Market Broiler Management Practice Test

During which season should broiler off time coincide with dusk?

1. Spring

2. Summer

3. Autumn

4. Winter

The correct answer is: Winter

Broiler off time should coincide with dusk during the winter season primarily because of the shorter daylight hours. As the days are significantly shorter in winter, aligning feeding and management activities with dusk helps to optimize the birds' natural behavior and feeding patterns. In winter, by adjusting management practices to dusk, broiler producers can ensure that birds have access to feed during their most active periods before nightfall, which aids in maintaining their growth and health. This synchronization also helps to reduce stress, as the birds are less likely to be disturbed during their rest period. Considering other seasons, such as summer, spring, and autumn, the longer daylight hours allow for more flexibility in feeding schedules, making it less critical for off time to coincide strictly with dusk. Therefore, winter is identified as the season where this alignment is particularly beneficial for broiler health and performance.