Light intensity effects on reproductive performance of turkey breeder hens

Two trials were conducted to evaluate the reproductive performance of turkey hens to different light intensity during the lay period. In Trial 1 the hens were exposed to 16 h of light (L) and 8 h dark (D) per day (16L:8D) at 54, 108, or 216 lx and in Trial 2 a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used with main treatment factors being intensity level (54 versus 324 lx) and photoperiod (16L:8D versus 14L:10D). Data were collected for time to onset of lay, rate of lay, fertility, hatchability, and egg and poult weight in both trials, and feed intake in Trial 1. In both trials the light intensity treatments were similarly effective in the photoinduction of reproductive performance in Large White turkey hens. This occurred with daily photoperiods of both 14L:10D and 16L:8D in Trial 2 and there was no photoperiod by intensity interaction. There were no significant differences in feed intake or feed efficiency among the 54-, 108-, and 216-lx treatments of Trial 1. It may be concluded that reproductive performance of turkey hens in closed confinement is equivalent within an intensity range of 54 to 324 lx.