Research Note: Effect of light intensity of calcium homeostasis in pullets

The impact of varying light intensities on layer pullets is not yet well understood. Behaviorally, brighter illumination may increase pullet activity levels by allowing better navigation in the complexity of non-cage systems. In addition, light intensity was previously demonstrated to affect the levels of calcium and phosphate regulating hormones in mice. The objective of this study was to examine how exposure of pullets to different light intensity affects their calcium and phosphorus homeostasis. Lohmann LSL-Lite and Lohmann Brown-Lite pullets were randomized into 4 individually controlled rooms with 6 pens per room, which were assigned to 10 or 50 lux light intensity supplied via white LED lighting during the photophase. After 8 and 16 wk of exposure, plasma calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium were measured by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry; and parathyroid hormone, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, fibroblast growth factor 23, and markers of bone formation and resorption were measured by ELISA. Intestine and kidney samples were collected at 16 wk and gene expression of receptors for calcium and phosphate regulating hormones was assessed. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA. Lohmann Brown-Lite pullets exposed to 50 lux for 8 wk exhibited lower ionized Ca levels and a trend for increased bone formation markers compared to pullets reared in 10 lux. Thus, higher light intensity during rearing may beneficially affect calcium homeostasis and bone formation in young Lohmann Brown-Lite chicken.