Information Package / Course Catalogue
Poultry Production
Course Code: ZT309
Course Type: Required
Couse Group: First Cycle (Bachelor's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 2
Prt.: 1
Credit: 3
Lab: 0
ECTS: 4
Objectives of the Course

The aim of this course is to provide students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills on the fundamental principles of poultry production, the structure and economic importance of the poultry industry, biological characteristics of poultry, reproductive physiology, genetics and breeding, embryonic development and hatchery management, poultry management systems, poultry housing and equipment, lighting programs, management of laying hens, broilers and breeder flocks, production of other poultry species, flock health, biosecurity, and disease control.

Course Content

This course covers the general structure and economic importance of poultry production; anatomical and physiological characteristics of poultry; endocrine and immune systems; egg anatomy and quality characteristics; poultry genetics and breeding; embryonic development and hatchery management; poultry management systems; poultry houses and equipment; lighting management; chick and broiler rearing; laying hen, broiler, and breeder flock management; production of other poultry species; and theoretical and practical aspects of flock health, biosecurity, and poultry diseases.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Prof. Mustafa AKŞİT
Learning Outcomes
1.Explain the current status, sectoral structure, and economic importance of poultry production in the world and in Türkiye.
2.Classify poultry genotypes of economic importance and explain the principles of reproductive physiology, poultry breeding, and the fundamental criteria for successful hatchery management
3.Compare poultry management systems, conventional and alternative housing systems, poultry house equipment, and the effects of lighting management on flock performance
4.Apply fundamental management, nutrition, and flock management practices from the chick stage to the end of production in laying hens, broilers, and breeder flocks.
5.Evaluate flock health management practices, biosecurity principles, and control strategies for common poultry diseases in poultry enterprises.
Recommended or Required Reading
1.Şenköylü, N., 1991. Modern tavuk üretimi. Tekirdağ.
2.Türkoğlu, M. ve M. Sarıca, 2009. Tavukçuluk bilimi: yetiştirme, besleme, hastalıklar. Bey Ofset Matbaacılık, Ankara.
3.North, M. O. and D. Bell, 1990. Commercial chicken production manual. Avi Book, New York.
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical
General structure of poultry production, body structure of poultry and the economic importance of the poultry sector
Week 1 - Practice
Introduction to the poultry unit; identification of poultry species and examination of their external morphological characteristics
Week 2 - Theoretical
Endocrine and immune systems of poultry
Week 2 - Practice
Examination of endocrine organs and the immune system using anatomical specimens and visual materials.
Week 3 - Theoretical
Anatomical structure, chemical composition, and internal and external quality characteristics of eggs
Week 3 - Practice
Evaluation of internal and external egg quality characteristics (egg weight, shell thickness, Haugh unit, etc.).
Week 4 - Theoretical
Poultry Genetics and Breeding
Week 4 - Practice
Identification of commercial poultry hybrids and comparison of their performance characteristics.
Week 5 - Theoretical
Embryonic Development and Hatchery Management
Week 5 - Practice
Selection of hatching eggs, candling procedures, and examination of embryonic development.
Week 6 - Theoretical
Poultry Management Systems
Week 6 - Practice
Application of poultry management practices, live body weight measurement, and evaluation of flock records.
Week 7 - Theoretical
Poultry Houses and Equipment
Week 7 - Practice
Examination of poultry house types and feeding, watering, and ventilation equipment.
Week 8 - Theoretical & Practice
Lighting Management and Lighting Programs
Week 9 - Theoretical
Chick and Broiler Rearing
Week 9 - Practice
Evaluation of chick quality and monitoring of growth performance.
Week 10 - Theoretical
Layer Management
Week 10 - Practice
Evaluation of production records and egg grading in laying hens.
Week 11 - Theoretical
Alternative rearing systems
Week 11 - Practice
Calculation of broiler performance parameters (body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio).
Week 12 - Theoretical
Breeder Flock Management
Week 12 - Practice
Evaluation of breeder flock management and reproductive performance records.
Week 13 - Theoretical
Production of Other Poultry Species
Week 13 - Practice
Examination of production systems for turkeys, ducks, geese, and quails.
Week 14 - Theoretical
Poultry Health Protection and Diseases
Week 14 - Practice
Evaluation of biosecurity practices, disinfection procedures, and common poultry diseases.
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Quiz2%10
Midterm Examination1%30
Final Examination1%60
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory141242
Lecture - Practice140114
Individual Work2318
Midterm Examination117118
Final Examination122123
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)105
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
PÇ-7
PÇ-8
PÇ-9
PÇ-10
PÇ-11
OÇ-1
3
3
3
OÇ-2
3
3
3
OÇ-3
3
3
3
OÇ-4
3
3
3
OÇ-5
3
3
3
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026