CPT Flock Management & Production Systems Flashcards

Which hormone plays the primary role in stimulating egg production in laying hens?

Answer: Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Luteinizing hormone triggers ovulation in hens, and its release is regulated by day length through the photostimulation response.

What management practice involves removing the distal portion of the upper beak in layer hens to reduce feather pecking?

Answer: Beak trimming

Beak trimming removes the pointed tip of the upper beak to prevent injurious pecking behavior in high-density housing conditions.

In broiler grow-out, what does the term 'Days on Feed' (DOF) refer to?

Answer: Age of the flock in days from chick placement to processing

Days on Feed (DOF) tracks flock age from placement to harvest and is used to monitor growth performance against breed standards.

Which ventilation strategy is used in hot weather to maximize airflow and cooling across birds in a tunnel-ventilated house?

Answer: Tunnel ventilation with full fan capacity

Tunnel ventilation runs all fans at full capacity to create a high-velocity wind chill effect that cools birds during hot weather.

What is the primary welfare concern associated with rapid growth genetics in modern commercial broilers?

Answer: Lameness and leg disorders

Fast-growing broiler lines are prone to skeletal and leg disorders because muscle mass development outpaces bone and joint development.

What is the function of a scratch pad or scratch area in a cage-free layer house?

Answer: Allow expression of foraging and dust-bathing behavior

Scratch pads provide loose material that allows hens to perform natural foraging and dust-bathing behaviors, improving welfare in cage-free systems.