The Effects of Different Light Sources and Lighting Periods on Layers Production Traits, Feed Consumption and Egg Quality in Open Poultry Houses

Abstract

This study was conducted to compare the different light sources (Incandescent lamp, fluorescent and marcury vapor), lighting periods (16 and 17 hours) and methods (Continuous and intermittent) on protuction traits, feed consumption and egg quality. In addition treatments were compared for net befeit. Localy bred hybrids G(92)xS(92) were used in this study. There were statistical differences among the treatments for the age at first egg, 50% production age and live weight at 50% production age and at 72 nd week (P<0.05). The differences beetwen the treatments for the live weight at 5% production age, feed consumption, livability during the laying period, egg production and peak egg production age were not statistically significant. The heaviest eggs were obtained from the 17 hours continuos lighting treatments. There were no statistical differences among the treatments in terms of the other characteristics; shape index, specific gravity, breakage strength, shell thickness, albumen and yolk indexes, Haugh Unit and yolk color tone. The most profitable treatment was 16 hours intermittent lighting (1 L, 1D, 1 L, ...) with fluorescent lamp.