Market Broiler Management Practice Test

Water consumption in a broiler house should be approximately __________ times that of feed by mass.

1. 1-1.5

2. 1.6-2

3. 2.1-2.5

4. 2.6-3

The correct answer is: 1.6-2

In broiler management, water consumption is a critical component of poultry welfare and growth performance. The correct answer indicates that water consumption should be approximately 1.6 to 2 times that of feed by mass. This ratio is essential because water plays a vital role in numerous physiological functions, including digestion and thermoregulation, which are particularly important in rapid-growth scenarios like broiler production. When broilers consume feed, they also require adequate water to effectively metabolize the nutrients in their feed. Insufficient water availability can lead to poor feed conversion rates, increased mortality, and can negatively impact overall growth performance. The established ratio reflects empirical observations in poultry nutrition and may vary slightly depending on factors such as environmental temperature, humidity, and the specific diet composition. By maintaining water consumption at this correct level relative to feed, producers ensure that the birds can achieve optimal health and growth rates, ultimately leading to better production efficiency and economic returns.