Best Practice Lighting Management for Australian Layers

A review of lighting systems in hen housing facilities, to understand factors that can help boost flock productivity through optimising bird growth, onset of lay, desired behaviours and number of eggs laid.

This review considers lighting conditions during the pullet rearing and laying periods. It considers the effect of lighting on bird welfare (health and behaviour) and production (laying performance, onset of lay, egg weight, growth, and timing of sexual maturity). In addition to the review of scientific literature, a series of interviews with industry leaders (producers and technical experts) were conducted. The aim of this exercise was to provide context to the scientific research and provide a practical insight into optimum lighting conditions. The review also presents a number of recommendations for further research and industry extension, in the context of the current understanding of production requirements, animal welfare concerns and advancement in lighting technology.