Effect of Monochromatic and Combined Light Colour on Performance, Blood Parameters, Ovarian Morphology and Reproductive Hormones in Laying Hens

Abstract

We evaluated the effect of monochromatic and combined light emitting diode (LED) light colour on performance, ovarian morphology, and reproductive hormone and biochemical blood parameters in laying hens. A total of 600 Hy-line Brown pullets, 12 weeks of age, were divided (25×4×6 = birds × replications × treatments) as follows: red (R), green (G), blue (B), and combinations of R→G and R→G→B treatments. Fluorescent white light (W) was the control. The results showed that higher egg production was found under the monochromatic R and combination R→G treatments, and that heavier eggs were laid by the B and G treatments (P<0.05). Consequently, better feed conversion ratio was attained in the R→G treatment. Serum follicle stimulating hormone and 17 -estradiol levels were significantly higher in the R and R→G treatments. B treated birds came into production 15 days later than those treated with R light. Organ weight (ovary and stroma) and ovarian follicle numbers (1-3 and 4-6 mm) were significantly higher in R treated birds, as well as serum glucose and triglyceride contents. Serum IgG concentrations and the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio were not influenced by light colour. In these laying hens, 14 h R with 2 h G light in the later part of the day increased reproductive hormone levels, ovarian weight, and follicle number and hence increased egg production. Thus, these results suggest that a combination of R→G light may be comparable with monochromatic R light to enhance egg production in laying hens.

Effect of Led Lighting Colors for Laying Japanese Quails

“…This may explain the longer oviducts of the Japanese quails exposed to the red LED source and the fluorescent lamp, compared with the green LED source in the present study. Hassan et al (2013) observed that laying chickens exposed to red LED light presented heavier ovaries compared with those exposed to green and blue LED lights. These results suggest that long wavelengths stimulate retinal …”

Effect of light colour on egg production and egg contamination

“…The significantly highest hen-day production was observed in laying hens kept in red light (Min et al 2012) and white light (Borille et al 2013). Hassan et al (2013) indicated that egg production was similar Lewis and Morris (2000) the penetration of the red wavelength in the hypothalamus is more sexually stimulating than green or blue wavelength. The reason for the positive effect of red light on egg production could be attributed to the more efficient penetration of light of longer wavelengths (towards the orange-red spectrum) through the skin and skull than of short wavelengths (towards blue-green spectrum) leading to improvement of the reproductive performance of birds (Solangi et al 2004).…”

“…The reason for the positive effect of red light on egg production could be attributed to the more efficient penetration of light of longer wavelengths (towards the orange-red spectrum) through the skin and skull than of short wavelengths (towards blue-green spectrum) leading to improvement of the reproductive performance of birds (Solangi et al 2004). Hassan et al (2013) explained that the improving in average egg production when red light is used might be attributed to the elevation of serum follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone concentrations leading to the increase of ovarian follicle number. The lowest mortality was recorded in laying hens housed in red light (12.65%).…”

LED in production systems of laying hens: An alternative to increase sustainability

“…For example, hens can perceive ultraviolet and infrared radiation (Menes et al, 2013). Several works have been conducted (Gougruttananun and Guntapa, 2012;Silva et al, 2012;Jacomé et al, 2012;Hassan et al, 2013;Borrile et al, 2013;Mendes et al, 2013) in order to analyze the effects of different light sources on the egg quality and the performance of commercial laying hens.…”