Do flickering LED lights reduce productivity of layer pullets and hens?
S McPhee1, T Shynkaruk1, K Buchynski1
1Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, S7N5A8.
Poultry Science
|January 26, 2024
Summary
Light flicker frequency has minor effects on pullet and hen performance, with some strain-specific differences observed. Rearing pullets under 30 Hz showed increased mortality in Lohmann LSL-Lite (LW) strains.
Area of Science:
- Poultry Science
- Animal Husbandry
- Lighting Technology
Background:
- Artificial light characteristics are well-studied, but light flicker frequency (F) remains under-researched.
- Understanding F's impact is crucial for optimizing poultry welfare and productivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the effect of light flicker frequency (F) on Lohmann LSL-Lite (LW) and Lohmann Brown-Lite (LB) pullet performance.
- To evaluate the long-term effects of rearing F on laying hen productivity.
Main Methods:
- Two trials used three F treatments (30, 90, 250 Hz) with 2,688 pullets per strain (LW and LB).
- Pullets were reared in floor pens and later transferred to layer cages; data on body weight, feed intake, uniformity, and mortality were collected.
- Hen productivity, egg production, and egg quality were assessed. Data analyzed using Proc Mixed (SAS 9.4).
Main Results:
- Flicker frequency did not significantly affect pullet uniformity or feed disappearance.
- Pullets reared under 30 Hz exhibited higher mortality, particularly LW strain, compared to 250 Hz.
- Hen day production was higher for hens reared under 30 Hz versus 90 Hz, but other egg parameters, feed efficiency, and mortality were unaffected by F.
Conclusions:
- Light flicker frequency has minor effects on both pullet and hen performance.
- Strain differences (LW vs. LB) may influence the response to flicker frequency.
- Further research into optimal flicker frequencies for poultry is warranted.
