Red LED Lighting in Poultry Facilities improves Egg Production - a field study

Abstract

The objective of this study was to design a novel LED bulb and to establish the effects of different wavelengths of light on egg production in White Leghorn hens. From 28 to 72 weeks of age (woa), 20000 White Leghorn birds were divided into two groups consisting of 10,000 birds in each group (control=10000 and treated n=10000). The birds were housed in cages under a three-tier battery system with free access to ad libitum water. All White Leghorn birds were fed on the same layer ration as per the standard recommendations and were provided 16 h light and 8 h darkness. In the treated group the White Leghorn layers were exposed to red LED light (650nm) whereas in the control group, the birds were exposed to white incandescent light (450nm of wavelength). Daily egg production was recorded for both the groups at the same time for a period of 45 weeks. Feed intake in the treated group was low, but not significantly (P>0.05) affected by the treatment. The mean percentage of egg production was 88.20 in the treated group as against 85.82 in the control group. Egg production increased significantly (P<0.05) in White Leghorn hens exposed to red LED lights relative to the birds exposed to incandescent light. The red LED is highly cost effective. The cost economics were calculated based on an anticipated gain in egg production by 0.5% at 85% egg production over 10000 White Leghorn birds from 28 woa to 72woa. By utilizing red LED light and taking advantage of the unique spectral requirements of poultry, farmers can reduce stress and mortality, regulate circadian rhythm, and substantially increase the production of eggs with increased revenue while reducing energy use and other input costs.