University:
Sam Houston State University
Course:
BIOL 2413 | General Zoology
Academic year:

2019
Views:

246

Pages:

10
Author:

Clint W.

Condition and Capacity of Abdomen • Good indicator of egg production ▫ Abdomen of a layer is wide, soft (lacks fat), and expanded ▫ Pelvic bones are thin and flexible ▫ Vent is moist, large, and oblong in shape • Non-layer ▫ Narrow, hard (fatty), and contracted ▫ Pelvic bones are thick and rigid ▫ Vent has some moistness but is small and round in shape Abdominal Capacity • Abdominal capacity of a hen is measured and expressed by ones fingers width. ▫ Normal- 3 fingers width by 4 fingers width Plumage and Rate of Molt • Two factors considered in appraising the plumage of hens include condition (feather appearance) and molting rate (speed of shedding feathers) Vigor and Vitality • A high producing hen appears vigorous, alert, and quick in movement • Non-producing hen is sluggish Head and Head Parts • If not trimmed- a productive hen’s beak is short ▫ The hens eyes are bright, alert and round. ▫ Her skull is flat from side to side ▫ Her comb and wattles are large, bright red, and glossy ▫ They feel velvety soft and warm when touched. • Non-producing hens beak is long ▫ The hens eyes are dull, sleepy, and oblong. ▫ Her skull is rounded from side to side ▫ Her comb and wattles are shrunken and dull ▫ They feel rough and cool when touched Parts of A Chicken Who can come up here and label the parts of a chicken? Wing Comb and Wattles Comb Wattles