Performance of layers reared and/or kept under different 6-hour light-dark cycles

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Poultry Science
• Chronobiology

Background:

• Photoperiod management is crucial for optimizing poultry production.
• Understanding the impact of intermittent lighting on laying hens is essential for improving feed efficiency and egg quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of different intermittent lighting programs on the sexual development and performance of laying hens.
• To compare the efficacy of various light:dark cycles on egg production, food utilization, egg weight, and shell quality.

Main Methods:

• Sixty hens were divided into four groups, with one control group on a standard lighting program.
• Experimental groups were subjected to distinct intermittent lighting patterns, including 3h light:3h dark and 1.5h light:4.5h dark cycles, from different ages.
• Data on sexual development, egg number, egg mass, food utilization, egg weight, and shell quality were collected and analyzed.

Main Results:

• Sexual development was similar across all groups.
• Short light-dark cycles slightly reduced egg numbers but maintained daily egg mass output.
• Food utilization was significantly improved in hens exposed to intermittent lighting, especially group 1.
• Egg weight and shell quality were enhanced by intermittent lighting, with the most pronounced effects observed in group 3.

Conclusions:

• Intermittent lighting programs can enhance feed utilization, egg weight, and shell quality in laying hens without compromising daily egg mass output.
• Specific light:dark ratios, such as 1.5h light:4.5h dark, show particular promise for improving egg characteristics.
• Further research into optimizing intermittent lighting strategies could lead to more efficient and sustainable poultry farming practices.