Layers see differently than human beings. This means the light climate should be adjusted accordingly. An optimal light climate increases layer vision and improves their behaviour, welfare and performances. Final result: improved farm performances in a responsible way!
The 4 key benefits of an optimal layer light climate are:
Improved egg production & shell strength
The higher the quantity and quality of the eggs, the better the company results. Lighting is able to stimulate feed- and water intake and reduce stress. In this way, the layers are enabled to perform better. A higher amount of eggs and a better shell strength are a logical result of this.
A better Feed Conversion Rate
The FCR of broilers significantly influences overall company results. Lighting can be used to stimulate feed- and water intake. This, combined with lower energy usage due to a decreased amount of stress, will improve the overall feed conversion rate. Higher growth against lower costs; sounds good, right?
Less stress
As with humans, stress is not good for a layer’s well-being, health and performances. By providing a correct light climate, layers will see better. When they see better, they will feel more at ease. This automatically results in a lower amount of stress. Just some of the benefits of a lower amount of stress are an improved Feed Conversion Rate, improved egg production & shell strength and decreased pecking. Besides optimising layer sight, light is able to influence stress levels in several other ways.
Aviary houses: Less floor eggs
Floor eggs are a well-known problem in aviary houses. They cause lower revenues, since the amount of usable eggs is lower, whereas they cost more money, since they have to be collected by hand. Time to reduce them! Lighting influences the amount of floor eggs in multiple ways. The most influential way is to provide the right light at the right place. In this way, desired behaviour is stimulated.
Cage systems: Uniform sexual maturity
Especially in cage systems, uniform sexual maturation is a major issue. This issue can be caused by the fact that the amount of light provided differs per cage and per tier. In this way, the circumstances for the hens throughout the house differ, leading to uniformity issues. An optimal light distribution is key here. An optimal light distribution is the best way to foresee an equal living environment for all hens. In this way, uniform sexual maturity can be realised and the number of eggs laid will increase.
Improve your light climate. The results will speak for themselves!
As you can see, optimising your light climate can significantly improve animal welfare and performances. Improved company results are a logical consequence of this. Are you aiming for more & stronger eggs, less bird stress and more?
