Evaluation of different light intensities on the well-being, productivity, and eggs quality of laying hens

Abstract

Light sources and light intensity are factors that can elicit different responses in laying hens. Investigations carried out on this subject show divergent results or are scarce, particularly for light emitting diode (LED) sources and for more recent strains. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to evaluate the effects of different illuminances (5, 20, 50 and 100 lx), from linear LED lighting on the physiological responses, productive performance and egg quality of 25–36-week-old Hy-line W-80 laying hens. The experiment was conducted in climate-controlled wind tunnels and the birds were divided into three experimental flocks, each lasting 28 days. Initially, the birds underwent seven days of acclimatization, and the evaluations of all parameters were performed on Days 10, 14, 17, 21, 24 and 28 of each flock. The results demonstrated that the tested illuminances did not influence the responses of the birds and the quality of the eggs when their effect was evaluated separately (p > 0.05, F test). However, the illuminance exposure time influenced cloacal and surface temperatures, feed intake, body mass and albumen percentage. Therefore, an acclimatization period of 28 days is recommended for Hy-line W-80 laying hens at the peak laying period. The illuminances of 5, 20, 50 and 100 lx were not harmful for the laying hens, since the changes in the physiological responses remained within the thresholds recommended as comfort. Thus, environments with 5 lx were sufficient to guarantee access to feeders and drinkers by the birds and avoid discomfort and production and egg quality losses.