Comparisons of time intervals and plasma LH concentrations during the ovulatory cycle of broiler breeder hens maintained under either a 24 h light:dark cycle or continuous light.

Abstract

The possibility that egg production in broiler breeder hens may be increased by selection for reduced oviposition interval under continuous light was investigated by comparing the pattern of pre-ovulatory releases of plasma luteinising hormone (LH) and the associated ovipositions in the same broiler hens maintained under normal cycles (15.25 h light/d) or continuous light. The lighting conditions had no effect on plasma concentrations of LH before and at the pre-ovulatory LH peak in first, mid-sequence or terminal ovulatory cycles. Plasma LH concentrations were similar during first, mid-sequence and terminal ovulatory cycles. Mid-sequence oviposition intervals and the interval between a mid-sequence LH peak and its associated oviposition were longer under continuous light than under normal lighting. Pre-ovulatory releases of LH occurred during a restricted period of day in both lighting conditions. Under continuous lighting they were probably entrained by the daily pattern of restricted feeding. Any selection programme for reduced oviposition interval under continuous lighting in broiler breeder hens should take into account the entraining effects of the daily pattern of feeding.