Effect of different colors and intensity of light emitting diode on the production performance, egg quality, hormonal profile and the economics of layers kept in environment control house.

Abstract

This study examined the effect of LED light colors and intensities on production performance and economic feasibility of 720 Babcock® White layers. The layer birds were reared for 13 weeks from 17 to 30 weeks of age during the layer production cycle. Light treatments of 6 different colors, i.e., cool white (control group), red, blue, green, yellow, and warm white light with 3 different levels of light intensities (15, 20 and 25 lx), were provided. Weekly growth parameters, egg production, egg quality characters and economics were evaluated. Hormonal profile (FSH, LH, GnRH, estrogen, progesterone, cortisol) and antibody titers against Newcastle Disease (ND) and Infectious Bronchitis (IB) were also evaluated. The graphical presentation was done by Origin Pro 2024. The results showed that red light increased feed intake (p < 0.05) but led to lower body weights and inefficient feed conversion ratios (FCR), whereas birds under warm white light at 25 lx gained higher weight (p < 0.05), had better FCR (1.89 in the 30th week), laid more eggs (97.34% by the 30th week), with improved egg quality (p < 0.05). Mortality rates and hormonal levels also varied notably with light conditions, with warm white light showing the lowest mortality (p < 0.05) and optimal hormonal balances conducive to productivity. Birds kept under yellow and warm white light having 15 lx intensity may be applied during (17-30) weeks of age to reduce the cost of production for better profitability in commercial layer farming in Pakistan.