Market Broiler Management Practice Test

By what percentage does feed consumption decrease for every increase of 1 degree above 20 C?

1. 0.5%

2. 1.0%

3. 1.23%

4. 1.5%

The correct answer is: 1.23%

When discussing feed consumption in broilers and temperature impacts, scientific studies indicate that feed intake decreases by approximately 1.23% for every degree above 20 degrees Celsius. This decrease is largely due to the stress that higher temperatures place on the birds, leading to reduced feed intake as they attempt to regulate their body temperature. Broilers, as warm-blooded animals, experience various physiological changes when temperatures rise. Their primary focus shifts towards thermoregulation, which can result in less energy being allocated for feed consumption. Therefore, at temperatures above the optimal range, such as 20 degrees Celsius, the reduction in feed intake becomes a critical management concern, impacting growth rates and overall productivity. Understanding this relationship is vital for effective market broiler management, as it allows producers to anticipate and adjust feeding strategies in response to environmental conditions.