Market Broiler Management Practice Test

Which of the following litter alternatives may cause crop damage if ingested by a broiler?

1. Pine shavings

2. Hardwood shavings

3. Straw

4. Sand

The correct answer is: Hardwood shavings

The choice of hardwood shavings as a litter alternative that may cause crop damage if ingested by a broiler is rooted in the physical properties of the material. Hardwood shavings can be relatively coarse and sharp, potentially leading to injuries in the bird's digestive system, particularly in the crop, which is the first stage of the digestive tract where food is stored and softened before moving to the stomach. If broilers inadvertently peck and ingest these sharp shavings while foraging, it can lead to irritation, abrasions, or more severe damage to the crop. In contrast, the other materials listed typically have properties that are less likely to cause such harm. Pine shavings tend to be softer and less coarse, straw is more fibrous and less likely to cause acute physical injury, and sand, while it can be ingested, usually passes through the digestive system without causing the same level of risk for physical damage to the crop. Understanding the texture and composition of different litter alternatives is critical for ensuring the health and safety of broilers.