What does "culling" mean in poultry farming?

Culling in poultry farming refers to the practice of removing unproductive or undesirable birds from a flock in order to maintain the health, productivity, and genetic quality of the remaining animals. This process is essential for ensuring that the flock is performing at its best, as it helps eliminate birds that may have health issues, low egg production rates, or undesirable traits that could negatively impact the overall quality of the breed or flock.

By culling effectively, poultry farmers can improve the efficiency of their breeding programs and ensure that the resources, such as feed and space, are allocated to the most productive birds. This approach not only enhances the profitability of the farming operation but also supports better management practices that contribute to animal welfare and product quality.

The other options pertain to different aspects of poultry management. Breeding superior birds focuses on the selection process to enhance desirable traits rather than removing less productive individuals. Choosing the best eggs for hatching pertains to egg selection rather than the management of the birds already in the flock. Increasing feed supply deals with resource management and nutrition, which, while important, does not encapsulate the concept of culling.