In a commercial Layer Poultry Farm it is very crucial to manage lighting in sheds according to age of Flock.
Major factors which are affected with the length of light are:
1. Body weight of Flock
2. Production rate of Eggs
3. Size of Eggs
4. Maturity of Bird
5. Feed intake and water intake
| S.No. | Age | Day Length (hours) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Week 1 - Day 1 to 7 | 23 |
| 2 | Week 2 - Day 8 to 14 | 21 |
| 3 | Week 3 - Day 15 to 21 | 19 |
| 4 | Week 4 - Day 22 to 28 | 17 |
| 5 | Week 5 - Day 29 to 35 | 15 |
| 6 | Week 6 - Day 36 to 42 | 13 |
| 7 | Week 7 to 16 - Day 43 to 112 | 11 |
| 8 | Week 17 - Day 113 to 119 (Light Stimulation) | 12 |
| 9 | Week 18 - Day 120 to 126 | 13 |
| 10 | Week 19 - Day 127 to 133 | 13:30 |
| 11 | Week 20 - Day 134 to 140 | 14 |
| 12 | Week 21 - Day 141 to 147 | 14:30 |
| 13 | Week 22 - Day 148 to 154 | 15 |
| 14 | Week 23 - Day 155 to 161 | 15 |
| 15 | Week 24 - Day 162 to 168 | 15:30 |
| 16 | Week 25 - Day 169 to 175 | 15:30 |
| 17 | Week 26 - Day 176 to 182 | 16 |
| 18 | Week 27 - Day 183 to 189 | 16 |
| 19 | Week 28 - Day 190 to 196 | 16 |
** Following points should be considered very carefully to properly manage lighting in poultry farm:
1. Do not start Light Stimulation (Increase in day lenght of 1 Hour at the age of 17 Weeks) until the flock reaches target body weight of 1250 grams. Target body weight can be different according to breed of flock.
So you can also say if the flock is in growing stage then do not increase light stimulation.
2. If Flock is in Laying Period then never decrease day length.
3. If the age of flock is 19 Weeks then do not delay light stimulation even if the target body weight is not achieved. In this scenario increase the day length
by 15 minutes per week until day length reaches 16 hours.
Light Intensity should also be carefully controlled. More light intensity will increase activity and may increase feed intake
but it can also increase chances of cannibalism. Less intense light can result in less activity and sleep.
| S.No. | Age | Light Intensity in Lux |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Day 1 to 3 | 20 - 30 |
| 2 | Day 4 to 10 | 20 |
| 3 | Day 11 to 112 | 15 - 20 |
| 4 | Day 113 onwards | Around 10 |
Note: Above values might differ according to breed of flock, weather conditions, diseases in a particular region and so many variables.
So please take advice of a good doctor before taking any major steps.