The effect of light source and intensity on turkey egg production

The effect of light source and intensity on egg production, fertility, hatchability, egg weight, and shell quality in turkey hens was investigated. Turkey hens were exposed to either incandescent, high-pressure sodium vapor (HPSV), or daylight fluorescent (FL) lights at an intensity of 21.6 1x during the growth phase (after 8 wk). During the breeder phase, hens were assigned to the same light sources at light intensities of either 53.8 or 166.4 1x in a 3 x 3 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Light source during the growth phase had no significant effect on subsequent egg production, egg weight, fertility, or hatchability. Egg production, shell quality, fertility, and hatchability were also unaffected by light source or intensity during the breeder phase. Egg weight was significantly increased in hens exposed to HPSV compared with incandescent lights during the breeder phase. The HPSV and FL lights can be used effectively for turkey breeder hens both during the prebreeder and breeder periods. Furthermore, light intensities of 53.8 and 166.4 1x appear to be equally effective in stimulating production.