The effect of linear lighting systems on the productive performance and egg quality of laying hens

Abstract

The low uniformity in light distribution provided by conventional lighting systems installed in laying poultry can compromise the productive performance and egg quality of laying hens. Thus, the aim of the current study is to evaluate the effect of a linear lighting system with light-emitting diode (LED strip) on the productive performance and egg quality of laying hens, by comparing it to the conventional LED lamp lighting system. The study used Hy-Line Brown hens from a commercial production unit. Hen-day egg production (%), mortality rate (%), egg weight (g), albumen height (mm), Haugh unit, eggshell thickness, eggshell strength, and thermal-environment conditions were evaluated from the 19th to the 48th wk of age. The results have shown that LED strips were capable of improving egg production ( P < 0.05) in comparison to LED lamps. Egg quality was not affected ( P > 0.05) by the evaluated lighting systems throughout the experimental period. Results of the current study indicate that the homogeneous illuminance distribution provided by the linear LED strip lighting system at different cage floors improved egg production in comparison to the conventional LED lamp lighting system.

The Role of Climate Control in Monogastric Animal Farming: The Effects on Animal Welfare, Air Emissions, Productivity, Health, and Energy Use

“…Probably, this simplification in the use of the term "indoor environmental control" is because agricultural engineers and researchers in this area have historically focused mainly on thermal and the gaseous environments, neglecting further aspects. Considering the presence of emerging studies and investigations focused on aspects such as light and acoustics in livestock houses [24][25][26][27], it seems more appropriate to also adopt a definition of indoor environment that includes thermal, gaseous, light and acoustic environments in the agricultural engineering sector. When only thermal and gaseous environments are considered, it would be clearer to adopt the term "climate control".…”

Factors affecting space use by laying hens in a cage-free aviary system: effect of nest lighting at pullet housing and of curtain nest color during laying

“…Lighting and its management (e.g., hours of lighting, light wavelengths, light distribution) are known to affect hen behavior as for their circadian activity, aggression, and use of spaces, besides oviposition rate and egg quality ( Er et al, 2007 ; Parvin et al, 2014 ; Barros et al, 2020 ). As hens prefer to lay in places with a low light intensity (<1 lux; Ma et al, 2016 ), nests do not usually have a light inside.…”

Effect of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels on egg-laying frequency in hens

“…Long-wave light more easily penetrates the skin tissue to stimulate the secretion of hormones that control reproduction from the pituitary gland [ 10 ]. These hormones include gonadotropins such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates the development and maturity of the ovum, and luteinizing hormone (LH), which plays a role in the ovulation of the ovum [ 11 ]. Optimal levels of FSH and LH can stimulate the growth of follicles fairly rapidly, resulting in increased egg production due to the increased number of follicles developed and ovulated [ 12 ].…”