The effect of full-spectrum fluorescent lighting on reproductive traits of caged turkey hens

ABSTRACT Large White turkey breeder hens were exposed to either incandescent or full-spectrum (FS) fluorescent lighting during two 20-week reproductive cycles in closed confinement. Data were recorded for body weights, feed intake, and reproductive traits. Body weights and feed intake were similar between treatments in both egg laying cycles. In addition, there were no significant differences in egg production, fertility, hatchability, or poult weight between the incandescent and FS fluorescent light treatment in either the first or second year egg laying cycle. It was concluded that exposure of breeder turkey hens to FS fluorescent light in closed confine-ment results in reproductive performance similar to that obtained with incandescent lighting. (Key words.- reproductive performance, turkeys, fluorescent light