Influence of photoperiod and light intensity on the posture of hen
In the Moderna poultry industry, the optimization of egg production depends on a fundamental triad: genetics, nutrition and environment. Within the environmental factor, lighting is positioned as the most critical external stimulus to regulate the physiological and reproductive processes of laying hens. Improper light management can mean the difference between a persistent posture curve or premature productive failure.
Unlike mammals, birds have a unique ability to perceive light through three pathways: the retina, the pineal gland and, most importantly for reproduction, the hypothalamic photoreceptors that capture the light that passes through the skull. When light reaches the hypothalamus, the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is activated. As pointed out by North and Bell (1990), this process triggers the release of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) by the pituitary, which are responsible for the maturation of ovarian follicles and subsequent ovulation.
The photoperiod refers to the number of hours of light in a 24-hour cycle, the golden rule in poultry farming is: never increase the light during breeding and never decrease it during laying.
Growth Phase: An excess of light in young pullets can induce early sexual maturity, this results in small eggs and a higher incidence of uterine prolapses.
Production Phase: For a hen to initiate and maintain the posture, it requires an increasing or constant stimulus, according to Jacob et al. (2015), most Moderna genetic lines reach their peak production with a schedule of 16 hours of light and 8 of dark.
A common mistake in some backyard or industrial systems is to keep the lights on 24 hours in the hope of getting more eggs, this is counterproductive and metabolically stressful. Birds need a period of total darkness (minimum 6 to 8 hours) for the formation of the eggshell process that occurs mostly during the night and to strengthen their immune system. The absence of sleep increases the levels of corticosterone, the stress hormone, which degrades the quality of the shell and the overall health of the bird.
Dear readers, the management of lighting is not a secondary aspect, but a metabolic management tool. A well-designed light program should be consistent, progressive and adapted to the genetic lineage. Understanding that the hen is a photosensitive animal allows the producer not only to maximize profitability, but also to ensure a healthy and balanced life cycle for the bird.
Thank you for reading our articles, until a next publication.
| Bibliographic references |
|---|
- Sauveur, B. (1993). The egg for consumption. Mundi-Press Books.
- North, M. O., & Bell, D. D. (1990). Commercial chicken production manual. Chapman & Hall.
- Jacob, J. P., Wilson, H. R., Miles, R. D., Butcher, G. D., & Mather, F. B. (2015). Factors affecting egg production in backyard chicken flocks. University of Florida, IFAS Extension.
Sources
- Photography and images: All photographs are the property of the author @amestyj.
- Agrotecnia banner: made by the author @amestyj with own images
- Hive Banner: Designed by the author @amestyj with image owned by hive.
0
0
0.000
If you like English literature, your mind will be blowed by this: [Literature] Charles Dickens: To Be Read at Dusk 8/20
Thanks for your contribution to the STEMsocial community. Feel free to join us on discord to get to know the rest of us!
Please consider delegating to the @stemsocial account (85% of the curation rewards are returned).
Consider setting @stemsocial as a beneficiary of this post's rewards if you would like to support the community and contribute to its mission of promoting science and education on Hive.
Congratulations @amestyj! You have completed the following achievement on the Hive blockchain And have been rewarded with New badge(s)
Your next target is to reach 220000 upvotes.
You can view your badges on your board and compare yourself to others in the Ranking
If you no longer want to receive notifications, reply to this comment with the word
STOP