The Effects of Light Intensity on Turkey Poult Performance, Eye Morphology, and Adrenal Weight

Abstract

Two trials were completed that examined the effects of light intensity on poult performance, adrenal weight, and ocular size during the first 2 weeks after hatching. In both trials the treatments started on the day of hatching and consisted of 23 hr of light per day of either 1.1, 11, 110, or 220 lx intensity from incandescent bulbs. A light intensity of 1.1 lx, but not 11, 110, or 220 lx, had an adverse effect on poult performance as indicated by significantly smaller body weights, reduced feed intake, and increased mortality in both trials. In addition, the poults in the 1.1 lx treatment group had significantly enlarged eyes in both trials and significantly greater adrenal weights in Trial 2 than the other treatment groups. It was concluded that low light intensity of 1.1 lx resulted in poor poult performance, and this was accompanied by an altered morphology of the eyes and the adrenal gland.