Effect of Light Stimulation and Body Weight on Reproductive Performance of Broiler Breeder Hens

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Journal Title, Volume, Page: 
Dirasat/The University Of Jordan
Year of Publication: 
2009
Authors: 
Othman Hashem Shahadi
Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
Maen Samara
Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
Current Affiliation: 
Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
Preferred Abstract (Original): 

An experiment with broiler breeder pullets was undertaken to determine the effect of pattern of light stimulation and pullets body weight at 20 wk  of age on various production parameters, body weight and age at onset of lay. Two  light stimulation treatments were used: abrupt (ALS) and step-up (SLS). Pullets were randomly assigned to one of three body weight groups: low weight (1800 g), medium weight (2200 g), or heavy weight (2600 g) at 20 wk of age. The results obtained indicated that pattern of light stimulation and weight at 20 wk did not markedly affect egg production, however, pullets exposed to SLS or ALS produced the lightest eggs.  A numerical advancement occurred in age at first egg due to SLS. Significant weight gain occurred in low weight pullets due to SLS. The results of this experiment indicated that SLS of low weight broiler breeder pullets represents a viable means for increasing weight gain and advancing onset of egg laying.

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