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Intermittent lighting regimes and mortality rates in laying hens

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2007

P.D. Lewis ,
G.C. Perry ,
T.R. Morris  and
M.M. Midgley
P.D. Lewis
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Husbandry, University of Bristol, School of Veterinary Science, Bristol BS18 7DU, UK
G.C. Perry
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Husbandry, University of Bristol, School of Veterinary Science, Bristol BS18 7DU, UK
T.R. Morris
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture, University of Reading, Reading RG6 2AT, UK
M.M. Midgley
Affiliation:
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Agricultural Development and Advisory Service, Northampton NN5 7QG, UK
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Abstract

A literature search was carried out for papers which described the intermittent lighting of laying hens and included information on mortality and behavioural responses. A review of 36 sets of mortality data indicated that intermittent lighting generally improved bird liveability, compared with that under conventional lighting. Biomittent lighting, which involved low total daily amounts of illumination, gave the greatest improvement. This brings into question welfare recommendations for a minimum of 8 h illumination per 24-h cycle. Asymmetrical and Biomittent intermittent lighting generally reduced vices, obesity and heat stress. Hens submitted to asymmetrical and Biomittent intermittent lighting had similar endocrine periodicities and patterns of activity to conventionally illuminated birds.

Keywords

Intermittent lightlaying henslightmortalitywelfare
Type
Research Article
Information
World's Poultry Science Journal , Volume 48 , Issue 2 , July 1992 , pp. 113 - 120
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1992

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