A new factor of dynamic lighting schedule on dust production in commercial laying hen house

Indoor artificial lighting is an essential aspect of poultry production. However, little is known about the impact of dynamic lighting schedules on the production of dust, or particulate matter (PM), in poultry houses. A comprehensive field measurement was conducted in a commercial laying hen house continuously for six months. Data on dust (PM₁₀) concentration, ventilation rate, lighting schedule, and hen activity were collected every minute and analyzed. Results showed that daily changes in the lighting schedule significantly impacted hen activity and indoor dust concentrations. A comparison of gradual increases in dynamic lighting durations and changes in dust emission rates revealed a high correlation coefficient of 0.802 during the post-molting period, which lasted about one month. During this period, daily dust emission rates increased by 12.5 times. The study concluded that dynamic lighting schedules in laying hen houses represent a new factor influencing diel hen activity and dust concentration patterns. Additionally, they could drastically increase dust production.