Market Broiler Management Practice Test

How many hours should a house be prewarmed before market broiler chick placement occurs?

1. 24 hours

2. 36 hours

3. 48 hours

4. 72 hours

The correct answer is: 48 hours

Prewarming the house before placing market broiler chicks is a critical step in ensuring their well-being and promoting optimal growth. The correct choice of 48 hours is significant because it allows ample time for the environment to reach a stable, comfortable temperature suitable for the chicks. Broiler chicks are highly sensitive to temperature during their initial days, and an adequate prewarming period ensures that the litter, air, and surfaces are sufficiently warm. This helps to minimize stress on the chicks, fosters early feed and water intake, and promotes better health outcomes by preventing chilling stress, which can lead to higher mortality rates and impaired growth. A shorter prewarming period might not provide enough time for the environment to stabilize, potentially resulting in colder temperatures that could adversely affect the chicks’ acclimatization process. Additionally, a longer prewarming period may not necessarily confer extra benefits and could lead to unnecessary energy use. Therefore, 48 hours balances these factors effectively, making it the most suitable choice.