Light

[Saviour Uyinosa]

I use 17 hours of lightning

[Asia Community Manager]

The below post from January 2025 South & Southeast Asia Poultry Community Pod may be of interest.

LIGHT REQUIREMENTS FOR LAYER HENS

<i style=””>The following should be considered as general information only, you should always seek professional advice, specific to your individual circumstances:

During the laying cycle of laying hens, especially in the peak laying period of laying hens, the requirements for light intensity and light time are very strict. When necessary, artificial light is required. The lighting requirements of laying hens at different stages are different.

Light Requirements Of Laying Hens At Different Stages

The reproductive system of hens before 10 weeks of age is less sensitive to light. Between 10 to 20 weeks, it is gradually sensitive to light. After 16 weeks of age, the reproductive system is particularly sensitive to light. Light management during this period is very important. It is related to whether the flock can start production at the right time.

Laying hens require approximately 14 to 16 hours of light per day to achieve optimal egg production. This light exposure is crucial for stimulating their reproductive systems, which are highly responsive to changes in day length. Hens will begin laying eggs when they receive around 14 hours of light per day, however, to maximise egg production, hens should be exposed to about 16 hours of light daily. This extended light period ensures that hens reach their peak laying potential.

Recommended Light Management Practices

• Light Intensity: maintaining an intensity of around 10-30 lux (bright enough to read a newspaper at bird level) is essential. Higher light intensities may lead to stress behaviours among hens, which can negatively affect production. The light distribution should be uniform, with no dark spots. Too much light can lead to restlessness and aggression, while too little can delay sexual maturity.

• Light Time: supplementary light should be gradually increased by half an hour (not more than 1 hour) every week until the full 16 hours and continue until the end of egg-laying. A sudden increase can trigger stress responses and aggressive behaviours. Light leakage during dark hours should be avoided. Do not shorten the light time during the laying period.

• Lighting Schedule: there must be 8 hours darkness to ensure that the chicken can recover physiologically and avoid excessive fatigue. Supplementary light can be supplied before dawn, or all of it can be supplied after sunset, half before dawn, and a half after sunset. Because some chickens are more active in the morning, and some chickens are more active in the evening, the artificial lighting effect can be improved by using the method of supplementing light in the morning and evening.

• Light Spectrum Requirements: different wavelengths of light have varying effects on egg production. Research indicates that red light (higher wavelengths) is particularly effective in stimulating the reproductive axis of hens, leading to increased egg production and better egg quality compared to blue or green light. Hens exposed to red light tend to have higher levels of reproductive hormones, which promote ovarian activity and overall egg output.

LED lights emitting red wavelengths (630 nm wavelength) have been shown to enhance reproductive performance more effectively than incandescent or fluorescent lights.

Effects Of Improper Light Management:

• Precocious Puberty: if hens are exposed to high light intensity too early in their growth, they may reach sexual maturity prematurely. This can result in underdeveloped birds that may not be physically ready for egg production, leading to lower egg quality and potential health issues.

• Vent Prolapse: high light intensity can cause stress and aggressive behaviours among hens. This stress may lead to vent prolapse, where the hen’s reproductive tract protrudes from the body, often due to excessive straining during egg-laying or aggressive pecking behaviour.

• Vent Pecking: increased aggression linked to high light intensity can also result in vent pecking, where hens peck at each other’s vents. This behaviour can cause injury and stress within the flock, further impacting overall health and productivity.

[Md.Rejuan Hossain]

For optimal egg production during the laying period, layers require a stable photoperiod of 14-16 hours of light per day, with a light intensity of 30-60 lux (3-6 foot-candles).

[Amir Sohel]

14-16 hours

[Md kayum]

14 to 16 hours

[Md kayum]

14 to 16 hours lighting for laying period.