hormone release.

Light Intensity Threshold

The ideal light intensity is one foot-candle.

Early Egg Size Affected by Light During Growing

When the timing of egg production is delayed, initial eggs produced are typically bigger. This can involve delaying feed and/or changing other elements of the growing program

How Light Affects Males

Light affects the amount of semen produced, with lower intensities leading to lower volumes.

Rearing in Light-Proof Houses

Pullets raised in light-proof conditions receive light. This adjusts the timing of when eggs start to be produced.

Time Required for Egg Formation

Different stages of egg formation have different time requirements.
The different sections / organs in the chicken are involved.

Egg Production

This shows observed numbers of eggs produced at different intervals.

Female Reproductive System: Ovary

Mature ovaries have many developing follicles.
They look like a cluster of grapes

Fertilization

Insemination follows recognition of sperm binding sites by the ovum.

Fertile and Infertile Eggs

Images of fertile and infertile eggs

Effect of Egg Storage on Hatchability

Hatchability rates fall significantly over time.

Hatching Egg Management

Removing dirty or damaged eggs improves hatching success

Hatchability Controlling Factors

Controlling factors are divided into farm and hatchery categories.

Egg Handling Prior to Incubation

Temporary stopping of embryo development by lowering egg temperature is crucial.

High to Low Storage Temperature

Charts show the correlation between different storage temperatures and overall outcomes.

Incubation Duration

Different birds have different incubation periods

Hatch of Fertile

Data table listing hatch percentages by hatchery, along with fertility rates

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Description

Test your knowledge on best practices for poultry breeding management, focusing on space requirements, breeding ratios, lighting, and flooring. This quiz covers essential aspects to ensure optimal conditions for egg-type and meat-type birds in a breeding house.