HOUSING SYSTEMS BIOSECURITY HOUSING & BROODING EARLY MANAGEMENT LIGHTING NUTRITION HEALTH HATCHING EGG MANAGEMENT 63 63 LOHMANN › MANAGEMENT GUIDE 20 15 10 5 0 1*2**3 4 5 6 7 8 9 101112131415161718192021222324 25*** Age in weeks Hours * Implement an Intermittent Lighting Programme consisting of 16 hours of light (divided into 4 intervals of 4 hours each) and 8 hours of darkness (divided into 4 intervals of 2 hours each). If this schedule is not feasible, provide 20 hours of continuous light. ** Implement an Intermittent Lighting Programme consisting of 16 hours of light (divided into 2 intervals of 8 hours each) and 8 hours of darkness (divided into 2 intervals of 4 hours each). If this schedule is not feasible, provide 18 hours of continuous light. Further details can be found in the chapter on housing. *** I t is possible to increase the duration of light exposure to a maximum of 16 hours per day. However, it is generally accepted that providing 14 hours of light is sufficient to support optimal production. AN EXAMPLE of a lighting programme for Breeders When implementing a lighting programme for breeders, it is important to consider the specific female body weight and egg production milestones that indicate readiness for light stimulation. For white breeders, light stimulation should be applied once the females have reached a body weight of 1.3 kilograms and/or when egg production is observed at levels greater than 2–4%. For brown breeders, the recommended threshold for light stimulation is a body weight of 1.5 kilograms and/ or egg production exceeding 2–4%. Monitoring these key indicators ensures that the birds are physiologically prepared for light stimulation, which supports optimal laying performance and flock management. In situations where the birds’ body weights fall below the target or when a larger hatching egg size is desired, it is advisable to adopt a slower stepdown approach in the lighting schedule. This gradual reduction in light exposure allows the flock additional time to increase their feed intake, supporting both weight gain and the development of optimal egg size. Alternatively, the initiation of light stimulation may be postponed, ensuring that the birds are physiologically ready before advancing the lighting programme. This methodical adjustment helps to align the flock’s development with production objectives, promoting better overall outcomes in both body weight and hatching egg quality. LIGHT STIMULATION GUIDELINES FOR WHITE AND BROWN BREEDERS ADJUSTING LIGHTING PROGRAMMES FOR BODY WEIGHT AND EGG SIZE
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTg2OTc2