Groups Of Hens Research Articles

THE PRODUCTIVITY OF EGG-CROSS CHICKENS DEPENDS ON THEM NUMBERS IN CAGES OF 12-TIER BATTERIES

The group size of hens is one of the key stimuli that affects the welfare of the bird. This is especially important for hens, which evolutionarily live in much smaller groups in the natural environment than in the conditions of enterprises producing edible eggs. But the specific parameters of hеns group size for keeping them in cages of multi-tiered batteries of traditional structures, known as "conventional cages" or "battery cages" according to the international classification, are not regulated by either domestic or foreign standards. There are only restrictions on the minimum number of chickens in one cage of batteries of "improved" designs ("modified enriched cages", or "furnished cages"). It should be at least 7 birds. Therefore, the purpose of the work was to study the productivity and efficiency of the production of edible eggs by increasing group size of hеns in cages of 12-tier batteries of traditional structures from 9 to 93 birds at the standard stocking density (area provision). For this, in the conditions of a modern complex for the production of edible eggs, 4 groups of hens were formed, each of which was kept in a separate poultry house-similar in area (2915 m2), equipped with 12-tier "Big Dutchman" cage batteries, the size and area of which cages differed. The group size of hens on 1st group was 9 birds/cage, 2 groups – 17 birds/cage, 3 groups – 52 birds/cage, 4 groups – 93 birds/cage, density of keeping hens of all groups – 22.6-23.1 birds/m2 with regulatory requirements no more than 25 birds/m2. It was established that an increase the group size of hens in cages from 9 to 93 birds contributes to an increase in the level of preservation (by 5.7%), laying per initial laying hen (by 9.1%), the volume of egg production (by 71.4%), in including based on the calculation per 1 m2 of the poultry house area, the level of profitability of their production from 34.7% to 40.1% and the reduction of the cost price from 1.70 to 1.56 UAH/egg.

THE STORAGE QUALITY OF EGGS FROM LAYERS FED WITH THE ADDITION OF VEGETABLE OILS

The aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of eggs from laying hens fed with vegetable oils, linseed and soybean, in terms of possible changes occurring during the storage. The material for the study consisted of 270 table eggs from hens fed with standard compound feed (C) and with the addition of linseed oil (L) and soybean oil (S) at a dose of 2.5%. On the day of laying, the zootechnical evaluation of egg quality was carried out (30 per group) and the rest of the eggs were placed in transport crates with the blunt end up and stored at 14 °C and 70% humidity. Analyses of their quality were performed after 14 and 28 days of storage. Characteristics of the whole egg (weight, specific gravity, proportion of morphological elements, air cell depth), shell (weight, colour, breaking strength, thickness, density, water conductivity), albumen (height, Haugh units, weight, pH) and yolk (weight, colour, pH) were evaluated. Regardless of the oil used, there was no variation between groups in egg weight loss, shell water conductivity or air cell depth during storage. The greatest range of yolk weight change was observed in eggs from groups of hens fed with added oils, which may indicate different permeability of vitelline membranes. Albumen quality traits showed no variation according to laying diet. The lightest shells characterised the eggs from hens in group L and the darkest from group C, while after 28 days of storage, the colour of the shells darkened, which was very evident in eggs from group S. Eggs from this group had the most resistant shells at the end of the experiment. It seems that the addition of linseed or soybean oil to laying feed can modify egg quality characteristics at the time of collection, while it does not significantly affect the storage stability of the raw material.

STUDYING THE INFLUENCE OF THE VERMI FEED ADDITIVE ON DOMESTIC BIRDS (LAYING HENS)

Target. To study the possibility of using vermicorm additives in the diets of laying hens to ensure better bsorption of nutrients in the diet of chickens. The results of experimental studies conducted on the use of a new feed additive derived from the biomass of red California worms as poultry feed are presented. The following optimal ratios of components in the developed feed additive in mass have been established. %: biomass of red California worms (6.0), sodium chloride (3.0), seaweed (5.0), calcium peroxide (2.0) the rest is a mixture of meal and cake (mass ratio 1:1) production of cottonseed oil. Scientific novelty. The originality of the solution to the problem lies in optimizing the feeding programs of birds of the egg productivity direction by using a new vermicorm additive. The main task is to replace synthetic antibiotics used for the prevention and treatment of birds and animals. The proposed feed additive (FA) is biologically active, has increased nutritional value due to the content of the complex of interchangeable and essential amino acids of animal and plant origin. In addition, it contains the necessary amount of micro (Se, I, Cu, Mo, Zn, F, etc.) and macronutrients that ensure the normal functioning of birds. According to the results of the experiment, during the period, the introduction of a fodder additive into the diet of hens of the layers noticed an increase in the intensity of egg production in the first group more by 20%, in the second group of hens of laying hens - 30% and in the third group - 50% compared to the control group.

Research on Phosphorus Requirements in Red-Mini-Rock Hens Fed on Different Cereal-Based Diets

The aim of this paper was to determine the available phosphorus requirements in Red-Mini-Rock hens fed on wheat and maize-based diets combined with different levels of phosphorus supplemented in the form of mono- and dicalcium phosphate, based on the effect on the main properties of the eggs. Three diets based on wheat (50%) having three levels of phosphorus, 4.5, 3.0 and 1.5 g/100 g dry matter diet, respectively, and three diets based on maize (58%), with the same supplemented phosphorus levels were designed. Feed intake, laying performance and egg weight were not modified by feeding. The thickness and weight of the egg shell were higher (P˂0.05) in groups of hens fed on phosphorus supplemented levels of 3.3 and 4.4 g/100 g diet in both wheat-based and maize-based diets. Breaking strength of the eggshell was significantly higher (P˂0.05) in the groups of hens fed on maize-based diets supplemented 4.5 and 3.0% in phosphorus, respectively. The internal characteristics of the eggs were not significantly altered, excepting the color of the yolk, which showed a significantly higher reflectivity absorption capacity (P˂0.05) in the groups fed on maize-based diets.

Evolution of some Haematological Parameters during the Process of Spontaneous Moult in Hy-Line Brown Hens

The purpose of this paper was to find out the evolution of the main haematological parameters in Hy-Line var. Brown hens raised in industrial system, during a natural moult process. The process of spontaneous moult started towards the end of the laying cycle (63 weeks of age) and lasted about seven weeks. Two groups were set up for monitoring: a control group of hens that did not show signs of moult and an experimental group of spontaneously moulted hens. Blood was sampled weekly, from the moment of observing the onset of moult, to the complete re-dressing with feathers, respectively a period of seven weeks. Haematological parameters showed a specific dynamic during this process. This dynamic is dominated by a decrease in red blood cells, packed cell volume and haemoglobin (P<0.05), on the one hand, and a decrease in the white cell number and in the percentage of lymphocytes (P<0.05) on the other. These changes take place predominantly in the first three weeks of the moult period. In the next period of the process, the modified haematological parameters return to the values comparable to those of the control (P > 0.05).

Effect of the selenized yeast added in feed on selenium-containing proteins of albumins in egg yolk

This work was aimed to study the effects of the selenized yeast added in feed on selenium-containing proteins of egg yolk. Two groups of the same little hens were given the ordinary grain feed either unsupplemented selenized yeast (Group O) or supplemented with 0.15% selenized yeast (Group Y), respectively. The water-soluble Se-containing proteins were isolated and purified from the two group eggs yolk using the same conditions. SeP1-1 and SeP1-I were purified from the yolk of Group Y and Group O, respectively. Sequences identified by HPLC-MS/MS showed that SeP1-1 was a highly homologous Se-containing protein with Se-free YGP-42 with 83% match, in which Se species include methylselenocysteine and selenocysteine. SeP1-I was a highly homologous Se-containing protein with Se-free ovalbumin with 78.2% match, in which Se species include selenomethionine and selenocysteine. It can be concluded that the selenized yeast can change the compositions and structures of Se-containing proteins in egg yolk.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF EGGMORPHOMETRIC PARAMETERS OF HENS OF DIFFERENT GENOTYPES

The paper shows the results of assessing the quality of eggs according to morphometric and morphological parameters of purebred hens of meat and egg productivity, as well as their crossbreeds of the first generation in order to compare them, to identify significant differences in egg quality, with subsequent application of the results for forecasts of hatching house work for obtaining of a model population of chickens and the possibility to search for candidate genes responsible for the commercial qualities of eggs. Collection of morphological and biophysical parameters was carried out on a highly sensitive analyzer Stable Micro Systems, laboratory electronic scales Ohaus and using caliper. Analysis of eggs obtained from 3 groups of analogue hens, namely Russian white (egg), Cornish white (meat) hens and their F1 offspring at the age of 44-52 weeks, showed their compliance with incubation and commercial quality parametres. Significant differences were established between the experimental groups in terms of shape index and egg weight, shell weight, and dense protein weight. A significant difference was found in regards to shell thickness: crossbred individuals were 10% inferior to their purebred analogues. As far as shell color is concerned, crossbred hens inherited characteristics from both parent breeds. Analysis of liquid components of the egg showed the genotype influence only on yolk index, whereasyolk color and protein quality according to Haugh units were without significant differences. Crossing Cornish meat breed and Russian White egg breed does not adversely affect the quality of the eggs. The obtained result confirms to some extent the splitting of genes when obtaining a model population of chickens by crossing parental individuals of opposite directions of productivity.

Development of an in vivo radiographic method with potential for use in improving bone quality and the welfare of laying hens through genetic selection

ABSTRACT 1. Genetic selection for bone quality can improve this, as it is heritable. A method was established using digital X-ray which took around 40 s in total and gave an image that allowed quantification of bone density from many appendicular bones. 2. The tibiotarsus measurement of bone density on the live hen across the different experiments had correlations with post-mortem whole bone radiographic density from 0.62 to 0.7, similar to that between density and material properties for example. Differences between groups of hens, where calcium and phosphorus in the diet were manipulated, were detected within 3 weeks of treatment using live hen measurement (P < 0.001, n = 24). 3. In a gage analysis, ‘hen’ explained more than 86% of the variance, demonstrating the ability to observe clear differences between hens. The effect of different operators’ analysis on the contribution to variance was very low as was the repeated measurement of the same hen. 4. The measurement of bone density on the live hen described in this paper represented major progress to a usable method for genetic selection to improve bone strength in laying hens. The method has the potential to reduce the number of animals needed to test nutritional and management interventions to improve bone health.

Production and Evaluation of Chicken Egg Yolk Immunoglobulin (IgY) against Human and Simian Rotaviruses.

Producing specific antibodies in chickens is an attractive approach for diagnosis or therapeutic applications. Besides the high immunoglobulin Y (IgY) yield transferred to the egg yolk and its suitability for large-scale production, such an approach is more bioethical for animal maintenance. The IgY technology offers new possibilities for application in human and veterinary diagnostics and therapeutics, including strategies for treating severe intestinal diseases in children, particularly in emerging countries. Herein, we describe the production and purification of polyclonal antibodies against rotavirus group A (RVA) in immunised hens aiming at its application in prophylaxis and treatment of rotavirus-induced diarrhoea. For this purpose, we inoculated Rhodia laying chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) with two or three doses of RVA combined with adjuvants or only adjuvants (control group). As the egg-laying period began, the yolk protein purification processes yielded a high concentration of specific IgY, the highest titre resulting from the group of hens that received three doses of the immunogen. The purified IgY blocked the functional activity of RVA in MA-104 cells, thus confirming the neutralisation ability. Therefore, anti-RVA IgY could be a promising candidate for pre- and post-exposure prevention or treatment of rotavirus-induced diarrhoea.

Efeitos do produto ZooBioR2 como suplemento alimentar em galinhas poedeiras sobre o estado funcional da mucosa intestinal

ABSTRACT Spirulina platensis is a microalga with biological activity used to produce nutritional supplements rich in proteins, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. The current study aims to prove the impact of the product ZooBioR2 (obtained from Spirulina platensis) on health, and on the histology of duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and cecum in laying hens. The experiment was performed in duplicate on 5 groups of hens (14 birds/group), one control and four experimental, in which the feed was supplemented with ZooBioR2 in different doses (5.0; 10.0; 15.0; 20.0mg active substance/kg of fodder). Inclusion of the supplement in the diet have determined a significant decrease of height of intestinal villi, the depth of the crypts and the thickness of muscular layer of mucosa in the experimental groups receiving 15.0 and 20.0mg/kg. The decrease of crypts depth is an indicator of a higher rate of turn-over of epithelial tissue. The morphological changes of intestinal mucosa could be involved in a better digestibility of the fodder.

Influence of Bacillus subtilis on the productivity of laying hens of the Brown Nik cross in summer time

On the market of feed and veterinary additives, there is a wide range of drugs that have a positive effect on the poultry body. We conducted a scientific and economic experiment to study the effect of a probiotic based on Bacillus subtilis on the productivity of laying hens of the Brown Nick cross. Each enterprise strives to find the most optimal solutions for its production. Thus, we have conducted a scientific and economic experiment. For the experiment, two groups of hens were selected - layers of the Brown Nick cross, of the same age. The nutrition program for both groups was the same. The difference was that the birds of the experimental group were introduced into the diet - 1000 g /t of the probiotic Bacillus subtilis. The probiotic supplementation minimized heat stress losses and prevented performance degradation. The bird of the experimental group, which was injected with Bacillus subtilis, increased the percentage of the intensity of egg production than the bird of the control. A deeper study of the use of probiotic complexes in the enzymatic system will allow producers of probiotics to reduce the cost of a feeding program for laying hens.

EVALUATIONS OF MECHANICAL PROPERTIES FOR FREE-RANGE AND CAGED CHICKEN FEMURS

ABSTRACT This study focuses on investigating the femoral bone properties of both caged and free-range chickens using the mechanical test techniques. Intact femurs extracted from both caged and free-range chickens were subjected experimentally to three-point bending and tensile tests to obtain the material properties. Each test has performed particular applications considering the relevant standards. Two different modular fixtures were developed and used to calculate the mechanical properties of the chicken femurs. This study aims to investigate the usability of the chicken femurs for biomechanical studies to imitate human bones in terms of strength and define the property differences between the caged and free-range hens’ femurs. The results were presented and some significant femur differences were observed between the two groups of hens’ femurs. The modulus of elasticity (E) and ultimate strength (σUTS ) values of the free-range hens’ femurs were found to be about 51% and 15% higher than the caged hen’s femurs. The findings of the present study were found to be compatible with those of the studies in the literature. The results suggested that the chicken intact femurs can be used in biomechanical studies for orthopaedic applications instead of the real human bone material model with similar properties.

Effect of graded dietary inclusion levels of hybrid rye grain on productive performance, the cost-effectiveness of nutrition and egg quality in laying hens

Abstract The study was designed to investigate productivity parameters, egg quality and the cost effectiveness of feeding laying hens with diets where ground wheat was replaced with varying levels of whole hybrid rye grain cv. Brasetto. A total of 396 Hy-Line Brown hens at 34 weeks of age were allocated to three treatment groups with 66 replicates (cages) of two hens each, and were fed isocaloric and isonitrogenous pelleted diets for 12 weeks. The diet for control group hens (R0) did not contain rye grain. In diets for hens from groups R100 and R200, ground wheat grain was partially replaced with whole rye grain at 100 g/kg and 200 g/kg, respectively. Whole intact rye grains were included in the diets. The cost of diets containing 10% and 20% of whole rye grain was by approximately 1.0% and 1.9% lower, respectively, compared with the control diet that contained no rye grain. During the entire 12-week feeding period, dietary treatments had no effect on laying rate (95.64% to 97.07%), egg weight (62.51 g to 62.74 g) or egg mass output (5.04 kg to 5.12 kg per hen). The inclusion of whole rye grain in layer diets caused a linear increase in feed intake (P&lt;0.047) and tended to linearly increase the feed conversion ratio (FCR, P = 0.078). Both groups of hens fed diets containing whole rye grain were characterized by a linear decrease in the dry matter (DM) content of excreta (P = 0.001). Increased excreta moisture was accompanied by a tendency towards a higher incidence of dirty eggshells in R200 hens (P = 0.068). The inclusion of 100 g/kg of whole rye grain in layer diets decreased the cost of feed per kg of eggs by 1.9%. Dietary treatments had no significant effect on eggshell thickness (0.330 mm–0.345 mm), albumen quality (Haugh units, 83.46–85.84) or yolk color (3.8–4.0). The results of this experiment indicate that pre-pellet inclusion of whole rye (at up to 200 g/kg) in diets with supplemental NSP-degrading enzymes and phytase can be an effective and economically viable alternative to ground wheat in pelleted layer diets.

Hierarchical development of dominance through the winner-loser effect and socio-spatial structure.

In many groups of animals the dominance hierarchy is linear. What mechanisms underlie this linearity of the dominance hierarchy is under debate. Linearity is often attributed to cognitively sophisticated processes, such as transitive inference and eavesdropping. An alternative explanation is that it develops via the winner-loser effect. This effect implies that after a fight has been decided the winner is more likely to win again, and the loser is more likely to lose again. Although it has been shown that dominance hierarchies may develop via the winner-loser effect, the degree of linearity of such hierarchies is unknown. The aim of the present study is to investigate whether a similar degree of linearity, like in real animals, may emerge as a consequence of the winner-loser effect and the socio-spatial structure of group members. For this purpose, we use the model DomWorld, in which agents group and compete and the outcome of conflicts is self-reinforcing. Here dominance hierarchies are shown to emerge. We analyse the dominance hierarchy, behavioural dynamics and network triad motifs in the model using analytical methods from a previous study on dominance in real hens. We show that when one parameter, representing the intensity of aggression, was set high in the model DomWorld, it reproduced many patterns of hierarchical development typical of groups of hens, such as its high linearity. When omitting from the model the winner-loser effect or spatial location of individuals, this resemblance decreased markedly. We conclude that the combination of the spatial structure and the winner-loser effect provide a plausible alternative for hierarchical linearity to processes that are cognitively more sophisticated. Further research should determine whether the winner-loser effect and spatial structure of group members also explains the characteristics of hierarchical development in other species with a different dominance style than hens.

Effect of Modified Clinoptilolite to Counteract the Deleterious Effects of Ochratoxin A on Egg Production and Quality

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of modified clinoptilolite as mycotoxins adsorbent in preventing negative effects of ochratoxin A (OTA) on egg production and egg quality of laying hens exposed to this mycotoxin. Forty-eight (n=48) laying hens (27 weeks old) were used in this study. The hens were randomly divided into six equal groups and were fed for 7 weeks with a standard diet in addition to: E-I group - 1 mg/kg OTA; E-II group 0.25 mg/kg OTA; E-III group 1mg/kg OTA + 0.2% of MZ; E-IV group 0.25 mg/kg OTA + 0.2% of MZ. MZ group of hens was fed with standard diets containing 0.2% of the adsorbent (MZ). The control group of hens was fed with standard diet, without any addition of OTA or MZ. The present study showed that laying hens fed with 1 mg/kg of OTA (E-I), had a significant decrease (p<0.05) of all performance parameters during the trial, while group fed with 0.25 mg/kg OTA have shown no adverse effects on egg production and egg quality. Addition of modified clinoptilolite (0.2%) to the diet containing the OTA, minimized these effects bringing values not significantly different from the control diet for most of the parameters. These findings clearly indicate the protective potential of modified clinoptilolite against the toxic effects of OTA in laying hens.

EGG PRODUCTIVITY OF HENS DEPENDING ON ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING CONDITIONS PREMISES IN THE AREA OF THEIR KEEPING

Light is one of the technological stimuli affecting the physiological processes and behavioral reactions of hens. Enterprises producing edible eggs on an industrial basis keep laying hens mainly in windowless poultry houses, which are illuminated by various sources of artificial light. At the same time, the intensity of lighting and the duration of the daylight hours control their productivity. Recently, another factor affecting the preservation of laying hens was discovered. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the efficiency of the production of edible eggs under the influence of the light stimulus on the body of hens caused by keeping them in rooms, the lighting of which is carried out by LED lamps with different light wavelengths. For this purpose, in the conditions of a modern complex for the production of edible eggs, 4 groups of hens were formed, each of which was kept in a separate poultry house-similar in terms of area and cage equipment (12-tier cage batteries of traditional designs). In particular, hens of the 1st group (control) were kept using LED lamps with a light wavelength of ~460 nm, the 2nd group ~600 nm, the 3rd group ~630 nm and the 4th group ~650 nm. It was found that the use of LED lamps with a light wavelength of ~650 nm to illuminate poultry houses during the keeping of egg-cross hens in cages of 12-tier batteries of traditional designs ensures the production of an additional 2.9-15.1 million eggs in 34 weeks of the productive period costing UAH 1.7-39.3 million, than LED lamps with a peak light wavelength of ~460, ~600 and ~630 nm. With the use of LED lamps with a light wavelength of ~650 nm, the preservation of laying hens was 95.5%, i.e. by 0.7-10.2% it exceeded the level achieved with other versions of them with a wavelength of world wavelength (~460-630 nm). At the same time, the cost of production of edible eggs amounted to UAH 1.47/eggs, that is, it was lower by 3.4-17.0%, and the level of profitability was 43.3% (it was higher by 1.7-9.5%).

HENS PRODUCTIVITY OF KEEPING AT CERTAIN TIERS OF CAGE BATTERIES

Differences in egg-laying, preservation and other economically useful characteristics were determined between 4 groups of hens of the industrial flock of egg cross "Hy-Line W-36" (USA), which were kept on different tiers of the cage battery. The experiment was conducted in the conditions of a modern complex for the production of edible eggs (Kyiv region) for keeping hens in cages of the 12-tier battery "Big Dutchman" (Germany). In particular, hens of 1st group were kept in cages of 1-3 tiers of the battery, 2nd groups – in cages of 4-6 tiers, 3rd groups – 7-9 tiers, 4th groups –10-12 tiers. The initial population of hens on each tier of the battery was 39,592 heads, and in the experimental groups – 118,776 birds. The experiment lasted 44 weeks of the productive period, namely from the beginning of laying at the age of 18 weeks until the laying hens reached the age of 62 weeks. The 235.4 eggs were obtained for the initial layer of 1st group, 2nd groups – 251.5 eggs, 3rd groups – 256.3 eggs, 4th groups – 257.1 eggs. Hens of 4th group, which were kept in cages of the 3 upper tiers of the battery, significantly (P&lt;0.001) surpassed their counterparts from 1st group (3 lower tiers) also in terms of preservation (93.9 and 83.1%, respectively), weight eggs (65.8 and 63.7 g), the amount of egg mass obtained per initial laying hen (16.6 and 14.8 kg), according to the level of the coefficient of efficiency of egg production (22.5 and 19.9 u.o.). The hens of 2 and 3 groups also surpassed the hens of 1 group according to the parameters of the indicated indicators, but were inferior to the 4th. So, when kept on 1-3 tiers of the cage battery, laying hens felt less comfortable than their counterparts on 4-12 tiers. It is assumed that this is related to the timid reaction of laying hens of whiteegg crosses to the movement of service personnel between rows of cage batteries during the workingday when performing certain technological operations. Hens of 1-3 tiers of these workers can see, 4th tier – only the top of the head of some (over 170 cm tall), and for laying hens of 5-12 tiers, all personnel movements remain out of sight.

Investigation of Two Precipitation Methods for Extracting Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) from Egg Yolks

Two groups of hens (control and immunization group) were arranged in an experimental design with an immunization schedule of 3 injections of BSA antigen. IgY antibodies were extracted from egg yolks by two precipitation processes (chloroform and polyethylene glycol precipitates) and quantified using a standard curve of protein concentration. The purification of IgYwas confirmed by SDS-PAGE. Total protein extracted from egg yoks were less contaminated with yellow pigments (lutein and zeaxanthin) by using chloroform precipitate. The 2nd week post-immunization, IgY concentration increased respectively to 3903 ± 726 μg.ml-1 (chloroform extraction process) and 2937 ± 294 μg.ml-1 (PEG extraction process) (P &lt; 0.01). After 3rdimmunization, IgY level obtaining from in immunization group extracted by chloroform process (6633 ± 1166 μg.ml-1) increased 2.7 times higher than that in control group (2482 ± 414 μg.ml-1). Whereas IgY concentrations obtained from PEG extraction process were not significantly different between the experimental group and control group. Chloroform and PEG precipitation methods had the same protein profile on the SDSPAGE. IgY antibody was identified by the presence of bands corresponding with IgY heavy chain (67-70 kDa) and IgY light chain (25 kDa) for both precipitation processes.

Ефективність виробництва харчових яєць за використання для утримання несучок монохромного світла з різною довжиною світлової хвилі

Ефективність виробництва харчових яєць за використання для утримання несучок монохромного світла з різною довжиною світлової хвилі

Influence of light wavelength on viability and reproductive function of hens

The article presents the results of influence of monochrome light with different light wavelengths on the hens’ viability and productivity. For this purpose, in the conditions of a modern complex for production of food eggs in a poultry house with an area of 2915 m2, 4 groups of hens of the industrial herd “Hy-Line W-36” were formed, each of which was kept in a separate poultry house similar in area and cage equipment. Each poultry house was equipped with “Big Dutchman” cage batteries, consisting of 1176 cages with an area of 40544 cm2. The differences between the poultry houses applied only to LED lamps. Hens of the 1st group were kept using LED lamps with a peak light wavelength of 458 nm (blue color of the spectrum), the 2nd group – 603 nm (yellow color of the spectrum), the 3rd group – 632 nm (orange color of the spectrum) and 4 groups – 653 nm (red color of the spectrum). Every day, for 34 weeks of the productive period (up to 52 weeks of age), the number of eggs laid by the laying hens of each group was determined. The number of hatched hens (due to death and culling) was also counted daily and the number of livestock was determined. Once a week, the weight of eggs and live weight of laying hens were measured from certain labeled cages. It was found that the reduction of the wavelength of light during the keeping of hens in the cages of multi-tiered batteries affects their viability and reproductive function. The decrease in the peak wavelength from 653 to 632 nm, which was manifested by a change in the color of light from red to orange, was accompanied by a decrease in the preservation by 0.3 %, body weight – by 0.8 %, egg laying on the initial laying – by 3.1 %, egg-laying per average laying hen – by 2.8 % and feed costs – by 0.2 %. The decrease in the peak wavelength to 603 nm, that is the change in the color of light from red and orange to yellow, was accompanied by a decrease in the preservation by 6.4–6.7 %, body weight – by 0.5–1.3 %, egg production by initial laying hen – by 7.1–10.0 %, laying hens on the average laying hen – by 0.4–3.2 % and feed costs – by 2.0–2.1 %. The decrease in the peak wavelength to 458 nm, that is the change in light color from red, orange and yellow to blue, was accompanied by a decrease in the preservation by 3.2–9.9 %, body weight – by 5.2–6.5 %, laying hens per initial laying hen – by 6.4–15.8 %, laying hens per middle laying hen – by 2.9–6.0 % and feed costs – by 1.0–3.1 %.