Turkeys require an rising photoperiod to activate the reproductive system
24 April 2024
2 minute learn
Turkeys are seasonal breeders that require an rising photoperiod to activate the reproductive axis. Analysis in different avian species has proven that crimson mild has the best tissue penetration energy, leading to simpler deep-brain photoreceptor stimulation. Thus, housing poultry below crimson mild improves reproductive efficiency, stated Clara Ziezold, graduate scholar on the College of Guelph, Canada.
Based mostly on the outcomes of a pilot research, nevertheless, mild depth may very well be a confounding issue. A research evaluated the results of white (W) or crimson (R) spectrum mild at low (L; 0.1 W/m2) or excessive (H; 0.3 W/m2 ) depth on the egg manufacturing efficiency of turkey breeder hens, she stated.
At 20 weeks of age (woa), 402 feminine grandparent turkeys have been randomly allotted to 24 pens inside 4 rooms. Colour was assigned by room and depth by pen for a split-plot design. Depth was harmonized to 0.1 W/m2 throughout the development section (20-29 woa). At photostimulation, depth was elevated to 0.3 W/m2 in three pens per room and photoperiod was elevated as per the breeds tips. Egg manufacturing was recorded till 60 woa, Ziezold defined.
All through the experiment, physique weight and egg high quality parameters have been measured each two and 4 weeks, respectively. Cumulative egg manufacturing didn’t differ considerably between remedies, with every hen producing 129, 129, 130 and 132 eggs below WL, WH, RL and RH, respectively, she stated.
Nonetheless, eggs produced below low depth mild have been heavier and tended to have greater breaking power. Egg yolk, shell and albumen additionally elevated below low depth mild, though relative weights didn’t differ. This was possible an impact of elevated physique weight below low depth mild. Uniformity additionally tended to extend below low depth mild, she famous.
These outcomes recommend that egg high quality will be improved below low depth mild with out compromising manufacturing. Additional analysis ought to consider subsequent impacts on hatchability and poult high quality, Ziezold concluded in her presentation on the 2024 Worldwide Poultry Scientific Discussion board.
