Effects of photoperiod during incubation on embryonic and post‐embryonic development of quail and chickens¹

Abstract

Synopsis The effect of light during incubation on embryonic and post‐embryonic development of White Leghorn chickens and Northern Bobwhite quail was determined. The treatments were: (a) 12 h light followed by 12 h dark (12L—12D), (b) 24 h light (24L—0D) and (c) 24 h dark (0L—24D) per day throughout incubation. The development of the embryos of both species was accelerated by increasing the length of exposure to light during incubation. There were no differences in hatchability, weight at hatching, or at 4, 8, 12, 16 or 20 weeks of age. The incidence of healed navels was increased with greater length of exposure to light during incubation. No differences in egg production due to treatment were detected. Notes Florida Agricultural Experiment Station Journal Series No. 4094. Present address: Christmas, Florida.