Effect of lighting program on sexual maturing, onset of laying and productive traits of light type hybrid hens
2001
Peric, L.
The influence of intermittent lighting programs during rearing, on age at the first egg and production traits of commercial laying hens have been studied. Hens of control group (A) were reared under standard lighting program (8L:16D) up to 17th week of age. Experimental groups were reared under the following intermittent lighting programs: group B - (1L:2D) x 3 + 14D; group C (1L:2D) x 4 + 12D; group D was reared under the same program as group C until 12th week, and after that it was transferred to standard rearing program (8L:16D). The results have shown the positive effects of intermittent light on the body weight at the end of rearing period (18 weeks) as well as on the mass and development of ovary. The best results were achieved by the experimental group C ((1L:2D) x 4 + 12D). A significant influence of intermittent light on age at the first egg was found. Egg production was the best in the experimental group C. Hens of control group had the lowest mortality rate, the lowest feed intake and the best feed conversion in the course of exploitation. There were no significant difference between groups with respect to egg weight as well as in any other examined egg quality trait. The results showed that intermittent lighting programs can initiate earlier onset of laying, which results in better egg production. There was no positive effect on feed intake, feed conversion and mortality, as well as on the quality characteristics of eggs.
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