Light source as a factor in growth and reproduction and the influence of the opposite sex on reproduction in turkeys

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of three light sources (sodium vapor, daylight fluorescent, and incandescent) on growth and reproduction in turkeys, and the influence of the opposite sex on reproduction when using these three light sources. The influence of the various treatments as potential stressors was also evaluated. Ninety male and 324 female Large White turkeys were reared in single-sex pens under one of the three previously mentioned light sources from 8 to 22 weeks of age. All males and females were placed under lights restricted to 6 hours (h) of light per day at an intensity of 21.6 lux when they were 22 weeks of age. At 33 weeks of age, males were exposed to 16 h of light per day under the same light sources under which they were reared at intensities of either 21.6 or 86.1 lux. At 35 weeks of age, females were reassigned to the various light sources to achieve all possible combinations of adolescent and breeder light source. Light was provided 16 hours per day at an intensity of 53.8 lux during a 20 week egg production cycle. Within this design, females were housed in either (a) pens with a male physically present, (b) pens with a male visually and vocally present, or (c) pens completely isolated from males.