Theory question 107
Poultry ProductionDiscuss briefly: (a) Temperature; (b) Relative humidity; (c) Light; in relation to poultry production and state two ways of controlling the effect of each.
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(a) Temperature: high temperatures cause heat stress, panting, low feed intake, low egg production, thin shells and death; low temperature chills chicks. Control: good ventilation/open-sided houses, shade trees, cool clean water, roof insulation, brooders/heaters for chicks
(b) Relative humidity: high humidity makes litter wet, encouraging coccidiosis and respiratory disease, and adds to heat stress; very low humidity causes dust. Control: good ventilation, keep litter dry/turn and change litter, avoid water spillage, proper stocking density
(c) Light: day length affects feed intake, growth, sexual maturity and egg laying; too much light causes cannibalism. Control: artificial lighting to give about 14–16 hours for layers, dim/red light to reduce pecking, orientation of house east–west
Effect and two controls for each factor.