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Assessment of lighting needs by laying hens via preference tests
Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Conference Proceedings and Presentations
  • H. Ma, China Agricultural University
  • Hongwei Xin, Iowa State University
  • Yang Zhao, Iowa State University
  • B. Li, China Agricultural University
  • Timothy A Shepherd, Iowa State University
  • Ignacio Alvarez Castro, Iowa State University
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Version
Published Version
Publication Date
7-1-2015
DOI
10.13031/aim.20152190389
Conference Title
2015 ASABE Annual International Meeting
Conference Date
July 26–29, 2015
Geolocation
(29.95106579999999, -90.0715323)
Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate hen’s needs for light intensity and circadian rhythm using a light tunnel with five identical compartments each at a different fluorescent light intensity of <1, 5, 15, 30 or 100 lux. The hens were able to move freely among the compartments. A group of four W-36 laying hens (23 – 30 weeks of age) was tested each time, and six groups or replicates were conducted. Behaviors of the hens were continuously recorded, yielding the data on time spent, feed intake, feeding time, and eggs laid at each light intensity and inter-compartment movement. The results show that the hens spent 6.4 h (45.4 %) at 5 lux, 3.0 h (22.2 %) at 15 lux, 3.1 h (22.1 %) at 30 lux, and 1.5 h (10.3 %) at 100 lux under light condition; and that they spent 10.0 h under dark (<1 lux). Daily feed intake was 87.3 g/hen-day which was distributed as 24.8 g/hen (28.4 %) at <1 lux, 28.4 g/hen (32.5 %) at 5 lux, 13.8 g/hen (15.8 %) at 15 lux, 14.5 g/hen (16.6 %) at 30 lux, and 5.8 g/hen (6.7 %) at 100 lux. Hen-day egg production rate was 96.0 %; and most of the eggs were laid at <1 lux (61.9 % of total) which was significantly different from other light intensities (P < 0.05). The hens displayed a circadian photoperiod of 10 h darkness (<1 lux) and 14 h light or 14L:10D, which is different from the typical commercial practice of 16L:8D photoperiod. The light and dark periods were distributed intermittently thoughout the day, with time spent in the darkness being 25.0 ± 0.4 min per hour.

Comments

This proceeding is from 2015 ASABE Annual International Meeting, Paper No. 152190389, pages 1-15 (doi: 10.13031/aim.20152190389). St. Joseph, Mich.: ASABE. Posted with permission.

Copyright Owner
American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Citation Information
H. Ma, Hongwei Xin, Yang Zhao, B. Li, et al.. "Assessment of lighting needs by laying hens via preference tests" New Orleans, LA, United States(2015)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/hongwei_xin/292/