Ahemeral Photoperiods for Chicken Hens

Abstract

The effects of ahemeral lighting on egg production, egg quality, egg size, feed efficiency, and mortality were studied. Treatments consisted of light (L) and dark (D) cycles in hours as follows: (1) L14-D10, (2) L16-D10, (3) L18-D10, (4) L20-D10. Light intensity ranged from 11-21 lumens/sq. m. in each pen area. There were four pens of 100 S.C. White Leghorn pullets, 20 weeks old at start, on each treatment. Treatments 3 and 4 resulted in significantly (P < 0.05) lower egg production than treatments 1 and 2. Feed per dozen eggs was lower in treatment 1 than in treatments 2, 3, or 4, but only significantly so over 3 and 4. Haugh units were significantly lower for treatment 4 than 1 and 2. Treatment 3 was significantly lower than 1. Shell thickness for L14-D10 treatment was significantly lower than for any ahemeral treatments. Treatment 2 was significantly lower than treatment 3 but was not significantly lower than treatment 4. Average egg weight was significantly higher for treatments 3 and 4 compared to treatment 1. No differences in mortality were noted.