Theory question 108
Livestock ManagementDiscuss the effects of temperature on: (a) brooding of chicks; (b) reproduction in livestock; (c) milk production; (d) egg production.
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(a) Chicks cannot control body heat well; low temperature makes them huddle, chill and die; high temperature makes them pant, crowd away from heat, drink more and eat less; correct brooding temperature (about 32–35 °C first week, reduced weekly) gives even spreading and good growth
(b) High temperature lowers fertility, sperm quality and libido, shortens or hides heat periods, increases embryo loss and abortion; very low temperature also reduces breeding
(c) Heat stress reduces feed intake, so milk yield and butterfat fall; temperate dairy breeds are most affected
(d) High temperature lowers feed intake, egg number, egg size and shell thickness; very low temperature raises feed needs and may also reduce laying
Give the effect and the reason for each.