Poultry Farming and Economics

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Questions and Answers

What is the typical age at which commercial chickens start laying eggs?

16-17 weeks

20-21 weeks

18-19 weeks (correct)

22-23 weeks

What is the primary purpose of breeding birds?

To increase egg production rates

To produce high-quality meat

To enhance the genetic diversity of the flock

To obtain fertilized eggs for hatching (correct)

Which of the following is an example of a dual-purpose crossbreed?

Red-Rock (correct)

HyLine-W36

Bovans White

Austra-White

What does FCR stand for in poultry management?

Feed Conversion Rate Signup and view all the answers

What term is used for a castrated male chicken?

Capon Signup and view all the answers

What is the age at which a pullet typically starts laying eggs?

5 months Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following species has the shortest incubation period?

Quail Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following options is NOT a classification used for birds?

Type Signup and view all the answers

What is the average number of eggs laid annually by Khaki Campbell ducks?

280-300 eggs Signup and view all the answers

Which chromosome pair number is commonly associated with ducks and turkeys?

40 pairs Signup and view all the answers

At what age do most species of poultry reach sexual maturity?

28-30 weeks Signup and view all the answers

What is a cockerel?

Young male chicken Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the benefits of poultry farming in rural areas?

Provides additional income during lean seasons Signup and view all the answers

What defines a strain within a breed of chickens?

A strain is named after an individual or institution that developed it. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following chicken varieties is classified as a meat type?

Cornish Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of lines in chicken breeding?

They fix the gene(s) for specific traits. Signup and view all the answers

Which classification includes chickens that can produce both meat and eggs?

Dual purpose Signup and view all the answers

Which state is NOT associated with the recognized indigenous breed Aseel?

Maharashtra Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of breeding when developing a strain of chickens?

Specific production traits Signup and view all the answers

What is the average egg production range for a dual purpose chicken?

150-200 eggs per year Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is classified as a fancy variety of chicken?

Silky Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to a female chicken?

Hen Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of the Directorate of Poultry Research (DPR)?

To coordinate research across various AICRP centers Signup and view all the answers

Which breed is known for its heavy egg production?

Leghorn Signup and view all the answers

Which institution was established to support the poultry sector in India in 1979?

Central Avian Research Institute (CARI) Signup and view all the answers

What is a ' poult' in poultry terminology?

A young turkey Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of indigenous chicken species?

They are heat tolerant. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of rearing broilers?

Meat production Signup and view all the answers

Why is the meat of Kadaknath chicken black?

Due to the presence of melanin Signup and view all the answers

How long are layer chickens typically raised before they start laying eggs?

72 weeks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a broiler strain?

Kadaknath Signup and view all the answers

What does FCR stand for in poultry farming?

Feed Conversion Ratio Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the growth pattern of indigenous chickens?

They grow slowly and attain sexual maturity late. Signup and view all the answers

What is the average body weight of broilers at 6-8 weeks of age?

2.0 to 2.5 kg Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Poultry Farming Overview

Layer and table birds produce cash-generating eggs; pullets begin laying at approximately five months.
Broilers are ready for market by six weeks, offering rapid return on investment.
Pullet: A young female chicken meant for egg production.
Cockerel: A young male chicken that reaches sexual maturity.

Benefits of Poultry Farming

Poultry farming diversifies income opportunities, especially during off-seasons of crop cultivation.
Provides employment for rural and peri-urban youth.
Can empower women in rural areas.

Industrial Poultry Farming

Large-scale commercial poultry operations attract significant investments in rural regions.
Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) is the domesticated subspecies derived from red junglefowl.

Poultry Species Characteristics

Incubation periods vary:
- Chickens 21 days
- Ducks 28 days
- Quails 17-18 days
- Emus 52-55 days
Chromosome counts:
- Chickens and guineafowl have 39 pairs.
- Ducks and turkeys have 40 pairs.
Age at sexual maturity varies from 6-12 weeks (quails and pigeons) to 52 weeks (ostriches).

Poultry Classifications

Classes: Groupings based on geographical origin (American, Asiatic, Mediterranean, English).
Breeds: Established groups with distinct traits (e.g., Aseel, Rhode Island Red).
Varieties: Sub-groups within breeds distinguished by features (e.g., White Leghorn).
Strains: Focused on specific traits like egg production; typically named after their developers (e.g., Meyer strain).
Lines: Sub-classifications designed for genetic consistency for traits.

Chicken Classifications by Utility

Egg type: High egg production (e.g., White Leghorn).
Meat type: Rearing for meat (e.g., Cornish).
Dual purpose: Suitable for both meat and eggs (e.g., Rhode Island Red).
Game birds: Used for sport (e.g., Aseel).
Fancy varieties: Show birds (e.g., Silky).
Indigenous types: Native breeds with unique characteristics (e.g., Kadaknath).

Indigenous Chicken Breeds in India

Significant breeds recognized by the ICAR include Aseel, Kadaknath, and Ghagus.
Characteristics:
- Slow growth and late sexual maturity.
- Low egg production (50-60 eggs/year).
- Broody nature and heat tolerance.

Broiler and Layer Poultry

Broilers:
- Rearing for meat; averages 2.0-2.5 kg at 6-8 weeks.
- Feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.8 - 2.0.
- Common strains include Cobb, Ross, and Lohmann.
Layers:
- Raised for commercial egg production; start laying between 18-19 weeks.
- Average weight of layers at that time is about 1.5 kg.
- Notable hybrids include BV-300 and HyLine.

Common Poultry Terms

Capon: A castrated male chicken.
Cock: Adult male chicken.
Hen: Adult female poultry.

Important Institutions for Poultry Development in India

Directorate of Poultry Research (DPR): Founded in 1970 for research coordination and chicken line development.
Central Avian Research Institute (CARI): Established in 1979 for poultry sector support.
State Agriculture Universities: Involved in local poultry variety development and research.

Study Assignment

Thoroughly study the following breeds:
- Leghorn
- Australorp
- Rhode Island Red
- Cornish
- Plymouth Rock
- Aseel
- Haringhatta Black

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Description

Explore the basics of poultry farming, including egg production from layer birds and broiler marketing. This quiz covers the key concepts of mixed and integrated farming, highlighting the economic benefits and timelines associated with poultry as a reliable enterprise.