Poultry Handling & Welfare

These flashcards cover key concepts related to poultry handling, welfare, and dairy farming practices.

What are the functions of a wattle in poultry?

Releases heat and does not allow sweating.

What is the purpose of the comb in chickens?

Mate attraction and heat release.

How sensitive are chicken eyes to light?

Sensitive to green light and can see 360°.

What does the color of a chicken's earlobe correlate with?

Correlates to the color of the eggs they lay.

What is the primary meat chicken known as?

Broiler.

What percentage of chickens are layers?

30%, with 5% being turkeys.

When is it easier to catch broilers?

At night, as they are easier to grab.

What is the purpose of a hook handle when catching layers?

To grab the shank, not suitable for broilers.

What are the issues associated with deep litter systems?

Manure and ammonia issues.

What does free-range poultry face in terms of welfare?

Wild animal threats and egg issues.

What is an advantage of cage systems for layers?

Better ventilation, predator protection, and separation from manure.

What is a disadvantage of cage systems for poultry?

Limited living space and enrichments.

What concerns are there for broilers in a broiler house?

Stocking density, walking ability, and lighting.

What is the GAP 5-step welfare assessment?

It has 6 levels of welfare based on various criteria.

What is I in the context of poultry welfare assessment?

Percentage of emaciated birds.

How is the percentage of emaciated birds calculated?

of rejected birds from slaughter / # of birds from house x 100.

What does a score of I greater than 80 indicate?

Indicates absence of hunger.

What does a plumage score of 0-3 assess?

The quality of the chicken's plumage.

How long does it take to complete a welfare assessment?

195 minutes.

What is a major benefit of poultry in Tennessee?

Tennessee ranks #8 in broiler production.

How many counties in Tennessee are involved in poultry production?

89 out of 95 counties.

What does vertically integrated operation in broiler farming involve?

Starts with breeding companies and includes processing plants, feed mills, hatcheries, and contract growers.

What do poultry companies provide to broiler growers?

They own the birds, provide feed, and offer technical and veterinary support.

What traits do broiler growers seek in their chickens?

Desirable traits for market competitiveness.

What percentage of global broiler genetics does Tennessee supply?

30%.

Which two companies dominate broiler genetics?

Aviagen and Cobb.

Why are colorful chicks sprayed with color?

To indicate that they have been vaccinated.

What is the role of veterinarians in broiler production?

To ensure care and welfare of broilers.

How much milk does an average dairy cow produce daily?

100 lbs of milk.

What are the top dairy producing states in the US?

California, Wisconsin, New York, Pennsylvania, Idaho, Tennessee.

What is the importance of cleanliness in dairy farming?

To protect cows from disease, such as mastitis.

What breed of dairy cow is known for high milk yield?

Holstein.

Which dairy breed is valued for high milk fat and protein?

Jersey.

What is a characteristic of Brown Swiss cows?

They are dual-purpose for beef and milk.

What is the median suspensory ligament's role in dairy cows?

It is extremely important and strong to support the udder.

What is the purpose of the teat sphincter?

It protects the udder from bacteria.

What is the recommended water intake for dairy cows?

30-50 gallons daily.

What are VFA's in dairy cows and list any three?

Volatile fatty acids; examples include Acetate, Propionate, and Butyrate.

When should colostrum be given to calves?

Within 8-10 hours of birth, starting with at least 1 quart.

What is a bull calf's economic role in dairy?

They can bring in a lot of money.

What type of protein diet is recommended for calves?

Whey-based protein diet.

What is the significance of cleanliness in calf management?

To minimize disease spread and ensure health.

What is the ideal body condition score (BCS) for dry cows?

Not good for cows to have a wide fluctuation in BCS.

What are the main causes of culling in dairy cows?

Clinical mastitis and infertility.

How often should a cow ideally calve?

Every 14 months.

What does BCS of 5 indicate?

Risk of ketosis and fatty liver disease.

What is clinical mastitis?

A condition that causes loss of production and thickens milk.

What is the purpose of routine milking procedures?

To prevent infection such as mastitis.

What are some key management practices for good dairy cow health?

Good feed, water, milking procedures, and housing.

What is the function of alveoli in milk production?

They make milk.

What happens during routine milking in relation to oxytocin?

Myoepithelial cells squeeze milk under its influence.

What does open housing for dairy cows require?

A lot of management.

What is the main dietary concern for calves in dairy production?

Avoiding feeding waste milk due to mastitis.

What is the significance of maintaining proper feed mixing for cows?

Ensures nutritional adequacy and health.

At what age should the artificial insemination program start for heifers?

12-14 months of age.

What clinical issue is the primary reason a fresh cow might leave the herd?

Clinical mastitis.

What must calves receive to build immunity?

Colostrum within hours of birth.

Which genetics and breeding conditions are prominent in Tennessee?

Tennessee is known for GGP hatcheries and significant contributions to broiler genetics.

What are the welfare categories that poultry assessments include?

Four welfare categories are included in assessments.

What is the economic impact of poultry production in Tennessee?

$1.3 billion in cash receipts.

What is the ideal feed conversion ratio in broilers?

A measure of efficiency in converting feed into body mass.

What is the purpose of ventilation in calf hutches?

To promote proper environmental conditions.

How does the dairy industry ensure environmental stewardship?

By focusing on clean, comfortable cows and management practices.

What is the impact of subclinical mastitis on milk production?

It leads to decreased milk production.

If calves are not removed from the dam, what disease risk increases?

Higher risk of disease from the mother.

Why is genetic selection critical in dairy farming?

To enhance desirable traits for higher productivity.

What management practice is crucial to reduce mastitis in dairy cows?

Wearing gloves during milking.

How many lbs of feed per day do dairy cows generally consume?

50-60 lbs of feed daily.

What is the main focus of broiler growers?

To achieve desirable traits and enhance performance.

What are the four principles of welfare assessment in poultry?

Good health, housing, feed/water, and appropriate natural behavior.

What are the notable features of Ayrshire cows?

Known for clean housing and good ventilation.

What are the characteristics of Guernsey cows?

Fawn, red, white in color, high milk fat and protein.

What is the feed mill's role in broiler production?

To provide necessary feed for the broiler complex.

What are the two primary housing systems for dairy cows?

Tiestall and open housing.

What breeding technologies are used to manage dairy cow fertility?

Artificial insemination programs.

What is the mortality risk associated with mastitis in fresh cows?

It can result in culling from the herd.

How does the chicken industry handle issue of stocking density?

Through proper management to ensure welfare.

What is critical for maintaining cow health related to their udder?

Protection from infections via proper milking practices.

What rehabilitation measures are taken for mastitis in affected cows?

Use of antibiotics and management practices.

What are the environmental impacts of improper poultry housing?

Increased health risks and welfare issues.