Use of Artificial Lighting to Increase Photoperiod Length for Pasture-Raised Laying Hens to Improve Egg Productivity and Quality

2014 Annual Report for GS14-138

Project Type: Graduate Student
Funds awarded in 2014: $10,997.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2015
Grant Recipient: Texas A&M University-Commerce
Region: Southern
State: Texas
Graduate Student:
Major Professor:
Dr. Jackie Wahrmund
University of Kentucky

Use of Artificial Lighting to Increase Photoperiod Length for Pasture-Raised Laying Hens to Improve Egg Productivity and Quality

Summary

This project investigated the effects of commercial-style photoperiod in a sustainable-style management practice on laying hen deposition rate. Twenty-seven hens were raised in identical conditions.  Three breeds were represented by nine hens each.   Within each breed, three hens were randomly assigned to one of three groups, resulting in three groups of nine hens. Each group was randomly assigned to a coop, and each coop was assigned a management system treatment.  Treatments included: commercial (COM), pasture-raised (PAST) and pasture-raised with an extended, commercial-style photoperiod (PEP). The COM hens were raised indoors with ad libitum feed and a photoperiod of twelve to fourteen hours. This photoperiod became progressively longer as the study progressed. Housing for the PAST hens was identical to that of the COM hens; however, PAST hens had no extended photoperiod and were provided additional access to ten square meters of pasture per hen. Housing for the PEP hens was identical to that of the PAST hens with an additional photoperiod of twelve to fourteen hours. Hen deposition rate was measured once per week over a 56-day period.  Egg quality was measured periodically throughout the experiment.  Soil samples were obtained to characterize the soil characteristics at the beginning, midpoint, and completion of the experiment.

Objectives/Performance Targets

The experiment has been completed.  Analysis of data and samples is underway.  It is anticipated that the final report will be completed by July 2015.

Accomplishments/Milestones

All egg data and samples have been collected.  Soil test results have not yet been received.  When results are returned all data and samples will be collected.  Initial findings indicate that an extended photoperiod improves egg production in a pasture-raised management system through both improved egg quantity and quality.  Additionally, eggs from pasture-raised hens exhibited improved egg quality over eggs from commercially-raised  hens with respect to yolk color , albumin height, and egg weight (P < 0.05)

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

The data support the idea that pasture-raised hens provide benefit to producers and consumers through more sustainable agricultural practices.  Furthermore, added photoperiod in these systems may improve egg quantity and quality.   This knowledge should help poultry producers attain greater productivity in their sustainable management programs.  Implications regarding impact of pasture-raised poultry management systems on soil composition will be included in the final report.

Collaborators:

Dr. Jackie Wahrmund

jackie.wahrmund@tamuc.edu
Assistant Professor
Texas A&M University-Commerce
P.O. Box 3011
School of Agriculture
Commerce, TX 75429
Office Phone: 9038865717
Margaret Morgan

mkatiemorgan@me.com
Graduate Assistant
Texas A&M University-Commerce
P.O. Box 3011
School of Agriculture
Commerce, TX 75429
Office Phone: 2144356015