Methods of Rearing, Feeding and Management of Chicks, Pullets, Layers and Broilers | Poultry Production Guide
Methods of Rearing, Feeding and Management of Chicks, Pullets, Layers and Broilers | Poultry Production Guide
Complete Study Guide with 100 MCQs
Introduction
Poultry farming plays a key role in supplying eggs and meat, providing high-quality protein for humans. Proper rearing, feeding, and management at each life stage ensures better growth, egg production, and disease prevention. This guide includes 100 MCQs with answers and explanations, ideal for students preparing for ICAR, state, or competitive exams, and for farmers seeking practical knowledge.
1. Chicks (0–6 Weeks): Rearing, Feeding, and Management
Key Points:
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Housing: Brooder temperature 32–35°C first week; clean, dry litter.
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Feeding: Starter feed 20–24% protein; clean water always.
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Health Management: Vaccinate (Marek’s, ND, IBD); maintain hygiene.
MCQs (1–25)
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What is the ideal brooder temperature for day-old chicks?
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a) 25–28°C
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b) 28–30°C
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c) 32–35°C ✅
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d) 36–38°C
Explanation: Chicks are unable to regulate body temperature initially; 32–35°C provides optimum warmth.
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Starter feed protein content should be:
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a) 10–12%
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b) 14–16%
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c) 20–24% ✅
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d) 25–28%
Explanation: Higher protein supports rapid growth and organ development.
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First vaccination given to chicks is usually for:
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a) Fowl pox
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b) Marek’s disease ✅
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c) Avian influenza
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d) Coccidiosis
Explanation: Marek’s vaccination is given at day-old to prevent early viral disease.
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Fresh water should be provided:
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a) Twice daily
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b) Only during feeding
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c) Ad libitum ✅
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d) Only in morning and evening
Explanation: Continuous access ensures hydration and feed intake.
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Ideal litter for chicks is:
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a) Wet straw
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b) Rice husk or wood shavings ✅
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c) Mud
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d) Sand only
Explanation: Dry litter prevents bacterial growth and foot infections. 6. Continuous light during the first week of chick rearing helps in:
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a) Reducing feed intake
b) Better feather development
c) Easy access to feed and water ✅
d) Preventing vaccination failureExplanation: Continuous light helps chicks locate feed and water easily, improving early growth and survival.
7. Recommended light duration for chicks during first week is:
a) 8 hours
b) 12 hours
c) 16 hours
d) 23–24 hours ✅Explanation: Near-continuous light encourages feeding and reduces stress in day-old chicks.
8. Newcastle disease vaccination in chicks is usually given at:
a) Day 1
b) 5–7 days of age ✅
c) 3 weeks
d) 6 weeksExplanation: ND vaccine is commonly administered at 5–7 days through eye drops or drinking water.
9. Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) vaccine is generally given at:
a) 3 days
b) 7 days
c) 14–21 days ✅
d) 35 daysExplanation: IBD affects immune organs and vaccination at 2–3 weeks provides effective protection.
10. Frequency of feeding for chicks should be:
a) Once daily
b) Twice daily
c) Three times daily
d) Ad libitum (free access) ✅Explanation: Chicks require constant access to feed for rapid growth.
11. Space requirement per chick during brooding period is approximately:
a) 0.25 sq. ft
b) 0.5 sq. ft
c) 1 sq. ft
d) 1.5 sq. ftCorrect answer: b) 0.5 sq. ft
Explanation: Adequate space prevents overcrowding and stress.
12. Overcrowding in chicks mainly leads to:
a) Better growth
b) Reduced feed intake
c) Disease spread and mortality ✅
d) Improved immunityExplanation: Crowding increases stress, disease transmission, and mortality.
13. Which practice helps in preventing disease entry into brooder house?
a) Open housing
b) Footbath at entrance ✅
c) Overfeeding
d) Excess lightingExplanation: Footbaths reduce pathogen entry and improve biosecurity.
14. Gradual reduction in brooder temperature should be:
a) 1°C per day
b) 1–2°C per week ✅
c) 5°C per week
d) No reduction requiredExplanation: Gradual reduction allows chicks to adapt and prevents stress.
15. If chicks are huddling together, it indicates:
a) Excess heat
b) Proper temperature
c) Cold stress ✅
d) Adequate ventilationExplanation: Chicks cluster together when they feel cold.
16. Chicks moving away from heat source indicate:
a) Cold stress
b) Feed deficiency
c) Excess heat ✅
d) DiseaseExplanation: Spreading away from heat shows overheating.
17. Ideal behavior of chicks under proper brooding temperature is:
a) Huddling
b) Panting
c) Even distribution around brooder ✅
d) Staying near wallsExplanation: Uniform distribution indicates comfort and ideal conditions.
18. Wet litter in chick house mainly causes:
a) Faster growth
b) Coccidiosis and ammonia build-up ✅
c) Better insulation
d) Improved digestionExplanation: Wet litter promotes parasite growth and respiratory issues.
19. Which disinfectant is commonly used for brooder sanitation?
a) Sugar solution
b) Lime and phenyl ✅
c) Milk
d) Salt waterExplanation: Lime and phenyl are effective disinfectants.
20. First drink offered to chicks often contains:
a) Antibiotics only
b) Sugar or glucose solution ✅
c) Oil
d) Protein powderExplanation: Glucose provides instant energy to stressed chicks.
21. Which vitamin helps reduce stress in chicks?
a) Vitamin A
b) Vitamin B-complex
c) Vitamin C ✅
d) Vitamin DExplanation: Vitamin C helps in stress management and immunity.
22. Proper ventilation in chick house is essential to:
a) Increase humidity
b) Remove ammonia gas ✅
c) Reduce feed intake
d) Increase litter moistureExplanation: Ventilation removes harmful gases and improves air quality.
23. Mortality during first week of chick life should ideally be:
a) 10–15%
b) 5–7%
c) Below 2% ✅
d) Above 8%Explanation: Good management keeps early chick mortality minimal.
24. Which factor is MOST critical during first week of chick life?
a) Egg production
b) Brooding temperature ✅
c) Feather color
d) Market priceExplanation: Proper temperature ensures survival and growth.
25. Observation of chick behavior is important to assess:
a) Feed quality only
b) Market readiness
c) Brooding comfort and health ✅
d) Egg qualityExplanation: Behavior reflects temperature, comfort, and overall health.
MCQs 26–50: Pullets (Rearing, Feeding & Management)
26. Pullets are birds belonging to the age group of:
a) 0–6 weeks
b) 6–20 weeks ✅
c) 20–72 weeks
d) Above 72 weeksExplanation: Pullets are young female birds from 6 weeks until sexual maturity.
27. The main objective of pullet management is to:
a) Increase meat yield
b) Prepare birds for egg laying ✅
c) Reduce body weight
d) Control feather growthExplanation: Proper pullet rearing ensures uniform growth and good egg production later.
28. Recommended protein level in grower feed for pullets is:
a) 12–14%
b) 14–15%
c) 16–18% ✅
d) 20–22%Explanation: Moderate protein supports skeletal and body development.
29. Space requirement per pullet under deep litter system is:
a) 0.5 sq. ft
b) 1–1.5 sq. ft ✅
c) 2.5 sq. ft
d) 3 sq. ftExplanation: Adequate space prevents stress and uneven growth.
30. Excessive protein in pullet feed may result in:
a) Delayed maturity
b) Poor growth
c) Early sexual maturity and small eggs ✅
d) Reduced immunityExplanation: High protein can cause early laying before proper body development.
31. Light duration during pullet stage should be:
a) Increased suddenly
b) Reduced gradually
c) Kept constant at 8–10 hours ✅
d) 16–18 hoursExplanation: Controlled lighting prevents premature egg production.
32. Sudden increase in light during pullet stage leads to:
a) Improved immunity
b) Early egg laying ✅
c) Better feed efficiency
d) Reduced stressExplanation: Increased light stimulates reproductive hormones prematurely.
33. Perches in pullet house are provided mainly to:
a) Increase egg size
b) Improve exercise and bone strength ✅
c) Reduce feed intake
d) Increase body fatExplanation: Perching promotes skeletal development.
34. Body weight uniformity in pullets is important because it:
a) Reduces mortality
b) Improves feather color
c) Ensures uniform egg production later ✅
d) Reduces water intakeExplanation: Uniform birds reach sexual maturity together.
35. Which mineral is essential for skeletal development in pullets?
a) Sodium
b) Potassium
c) Calcium and Phosphorus ✅
d) IronExplanation: These minerals strengthen bones before laying begins.
36. Deworming of pullets helps in:
a) Increasing egg size
b) Improving feed conversion efficiency ✅
c) Reducing light requirement
d) Increasing shell thicknessExplanation: Parasite control improves nutrient utilization.
37. Ideal body condition of pullets at 18 weeks should be:
a) Underweight
b) Overweight
c) As per breed standard ✅
d) Maximum weightExplanation: Breed-standard weight ensures optimum egg production.
38. Vaccination during pullet stage mainly protects against:
a) Marek’s disease
b) Newcastle disease and IBD ✅
c) Fowl cholera only
d) Coccidiosis onlyExplanation: Booster vaccinations are important during growing period.
39. Overcrowding in pullet house results in:
a) Better growth
b) Cannibalism and stress ✅
c) Higher egg production
d) Improved immunityExplanation: Stressful conditions promote aggressive behavior.
40. Feed restriction during pullet stage is practiced to:
a) Reduce mortality
b) Delay sexual maturity till proper age ✅
c) Increase feed intake
d) Improve shell thicknessExplanation: Controlled feeding prevents early laying.
41. Uniform growth of pullets can be monitored by:
a) Egg weight
b) Weekly body weight recording ✅
c) Feather color
d) Feed colorExplanation: Regular weighing ensures management accuracy.
42. Beak trimming in pullets is mainly done to prevent:
a) Disease
b) Cannibalism and feed wastage ✅
c) Egg breakage
d) BroodinessExplanation: Beak trimming reduces pecking injuries.
43. Clean drinking water in pullet management helps to:
a) Reduce feed intake
b) Improve digestion and growth ✅
c) Reduce light need
d) Increase fat depositionExplanation: Water is essential for metabolic processes.
44. Pullets should be shifted to layer house at:
a) 10 weeks
b) 14 weeks
c) 16–18 weeks ✅
d) After first eggExplanation: Birds should adapt to layer house before laying begins.
45. Sudden feed change in pullets may cause:
a) Faster growth
b) Stress and reduced intake ✅
c) Better immunity
d) Increased maturityExplanation: Gradual feed transition prevents digestive upset.
46. Proper ventilation in pullet house is needed to:
a) Increase humidity
b) Remove harmful gases and heat ✅
c) Increase dust
d) Reduce oxygenExplanation: Good air quality supports growth and health.
47. The main aim of pullet feeding program is:
a) Maximum fat deposition
b) Uniform growth and proper maturity ✅
c) Early egg production
d) Heavy body weightExplanation: Balanced growth ensures future productivity.
48. High mortality in pullets usually indicates:
a) Good management
b) Poor nutrition or disease outbreak ✅
c) Proper housing
d) Correct lightingExplanation: Mortality reflects management failure.
49. Transition from grower to layer feed should begin at:
a) 12 weeks
b) 14 weeks
c) 18–20 weeks ✅
d) After peak productionExplanation: Layer feed supports egg formation.
50. Successful pullet management directly influences:
a) Egg shell color
b) Peak egg production and persistency ✅
c) Meat quality
d) Feather lengthExplanation: Well-managed pullets become high-producing layers.
MCQs 51–75: Layers (Rearing, Feeding & Management)
51. Layers are poultry birds reared mainly for:
a) Meat production
b) Egg production ✅
c) Dual purpose
d) Feather productionExplanation: Layers are genetically selected for high egg yield.
52. The age at which pullets start laying eggs is usually:
a) 14–16 weeks
b) 16–18 weeks
c) 18–20 weeks ✅
d) 22–24 weeksExplanation: Sexual maturity in layers occurs around 18–20 weeks.
53. Recommended protein content in layer feed is:
a) 12–14%
b) 14–15%
c) 16–18% ✅
d) 20–22%Explanation: Adequate protein supports egg formation and maintenance.
54. Calcium requirement in layer ration is about:
a) 1–2%
b) 2–3%
c) 3.5–4% ✅
d) 5–6%Explanation: High calcium is essential for strong eggshell formation.
55. The major function of calcium in layers is:
a) Growth
b) Eggshell formation ✅
c) Feather development
d) ImmunityExplanation: Eggshell contains nearly 94% calcium carbonate.
56. Light requirement for maximum egg production in layers is:
a) 8–10 hours
b) 10–12 hours
c) 12–14 hours
d) 14–16 hours ✅Explanation: Extended light stimulates reproductive hormones.
57. Sudden reduction in light during laying period results in:
a) Increased egg production
b) No effect
c) Drop in egg production ✅
d) Better shell qualityExplanation: Reduced light suppresses ovulation.
58. Nesting boxes are provided to layers for:
a) Resting
b) Feeding
c) Egg laying ✅
d) Dust bathingExplanation: Nest boxes prevent floor eggs and breakage.
59. Ideal space requirement per layer in deep litter system is:
a) 1 sq. ft
b) 1.5 sq. ft
c) 2 sq. ft ✅
d) 3 sq. ftExplanation: Proper space reduces stress and cannibalism.
60. Feed consumption in layers is highest during:
a) Grower stage
b) Brooding stage
c) Peak laying period ✅
d) Molting periodExplanation: Nutrient demand increases during peak egg production.
61. Grit provided to layers helps in:
a) Eggshell color
b) Digestion of feed ✅
c) Feather growth
d) Water absorptionExplanation: Grit aids mechanical digestion in gizzard.
62. Egg production is expressed in:
a) Kg of eggs
b) Egg mass
c) Hen-day egg production (%) ✅
d) Shell thicknessExplanation: Hen-day production measures daily egg output.
63. Which disease directly affects egg production in layers?
a) Marek’s disease
b) Newcastle disease ✅
c) Coccidiosis
d) AscitesExplanation: ND causes sudden drop in egg production.
64. Dirty eggs are mainly caused by:
a) Poor feed
b) Wet litter and lack of nest boxes ✅
c) Low protein diet
d) Excess calciumExplanation: Clean nesting area reduces egg contamination.
65. Water requirement in layers is:
a) Less than chicks
b) Equal to chicks
c) Higher than feed intake by weight ✅
d) Not essentialExplanation: Egg contains ~65% water.
66. Egg shell quality mainly depends on:
a) Protein
b) Fat
c) Calcium and Vitamin D₃ ✅
d) IronExplanation: Vitamin D₃ helps calcium absorption.
67. Forced molting in layers is practiced to:
a) Increase mortality
b) Reduce feed cost
c) Restore egg production cycle ✅
d) Improve meat qualityExplanation: Molting rejuvenates reproductive system.
68. Cage system in layers helps in:
a) Increasing disease
b) Easy egg collection and management ✅
c) Higher feed wastage
d) Poor ventilationExplanation: Cage systems improve hygiene and efficiency.
69. Cannibalism in layers can be controlled by:
a) Increasing light intensity
b) Reducing space
c) Beak trimming ✅
d) High protein dietExplanation: Beak trimming reduces injurious pecking.
70. Vitamin responsible for blood clotting in layers is:
a) Vitamin A
b) Vitamin D
c) Vitamin E
d) Vitamin K ✅Explanation: Vitamin K is essential for coagulation.
71. Peak egg production in layers usually occurs at:
a) 20–24 weeks
b) 24–28 weeks
c) 28–32 weeks ✅
d) 40–45 weeksExplanation: Peak production follows sexual maturity.
72. Layer fatigue is caused due to deficiency of:
a) Protein
b) Calcium and phosphorus ✅
c) Vitamin C
d) SodiumExplanation: Mineral deficiency weakens bones.
73. The best method to prevent egg breakage is:
a) Hard shells
b) Frequent egg collection ✅
c) High light
d) Reduced feedExplanation: Timely collection prevents damage.
74. Broodiness in layers causes:
a) Increase in egg production
b) No effect
c) Reduction in egg laying ✅
d) Better shell qualityExplanation: Broody hens stop laying eggs.
75. Proper layer management directly affects:
a) Feather color
b) Egg production and quality ✅
c) Body weight only
d) Meat yieldExplanation: Good management ensures sustained productivity.
MCQs 76–100: Broilers (Rearing, Feeding & Management)
76. Broilers are poultry birds reared mainly for:
a) Egg production
b) Feather production
c) Meat production ✅
d) Dual purposeExplanation: Broilers are genetically selected for rapid meat growth.
77. Normal market age of commercial broilers is:
a) 3–4 weeks
b) 5–6 weeks
c) 6–8 weeks ✅
d) 10–12 weeksExplanation: Broilers attain market weight by 6–8 weeks.
78. Recommended protein level in broiler starter feed is:
a) 16–18%
b) 18–20%
c) 20–22% ✅
d) 24–26%Explanation: High protein supports rapid early growth.
79. Broiler grower feed protein content should be:
a) 14–16%
b) 16–18%
c) 18–20% ✅
d) 22–24%Explanation: Slightly lower protein is required after early growth phase.
80. Space requirement per broiler under deep litter system is:
a) 0.5 sq. ft
b) 0.75–1 sq. ft ✅
c) 1.5 sq. ft
d) 2 sq. ftExplanation: Adequate space improves growth and reduces stress.
81. Ideal brooding temperature for broiler chicks during first week is:
a) 25–28°C
b) 28–30°C
c) 32–35°C ✅
d) 36–38°CExplanation: Proper temperature ensures survival and feed intake.
82. Broiler feed should be provided:
a) Twice daily
b) Once daily
c) Restricted feeding
d) Ad libitum (free access) ✅Explanation: Continuous feeding ensures maximum growth rate.
83. Fast growth rate in broilers mainly depends on:
a) Light intensity
b) Genetic potential and nutrition ✅
c) Feather color
d) Egg sizeExplanation: Broilers are genetically designed for rapid weight gain.
84. Wet litter in broiler house causes:
a) Better growth
b) Reduced ammonia
c) Footpad dermatitis and disease ✅
d) Improved feed conversionExplanation: Wet litter increases bacterial growth and ammonia.
85. Ammonia accumulation in broiler house affects:
a) Egg shell quality
b) Respiratory system and eyes ✅
c) Feather color
d) Bone strengthExplanation: Ammonia irritates respiratory tract and eyes.
86. Which vitamin helps in reducing heat stress in broilers?
a) Vitamin A
b) Vitamin D
c) Vitamin C ✅
d) Vitamin KExplanation: Vitamin C improves stress tolerance.
87. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) in broilers indicates:
a) Feed intake only
b) Growth rate only
c) Efficiency of feed utilization ✅
d) Mortality rateExplanation: Lower FCR indicates better feed efficiency.
88. High stocking density in broilers results in:
a) Improved growth
b) Better FCR
c) Heat stress and mortality ✅
d) Better immunityExplanation: Overcrowding leads to stress and poor performance.
89. Which disease mainly affects fast-growing broilers?
a) Marek’s disease
b) Ascites syndrome ✅
c) Fowl pox
d) Pullorum diseaseExplanation: Ascites is common in fast-growing broilers.
90. Vaccination in broilers is mainly aimed at prevention of:
a) Marek’s only
b) Newcastle and IBD ✅
c) Fowl pox only
d) Parasitic diseasesExplanation: ND and IBD are major viral diseases in broilers.
91. Proper ventilation in broiler house helps in:
a) Increasing humidity
b) Removing excess heat and gases ✅
c) Reducing oxygen
d) Increasing litter moistureExplanation: Ventilation maintains air quality.
92. Lighting program in broilers is mainly to:
a) Increase egg production
b) Improve feed intake and growth ✅
c) Reduce body weight
d) Improve shell qualityExplanation: Light stimulates feeding behavior.
93. The major cause of leg problems in broilers is:
a) Protein deficiency
b) Rapid growth and mineral imbalance ✅
c) Vitamin C deficiency
d) Excess lightExplanation: Fast growth strains skeletal system.
94. Withdrawal period refers to:
a) Time between feeding
b) Time before slaughter when drugs are stopped ✅
c) Vaccination interval
d) Resting periodExplanation: Ensures drug residues are cleared before marketing.
95. Broiler mortality during first week should be:
a) 5–10%
b) 3–5%
c) Below 2% ✅
d) Above 10%Explanation: Good brooding minimizes early losses.
96. Feed form commonly used for broilers is:
a) Mash
b) Crumbles and pellets ✅
c) Liquid feed
d) Powder onlyExplanation: Pellets improve feed intake and growth.
97. Heat stress in broilers reduces:
a) Water intake
b) Feed intake and growth ✅
c) Mortality
d) Immunity onlyExplanation: Birds eat less under heat stress.
98. Best method to control coccidiosis in broilers is:
a) Antibiotics only
b) Vaccination and litter management ✅
c) Light control
d) Protein restrictionExplanation: Clean litter breaks parasite life cycle.
99. Slaughter weight of commercial broilers is approximately:
a) 1.0 kg
b) 1.5–2.5 kg ✅
c) 3.5 kg
d) 4.0 kgExplanation: Market preference determines weight.
100. Efficient broiler management results in:
a) Higher egg production
b) Lower feed efficiency
c) Better growth, low FCR, and profitability ✅
d) Increased broodinessExplanation: Scientific management maximizes profit.
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