62 62 LOHMANN › MANAGEMENT GUIDE › LIGHTING NATURAL DAY LENGHT at different latitudes at northern and southern hemisphere TAILOR-MADE LIGHTING PROGRAMMES When designing a lighting programme for breeders, it is important to take into account a variety of factors to ensure the best results for your flock. These include: your geographical location and the natural changes in day length throughout the year, the type of rearing unit in use – whether it is a light-controlled, semidark, or open house environment, the current season and whether the days are lengthening or shortening, the date of hatch in relation to the natural day length at the point when the flock is expected to reach the target body weight for light stimulation and the onset of lay. It is also crucial to determine which scenario applies to your facility: whether you are moving birds from a dark rearing house to a dark, semi-dark, or open laying house, or from a semidark or open rearing environment to a dark, semi-dark, or open laying house. Identifying the scenario will help tailor the lighting programme to your specific situation. LIGHTING MANAGEMENT IN DIFFERENT HOUSE TYPES CLOSED HOUSES SEMI-DARK OR OPEN HOUSE FACILITIES In closed houses, lighting management is generally more straightforward, as the absence of natural light allows for complete control over the artificial lighting programme. This enables precise adjustments to meet the flock’s particular needs. However, it is essential to prevent any unwanted external light from entering, as this could disrupt the established lighting schedule, reduce efficiency, and potentially lead to behavioural issues such as feather pecking. In semi-dark or open house facilities, where natural daylight has an impact on the flock, it is vital to create a customised lighting programme that takes into account the specific time of year and the geographical location of the unit. The lighting requirements in such houses are influenced by factors including geography, house type, and commercial objectives. As each situation can be unique, any guidance provided should be considered as a starting point, with programmes adapted as necessary to suit the particular circumstances of each operation.
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