Equipment design for breeding flocks.

Abstract

Breeding stocks require specialized equipment and facilities that accommodate both sexes and their mating behaviors. Divergence in male and female requirements has occurred due to genetic selection, particularly in heavy meat stocks. Proper equipment design requires specific knowledge about the nutritional requirements, genetics, and behavior of the particular stock within the environment intended. Attention must be paid to the relationship between the rearing and breeding environments, because preferences and behavioral patterns develop at an early age. The "correct" breeding environment is highly dependent upon the growing environment. There is evidence that some undesirable behaviors and poor fertility may arise from inadequate rearing nutrition and that nutrition can influence the development of certain behaviors.