Ahemeral lighting and reproductive efficiency in breeding flocks

Abstract

The paper addresses all feasible applications of long ahemeral light cycles in breeding flocks and reviews the limited published studies. Long cycles are likely to be most beneficial towards the end of the production cycle – when eggshell quality is often poor – and at the beginning of lay to increase the proportion of eggs exceeding the minimum weight for incubation. Published reports show an improvement in both fertility and hatchability of breeding flocks under long cycles.

Keywords::

• Ahemeral
• fertility
• hatchability
• chick weight
• domestic fowl
• pheasants
• light cycle
• photoperiod