Free Poultry Science MCQs with Answers
60 Poultry Science MCQs from Veterinary Science, each with the correct answer and a written explanation of why it is correct. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.
Covers the breeds, anatomy, physiology, nutrition, housing, breeding, incubation and management of chickens and other domestic poultry. It includes brooding, vaccination, biosecurity, egg formation and quality, meat and egg production, common diseases, and the distinction between layer and broiler management.
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60 questions · page 3 of 3
41. Which vaccination route is commonly used to administer live Newcastle disease vaccine to chickens?
- A. Drinking water
- B. Intramammary injection
- C. Subcutaneous udder injection
- D. Rectal infusion
Explanation: Live Newcastle disease vaccines are commonly given through drinking water, spray, or eye-drop methods, depending on the product and flock…
Correct answer: Drinking water- A. Improved feather growth
- B. Footpad dermatitis
- C. Reduced bacterial survival
- D. Lower ammonia release
Explanation: Wet litter softens and irritates the footpad, increasing the risk of footpad dermatitis and breast lesions.
Correct answer: Footpad dermatitis- A. XX
- B. ZW
- C. ZZ
- D. XY
Explanation: Birds have a ZW sex chromosome system. Males are homogametic ZZ, whereas females are ZW; the XX and XY systems are associated with mammals…
Correct answer: ZZ- A. Cobalt
- B. Iron
- C. Iodine
- D. Calcium
Explanation: Calcium is the principal mineral deposited in the eggshell, with carbonate supplied through the hen's metabolism.
Correct answer: Calcium- A. Mechanical grinding of feed particles
- B. Chemical digestion of bile salts
- C. Absorption of water from digesta
- D. Storage of newly swallowed feed
Explanation: The gizzard is a thick, muscular stomach that mechanically grinds feed, often with the help of grit.
Correct answer: Mechanical grinding of feed particles- A. ZZ chromosome combination
- B. ZW chromosome combination
- C. XX chromosome combination
- D. XY chromosome combination
Explanation: Female chickens are heterogametic and normally possess ZW chromosomes, whereas males are ZZ.
Correct answer: ZW chromosome combination- A. Paramyxovirus group
- B. Herpesvirus group
- C. Coronavirus group
- D. Orthomyxovirus group
Explanation: Infectious bronchitis virus is an avian coronavirus that primarily affects the respiratory tract, although some strains also affect…
Correct answer: Coronavirus group- A. Enhanced production of egg albumen
- B. Increased synthesis of vitamin D
- C. Reduced digestion of dietary starch
- D. Improved release of bound phosphorus
Explanation: Phytase breaks down phytate and releases phosphorus that would otherwise be poorly available to poultry.
Correct answer: Improved release of bound phosphorus49. A severe deficiency of vitamin E in young poultry is most strongly associated with which condition?
- A. Encephalomalacia and poor coordination
- B. Rickets and soft bones
- C. Night blindness and dry eyes
- D. Goitre and enlarged thyroids
Explanation: Vitamin E deficiency can cause encephalomalacia, producing neurological signs such as ataxia and loss of coordination.
Correct answer: Encephalomalacia and poor coordination- A. Yolk antibody titre
- B. Egg specific gravity
- C. Albumen pH alone
- D. Haugh unit value
Explanation: Egg specific gravity reflects the relative amount of shell in relation to egg contents and is therefore useful for assessing shell…
Correct answer: Egg specific gravity- A. Herpesviridae
- B. Coronaviridae
- C. Orthomyxoviridae
- D. Picornaviridae
Explanation: Avian influenza viruses belong to the family Orthomyxoviridae and are influenza A viruses.
Correct answer: Orthomyxoviridae- A. Meckel's diverticulum
- B. Pancreatic ducts
- C. Duodenal villi
- D. Cecal tonsils
Explanation: The cecal tonsils are major lymphoid aggregates located near the junction of the small intestine and paired caeca.
Correct answer: Cecal tonsils- A. Remove moisture and harmful gases
- B. Increase the flock's feed intake
- C. Prevent all heat loss from birds
- D. Maintain constant artificial lighting
Explanation: Ventilation removes excess moisture, carbon dioxide, dust, and ammonia while supplying fresh air.
Correct answer: Remove moisture and harmful gases- A. A naturally sterile female chicken
- B. A surgically castrated male chicken
- C. A young hen before first ovulation
- D. A male chicken selected for breeding
Explanation: A capon is a male chicken that has been castrated before sexual maturity, traditionally producing a bird with distinctive carcass…
Correct answer: A surgically castrated male chicken- A. Yolk index
- B. Shell thickness
- C. Haugh unit
- D. Albumen pH
Explanation: The Haugh unit combines albumen height with egg weight and provides a standard measure of albumen quality and freshness.
Correct answer: Haugh unit- A. Follicle-stimulating hormone
- B. Progesterone
- C. Prolactin
- D. Luteinizing hormone
Explanation: A preovulatory surge of luteinizing hormone causes the mature ovarian follicle to rupture and release the ovum.
Correct answer: Luteinizing hormone- A. Blastoderm
- B. Chalaza
- C. Amnion
- D. Yolk sac
Explanation: The blastoderm is the multilayered disc of embryonic cells formed after cleavage of the fertilized ovum.
Correct answer: Blastoderm- A. Insulin
- B. Prolactin
- C. Thyroxine
- D. Glucagon
Explanation: Prolactin promotes broody behaviour and supports the physiological changes associated with incubation in hens.
Correct answer: Prolactin- A. Muscle and bone
- B. Eggshell and feathers
- C. Faeces and urine
- D. Blood and bile
Explanation: Metabolizable energy is calculated after losses in faeces, urine, and gaseous products are deducted from feed energy.
Correct answer: Faeces and urine60. Which structure is the principal site of calcium absorption for eggshell formation in a laying hen?
- A. Crop
- B. Ceca
- C. Gizzard
- D. Small intestine
Explanation: Most dietary calcium is absorbed from the small intestine, where active transport is regulated by vitamin D.
Correct answer: Small intestine