New monochromatic light source for laying hens

Abstract

Artificial illumination is an important factor in the management of layers. In this study, a new monochromatic light system was developed for egg layers. Prelaying pullets (Lohmann) were marked and housed in nine light and temperature control rooms (15 battery cages, 3 hens per cage; n = 45), divided into three light treatments: 0.1 and 0.01 W/m2 light intensity using light emitting diode (LED) lamps and 0.1 W/m2 using mini-fluorescent bulbs (PL) (control). In each of the LED rooms, three wavelengths were tested: 560 (n = 9), 660 (n = 9), 880 (n = 6), and 660 intermitted lighting (15 min light 45 min dark, 660IN) (n = 9). Birds were exposed to 12 h light and 12 h of darkness using PL lamps. At 21 wk of age, the light period was increased to 12.75 h by using 5.5 h of LED lamps and 7.25 of PL light source for Groups 1 and 2, the third group received 12.75 h of PL light. Until 28 wk of age, light hours increased by 0.5 h/w using LED light for Groups 1 and 2 and PL source for the third group, reaching 16 h of light at 28 wk of age. Egg production and feed consumption were recorded daily; egg components were recorded weekly for 10 mo. A significant reduction in egg production was observed in all 880nm groups; no differences in egg production and quality were found in the other groups. Feed consumption was significantly lower by 7% in all 0.01 W/m2 groups. We suggest that an important reduction in rearing costs of laying hens may be obtained by using this system.

Effect of light colour on egg production and egg contamination

“…These results are in agreement with Woodard et al (1969) and Rozenboim et al (1998) in Japanese quail and laying hens, respectively. Rozenboim et al (1998) confirmed that in laying hens the light colour did not affect the average egg weight during the laying period.…”

“…These results are in agreement with Woodard et al (1969) and Rozenboim et al (1998) in Japanese quail and laying hens, respectively. Rozenboim et al (1998) confirmed that in laying hens the light colour did not affect the average egg weight during the laying period. Our results correspond also with the studies of Freitas et al (2010) and Borille et al (2013) who confirmed that egg weight was not influenced by light colour.…”

“…The eggshell strength in green light was significantly higher than that in other lights (Pyrzak et al 1987). In contrast, the reports of Woodard et al (1969) for quails and Rozenboim et al (1998) for chickens suggested that egg weight was not affected by light colour. Pyrzak and Siopes (1986) found no differences in maturity of pullets or egg production in force-moulted hens reared under blue or red monochromatic light compared with conventional incandescent light.…”

The use of light-emitting diodes (LED) in commercial layer production

“…On the hand, in the experiment carried out in China by ER et al (2007), who compared different LED colors with incandescent lamp and obtained heavier eggs (p<0.05) when incandescent light was used compared with red LED. Rozenboim et al (1998) did not find any effects of light color or intensity on egg weight, but suggest that further studies should be carried out to elucidate this. Egg weight usually depends on hen age and to nutritional factors.…”

Influence of artificial lighting on the performance and egg quality of commercial layers: a review

“…Lighting of layer houses using lightemitting diode (LED) technology Rozenboim et al (1998) evaluated a new lighting system using monochromatic light for layers. In total, 45 layers were distributed in 15 cages per room (3 per cage) and submitted to three treatments: 0.1 and 0.01 W.m -2 light intensity using LED lamps or 0.1 W.m -2 using compact fluorescent lamps (PL or control treatment).…”