The effect of light duration on turkey poult performance and adrenal function

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Poultry Science
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Light management is a critical factor in poultry production.
• Understanding the impact of photoperiod on early poult development and stress response is essential for optimizing growth and survival.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of different light treatments on the performance and plasma corticosterone levels of day-old tom poults.
• To determine if specific photoperiods influence early poult mortality.

Main Methods:

• Day-old tom poults were subjected to four light treatments: continuous light (24LL), 23L:1D, 12L:12D, and natural day lengths.
• Mortality was recorded daily.
• Body weights, feed consumption, and plasma corticosterone levels were measured at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks postplacement.

Main Results:

• Light treatments showed no consistent effect on poult performance parameters beyond the first two weeks.
• During the initial two weeks, poults under 24LL and 23L:1D consumed less feed but maintained similar body weights compared to other groups.
• Plasma corticosterone levels were lowest during the first two weeks posthatching across all treatment groups.

Conclusions:

• Photoperiod management had limited impact on overall poult performance and adrenal function.
• The observed low plasma corticosterone during early life may play a role in early poult mortality.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the relationship between early corticosterone levels and poult survival.