Experiments with the Cornell intermittent lighting system for laying hens

Abstract

1. Two experiments were conducted to provide further evidence about rate of lay under the Cornell lighting system (2L:4D:8L:10D). Each used 1728 hens of each of 2 brown‐egg stocks in 12 light‐proof rooms.

2. In the first the Cornell system was compared at 2 light intensities (average values 2 and 10 lux) with a conventional step up lighting programme. In the second, Cornell lighting was introduced at 18, 21 or 24 weeks of age and compared with a step up programme.

3. Total egg output was essentially the same from the Cornell lighting system, using 10 h light/d, as from the step up programme using 16 h/d. When the Cornell system was applied abruptly at 18 weeks to pullets which had been reared on short days (8L: 16D) sexual maturity was advanced, resulting in an increase in mean rate of lay to 72 weeks of age and a reduction in mean egg size. Application of the Cornell system from 21 or 24 weeks gave the same egg numbers and the same egg size as the step up programme.

4. Food intake was about 2% lower with the Cornell treatment in both experiments. Although this difference was not quite significant in either, it probably reflects a real effect of the reduced hours of light. It represents a greater potential cost saving than the reduced electricity consumption.

5. Birds in rooms with an average light intensity of 2 lux laid slightly fewer eggs but their eggs were 0.5 g heavier than those laid in rooms maintained at 10 lux. There were no interactions between light intensity and light pattern or between stocks and light pattern.

6. It is concluded that the Cornell lighting system is suitable for use in battery houses. It saves electricity, probably saves a little food and supports maximum egg output. If maximum egg size is important, the programme should not be introduced at 18 weeks of age but can be applied abruptly once the daily rate of lay under short days has reached 50 eggs per 100 birds.