Effects of Light Intensity on Leghorn Pullets During the Development and Laying Periods

Abstract

THE possibility that light intensity affects laying hens has been recognized for many years. Fairbanks (1924) determined that from 0.8 to 1.0 foot candle (f.c.) of light was necessary on the floor for hens to actively feed. Roberts and Carver (1941) and Dobie et al. (1946) found that if hens had 13 hours of light per day, varying light intensity from 1.0 to 31.3 f.c. had no effect on egg production; and Nicholas et al. (1944) observed no effects due to varying intensities from 0.5 to 38.0 f.c. on the floor with 0 to 27 f.c. on the roosting perches. Ostrander et al. (1960) reported no advantage from supplying high intensity light in pens of laying hens. Platt (1953) found that supplementing natural light with 4 hours of dim red light stimulated winter egg production and that using 8 hours of supplemental dim red light stimulated maximum production. Morris and…