Broiler

Broilers are a type of chicken specifically bred and raised for meat production. They have been genetically selected for their rapid growth rate and efficient conversion of feed into muscle tissue, making them ideal for meat production.

Layer

Layers are chickens bred and raised primarily for egg production. They are selected for their ability to produce a high number of eggs efficiently over their laying cycle.

Hatchery

A hatchery is a facility where fertilized poultry eggs are incubated under controlled conditions until they hatch. Hatcheries use specialized equipment such as incubators and hatchers to maintain optimal temperature, humidity, and ventilation for the development of embryos.

Incubator

An incubator is a device used to artificially simulate the conditions necessary for the development of poultry embryos. It maintains specific temperature and humidity levels required for successful egg incubation until the eggs hatch.

Pullet

A pullet is a young female chicken that has not yet reached maturity but is nearing the point of lay. Pullets are typically raised to become egg-laying hens.

Cockerel

A cockerel is a young male chicken that has not yet reached sexual maturity. It will eventually mature into a rooster.

Breed

A breed refers to a group of poultry with similar physical and behavioral characteristics that distinguish them from other groups. Different breeds are often selected for specific traits such as egg or meat production, temperament, or appearance.

Hybrid

In poultry, a hybrid is the offspring resulting from the crossbreeding of two different breeds or strains. Hybrids are often bred for specific purposes, such as increased egg production or faster growth rate.

Rooster

A rooster is a mature male chicken responsible for mating with hens to fertilize eggs. Roosters are also known for their crowing behavior.

Hen

A hen is a mature female chicken responsible for laying eggs. Hens are typically raised for egg production in commercial poultry operations.

Chick

A chick is a newly hatched chicken. Chicks are fragile and require careful management, including warmth, nutrition, and protection from predators.

Poult

A poult is a newly hatched turkey. Similar to chicks, poults require specialized care and management during their early stages of development.

Chick starter

Chick starter is a specialized feed formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of newly hatched chicks. It typically contains high levels of protein and essential vitamins and minerals to support healthy growth and development.

Poultry house

A poultry house is a structure designed and built to house poultry, such as chickens or turkeys. Poultry houses provide shelter, protection from predators, and controlled environmental conditions to ensure the health and welfare of the birds.

Free-range

Free-range refers to a poultry farming method where birds are allowed access to outdoor areas to roam and forage freely. This allows birds to exhibit natural behaviors and may result in products marketed as “free-range” or “pasture-raised.”

Cage-free

Cage-free is a poultry farming method where birds are not confined to cages and have freedom to move within an enclosed indoor environment. Cage-free systems often provide perches, nesting areas, and dust bathing areas to enhance bird welfare.

Battery cage

A battery cage is a small wire cage used to confine individual birds in intensive poultry farming systems. While battery cages are efficient in terms of space and feed utilization, they have come under scrutiny for their impact on animal welfare.

Brooding

Brooding is the process of providing warmth to newly hatched chicks to regulate their body temperature and promote early growth and development. Brooding typically involves the use of heat lamps or brooder heaters in a controlled environment.

Ventilation

Ventilation is the process of circulating air within poultry facilities to maintain optimal air quality, temperature, and humidity. Proper ventilation is essential for removing excess heat, moisture, dust, and gases, which can impact bird health and performance.

Biosecurity

Biosecurity refers to measures implemented to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases within poultry flocks. Biosecurity practices may include controlling access to farms, disinfecting equipment and vehicles, and implementing strict hygiene protocols.

Antibiotic

Antibiotics are medications used to treat or prevent bacterial infections in poultry. They are administered orally or through feed or water and are subject to regulations and restrictions to prevent antibiotic resistance and residues in poultry products.

Vaccination

Vaccination is the administration of vaccines to poultry to stimulate the immune system and provide protection against specific infectious diseases. Vaccination programs are an important component of disease prevention in poultry farming.

Feed

Feed is a nutritional substance provided to poultry to meet their dietary requirements for growth, maintenance, and egg production. Poultry feed may include grains, protein sources, vitamins, minerals, and additives formulated to optimize nutrition and performance.

Feed mill

A feed mill is a facility where poultry feed is processed, manufactured, and packaged for distribution. Feed mills may produce various types of feed, including chick starter, grower, layer, and broiler feed, using specialized equipment and quality control measures.

Feed conversion ratio (FCR)

The feed conversion ratio is a measure of the efficiency of feed utilization by poultry, calculated as the amount of feed consumed per unit of weight gain or egg production. A lower FCR indicates more efficient feed conversion and better economic performance.

Protein

Protein is an essential nutrient required for muscle development, egg production, and overall growth and maintenance in poultry. Protein sources in poultry feed may include soybean meal, fish meal, and animal by-products.

Calcium

Calcium is a mineral necessary for bone formation, eggshell production, muscle contraction, and other physiological functions in poultry. Calcium supplementation is important for laying hens to maintain egg quality and skeletal health.

Litter

Litter is a material spread on the floor of poultry houses to absorb moisture, provide insulation, and control odors and ammonia levels. Common litter materials include wood shavings, straw, and recycled paper products.

Manure

Manure is the waste produced by poultry, consisting of feces and urine. Poultry manure is a valuable source of nutrients and organic matter used as fertilizer in agriculture and composting.

Poultry litter management

Poultry litter management refers to practices for handling, storing, and disposing of poultry waste to minimize environmental impact and optimize nutrient recycling. Proper litter management is essential for maintaining air and water quality and preventing pollution.

Molt

Molt is a natural process in poultry characterized by the shedding and regrowth of feathers. Molting allows birds to replace old feathers with new ones, maintaining feather quality and insulating properties.

Molting feed

Molting feed is a specialized diet provided to birds during molt to support feather regrowth and minimize stress. Molting feed typically contains high levels of protein, vitamins, and minerals to promote healthy feather development.

Feather picking

Feather picking is an abnormal behavior in poultry where birds peck at each other’s feathers, leading to feather damage or loss. Feather picking may result from environmental stress, social hierarchy, or nutritional deficiencies.

Cannibalism

Cannibalism is an abnormal behavior in poultry where birds injure or kill each other by pecking or attacking. It can result in serious injuries, increased mortality, and reduced productivity within poultry flocks. Cannibalism may be triggered by factors such as overcrowding, poor lighting, nutritional imbalances, or genetic predisposition.

Beak trimming

Beak trimming is a management practice used to reduce injurious pecking and cannibalism in poultry. It involves the removal or blunting of a portion of the beak using specialized equipment or techniques. Beak trimming is controversial and subject to regulations and guidelines aimed at minimizing pain and stress for the birds.

Dust bathing

Dust bathing is a natural behavior in poultry where birds roll in dust, sand, or other dry materials to clean themselves and maintain feather health. Dust bathing helps remove excess oil, dirt, and parasites from the feathers and contributes to overall bird hygiene and welfare.

Perch

A perch is an elevated structure provided within poultry housing systems for birds to roost or rest. Perches allow birds to exercise natural behaviors such as roosting, jumping, and socializing. They are important for bird welfare and comfort, particularly for roosting species like chickens.

Nest box

A nest box is an enclosed area provided within poultry housing systems for hens to lay eggs. Nest boxes offer privacy, security, and protection for laying hens, encouraging them to lay eggs in a designated area. Properly designed nest boxes help maintain egg quality and reduce egg breakage.

Eggshell

The eggshell is the protective outer covering of an egg laid by poultry. It consists primarily of calcium carbonate and provides structural support and protection for the developing embryo and the contents of the egg. Eggshell quality is influenced by factors such as nutrition, age, and genetics of the hen.

Candling

Candling is a process used to examine eggs by shining a bright light through them to observe the internal contents. Candling is performed to assess egg quality, fertility, and development stage by detecting defects, blood spots, or the presence of embryos within the egg.

Grading

Grading is the sorting of eggs based on quality criteria such as size, weight, shell integrity, and cleanliness. Eggs are graded into various categories such as Grade AA, Grade A, and Grade B, depending on their quality attributes. Grading ensures consistency and helps consumers make informed purchasing decisions.

Egg washing

Egg washing is a procedure used to clean eggs before packaging to remove dirt, debris, and bacteria from the shell surface. Eggs are typically washed with warm water and detergent, rinsed, and sanitized to reduce the risk of microbial contamination and improve food safety.

Egg carton

An egg carton is a container used for packaging and transporting eggs. Egg cartons are typically made of cardboard or plastic and are designed to protect eggs from damage during handling and transportation. They may include labeling and branding information for product identification.

Egg storage

Egg storage refers to practices for preserving egg quality and freshness before sale or consumption. Eggs are stored under controlled conditions of temperature and humidity to minimize moisture loss and prevent microbial growth. Proper egg storage prolongs shelf life and maintains egg quality.

Egg quality

Egg quality refers to the overall characteristics of an egg, including shell strength, yolk color, albumen consistency, and freshness. High-quality eggs have intact shells, firm yolks, clear albumen, and minimal defects or abnormalities. Egg quality is influenced by factors such as nutrition, genetics, and handling practices.

Hatchability

Hatchability is the percentage of fertile eggs that successfully hatch into chicks under optimal incubation conditions. It is influenced by factors such as egg fertility, eggshell quality, incubation temperature, humidity, and turning frequency. Hatchability is a critical parameter in poultry breeding and hatchery management.

Chick quality

Chick quality refers to the health, vigor, and viability of newly hatched chicks. High-quality chicks exhibit strong vitality, good mobility, and uniformity in size and appearance. Chick quality is influenced by factors such as genetics, incubation conditions, nutrition, and management practices.

Broiler management

Broiler management encompasses the practices and procedures involved in raising broiler chickens for meat production. It includes aspects such as brooding, nutrition, housing, disease prevention, and environmental management to optimize growth, feed efficiency, and meat quality.

Lighting program

A lighting program is a schedule for providing artificial light to poultry to regulate their photoperiod and optimize growth, reproduction, and behavior. Lighting programs control the duration, intensity, and spectral quality of light provided to birds, influencing factors such as feed intake, egg production, and circadian rhythms.

Floor space

Floor space refers to the amount of area allocated per bird in poultry housing systems. Adequate floor space is essential for ensuring comfort, welfare, and productivity of poultry by preventing overcrowding, reducing aggression, and facilitating natural behaviors such as feeding, drinking, and locomotion.

Stocking density

Stocking density is the number of birds per unit area (e.g., square meter or square foot) in poultry housing systems. It is a critical factor in determining the distribution of resources, air quality, and welfare of poultry within a given space. Optimal stocking densities vary depending on factors such as bird species, age, size, and management practices.

Waterer

A waterer is a device used to provide water to poultry for hydration, digestion, and thermoregulation. Waterers come in various designs, including troughs, cups, nipples, and automatic watering systems, to ensure access to clean, fresh water for poultry at all times.

Feeder

A feeder is a device used to provide feed to poultry for nutrition, growth, and egg production. Feeders are available in different types, such as troughs, hoppers, pans, and tube feeders, designed to dispense feed efficiently and minimize wastage. Proper feeder management is essential for optimizing feed intake and poultry performance.

Nipple drinker

A nipple drinker is a type of watering system used in poultry farming, consisting of small valves or nipples that dispense water when pecked by birds. Nipple drinkers provide clean, fresh water to poultry and reduce water wastage and contamination compared to open troughs or bowls.

Automatic feeder

An automatic feeder is a feeding system that automatically dispenses feed to poultry at pre-set intervals or on-demand. Automatic feeders reduce labor requirements, minimize feed wastage, and ensure consistent access to feed for poultry, improving feed efficiency and productivity.

Egg incubation

Egg incubation is the artificial process of maintaining conditions necessary for the development of poultry embryos until hatching. It involves controlling temperature, humidity, ventilation, and turning of eggs to simulate natural incubation conditions and promote embryo growth and viability.

Setter

A setter is an incubator unit where eggs are initially placed for incubation during the first stage of the incubation process. Setters provide controlled conditions of temperature, humidity, and ventilation to facilitate embryo development until they are transferred to hatchers for hatching.

Hatcher

A hatcher is an incubator unit where eggs are transferred for hatching during the final stage of the incubation process. Hatchers provide specific conditions tailored to the hatching stage, including increased humidity and reduced turning, to facilitate the emergence of chicks from the eggs.

Hatching tray

A hatching tray is a specialized tray or rack used to hold eggs during the incubation and hatching process. Hatching trays provide support and stability for eggs, allowing for proper airflow and turning to promote uniform embryo development and hatchability.

Hatch window

The hatch window refers to the period during which eggs are expected to hatch within a poultry flock. It is influenced by factors such as egg fertility, incubation conditions, and egg turning frequency. Monitoring the hatch window helps ensure timely hatchery operations and chick placement.

Chick transport

Chick transport refers to the procedures and logistics involved in moving newly hatched chicks from the hatchery to poultry farms for rearing. It includes packaging, loading, transportation, and unloading of chicks while ensuring their health, safety, and welfare during transit.

Chick vaccination

Chick vaccination is the administration of vaccines to newly hatched chicks to provide immunity against specific diseases. Vaccination is a preventive measure to protect chicks from infectious pathogens and ensure their health and productivity throughout the growing period.

Broiler feed

Broiler feed is a specialized diet formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of broiler chickens for optimal growth, development, and meat production. Broiler feeds are typically high in protein and energy and may include additives such as vitamins, minerals, and growth promoters to maximize feed efficiency and meat yield.

Layer feed

Layer feed is a balanced diet designed to support the nutritional needs of laying hens for egg production. Layer feeds contain specific levels of protein, calcium, and other nutrients essential for eggshell formation, yolk quality, and overall reproductive performance in laying flocks.

Pre-starter feed

Pre-starter feed is a specialized feed provided to newly hatched chicks during the first few days of life to support their early growth and development. Pre-starter feeds are highly digestible and nutrient-dense, helping chicks transition from yolk utilization to solid feed consumption.

Grower feed

Grower feed is a type of poultry feed formulated for young birds during the grow-out phase between chick and adult stages. Grower feeds provide balanced nutrition to support steady growth, muscle development, and skeletal health in growing poultry until they reach market weight.

Finisher feed

Finisher feed is a feed formulation provided to poultry nearing market weight to complete their growth and preparation for processing. Finisher feeds are designed to optimize feed conversion, muscle development, and meat quality in broilers and other meat-producing poultry.

Pelleted feed

Pelleted feed is a form of processed poultry feed that has been compacted and shaped into small pellets for ease of handling, storage, and consumption. Pelleted feeds offer uniform nutrient distribution, reduced feed wastage, and improved feed efficiency compared to mash or crumbled feeds.

Crumbled feed

Crumbled feed is a type of poultry feed that has been finely ground and processed into small granules for easy consumption by young chicks and birds with delicate beaks. Crumbled feeds provide uniform nutrient intake and minimize feed sorting behavior in poultry.

Mash feed

Mash feed is a type of powdered poultry feed consisting of finely ground ingredients such as grains, protein sources, vitamins, and minerals. Mash feeds offer flexibility in feeding methods and can be mixed with water or other liquids to form a moist or semi-solid feed ration.

Nutrient requirement

Nutrient requirements refer to the specific dietary needs of poultry for essential nutrients such as protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals to support growth, reproduction, and overall health. Nutrient requirements vary depending on factors such as age, breed, sex, and production stage of the birds.

Essential amino acids

Essential amino acids are amino acids that cannot be synthesized by poultry and must be obtained through the diet. Essential amino acids are critical for protein synthesis, growth, and metabolic functions in poultry, and must be provided in adequate amounts in feed formulations.

Vitamins

Vitamins are essential micronutrients required by poultry in small quantities to support various physiological functions, including metabolism, immune response, and reproduction. Vitamins such as A, D, E, and K are crucial for poultry health and performance and are commonly added to poultry feeds as supplements.

Essential amino acids

Minerals

Minerals are inorganic nutrients essential for various biological processes in poultry, including bone formation, muscle contraction, and enzyme activation. Minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium are critical for maintaining skeletal health, electrolyte balance, and overall homeostasis in poultry.

Trace minerals

Trace minerals are essential minerals required by poultry in small amounts for optimal health and performance. Examples include zinc, copper, selenium, and manganese, which play key roles in immune function, antioxidant defense, and enzyme activity in poultry metabolism.

Vitamin deficiency

Vitamin deficiency is a nutritional disorder resulting from inadequate intake or absorption of essential vitamins in poultry diets. Vitamin deficiencies can lead to various health problems such as poor growth, reduced egg production, skeletal abnormalities, and compromised immune function in poultry flocks.

Mineral deficiency

Mineral deficiency is a nutritional imbalance resulting from insufficient intake or absorption of essential minerals in poultry diets. Mineral deficiencies can impair bone development, muscle function, eggshell quality, and overall health and productivity in poultry, leading to performance losses and increased susceptibility to diseases.

Feed additive

A feed additive is any substance added to poultry feed to improve its nutritional value, palatability, handling characteristics, or performance-enhancing properties. Feed additives include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, probiotics, prebiotics, antioxidants, and growth promoters used to optimize feed efficiency and animal health.

Antibiotic growth promoter (AGP)

Antibiotic growth promoters are antimicrobial agents added to poultry feed at subtherapeutic levels to promote growth, improve feed efficiency, and prevent diseases in poultry. AGPs have been widely used in poultry production but are subject to regulatory restrictions and concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance and public health.

Probiotic

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms added to poultry feed to improve gut health, digestion, and immune function in poultry. Probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bacillus species colonize the gastrointestinal tract, compete with harmful pathogens, and enhance nutrient absorption and utilization in poultry diets.

Prebiotic

Prebiotics are non-digestible dietary fibers added to poultry feed to selectively stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Prebiotics such as oligosaccharides and fructooligosaccharides promote gut health, enhance nutrient absorption, and support immune function in poultry.

Enzyme

Enzymes are biological catalysts added to poultry feed to facilitate the breakdown and digestion of complex nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Enzymes such as amylase, protease, and lipase improve feed digestibility, nutrient absorption, and metabolic efficiency in poultry, leading to better growth performance and feed utilization.

Anticoccidial

Anticoccidials are drugs or additives used to prevent or control coccidiosis, a common parasitic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Eimeria. Anticoccidials may be ionophores, chemical compounds, or natural extracts added to poultry feed to inhibit the growth and reproduction of coccidia and reduce the severity of coccidiosis outbreaks. Anticoccidial medications are important for maintaining gut health, optimizing nutrient absorption, and preventing economic losses associated with coccidial infections in poultry flocks.

Antioxidant

Antioxidants are substances added to poultry feed to prevent or reduce oxidative damage caused by free radicals and reactive oxygen species. Antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium, and plant extracts scavenge free radicals, protect cell membranes, and maintain immune function and overall health in poultry.

Mycotoxin

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by molds (fungi) that contaminate feed ingredients and pose health risks to poultry and other animals. Mycotoxins such as aflatoxins, ochratoxins, and fumonisins can impair liver function, immune response, and reproductive performance in poultry, leading to reduced growth, increased mortality, and economic losses in poultry production.

Heat stress

Heat stress is a physiological condition resulting from exposure to high temperatures and humidity levels beyond the thermal comfort zone of poultry. Heat stress negatively affects poultry performance, welfare, and health by impairing thermoregulation, increasing water consumption, reducing feed intake, and predisposing birds to heat-related disorders such as heat stroke and dehydration.

Cold stress

Cold stress is a physiological condition resulting from exposure to low temperatures and chilling conditions that exceed the thermal tolerance of poultry. Cold stress disrupts thermoregulation, energy metabolism, and immune function in poultry, leading to reduced growth, impaired production, and increased susceptibility to respiratory diseases and frostbite.

Ventilation system

A ventilation system is a system of fans, vents, and air ducts designed to control airflow and air quality within poultry houses. Ventilation systems regulate temperature, humidity, and gas concentrations to create a comfortable, healthy environment for poultry by removing excess heat, moisture, dust, gases, and airborne pathogens. Proper ventilation is essential for optimizing bird welfare, performance, and productivity in poultry production.

Broodiness

Broodiness is a natural behavior in hens characterized by the desire to incubate eggs and raise chicks. Broody hens may exhibit nesting behavior, sit on eggs for extended periods, and become defensive or aggressive when approached. Broodiness can disrupt egg production and fertility in laying flocks but is desirable in breeds raised for hatching and mothering chicks.

Coccidiosis

Coccidiosis is a common parasitic disease in poultry caused by protozoa of the genus Eimeria. Coccidia infect the intestinal tract of poultry, leading to diarrhea, weight loss, reduced feed conversion, and increased mortality. Coccidiosis control relies on preventive measures such as vaccination, sanitation, and the use of anticoccidial drugs or additives in feed.

Necrotic enteritis

Necrotic enteritis is a bacterial disease of poultry caused by Clostridium perfringens, often triggered by predisposing factors such as coccidiosis, dietary changes, or stress. Necrotic enteritis results in inflammation, necrosis, and ulceration of the intestinal mucosa, leading to diarrhea, reduced growth, and increased mortality in poultry flocks. Control strategies include vaccination, antibiotic treatment, and management practices to reduce predisposing factors.

Flock uniformity

Flock uniformity refers to the degree of similarity in size, weight, conformation, and performance among individual birds within a poultry flock. High flock uniformity is desirable in commercial poultry production for consistent growth, processing, and marketing of poultry products. Factors influencing flock uniformity include genetics, nutrition, management, and environmental conditions.

In ovo vaccination

In ovo vaccination is a method of administering vaccines to poultry embryos inside the eggshell during the incubation process. In ovo vaccination allows for uniform and early immunization of chicks against specific diseases, improving vaccine efficacy, reducing labor costs, and minimizing stress on newly hatched chicks. In ovo vaccination is commonly used in commercial hatcheries for mass vaccination of poultry flocks.

Tolerance

Tolerance is the ability of poultry to withstand or adapt to stressful conditions, environmental challenges, or disease pressure without significant adverse effects on health, performance, or productivity. Tolerance may vary among poultry breeds, strains, and individuals based on genetic factors, management practices, and exposure to stressors. Enhancing tolerance through selective breeding, management strategies, and nutritional interventions can improve resilience and sustainability in poultry production systems.

Subclinical infection

Subclinical infection is an asymptomatic or mild form of infectious disease in poultry characterized by the absence of clinical signs or overt symptoms. Subclinical infections may persist in poultry flocks without causing noticeable illness or performance losses but can still impact productivity, immunity, and susceptibility to secondary infections. Monitoring and management of subclinical infections are important for maintaining flock health and minimizing economic losses in poultry production.

Poultry waste management

Poultry waste management encompasses the collection, treatment, disposal, and utilization of manure, litter, and other by-products generated from poultry production operations. Effective waste management practices minimize environmental pollution, odors, and pathogens while maximizing nutrient recycling, soil fertility, and resource efficiencyin agricultural systems. Poultry waste management strategies include composting, anaerobic digestion, land application, and utilization as fertilizer or bedding material. Proper waste management reduces nutrient runoff, groundwater contamination, and greenhouse gas emissions, while supporting sustainable agricultural practices and environmental stewardship.

Egg fertility

Egg fertility refers to the percentage of eggs in a poultry flock that are fertilized by mating with a rooster. Fertility is influenced by factors such as reproductive health, mating behavior, genetic quality of breeding stock, and environmental conditions. Monitoring egg fertility is important for assessing reproductive performance and hatchability in poultry breeding and production programs.

Sexing

Sexing is the process of determining the sex or gender of poultry, particularly day-old chicks, based on physical characteristics or genetic markers. Sexing allows for the separation of male and female chicks for management purposes, such as culling unwanted males in layer breeds or selecting replacement breeders based on desired traits.

Infrared heating

Infrared heating is a method of providing supplemental heat to poultry using infrared radiant heaters or lamps. Infrared heaters emit electromagnetic radiation that directly warms objects and surfaces without heating the surrounding air, creating a comfortable and energy-efficient heating environment for poultry brooding and rearing.

Mortality rate

Mortality rate is the proportion of poultry within a flock that die within a specified period, usually expressed as a percentage. Mortality rates are important indicators of flock health, welfare, and management effectiveness in poultry production. High mortality rates may signal underlying health problems, environmental stressors, or management issues that require investigation and intervention to mitigate losses and improve flock performance.