Effects of Light on Egg Performance and Behaviour in Japanese quails (coturnix coturnix japonica)

Abstract

Lightingperiod (photoperiod) is one of the most important environmental factorsaffecting on animals. Thus, we aimed to investigate the effect of lightingperiod on efficient production performance of Japanese quails under controlledenvironmental conditions via the egg yield and behavioural characteristics. 48female and 12 male Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were randomlydivided into two groups with two replicates. A scheduled lighting program wasapplied as 7 Light (L): 17 Dark (D), 6L:18D, 5L:19D, 4L:20D, 3L:21D forfive-day periods along 25 days in total using a metal halide lamp with anintensity of light at 41.5 lx to the trial group. At the end of observation,162 eggs without any damage were obtained from the birds exposed to scheduledlighting program whereas the mean number of damaged eggs/total number ofeggs (DE/TE) ratio was 37% in controlgroup exposed to normal daylight length. The number of damaged eggs wascorrelated with the total number of eggs (p<0.01 vs. control) and egg weight(p<0.0001) in trial group. Egg weight was also found to correlate with bodyweight (p<0.01 vs. control). During observational experiments anysignificant difference was recorded in wing stretching, drinking and playing inboth groups. However, birds exposed to shortened light headed for less feedingand laying (p<0.05 vs. control) and had leaning to aggressive behaviourssuch as shouting or stridulating, feather and egg pecking and cannibalism. Inconclusion, adding darkness to lighting program contributes energy saving withthe equal or even improved production performance in aviaries.