Production of Bambusicola thoracicus under the Influence of Light Intensity and Photoperiod

Abstract

Influence of photoperiod and light intensity on Bambusicola thoracicus was studied, whereby One Hundred birds were distributed into 5 treatment groups viz. A1, A2, B1, B2 and C. The birds in group A1 were treated with light intensity of 80 luxes/8 hours during growing period and 240 luxes/16 hours during laying period, group A2 with light intensity 20 luxes/8 hours during growing period and 60 luxes/16 hours during laying period. Birds in group B1 were provided photoperiod of 5 luxes/16 hours during growing and 15 luxes/20 hours during laying period, while in group B2 photoperiod of 5 luxes/12 hours during growing and 15 luxes/18 hours during laying period was provided. Group C was kept as control group. Results indicated average body weight of group A1, A2, B1, B2 and C, 196.25; 192.24; 186.98; 190.00 and 190.44g/b respectively, feed intake 202.13; 211.98; 230.11; 212.25 and 207.11g/b respectively. The FCR was recorded best in group A1, while carcass weight (99.57g), dressing percentage (52.02%) and egg length (33.11mm) was found higher in group A2. Average egg production percent was higher in group B1 (70.24), egg width in A1 (24.89) respectively. Study concludes that the Bambusicola thoracicus reared under 80 luxes light intensity for 8hrs per day during growing period and 240 luxes light intensity for 16hrs per day in laying period showed better FCR and feed intake, however egg production was observed better when birds were provided 5 luxes for 16hrs photoperiod during growing and 15 luxes for 20hrs photoperiod during laying period.