Influences of intermittent light regime
as a tool to enhance egg production, egg quality, and
blood parameters of laying hens were investigated. A
total of 270 hens of Rhode Island Red (during 20 to
36 wk of age) were used to investigate the effects of
intermittent light regime in completely randomized design.
The birds were divided into 3 equal groups (6
replicates of 15 birds each) and housed in floor pens.
The first group was served as non-treated control (C)
and was exposed to continuous and constant light for
16 h light/day throughout the experimental period.
Whereas, birds of the other groups were exposed to
intermittent lights for 20 min/h + 40 min of constant
light (T1; FLASH20) and 40 min/h + 20 min
of constant light (T2; FLASH40) during the 16 h of
light period. Hens of T1 group showed significantly
(P ≤ 0.05) the highest concentration of total antioxidant
capacity and the lowest one of malondialdehyde
in comparison with the other groups. Hens of T1 group
had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) the greatest egg laying rate
and egg mass in comparison with the other counterparts.
Feed consumption was similar in the groups under
study. Hens exposed to FLASH20 had the lowest
(P ≤ 0.05) FCR when compared with the other treatments.
Eggs produced from hens exposed to FLASH20
had the highest value of shell thickness followed by the
control and then that of those exposed to FLASH40.
There were insignificant differences among the treatments
in body weight of hens and all of other egg quality
and egg problem traits. In conclusion, intermittent
light regime of 20 min/h was the most efficient in comparison
with the other ones. Finally, intermittent light
regime of 20 min/h during laying period (during 20 to
36 wk of age) is highly recommended |
