The importance of lighting in aviary systems

One of the key challenges for product managers is understanding which products they can best integrate into their aviary systems. To achieve greater hen wellbeing and performance, higher cost efficiency and more of a competitive edge. More and more product managers are becoming aware of how important high-quality lighting is to the holistic aviary system. Ultimately, an aviary system can’t be optimal unless its lighting is. Let me explain why.

Aviary System Lighting Improves Hen Wellbeing and Behaviour

When I talk about “good lighting”, it’s about lighting that is adapted to suit the needs of the hens and the houses they are in. There are several factors lighting can affect. 

1. Lighting affects the regulation of circadian rhythm

Laying hens have a natural circadian rhythm that is regulated by light. This rhythm controls the hens' behaviour — including eating, drinking, and sleeping patterns. Regulation of the  circadian rhythm is essential for the hens' overall health, well-being, and egg production. In aviary systems, it is important to provide a consistent lighting program that mimics natural day and night time to ensure the hens' circadian rhythm is not disrupted.

2. Lighting affects egg production

Lighting is also critical for egg production. Laying hens require a specific number of hours of light per day to stimulate their reproductive system and produce eggs. Lighting programs are used to regulate the number of hours of light the hens receive to optimize egg production.

3. Lighting affects health and welfare

Inadequate lighting can lead to a range of health issues, including poor feather condition, decreased immune function, and increased aggression. Poor lighting can also lead to behavioral issues, such as feather pecking and cannibalism. Optimal lighting in aviary systems can help prevent these problems and promote good health and welfare.

In short, lighting plays a essential role in mimicking the hens’ natural behaviour. It also contributes to tackling well-known challenges in aviary systems, such as reducing bird stress, pecking, and floor eggs. And finally, lighting even improves egg production.

Lighting is not a cure-all but it improves overall aviary conditions

That said, lighting is not a cure-all for these problems. But well-managed lighting does improve overall aviary conditions and — as a result — hen wellbeing and performance, as well as cost efficiency.

Plus, there’s more. It is important to keep in mind that high-quality lighting has a positive impact on the wider operations of the farm as well. The energy efficiency and lifetime of the lamps play a key role in reducing operating costs and labour needs for the farm manager. 

Understanding the influence of lighting on hen behaviour, wellbeing and performance is of key importance for aviary product managers. Incorporating high-quality lighting can take the aviary system to new heights, benefitting farmers in multiple ways. It is important to keep in mind that lighting needs to be adapted to the birds and the system itself to realise the best results. Just a bulb or a tube isn’t enought. Only bird-specific, system-adapted lighting will work.  

If you want to learn how system lighting helps you to achieve optimal performance in the aviary system while significantly reducing costs and captivating both customers and stakeholders, make sure to get a copy of this strategic guide. It provides insights into how to keep aviary systems cost-effective in the long run.