Market Broiler Management Practice Test

If slaughter weight exceeds 3.0 kg, the recommended hours of darkness from 100-160 grams and at 22 days prior to slaughter should be what?

1. 10 hours

2. 12 hours

3. 14 hours

4. 16 hours

The correct answer is: 12 hours

The recommended hours of darkness for broilers, particularly those exceeding a slaughter weight of 3.0 kg, emphasize the concept of managing light and dark cycles in order to optimize growth, feed efficiency, and overall health. In this context, maintaining an appropriate balance between light and darkness is crucial for stimulating normal behavior and metabolic processes in the birds. Selecting 12 hours of darkness aligns with research and industry practices. This duration allows the broilers to have sufficient rest and reduces stress, which can positively influence their growth rate and feed conversion efficiency. The 12-hour darkness also supports the natural circadian rhythms of the birds, fostering better welfare and productivity. In contrast, fewer hours of darkness may not provide the necessary rest periods for efficient growth, whereas longer periods of darkness could inhibit feeding behavior and overall activity, possibly leading to reduced weight gain. Thus, the recommendation to provide 12 hours of darkness is based on striking the right balance for optimal broiler management at critical points leading up to slaughter.