Effects on light intensity on heavy broiler breeders performance
2002
Baroli, D. | Azzaro, E. | Ferrante, V. | Marelli, S.P. | Guidobono Cavalchini, L. (Milan Univ. (Italy). Istituto di Zootecnica)
14,544 hens and 1,608 cocks broiler breeders (Ross 508) were housed in 4 pou1try houses only different in the lighting system. The 1ighting systems were based on two 1ines (2L) of fluorescent lamps (circolux 28 W cool white, 1,800 lumen) and three lines (3L) of fluorescent linear lamps (36 W, 3,350 1umen). Birds were observed from 22 to 58 weeks of age to col1ect data on reproduction performance, feed consumption and mortality. During Autumn the effect of different light intensity on the moult of the birds was observed and light intensity was pointed out by a lux meter in the pou1try houses to evidence the different lighting conditions. Research results show very different lighting conditions in the experimental pou1try houses (66 lux 2L vs 155 1ux 3L, P = 0.0001), but it is not re1ated to different performance of the broi1ers breeders. Laying rate was 64.69% 2L vs 63.87% 3L respective1y and egg/housed hen/week was 4.23 (2L) vs 4.22 (3L). Feed consumption was identical (152.5 g/bird/d) and mortality rate was also not significantly different (0.69% 2L vs 0.7% 3L). Values of 3-3.5% of moult hens were observed for the two different lighting systems, this incidence can be considered as usual for broiler breeders that are in reproduction during Autumn, even if little differences appear comparing only the lighting systems
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