Market Broiler Management Practice Test

How much moisture can chicks lose in the first 24 hours if they start panting?

1. 3-5 g

2. 5-10 g

3. 10-15 g

4. 15-20 g

The correct answer is: 5-10 g

In the first 24 hours of life, chicks can experience significant moisture loss, particularly if they begin to pant due to heat stress. When chicks pant, they increase their respiratory rate, which leads to an increase in evaporative water loss. The correct answer indicates that chicks can lose between 5-10 grams of moisture in this critical period when they start panting. This range reflects the fact that the physiological stress from excessive heat can lead to dehydration, making it vital for broiler management practices to ensure that temperature and humidity conditions are closely monitored and maintained. Understanding this loss of moisture is crucial for poultry managers to implement strategies that minimize heat stress, such as providing adequate ventilation, shade, and ensuring access to fresh drinking water. This helps in promoting healthier growth rates and reducing mortality in young chicks.